Showing posts with label Painted Gourd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Painted Gourd. Show all posts

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Ceremonial Gourd Rattles as Spiritual Tools

Ceremonial Gourd Rattles as Spiritual Tools
Every religion and spirituality has a set of Spiritual Tools that facilitate a deeper connection with ones faith and beliefs. Some are specific and unique to the philosophy, and others are common among many. Altars, Flowers, Incense, Music, Songs, Chants, Drums, Candles, Statuary, Rattles.....all are tools that can be kept in the Spiritual Toolbox.
One that is  very important to us, and that we create many of, is the Ceremonial Gourd Rattle. These Ceremony Rattles have many uses and their diversity can lend to many cultures and faiths. The Rattle can be used in Prayer as a calling, an asking, and in gratefulness. It can be used in spiritual and energetic Cleansing, to remove negativity. They are often used to space clear homes in the making of Sacred Space, especially after an argument or illness in the house. The Ceremony Rattle is common to have at Gatherings of the Spirit, to assist in a Collective Consciousness, and even Drum Circles to celebrate and rejoice in our humanity on this Earth in song and dance. Those who explore Shamanic Journeying can use the Rattle as they enter and depart the other world or state of consciousness. And simply, they can assist us in Meditation, as a focus, as the slow rhythmic shake reminds one of the heartbeat. 

Painted Gourd Ceremonial Rattles from Conscious Art Studios
Creation Process of a Ceremonial Gourd Rattle
Our creation process is done on an intuitive level, and when we create we only do so when we ourselves feel balanced and peaceful. We use Gourds when we craft the rattles, and enjoy working with this Earth element and feel that it lends to the character of the piece. It brings a naturalness and integrity to the purpose of its creation. 
The Gourd are carefully chosen, cut, and cleaned. Focused attention is paid to the addition to the noisemakers that are placed inside the gourd. Sometimes the intention is to create a rich, full, and deep sound. Other times it is to create a light and delicate sound. We use a variety in the combination, including  dried beans and seeds, gemstone chips, and metal beads. Once the perfect assortment is found, the gourd is sealed and we attach a wooden handle. Handles are wrapped with leathers and suede and then adorned with extra embellishments such as cord wrapping, feathers, wooden pony beads, tin cones, or additional gemstones. We add leather loops at the very end of the handle to serve as a wrist wrap for when you are shaking them (optional to use), or to attached the rattle to your belt loop or waistband of regalia while at large gatherings or ceremonies. 
We paint our Ceremonial Rattles with leather acrylics, usually with animal totems or other spiritual symbols.  Many times this gives people a more  personal attachment to the piece and allows them to resonate with it more fully. We offer custom paintings on our Rattles.






Blessing Trees Ceremonial Gourd Rattle
 SOLD



Black Bear Totem Ceremonial Gourd Rattle Staff
SOLD


Peacock Goddess Ceremonial Gourd Rattle
SOLD


Sea Turtle Totem Ceremonial Gourd Rattle
SOLD


Moon Goddess Ceremonial Gourd Rattle


Dragonfly Totem Women's Winter Ceremonial Gourd Rattle
SOLD



Sunday, March 30, 2014

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

Friday, March 21, 2014

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
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