Monarch Migration - Advocating through Art to Raise Awareness of their Decline

The existence of one of  Mother Earth's most popular and well known creatures, the Monarch Butterfly, is in danger. The delicate little beauty has amazed us with its endurance and ability to travel its 3000 mile migration to its winter habitat in Mexico each year. Their arrival coincides with the widely celebrated Day of the Dead festival, symbolically being said that they represent the ancestral spirits that are being celebrated. 

"Monarch Migration" Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Monarch's numbers have dropped drastically, one study showing a decrease from 1 billion of these orange beauties, down to 35 million. Several factors are being attributed to this decrease, notably an increase in logging in their Mexico habitat as well as a decrease in Milkweed. Milkweed is important to the Monarch and is in decline because it is treated as a weed by farmers. 

People ask, "What can I, a single person, do to change the decline of the Monarchs?"

One simple remedy that can help save the Monarchs is to alter our behavior in the destruction of Milkweed as a nuisance. Thanks to an article from National Geographic I was able to find some Milkweed Resources.

Milkweed Seed Finder

The National Resources Defense Council has a funded project that provides Free Milkweeds to schools and non-profits, an excellent social justice program for children to be involved in. 

Free Milkweeds for Schools and Non-Profits

Monarch Watch is another valuable resource for this effort

Monarch Watch

You can also look to see if there is a Training Center near you, with a Monarch Larva Monitoring project. You can find more information about a program near you here

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project

Butterfly Totem Symbolic Meaning:

Butterflies represent Change and Transformation, the Joy of life, and Presence in the Moment. They help in reminding us to Keep it Simple, and look at what is truly important. The Butterfly encourages us not to fear change, but embrace it, for Life IS change.

Giraffe Totem and its Symbolic Meaning

The Giraffe Totem is one of the most unique,beautiful and graceful mammals. His symbolism is deeply meaningful, representative of one being balanced and trusting in themselves in order to "see" where they are going and how to get there. The giraffe's tall height keeps his head in the skies, lending to a stronger connection with his higher self and the Divine, while his long legs keep him grounded and balanced in his decisions.The act of sight is indicative of being perceptive, aware, and intuitive. 

They are social creatures, affectionate, and enjoy being near one another. They are mostly silent, only occasionally making any sound, but will communicate with others through their bodies and actions. This is especially true of the mother and the baby giraffe. She will often extend her love, bending down to nuzzle and be close to her young one. Their bond and expressiveness are symbolic of close families and relationships. 

The Giraffe totem is a very useful totem to learn from for those who have goals and dreams they are trying to realize, or are trying to formulate new directions on their path.

This painting has SOLD, but you can order a Print of it from our Fine Art America Shop here
Mother and Baby Giraffe Art Print on Fine Art America

Turtle Moon - The Creation of the Sky

I am intrigued by the Sky. Every element of it brings me joy and wonderment. I sometimes sit in the evenings gazing at the Moon and the Stars and my imagination will wander. Fragments of stories will flow on how things could possibly "be" in that realm. I often drift away from the science part of it and entertain stories of how things might exist there otherwise. That is how my painting, "Turtle Moon" came to be.

One evening the Moon was as large as it could possibly be. The child-like part of me started thinking about how heavy it was and how it could just hang in the sky as it does. Surely it was being held by something. A vision of a very large turtle came. 

I could see Mother Turtle walking along the edge of the Earth. Her shell was translucent and you could see the stars twinkling through each section. As her feet slowly stepped along the Earth, the tip of the Moon was resting on her back. I thought "My goodness, Mother Turtle, isn't the Moon too heavy for you to be carrying?"  She replied "No, certainly not. The Moon needs help glowing her magical shine on the Earth. I'm happy to help." 

Then I thought about the portrait of the sky scene and how that could possibly be hanging for all of us to see. Mother Turtle whispered to me "Look closer,dear. All will be revealed". As I squinted to look harder, I saw her children helping her. Her son and daughter, one in front and one behind, were holding large bundles of black balloons and the stars were inside them. Again I exclaimed, "Oh my, don't they get tired holding all of those balloons in their mouths while walking through the night?" Mother Turtle said "No, they don't get tired. It brings them joy and they are happy to help." 

I closed my eyes and thought about all of the beings who's unseen actions go unnoticed while they do their part to create our World. They continue to do so everyday, because they are happy to help.

And so it is.

Thank you for letting me share my story with you.

This painting has been sold.

