Heron Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Heron is not only a beautiful bird, but has wonderful symbolic meaning.

The Heron has the essence of a free spirit. They represent an air of multi tasking and ability to accomplish things in ways that others may not be able to. He has a confidence in his uniqueness.

Their legs are symbols of balance and adaptability. They are self reliant and determined, not easily swayed by the opinions of others. They remind us to trust our own instincts and that we can provide for ourselves, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
They symbolize transformation and a peace within the changing.

"The Relief of Transforming Change" a Heron Animal Totem Painting by Jeanne Fry

The above Heron painting has been sold. You can view some our other animal totem artwork at our website.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Gourd Art ~ Using the Gourd as a Palette

More and more we integrate the Gourd into our artwork. Having always been drawn to using natural materials in our creations, this medium becomes not only a perfect palette, but provides so many possibilities.

Granted, the cleaning of the gourd is time consuming, but if you are not wanting to exert the energy for that step, you can always purchase your gourds from a farm that will do it for you. We get many of our gourds from Ghost Creek Gourd Farm

http://ghostcreekgourds.com/

Otherwise, you'll need to use a little elbow grease, a Scoth-brite pad, and a 10% Bleach solution.
If you are choosing to paint your gourds, you have a diversity of paints you can use. Acrylics or  Oil Paints can be used, while many others use leather dyes. Personally, acrylics are our preferred paint because it dries quickly, blends well, and has nice coverage.
Alcohol inks can be used: http://www.gourdsupplies.com/Adirondack-Alcohol-Ink-Dyes.htm
Many leather dyes, angelus paints, and suede dyes, along with a treasure box of other gourd art supplies can be found at TurtleFeathers
http://turtlefeathers.net/text/product-index.html

Do you know what types of gourd you want to use? There's many varieties.

Digital Gourds chart © Dan Dunkin 2003
This chart is used courtesy The Gourd Reserve

Gourds aren't just for birdhouses anymore. The creative possibilities are endless. They are used in sculpture, musical instruments, vessels and bowls, lamps, dolls, ornaments, the list goes on and on.

Some of the things we do with OUR gourds..

Bear Claw Frame Drum by John Fry

Sweetgrass Blessings to the Star People Gourd Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Running Horse Gourd Art Bowl by Jeanne Fry

Bear Totem Gourd Ornament by Jeanne Fry

Gourd Jewelry by John and Jeanne Fry

Dragonfly Gourd Ceremony Rattle by John and Jeanne Fry

To see more of our artwork you can visit our website
http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

We also sell our work on Artfire
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Happy Gourding !

The Symbolism of Wings and Using Art to Heal

The events in my life and the evolving of my spirit as I move through life's lessons, often produce themselves in my artwork. Colors, subject matter, and symbolism are reflected in my creations, and while it does so I remain flexible with it.

Maybe it is the coming of winter, or just the current passage I am transitioning through with my disability, that is causing my focus at present to be on Wings and Flight. The representation of freedom is what is dominate; the freedom from feeling "stuck", the freedom from pain, the freedom from my inner critic nagging at me.

For those of you that are familiar with the archetypes that are representative of our character, I pay particular attention to the archetypes present in my life. One of my archetypes is the "Wounded Healer".  Carl Jung did a great deal of writing about this archetype. The Wounded Healer is the person who has gone through a great suffering and because of that suffering has now become a source of inspiration to others. There is a shadow side and a light side to each archetype. I think that being aware of those sides allows you to find a balance and use it to create a positive influence in your life.

As a child I experienced a profound event that forever changed my life; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Looking back on the course of my life, my mission was to help inspire others through support, conversation, or art. At the time I didn't realize "why", but it felt natural to me. It shaped who I was. As an adult, I understand.

So, as I move through the course of my life, I have found that when I share my processes, it not only helps me, but helps others as well.

The current phase in my life presents a challenge with mobility, I believe which is causing this great attraction to Wings and Flight.

I began a recent series, without conscious intention actually, on wings integrated into my paintings. The first painting was of an Owl Butterfly found in the rain forests of South America.

Owl Butterfly ~ Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The markings on the butterfly resemble eyes, nature's way of distracting predators and providing balance.

The second painting  is called "She Flies with the Owls". Meant to be symbolic of learning the wisdom of the owl, it's intuition, sight, and walking in both worlds.

She Flies with the Owls ~ Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

She Flies with the Owls ~ Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Original Paintings are no longer available, but they are available art Art Prints in my Fine Art America Shop here

Jean Fry Fine Art America Shop

The Spirit of the Flute

It doesn't matter your age, gender, culture, or race, the Native Flute brings a sense of peace and relaxation to most people who experience it's beauty.

Eastern Woodlands Style Flutes by John Fry



It's song can adapt to most any genre of music, from native to classical, blues to world, cultural to pop. Within seconds of listening, a breath of relief can be heard and shoulders relax from their rigid posture.

John has been a flute carrier for more than twenty years, performing and teaching, as well as crafting them when he has the opportunity. He creates them in an Eastern Woodlands Style. Only Cedar is used and never any stains, in order to keep the natural beauty of the wood. Several passes of hand sanding are involved in his process, giving it a most silky feel. When finally near complete he wood burns his signature in to the flute and attaches a gemstone at the end.

The Native Flute has had importance to many, to bring relaxation, for ceremony, courtship, healing, or  simply for  the joy of music.

We have watched many people over the years who were once listeners, evolve into players, as they found  the beauty and healing it could bring to their lives.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/NativeFluteCDsandInstruments.html