Crow and Bear Protection Totem and it's Symbolism

Animal Totems have always been very important in my life, even since childhood. I look to Nature when I need to feel Peace, and I look to my Animal Totems when I need a different perspective on things. Resonating with the Earth gives me the Grounding that I need to make decisions in a calm and balanced way. 

I study the animal kingdom daily, their ways of survival, communicating, and cycles. When the totems come to me, either physically or through vision, their message and wisdom always can be applied to my own current circumstances. 

Last week as I sat in my studio I had two beautiful yet oddly shaped gourds sitting on my work table, waiting to be transformed. They had been their for a few weeks, waiting for the inspiration to materialize. Then late one evening while I was quietly writing in my notebooks, I knew. I would sculpt a Totem, one for Protection....for the home, and it would honor the Crow and Bear. 

The base of the Gourd would represent the human, our spirit. Above would be the Crow - as the Watchmen, alerting us with his messages and voice as he watches over our realm. Under would be the Bear - the protector, who nurtures with tender love but at the same time will guard their family fiercely.  

I sculpted in entirety that night, the Crow and Bear, wanting their energy to stay in a continuum.

I kept the natural shape of the gourd, which had a looped end on the top, perfect for the creation of the Crow. By the next day I began the painting, giving the Crow and Bear their richness.

 A Tribal Face was painted in the center to represent the human, detailed with the Sun and Moon, symbolic for the protective qualities to be present Night and Day, while walking in both worlds.

 A Star scene was painted withing the Bear's fur, as he carries wisdom from the Star Beings. 

Crow tracks were painted up one side of the Totem, and Bear Tracks up the other side of the Totem. One of his feathers painted drifting down, as a gift.

 The Crow's tail feathers extend down the back of the Totem, resting above a branch from the Tree of Life. 

The Crow and Bear Totem was created to bring it's protective essence to the home, to place near the front door to always remind one they are watched over.

SOLD

Please contact us if you would like to commission a similar piece.

Dream Weekend Art Sale in January in Conscious Art Studios Artfire Shop

Happy Cold Blustery Weekend everyone ! It is frigidly cold and blustery today, too cold to go out. So, while staying warm and cozy indoors, we're offering an Art Sale for this Martin Luther King weekend. We have been adding lots of new artwork to the studio over the past few weeks, so this weekend would be a perfect time to collect some beautiful art. 

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we have been creating lots of new Glass Art Print Pendants and Necklaces, Glass Art Earrings, and Symbolic Gourd Pendants. These handmade necklaces are rich, colorful, and meaningful. 

The glass art pendants and necklaces are available in many shapes; round, rectangular, and triangular. Some are set in metal while some just glass themselves. The metals come in silver, copper, and bronze finishes, with complimentary chains.

You can take a peak at them here

We have some new Gourd Jewelry added to the studio as well. These earthy pendants are embellished with gemstone, wood, and glass beads. They add a wonderful uniqueness to the wardrobe with their earth element elegance.

 You can see them here

Soon we are going to have to make another trip to the Gourd Farm, our supplies are beginning to get low. We have been crafting some new Gourd Art Bowls and I really love how they have been coming out. We have many gourd bowls throughout our house. I tend to collect lots of little things, and of course all little treasures need a home. I use my gourd bowls to store my gemstones and feathers. I keep one on my desk for paperclips, binder clips, and tape rolls. I have others that hold my pencils and markers. And I have a large one that I keep on the mantle that holds little index cards with written affirmations on them. When I need a little uplifting, I pull one out and keep it with me for the day.

"The Old Ways" Gourd Art Bowl by John and Jeanne Fry

And of course, our Artfire Shop is full of original paintings, greeting cards, original bookmarks, native flute music, art dolls, and lots of inspirational and symbolic art. We try and create the things that make our spirits sing.

Deer Totem Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

If you are staying in on this chilly winter weekend, grab a cup of coffee or cocoa and have a visit in our studio. Stay warm and enjoy our Dream Weekend Art Sale.

The Symbolism and Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering

Herons are part of the animal totem kingdom that hold a special place in my heart. I embrace them for their ability to hold such beautiful balance and grace, especially because they can do so within the various elements of Water, Earth and Air. This diversity in their skills is representative of the person who is talented at many things. 

The Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering, Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

They have an air of Independence, with a courage to follow their own heart, knowing where they want to go and how they want to get there. They do so with grace, easily adapting to circumstances. The Heron is a wonderful totem to have when one is going through transformations in life, as they can teach courage with grace on life's journey.

This weekend I finished a painting called "The Philosophy of the Heron Gathering". In the painting there are four  herons (for the 4 directions)  wading in the rich blue waters. Three of the herons are facing in the same direction. One of the herons has decided to go in the other direction. He is following his heart. 

"Be Confident....Be Unique....and do so with Grace"

The Philosophy of the Heron Totem Gathering by Jeanne Fry

This original painting has sold. It will soon be available as an Art Print in our Artfire Shop here
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Spiral Crow Art Print Blog Giveaway in Appreciation for our Readers

Hello and I hope you're having a gorgeous day ! In appreciation of those who are reading my Conscious Art Studios blog, following the symbolism used in our artwork, the stories behind the paintings, and the animal totem meanings....we have had over 30,000 views. To celebrate that, I am having a Blog Giveaway for one of my Spiral Crow Art Prints, that measures 8x10. To have a chance to win it, you just need to leave a comment here on this blog post. If you share a link to my blog, I will enter your name a second time. I will choose a winner at random, Monday evening (February 18th) at 9pm. 

Thank you so much for loving the stories and the artwork and the symbolic beauty of Nature !

Spiral Crow Art Print by Jeanne Fry

Turtle Totem Whispers Wisdom, The Story and Painting

She took long walks in the woods every afternoon. Her movements were a slow pensive wandering, while her mind was racing like a marathon runner. She was not lost, but she was searching...asking...open to guidance. There was a space in heart where discouragement lived, and that space seemed to be  becoming a permanent resident.She had been working so hard to bring her dreams to fruition, so hard in fact that she had fallen out of balance. It was as if she had blinders on and only saw one path, one road, one way. Opportunities had become limited, for while she was looking this "one way", she didn't see all that was around her. After time she started to believe that there were no opportunities, and she slipped into a mode of scarcity.

While all of these thoughts swirled through her mind during her walk, she sat down on an old log that was laying on the forest floor. Surrounded by the lush botanical garden in the woods, with delicate ferns tickling her cheek, and flower buds whisking against her ankle, she closed her eyes.

She took a deep breath in smelling the sweetness all around her, and took a deep breath out, relaxed her shoulders and let the worries escape. Everything became still in the forest, not a bird chirp or a squirrel rustling, just stillness. And she heard a whisper.

Turtle Totem Whispers Wisdom, a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

A turtle slowly stepped into view from the fern growth. Familiar it seemed. She thought back to childhood and how often turtles were in her life. The turtle whispered, and although it's mouth did not move, she could hear the words. "You are protected. You are nurtured. You are taken care of and watched over." "Everything you want and need is available to you in this abundant universe." "Remember the circle child, the flow of life, the giving and receiving, the balance." "Open your eyes and your heart". Then the turtle slowly turned and walked away.

Her Turtle Totem had returned. That old sense of connectedness returned. And that space in her heart that  discouragement had rented, was now vacated leaving room for hope and confidence.

She stood up from the log and bent down to straighten up where she had been. She stroked the ferns, pulling dead leaves from them and picked up small twigs and rubbish, leaving it better than how she had found it.

She took a deep breath in, and out, and felt her eyes widen to see more than she had seen in a long time. She saw Hope.

Thank you my Turtle Totem.

This story I wrote one evening, was the inspiration of my painting, "Turtle Totem Whispers Wisdom".
SOLD

Earth Lizard, a Totem for Life's Journey and Meaning

The Lizard Totem is close to my heart, a wonderful guide and teacher, of Connecting with one's intuition, How we perceive the world and each other, and Detachment. My newest lizard painting is called "Earth Lizard". I wanted to portray the strong connection with the Earth.

Earth Lizard Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

 The lizard's skills of being "aware" make him skilled on his journey walking this land. He senses through vibration and has excellent hearing. He moves quickly through life, but at the same time knows when to stop and be still - to be unseen and blend with his environment. These perception skills teach us to pay attention to the things around us, and to learn to trust in our own intuition. He guides us to listen, not only to what is being said, but also to what is not being said...and to see beyond the obvious. 