The Great Horned Owl Symbolic Meaning - Under the Terracotta Moon

I was recently inspired while camping at a mountainous state park to create "Under the Terracotta Moon". I sat and listened one evening to the call of an owl. There were five syllables in his call, a common trait of the Great Horned Owl. I had my painting satchel with me and some wood canvases, and soon began to paint.

It was dusk when I began, and under the light of the lantern I brought forth a blue purple sky to give it a spiritual mystical backdrop. I meditated on the Great Horned and visualized him sitting regal on a branch, the Strong Warrior that he is. I could imagine him as a "warrior" because of his great strength and skill at hunting. Even though he is a Winged One associated with the Sky, he has an important connection with the Earth allowing him to hunt such a wide array of prey.

This Earth Connection was related in the painting by the color scheme used in his feathers - of terracotta, raw sienna, and shades of brown. The moon that shone above him was adorned with four of his feathers. The silhouette of a dream catcher was painted over the moon, accented with pieces of turquoise, symbolic for keeping the sleeping mind focused on positive adventures. 

I wanted him to represent being comfortable in his space, as the Great Horned Owls become permanent residents of their territories once they have mated. 

The following morning I continued with the painting, working on the detail in his feathers and his insightful eyes.

The Great Horned Owl is a beautiful animal totem to work with for those that desire the wisdom needed to become a Master of their own life, to obtain that which they seek, and to have a balanced confidence in doing so. The tufts that are on top of his head are not ears nor horns, but are feather tufts. Still they are symbolic for being able to "hear" what is not being said. This makes one more successful in their seeking by being aware of their environment physically and spiritually.

Running Horse Totem Painted Gourd Art Bowl

This week I have been working on several new gourd art pieces, bowls and ceremonial rattles. This particular gourd bowl began speaking to me before I even sat down at the work table, and I knew that I wanted to bring a horse to life on this earthen canvas. I wanted the Horse itself to a flowing feel of movement to it within its design. 

Since I had created a rich dark background on the bowl itself, I wanted the Horse to be full of Light, a striking contrast. I wanted the colors to feel like the wind and sky, to hold a crisp coolness as if you could feel the wind as you were running with him. 

Running Horse Symbolism: He teaches us the importance of being true to ourselves. You must seize each moment of every day and make it your own. Stand with strength and be determined about your destination and your dreams, and then run towards them. Take the journey and claim your space in the World.

The Running Horse Gourd Art Bowl is SOLD

The Wishing Tree Symbolism of Hope and Dreams

The "Wishing Tree" is always here for you. It stands tall and strong with a glow of purity and wisdom. Swirls of healing colors climb through its trunk, welcoming its visitors, inviting one to sit and make a wish. Each white leaf represents a guardian who is there to help. Offshoots of leaf stars peak through the tree, these for the wishing of "big" dreams.

When one desires to make a wish they choose a leaf and that guardian helps bring it to fruition. The only thing that the Wishing Tree asks in return is that you sit and tell it a story...your story. The Tree loves to listen and will keep the strictest confidence. 

The "Wishing Tree" is always here for you. It's right in the middle of your dreams.

Bears Mother Tree - a Safe Haven in an Everchanging World

The Earth is continually changing. As we humans spread out more and more we continue to ravage this precious land, and more times than not don't give back to her. Each living thing does its best to acclimate to those changes. Each animal finds their homes becoming smaller and smaller. They are having to learn how to live among us, and in doing so they lose pieces of their own animal spirit.

"Bears Mother Tree" was created to represent the sacred home to the Bear, a place where they could come and "be". This place is where the Bear can always come home and be safe...to remember who they are...to keep their spirit authentic...to not become "watered" down by the humans...to just be the Bear.

The symbolism in the painting brings the "Mother Tree" to life. The tree is painted in pale turquoise representing the richness of the Earth.The grey bark is for the wisdom she has gained in the changes of time. Two bears are visiting, one resting on her branch, while the younger one is climbing to find haven. Small tan leaves are opening at her branch tips, for birth and growth. Four medicine wheels are hanging in the branches, each with a Tree of Life inside. The tree of life is painted in white for the purity of our existence. Each medicine wheel has four feathers hanging from them for the balance of the Four Directions. Bear prints are painted amongst the limbs, symbolism for the bears walk of life. 

Living here in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, I have a great respect for the Bear. For the past year or so I continue to hear more and more stories on the news about the bear population coming closer and closer into our towns. During the interviews people are complaining about these visitations, upset with such petty things as bird feeders being knocked down, or their trash cans being pilfered. The Bear's home is becoming smaller and smaller, and their food sources more scarce.

