White Swan Symolism in an Affirmation Gourd Art Bowl

As we grow and change over the years the concept of Self Love becomes richer, deeper, and more authentic. While we have always known the importance of caring for ourselves and spent time grooming our self esteem, it often wasn't to its full potential. Those years of exploring life (developing relationships, marriages, divorces, having children, building careers)  are the layers of wisdom that we accrue that teach us what we are made of. Venturing through our life's lessons gives us a peak inside our soul to truly see our own authenticity. It is then that we can see the Beauty of our existence, and upon that realization we open ourselves and allow our vulnerable spirit to shine for others. We don't need to fear that openness, because just as our souls seem to have the delicacy of a feather ...they are also strong as steel. We can stand in our convictions and move through life with Grace. This space is our Personal Power, and it in itself is paradise. 

This is the wisdom that the White Swan teaches.

This weekend I created the White Swan Gourd Affirmation Bowl from the Earth's beauty of the Gourd. The bowl was meant to hold positive self love affirmations, treasures whispers of wisdom, so that on those days when you are feeling less than Beautiful and Powerful you can pull out an affirmation to meditate and focus on for the day.

I wrote three affirmations on handmade paper and have included them inside the vessel. You can then add more affirming quotes so that it filled to the rim with pick-me-ups for your Spirit. 

SOLD

The Equine Journey following the Horse Totem Path

Sometimes we feel stuck in life. Maybe it's the season, often winters can make us feel that way. Maybe it's the life events that are surrounding us, ours or someone Else's. And maybe it's our own ups and downs, the changing of our own rhythms, those times when we feel a lack in our own personal power. 

These are the times when I look to the Horse Totem. Recently I have gone back to visit the horse and his symbolism, doing so in physical life and within my artwork. Many times the way that I work with a totem is by painting them. The more I paint them, the more I can connect with their energy.

The Equine Journey by Jeanne Fry

 Horse Totem Symbolism

Long ago when the Horse was befriended to assist in our travels, he was looked at as a freeing agent. He could take you away from your little corner of the world and take you to unknown places. He would be your guide as you explored mysterious lands, not only on the physical plane but on a spiritual plane. Horse would remind you of the expansiveness of the Universe and of your own soul. As you rode, Father Wind would blow through your hair and across your face and cleanse you of stagnancy. 

The Horse offered a balance of not only stepping on this Earth, but also of connecting with the Sky. He confirms that all things are possible and that we are all truly important in the grand scheme of things. In essence All Things Are Possible.

The ride can invigorate the Spirit, and draw one away from feelings of being stuck. His soul and his lessons are so strong, that just standing with him...looking in his eyes....and stroking his cheek can have the same effect. He reminds us of the freedom that is possible within this vessel that we live in - that our soul's are boundless.

Working with the Horse Totem

When I sat down to work with the horse, the first painting I did last week was of "Running Horse" on a gourd art bowl. He spoke to me of Strength.

"Running Horse" Gourd Art Bowl - SOLD

This weekend I painted my second, "The Equine Journey", a pair of running horses. When examining them I see that the second feels more freeing, more earnest in his sprint. It has a feeling of the wildness and of the Run.

"The Equine Journey" Gourd Art Bowl - For Sale

I now anticipate the next Horse painting and the lessons that will come.

                                                                            SOLD

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 Tao of Crow

My most recent crow painting is called the Tao of Crow (or the Way of Crow). The painting is simplistic yet complex, with a Black Crow and a White Crow painted within a Yin Yang symbol.
The Yin and Yang in Chinese culture represents a perfect balance between opposites, how those opposites compliment one another in a harmonic peace.

The Tao of Crow ~

Go forward fearlessly and speak your truth. Your authenticity ensures success.

I will watch over you, for together we can accomplish anything.

Adaptability is the key, for when we are open and flexible, we find there is always a way.
Where one finds Fear, they also find Courage.

(The original painting has sold, but I painted this same image on a Gourd Art Bowl, which is available in my Etsy shop here)
Tao of Crow Gourd Art Bowl

Kokopelli and Kokopelli Mana Symbolism Gourd Art Bowl

Kokopelli and Kokopelli Mana Gourd Art Bowl

Stories have swirled for years and years about Kokopelli and sometimes you will hear them about Kokopelli Mana, his counterpart.

Kokopelli has long symbolized fertility, abundance, replenishing, music and dance. Stories abound on "when" you will see him, many say he brings the spring...others say the hump on his back is filled with seeds for planting, or it is filled with songs, and some even say the bag is filled with children whom he gives to young women that have no children.

Whatever his story, I enjoy seeing him depicted with this counterpart, Kokopelli Mana, because of course we ALL have another half in this world.

Kokopelli and Kokopelli Mana Gourd Art Bowl

The Kokopelli & Kokopelli Mana bowl is no longer available, but you can see more of our artwork in our Artfire Studio