Some lizards have the ability to detach or lose their tail when they are in a compromised position. This ability teaches us to let go of the things symbolically that we no longer need in order to move on.

The "Earth Lizard" painting brings forth the connection with the Earth and it's elements, soaking in the glow of the Sun and it's healing positive energy. While he is unique and individual in the designs he wears, he can still blend into his environment with ease when needed. 

When creating this painting, I added a new medium into my use of the acrylics, that brought a rich texture. This texture is symbolic of the the lizard's sensitivities and perceptions as he walks the Earth.

The Textures in The Earth Lizard Painting

To see more of the painting or to collect it, you can visit it in my Artfire Studio here

Earth Lizard Contemporary Folk Art Painting for Sale

Manifestation ~ Crow and Flower Symbolism

Manifestation

When studying the living and social skills of the crow, we find how complex of a creature he is. His ability to build, use tools, and his intelligence all lend a hand in the symbolism of manifesting and creating what it is you desire. The highly intelligent crow has always had a mystery about him, as we are still today learning the many layers of skills he possesses.

Manifestation ~ Crow and Flower Painting by Jeanne Fry

Crows are watchmen, keeping a discerning eye on their surroundings. This not only protects them, but alerts them to opportunities. Their voice is masterful at communication, and as a team work together. This reminds us to stay watchful for opportunities (open doors) that are available to us in our own lives, and that as a community we can achieve our dreams. His communication skills also teach us to be sure that we are stating our wants and needs honestly with others, for the speaking of our needs is the first step to attaining them.

Contemporary Folk Art Painting of Crow by Jeanne Fry

This ability to manifest, was the inspiration behind my painting of the crow and the flower, that in the guise of potentially bland surroundings, he has the ability to manifest what it is he wants in his life.

This painting is no longer available, but you can view more of my paintings in my Artfire Studio here
Consicous Art Studios on Artfire

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/



Crow in the Ancient Healing Gardens Folk Art

In my newest painting, I wanted to reflect a time long ago when healing was a bit more natural and our connection with the Earth was stronger. In doing so, I used soft earthy colors as the palette, maize and ochre, burnt sienna and umber, turquoise and sage green and began layer upon layer. Umber spirals are placed throughout the painting to represent the healing process of the garden. Bits of titanium white can be seen amongst the layers, symbolic that a "cleansing" had occurred before the growth.

Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Sun is meant to appear old but strong, natural and indigenous, lending it's hand to the  growth below.

And within all of this, I needed a totem. As Crow has been coming to our home the past few days in a much more prevalent way, this was the chosen totem. In the painting, the Crow is symbolic not only as a messenger, but for "creating anew" which I feel gives the painting completion...

Cleansing, Growth, and Renewal

In the Ancient Healing Gardens with Crow

This original painting has been sold, but Art Prints of it are available in our Artfire Shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Folk Art Prints for Sale 

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Art Print on Fine Art America

Lizard Totem and it's Symbolic Meaning

Lizard totem, one of my favorite totems as well as my own totem, has great meaning in such a small creature.

Lizard Keeper Original Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

Lizard helps us stay connected to our intuition, and build  a confidence into trusting our own instincts.  Subtle movements and changes around us become easier to detect as our awareness develops, perceiving what others may have missed.  They are connected to the Dreamtime in aboriginal and some native cultures which  integrate that knowing  into our Dream states. A confidence in your perceptions comes easier and stronger when working with the wisdom of the Lizard.

Some lizards have the ability to lose their tail and grow one back. This can be symbolic for another  important lizard lesson...the ability to "let go of" or detach from something that is no longer needed in order to move on, survive, and grow. (For example, letting go of old emotional baggage that may be preventing us from moving forward and trying something new)
The stronger intuitive connection helps one "know" what no longer serves them, and be more in tune with what positive loving energies they DO want to surround themselves with.

 Lizard helps us with objectivity and putting things in perspective.

Such great wisdom in such a small creature.