This was the inspiration for my painting "Bears Mother Tree". In my heart, my hope is that they could have such a place, a sacred place, untouched, where they can always walk with Bear Heart.

Luna's Moonflowers - Ode to the Night

As the twilight approaches and the veil is getting thin, the anticipation heightens... for soon our dance will begin.

This is the magic time, embraced by a blanket of stars. It is another world, a different world, a world filled with possibilities. While others are sleeping soundly, we allow our Mystic Spirit to connect with Luna who glows so stoically in the sky.

She urges us to trust in our "knowing", and to feel confident in doing so. These sweet hours allow for uninterrupted thinking. They are the bridge between our conscious and sub-conscious. 

 As the moonflower only blooms at night, so does a certain part of our Spirit. Finding the balance between both worlds allows us to step confidently in our Self.

This is a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry. Done in acrylics on canvas, the woman offers a bouquet of Moonflowers to Luna, in thanks for the respite and knowledge she provides. 

This original painting is sold.

We All See the Same Moon - Seeing Similarities and not Differences

When I raised my children there were many ideals that I thought were important to pass on to them. One of the most important ones, was to see beyond our differences. As I myself was born with a birth defect that left me with a physical handicap growing up, I knew first hand the types of discrimination, misconceptions,  bullying and ridicule that exist in the world. My wish was that my children would grow up to see beyond color, disability, race, sexual orientation, and social class. I had many things I wanted to teach my children. Some were successful and some were not...but this very important ideal was learned quickly. I was always proud of them, noticing that when they were put in a situation where people's differences came into play....they saw the human...the things that make us the same, and the differences were overlooked.

I've been saddened the past few years (since our hard fall in the economy), that we humans are becoming more and more divided. Bullying, hate crimes, road rage, and an intolerance for others and their beliefs seems to be on a continual rise. I associate some of this with the economy decline, as I feel that so many have been living their lives in a day to day state of fear....and fear leads to these negative behaviors. I also feel that we are losing the art of communication. While it may mistakenly seem as if we are more connected because of technology, our young ones are losing the practice of effective and compassionate conversation. These two things combined isolate us in a sense, within ourselves...making it easier to fall into the trap of feeling as if no one understands us. Then, our differences become more prevalent. 

I painted "We All See the Same Moon", as a reminder of our similarities.

"We All See the Same Moon" Original Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

I tried to bring my thoughts to the canvas within a celestial scene. Four moon gazers are standing together looking upon the moon. Each of the figures are different, yet the same. They all have their own distinct styles, yet fit together in common bond. They are able to look beyond their differences and unite as one under the moon in peace.

This original painting has been sold, but it is available in my Fine Art America shop here:
"We All See the Same Moon" Art Print by Jeanne Fry

Conscious Art Studios Virtual Tour and Online Art Show

Welcome to all of our Friends near and far. We wanted to take the opportunity to give those of you that haven't had the chance to see us at an art show, a better idea of what we do on our weekends at shows...how we set up...our displays...how we interact....and a chance to view some of our newest artworks that I have not been seen by anyone yet.

I will be logged into my blogger account at 8pm Eastern Standard Time. Should you like to comment, say hello, or ask any questions about our art and its symbolism... I will be here to answer your questions. (Just use the comment feature at the bottom of this blog posting)

Have a little tour and see what our Conscious Art Studios art booth is like.

Our friends and collectors are always asking us what inspires us.....

Simply, it is Nature

Labryinth Classical 7 Circuit Design

The Beauty of our Landscapes

And Animal Totems...

We enjoy bringing the elements of our world and the beauty that surrounds us into our artwork. Color and Symbolism play a big part in this. The majority of our art seems to revolve around animal totems, I suppose because we can learn so much from them.

Within our art booth we bring a blanket of color, nature, and peaceful music to the senses.

This week I was inspired by not only nature, but the upcoming holidays as well. 

Having found several different types of feathers on my walks through our woods, I decided to create a few small paintings paying an honor to some of my favorite bird totems and bringing a gratefulness to them for their wisdom.

Feather Paintings by Jeanne Fry

Bald Eagle Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Bald Feather Eagle Painting in our Artfire Shop

Bluejay Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Bluejay Feather Painting in our Artfire Shop

Cardinal Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

SOLD

Night Hawk Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Night Hawk Feather Painting in Artfire Shop

As is it getting close to 8pm...I will be continuing to add more work as we chat :)

Owl Feather Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

SOLD

The upcoming Day of the Dead holiday, Dia de Muertos, inspires me every year to create some pieces. I love ritual and symbolism, and the honoring of those that came before us. This holiday speaks to all of those things for me.

