Showing posts with label Jeanne Fry Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeanne Fry Art. Show all posts

Sunday, June 5, 2016

My Return to the Abundant Earth

Sometimes we step away from the things that are a core part of us - our rituals or ways of life - often  not because we have abandoned them but simply because our spirit needs something different in the moment. I feel, in part, that this has been the case for me. 
Over the past year I had stepped back from the intrinsic part of me who's spirituality and healing based from nature, my animal totems, and Earth Mother.


 For the most part I think this was on a subconscious level, for I was experiencing such loss in my heart that my soul urged me to immerse in the Feminine. I placed my heart within the Goddess's hands, needing to heal, to understand, and to be still. 
Many lessons flowed, some sweet and with ease, and some painfully difficult. I was able to come to understandings about myself and how I walk in the world, along with even greater understandings about humanity. 
I believe that healing and self growth are a lifelong process - that we reach levels of  understanding and then continue to ascend. Now I feel that it is time for me to broaden my scope again, integrating my refreshingly, deep nourished Goddess sense with the balanced, grounded Nature Sage. It is time for me to reconnect the Bridge between Earth and Sky. 
Outwardly I suppose that people will notice this within my artwork, which I feel will be turning, in some senses, to a more balanced feminine and masculine slant. 
I return with excitement, for I have especially missed my strong focus on the animal totems, who are all chattering incessantly, like old friends catching up in a flurry. 
My conscious thought on this spiritual and artistic transition came to the canvas a few days ago, creating "Abundant Earth". 
Symbolically the painting was satisfying, incorporating black lava medium, handmade paper, cotton canvas, liquitex acrylics, ink, gesso, textile, and clay beads - each component bringing outwardly meaning to the balance I spoke of. 




Sunday, December 13, 2015

The Turtle Warrior

I may be soft and vulnerable underneath
but I carry an exterior of Strength...


I may not be moving fast enough for you
but I am taking thoughtful caring Steps....

I may appear to be an empty shell
but inside this vessel I have the capability of producing bountiful life

I am delicate
I am a warrior
I am a mother
I am a woman
I am a Caretaker of the Earth.
I am Life. 


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Fox Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Fox is often misunderstood and is an amazing totem to work with. I consider them the teachers of "street smarts", useful when you know where you want to be but need to figure out how to "get there". This beautiful world is full of miracles and opportunities, but that does not take away its ability to be challenging and competitive. We also learn when we get out into the world, that not everyone thinks like we do, and that there are people who do not live with every one's higher good in mind. The Fox totem can help us learn to navigate those waters, not by changing the essence of our own spirit, but by using subtle tools. 

For instance, the Fox is symbolic for camouflage and blending into his environment. Sometimes the act of being still or quiet and blending in allows us to be able to see and hear things that we might not notice otherwise...things that are important to know about our journey. It takes us out of our "me" oriented mode and fosters an opportunity to see the bigger picture or more aspects of a situation. 
When the Fox runs, his tail extends straight out from his body. This is an aspect of Balance. It allows the fox to run and turn with and ease and flow, while staying on course...no distractions, no breaking of the focus, just determined on the "getting there". 
They are perceptive and keen, relying heavily on their senses and their intuition. When they combine this with the capability of camouflage, they can be a mighty hunter. Their hunting mode is also one of their unique aspects -  being a smaller animal they can use a "charming" technique, that throws their prey off. While they are part of the canine family, their mannerisms are more likened to the feline family and the feminine. 

The Fox protect themselves with their large fluffy tail, wrapping it around themselves to guard against the elements. This symbolism can be taken further teaching one to be diligent in protecting themselves from the harshness of others by creating a protective field around themselves. 
All of these things that define the Fox allow him to reach his wants and needs, doing so in a bit more subtle yet defined manner, focused on the goal while being aware, being immensely creative and intuitive, and all the while knowing when they need to shield themselves. 


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sweet Dreams from the Ancestors - Gourd Art

Fear.
Fear seems to continue to be commanding life as we know it, and affecting so many tender spirits. After a while it changes who you are, how you think and make decisions, and how you relate to others. There are so many violent and bullying acts, oppression, and intolerance, and Fear always seems to be involved. It's a tough world out there, but it is also a very beautiful one. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to break it down to ....taking One Day at a Time.

Those days of struggle are what inspired my newest gourd art creations, "Sweet Dreams". 
I wanted to create a reminder, a new focus, a little piece of mind....an artwork that would remind you at the end of the day that everything is going to be okay. That you are loved. That you are cared for. And that tomorrow is a New Day.

She bids "Sweet Dreams", bringing wishes of a healing respite while you sleep and building your strength for the new day.


Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Working with the Otter Totem for the New Year

There's not enough Happiness in the world today. Yes, there are pockets of people who are happy or at least content, but if you truly look around......there is such a huge amount of sadness, stress, anger, and negativity. Wars, hate crimes, bullying, and violence spill over our communities and touch us all. These atrocities are not just happening across the oceans, but are right here in our sights.  Sometimes you never know how close.....like the girl in the coffee shop who is frustrating you by making you a latte when you asked for a cappuccino. While you get stressed that you're going to be late for work, she hurriedly starts over, while her mind keeps flashing back to the beating she endured from her husband the night before. Or the boy who lives next door, the trouble maker on the block...while his parents stand over him, screaming at him for breaking the neighbor's windows, his mind is somewhere else thinking of the bully at school who embarrassed him to tears in front of their classmates.
Our hearts, souls, and our Earth are all being affected by this.

Our happiness has to begin with ourselves, so we can then spread that light to others. What better animal totem to learn from but the Otter.
The Otter represents a pure joy. Their character is one of curiosity and living in the moment. Even though they have work to do, they are able to infuse their playfulness and make those times full of smiles. They tackle each action as if it is the first time, symbolic of Life being an Adventure. The Otter emits Happiness, changing the energy of those around them. Everyone could learn from the Otter's wisdom.