Lizard Moon Painting by Jeanne Fry

Earth Lizard, Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

(The  "Lizard Keeper", and "Lizard Moon" painting are both sold.) The "Earth Lizard" painting is still available and listed in our Etsy shop here
Textured Lizard Totem Painting on Etsy

Wolf Animal Totem Meaning

Thought I would take a little diversion in creativity. Recently much of my work has been revolving around the Winged Ones, so this weekend I finished up working on a Wolf Totem. This recent painting is of a Wolf and Dreamcatcher, named "Dreaming Wolf".

The Wolf is pack oriented and is symbolic of unity of the pack and community. They are social creatures and have a strong sense of family. Boundaries and rules are important to them, as they have a hierarchy that they abide by. (This would be a good totem for those that have difficulty setting boundaries in their lives).

Dreaming Wolf, Original Contemporary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry

They teach us about having confidence in our selves and loyalty to those in our circles, of course all done with structure and balance.

Dreaming Wolf by Jeanne Fry

They are confident communicators and carry themselves with surety, remind us to stand tall within ourselves and emanate that at all times.

Thank you for visiting and letting me share the meaning of the Wolf Totem with you.
The Original Painting is available in our Etsy shop here:
Dreaming Wolf Original Painting on Etsy 

It is also available as an Art Print in the Fine Art America shop here:
Dreaming Wolf Art Print 

Pink Flamingo Symbolic Totem Meaning

 I love to watch documentaries about animals, to learn more about how they live and survive in the world and with one another. A few months ago I came across "The Crimson Wing", a documentary about Pink Flamingos and when it was over I had such an affection for the Flamingo and a new respect for it as a totem.
For the past few weeks I  had the Pink Flamingo on my mind strongly.  He stayed on my mind until finally I painted him yesterday. Once the last brushstroke was completed, I sat down and contemplated over his symbolism.

The Pink Flamingo is a part of the Heron family, who are very familiar to me. I suppose  the color and it's grace are what have been enchanting me. Pink is symbolic for the Heart Chakra in Chakra Healing, representative of the heart, love, and our emotional center. He is a reminder to find balance with your emotions and urges one to contemplate the types of relationships in your life. Are you attracting healthy relationships? Are you carrying too much of the past into your present?

Pink Flamingo Contemporary  Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

The originating home of the Flamingo is a beautiful place, yet there are seasons when it is a challenge. This is symbolic of how our human relationships are as well.....there are seasons when things are difficult...ups and downs...yet if the love is strong, things will work out.

The Flamingo is about Happiness in Love and Relationships. It reminds you to not be afraid of love, but to embrace it with open arms. In order to do that, be confident with your Self, and what your needs and desires are.

The Flamingo is a beautiful totem to work with.

***If you are interested in my original painting of the Pink Flamingo, it is listed in our Etsy Shop here
 Pink Flamingo Painting on Etsy

I also created a piece of gourd jewelry that focuses on the Flamingo. I love using natural elements in my artwork, strengthening our connection with Mother Earth.
The pendant is designed from gourd, painted with acrylics, and adorned with beads.

SOLD

(If you would like this re-created for you, please email us)

The Owl Butterfly: It's Beauty and Strength

Portraying nature and animals in my artwork is a large focus for me. The ability to bring their strengths and lessons to light in a visual way, is yet another confirmation of understanding them. As of late, I am intrigued and attracted to the Winged Ones, symbolically I suppose that the wings are engaging me because of the freedom in life that they represent.

Recently while studying on various animals I came across the Owl Butterfly, yes it's common name is truly Owl Butterfly. He comes from the genus Caligo, meaning darkness, which would be accurate since they do much of their flying at dusk when fewer predators are present.

The beauty of this Owl Butterfly is that his wings look as if they are an owl's eyes, which deceived the predators, thinking that it is something other than what it truly is.

Immediately I began to paint this beauty.

Beginning to paint the Owl Butterfly

Later that evening, after having started at 4am, I completed it.

Owl Butterfly Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

The original of this painting is not available, but you can collect prints here in my Fine Art America shop
Owl Butterfly Art Print on Fine Art America 

Fox Totem and it's Meaning

The Fox Totem is often misunderstood. His meaning and symbolism is quite complex.

Fox Totem Gourd Art Bowl by Jeane Fry

The Fox teaches the need and benefits of learning to camouflage in order to walk around unnoticed. This allows you to hear and see things that you might not otherwise be aware of, bringing a better clarity to situations.