Day of the Dead ...Honoring

 

Flor de Muerto Art Doll by Jeanne Fry in the Artfire Shop 

 Day of the Dead Original Painting Greeting Card in Artfire Shop

 Painted Paper Mache Sugar Skull for Day of the Dead in the Artfire Shop

Now this next piece is not associated with the Day of the Dead, but does resonate with the time of year when we all become enchanted with tales of Edgar Allan Poe. This is a mixed media piece inspired by one of his stories titled "The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether". If you haven't read the story, I urge you to do so. It's one of my favorites. The painting is my rendition of some of the characters i the story. 

 Mixed Media Painting Inspired by Poe's Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether in the Artfire Shop 

Thanks everyone for stopping in. I have a bunch more new pieces to add, and will keep adding them over the next few days. You can always check into the our Artfire Shop and browse around. 

 Conscious Art Studios Artfire Shop

Goodnight my friends :)

Wearable Art - Glass Art Jewelry with Contemporary Folk Paintings

This year I explored  various ways to use my painting collective in other forms of art. The medium that I am resonating with the most is using prints of my paintings in glass art jewelry. I am able to create pendants, rings, and earrings that feature my artwork and at the same to do at an affordable cost to my collectors. In the process I am finding "favorites" that collectors are purchasing, which is helping me get in touch with what people are most attracted to at different points throughout the year.

Glass Art Jewelry Featuring Contemporary Folk Paintings from Jeanne Fry

I have been creating many styles of pendants either Glass Pendants or Glass and Metal Pendants of various shapes. This has given me an opportunity to recreate more of the painting itself and they have resulted in stunning pieces of art on their own.

Eyes of the Elephant Glass Art Pendant by Jeanne Fry

Owl Butterfly Glass and Metal Art Pendant by Jeanne Fry

Spiral Raven Glass Art Pendant by Jeanne Fry

Once I was doing the pendants consistently, I began to explore with other jewelry pieces. Earrings were next. The excitement of seeing my artwork in such a small medium, the challenge was worthy.

Manifesting Crow Glass and Metal Art Earrings

Serenity Blue Glass Teardrop Art Earrings

Ancient Healing Garden Glass Teardrop Earrings

Now my newest exploration of the art jewelry is in metal and glass adjustable rings. These have been fun and are truly for the art lover who indulges in wearable art.

Crow and Flower Adjustable Filigree Glass and Metal Ring

Crow with Spiral Sun Glass and Metal Art Ring

Back View of Metal and Glass Art Ring

I'm sure that I will continue to be adventurous and explore more and more styles of jewelry for my artwork. 

You can see my current collection of art jewelry here in our Artfire Shop 

Sacred Geometry and the Goddess Within Fine Art Print by Jeanne Fry

The Goddess sees the intricate make-up of that which surrounds her, the symbolic meaning of each detail, and the Sacred Geometry that weaves them all together. When closing her eyes her spirit feels the richness of the fabric that constructs her own temple.

"Sacred Geometry" an original Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

 It is here that Healing comes forth for herself and those that she touches. She is the Divine Feminine, bringing the Healing Light of protection and peace to those she watches over.

The Portrayal of the Painting:

The colors of indigo and blues are used in the painting to bring forward a Soothing Serenity. The representation of the Moon and her Eyes being closed portray her intuitive sense. The Face that appears on the bodice of her dress stand for her Peace and Knowing. The Honey Amber Clouds in the sky are symbolic for her Creativity and Ability to bring things to Life - the Womb of Life of the Feminine. Her dress is created with Geometric Shapes to represent the Divine in Sacred Geometry. 

The painting was done with acrylics on a 12x16 Canvas Panel.

The Original of this painting has sold. It is available as an Art Print in my Fine Art America online shop here
Goddess of Sacred Geometry Art Print on Fine Art America

Black Bear Totem the Spirit of the Appalachia

When I think of the Appalachia, the Smokey Mountains, and the Blue Ridge there are certain immediate things that rush to mind. While I most certainly have a love of these woodlands and am a mountain girl at heart, I also think of all the beautiful creatures that live among us.

Black Bear Spirit of the Appalachia by Jeanne Fry

 If the Appalachia could have its own animal totem, I think it would be the Black Bear. In my mind, the two are synonymous. These mountains speak to me of going inward, reasoning, personal growth, and strength. They seem to awaken parts of you that you had forgotten, and parts that you didn't even know existed. It is here that many find their own personal power and a clarity in their choices.

And it is with these things that the Black Bear wisdom assists us...in becoming who we truly are.

SOLD