Saturday, October 11, 2014

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.

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. 

Monarch Watch is another valuable resource for this effort

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


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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

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



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Luna Moth - Her Gift and Symbolism

The Luna Moth (Polyphemus Moth - Antheraea Polypehmus)  may be considered one of the most Spiritual and Mystical of animal totems. To meet one is a special gift, for when she is in her adult moth stage she only lives for approximately one week. While living through their adult moth life they do not eat, for they have no mouth. One might say that their purpose is to reproduce, but I say it is to Love. They are born, they transform, they love, they die, and then are again reborn. Their cycles are short, as are our years while we are here.
We are reminded to make the most of our moments and to Live and Love to the fullest. It is an appreciation for the simple magic of existence, and to explore it with excitement.

Luna Moth Animal Totem Meaning and Art Polythemus Moth
Luna Moth Art Print https://jean-fry.pixels.com/products/moth-study-jean-fry-art-print.html

 She is most often seen in the evenings, attracted to the moon and to light. She speaks of our connection to the Feminine, our inner spirit, trust in ourselves and our intuition. We learn of the importance in finding the balance between light and dark, the seen and the unseen.
She is a reminder that when all is said and done, our Healing, Authenticity, and Sense of Love are the ultimate journey.

Luna Moth her Gift and Symbolism Artwork
Luna Moth - Her Gift and Symbolism Art Print https://jean-fry.pixels.com/products/the-luna-moth-journey-of-faith-and-love-jean-fry-art-print.html
I brought the beauty of the Luna Moth into one of my new paintings, titled "The Symbolic Journey of Faith and Love". It was created in an Art Nouveau style, bringing the White Butterflies, Dragonfly, and Luna Moths into the Mandala design.

Luna Moth Artwork Weekender Tote Bag
Luna Moth Weekender Tote Bag https://jean-fry.pixels.com/products/moth-study-jean-fry-weekender-totebag.html

Luna Moth Study Artwork Coffee Mug
Luna Moth Study Artwork Coffee Mug https://jean-fry.pixels.com/products/moth-study-jean-fry-coffee-mug.html
Luna Moth Gift and Symbolism Artwork Coffee Mug
Luna Moth Gift and Symbolism Artwork Coffee Mug https://jean-fry.pixels.com/products/the-luna-moth-journey-of-faith-and-love-jean-fry-coffee-mug.html 






 

The Luna Moth is one of my favorite totems. Isn't it grand that such a small piece of beauty, can make us gasp in delight like when we were children?




The Spirit of the Luna Moth is captured in this Handmade Gourd Art Bowl with Dried Grass Lacing. It was created using a beautiful gourd from one of our local gourd farms, the cleaned and cut into its shape. Using leather acrylics, the background of the gourd was painted in blended shades of browns with hints of mint green and beige running through it. - See more at: http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/luna-moth-painted-gourd-art-bowl-dried-grass-lacing-earthy-decor-jeanne-fry#sthash.NyaYdDyG.dpuf

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Edgar Allan Poe Inspired Mixed Media


Sometimes you need to change it up a bit....explore a different place...dabble in areas where you don't usually play. It stirs the pot of inspiration, pulling more ideas into your artful spirit.

Recently I created a piece for a call/challenge that asked for a piece that was Edgar Allan Poe inspired. This intrigued me, but which piece of his work would be the source of my focus? I wanted to choose a story that was different than the ones that immediately come to mind. So after perusing many Poe stories and poems I decided on "The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether" that was published in 1856.

I was quickly drawn into the story, soaking up each word, allowing his master of the word to draw me into the journey through Southern France and the antics at the Maison de Sante.

Mixed Media inspired by Edgar Allan Poe story by Jeanne Fry

The characters described in the story peeked my interest and so for this piece I portrayed three of them standing outside...standing inside...the Maison de Sante. So many scenes I could have portrayed but truly the thing that had set the mood for me in the story was the feel of the Maison as the visitor was making his journey there and how it would have felt from the outside looking in.

I loved doing the challenge, exploring a piece of literature and portraying it with my hands. And  of course, if you haven't read this particular story of Edgar Allan's I encourage you to do so. A lovely read for a Saturday afternoon.

This piece is available as an Art Print in the Fine Art America shop here:



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

An Artist's Personal Journey

As an Artist, you become known for your style, your theme, your techniques, and the way you put yourself out there to the world.
I've always focused on symbolism, drawing strength from nature, animal totems, and uplifting themes. But what happens when the artist is having problems connecting with their own style? When the fire that burns within, that makes you pick up your brush, is diminishing? I'm not referring to a slump or block, but more of a distraction that is coming between you and the canvas.

Sometimes I think we need to take a pause, a moment, when the Art is for Us. Our own personal journey can step into plain view  and demand our attention, and we can either work with it or resist.

After spending the past 4 years in a battle with my health, fatigue, and daily pain... it has caught up with me. Faced as if we are  in a stand-off, I choose to continue the fight. And with all that is left inside of me, I allow my Art to become my "warrior". With the paintbrush, I will gather my strength and face the enemy of pain by bringing it to light. And so, I am using my art to release, to peel back the layers, to express what my voice does not.

For those of you that know me or my art, you are welcome to follow me on this journey, as my art takes a little side road...to Healing.


Today's painting ~  #1  "Inside this Shell"

"Inside this Shell"  Original on Watercolor Paper 9 x 12  by Jeanne Fry
The original of the "Inside this Shell" painting is not available, but prints are available in my Fine Art America Studio

 


 
 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...