 His fur is very thick, making him appear larger than he is, which is another lesson he teaches..the ability to have a larger "presence " in life when needed. It gives the illusion of a greater stature, making adversaries think twice about engaging, that Fox would not be easily overpowered judging by size alone.

 The fox is monogamous, living alone for some months and then in a den, and are comfortable with being alone AND with their partner. He teaches to enjoy one's completeness, to enjoy self, allowing for a comfort level when they are on their own.

 Their hunting style is similar to feline, and they carry great feminine energy.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3955972

Owl Totem and the Mystery

Owl Totem and the Mystery

Owls have intrigued us two-legged for many years, primarily because they are a nocturnal bird. They see in the night what we do not see, and they hear in the night what we do not hear. They carry a wisdom that is primarily unknown to us, that of the Mystery.

They are aware of the Shadows, the things that exist that we are not aware of, and  the things we do not understand. Studying the Owl Totem, helps us learn to be conscious of our surroundings, and the motivations of others. It helps us reveal secrets.

The Great Horned Owl looks as if he has ears, although they are truly tufts of feathers. Symbolically he seems to be able to hear, what we can not.

Their flight is silent, helping them in their hunt, and is a good reminder to us that when we are "seeking", it may be best to be silent and observant in order for the answers to come to light.

                         

Night Vision Painting by Jeanne Fry

Night Vision Gourd Sculpture by Jeanne Fry
Inspired by the Original Painting



   Prints are available of my original painting on Fine Art America

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/night-vision-jean-fry.html

To see more of my available artwork you can visit my Artfire Studio

Animal Totems and their Symbolism in our Lives

Animal Totems, or Spirit Helpers as they are sometimes called, are considered to be

guardians and teachers in many Native Cultures. It is their knowledge of skillful living, and their physical and social characteristics  in Nature that we study.

Night Vision - Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

 Within this process of learning  we strengthen our connection with the Earth and create an Inner Balance.

Animal Medicine affords an awareness of our own personal strengths and weaknesses, and a wisdom for life lessons.

Turtle: Motherhood, Longevity, Awakening to new opportunities, Nurturing of the Earth
Snake: Rebirth, Transformation, Wisdom
Wolf: Guardianship, Loyalty, Spirit, Community
Bear: Power, Healing, Decision-Making, Strength
Rabbit: Fertility, New Life, Defense, Spiritual Growth
Otter: Laughter, Happiness, Awareness of surroundings
Butterfly: Dance of Joy, Faerie Realm, Joy, Gentleness
Deer: Gentleness, Innocence, New Adventure, Grace
Raven: Magic, Creation, Vision, Messages and Intuition
Frog: Abundance, Creative Power, Cleansing
Jumping Antelope: Freedom
Elephant: Strength, Loyalty, Knowledge of Earth, Strong Family, Society Ideals
Spider: Creativity, Weaving of Fate
Buffalo: Abundance, Nurturing
Ant: Teamwork, Community
Dragonfly: Light, Transformation
Lizard: Dreamtime, Intuition, The Ability to Leave Behind things that are no longer needed
Owl: Vision, Wisdom, Omen, Magic
Grasshopper: Leap for opportunities, The Opening of Doors
Heron: Grace, Transformation, Loving of Self
Duck: Relationships, Calming
Giraffe: Grace
Dolphin: Intelligence, Communication
Bat: Magic, Perception
Mountain Lion: Leadership, Fairness, Balance, Power
Thunderbird: Servant of Great Spirit, Messengers
Beluga Whale: Creativity, Listening to Inner Voice
Phoenix: Power, Transform, Fire Element
Hawk: Vision, Power, Synchonstricity in Messages
Eagle: Victory, Responsibility of Power
Beaver: Builder of Dreams
Raccoon: Dexterity, Disguise
Seahorse: Emotions, Magical
Ladybug: Good luck
Snail: Patience, Serenity
Hummingbird: Joy, Happiness, Energy
Flamingo: Good luck
Moose: Majestic, Wise, Stands up for beliefs, Inner Wisdom
Salmon: Returning home, Spiritual Journey, Determination

We offer handpainted totem stones here on our website

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