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

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

Finding the Heartbeat in Art

This has been a hard year in weather for us. We have had what seems like continuous battering rains and flooding most of our Spring and Summer. In the process we have lost our gardens and many opportunities to go to art shows. But, what I miss the most is my ability to spend as much time out in nature as I normally would. 

I am a mountain girl. Spending time in the woods and near our lakes and waterfalls comforts my heart like nothing else. This is where I find my balance and my inspiration. 

Without my frequent excursions into nature, I have found myself taking my easel to my porch in order to find my peace.

Last weekend we were invited to a Drum Retreat, with John being asked to provide Native Flute music and Udu drum to the morning meditation. It was a beautiful way to begin our morning, with the sun floating in through the stained glass window.

While originally thinking that we would only stay through the meditation, we found that we stayed most of the day. We sat in on some of the drum workshops and performances and had lunch with our friend Glen (a djembe maker) and his wife Nicole. http://www.dogstardrums.com/

We had the wonderful opportunity to see Alisa Caldwell teach West African dance, who left us feeling re-energized.

 http://www.tedxgreenville.com/conference/tedx_2013/alisa/

Coming home in the afternoon for a brief respite, I contemplated whether to return to the retreat for the evening drum circle. My body was beyond exhausted and in pain, but the urge to paint near the lakeside while the others drummed won out on the decision. 

I was curious if being among so many people in such an active event would be too much of a distraction for me to paint. Only one way to find out I thought, as I scurried through the house to gather my paints, easel, and something....something...to paint on. I found a large sheet of wood and we were off to the drum circle.

I found a little spot on the edge of the circle to set up the easel. There as lots of chatter amongst the drummers while I set up my palette. Soon they were drumming, and even sooner I was painting. I no longer heard their voices nor noticed them moving around. I was at once in tune with the heartbeat of the drum and found my brush moving rhythmically moving to the sound.

I painted what I heard. I painted what I felt. I painted the music.

It took two days for my body to recover from what I have made it endure that day, but the benefit that my spirit received was well worth the expenditure.

"Music melts all the separate parts of our bodies together"  Anais Nin

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Painted Horse Symbolism Contemporary Folk Art

I meet with this horse once a year. He is a beautiful horse, gentle and kind, with eyes that are filled with compassion. He has an old soul that you know is filled with wisdom, and when spending time with him your own spirit is set as ease. 

Painted Horse, Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

He speaks to you through his gaze. During our last visit, as I stroked his back, I had a better vision of this life. I was able to put my fears aside, with a complete understanding that we are all protected as we walk our path. We need not worry about the destination at this moment, only where we are traveling today. If we do so with a perfect love and perfect trust, our journey becomes easier and our lessons more profound. And although so often we can feel alone within our path, truly we never are. For all of us our walking our path at the same time, they coincide, paths cross, we meet in the middle, we help and guide one another. People and Guides are placed strategically along our path. Sometimes they stay with us for a life time, and sometimes only for a particular curve in the journey. Irregardless, our lives are the richer for it.

As my visit ends each time with the horse, I honor him for the wisdom and gently stroke his face. 

We will meet again.

The Original Painting is listed in our Etsy shop here:
Painted Horse Original Painting on Etsy 

There are also Art Prints available of it in our Fine Art America online shop here
Painted Horse Art Print 

Healing Journey an Inspiration from Turtle Totem Symbolism

The turtle totem has always been present in my life since I was young. It wasn't until later that I actually formed an appreciation for its wisdom. Turtle's wisdom can be a wonderful addition on our  path. It teaches us about moving with the flow of life, having patience, learning tolerance, and how we perceive time. 

Healing Journey with the Turtle Totem by Jeanne Fry

Our journey in life is full of lessons, challenges, and joys. It has its ups and downs. One of the most important lessons we can learn from Turtle is to be consistent on the path, even when it feels like a roller coaster ride. It reminds us to just keep getting up every day and moving toward our dreams and goals. Some days may be harder than others, and some will be truly magical. It teaches us not to become consumed with the dramas, but to keep our sense of peace while we navigate. As long as we stay grounded, we can keep a perfect balance between our heart and our mind, producing positive choices as we travel this journey.

My newest painting, "Healing Journey", focused on the turtle totem. Within the painting, the turtle's shell is a map, representing our journey, reminding us of where we are going. This mixed media piece uses the addition of Golden's Fiber Paste to create mountains on the landscape (to represent our challenges). The turtle is surrounded by healing spirals, to represent the healing that occurs in our life as we navigate the journey.

Detail in Healing Journey Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Original of this painting has sold.It is available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America online shop here
Healing Journey with the Turtle Totem Art Print

Moonlight Messages from Crow

During that magical time in the evening when the sky transitions through color and awaits the rising of the moon...the Crow sits quietly. 

During this time of peaceful silence our weary spirit, tired from the day, can connect with our inner wisdom. Our authentic self emerges in order to nurture and revitalize through the night. This primal part of ourselves will "recap" from the day and think about what "could" be tomorrow. It listens for messages, as the intuitive inside readies us for the dream time. All the answers are within, we only need to be reminded.
 Sometimes we get distracted, or lose our connection with our intuitive self, and this is why Crow is here to help us. He is the Carrier of the Messages.

Moonlight Messages from Crow, contemporary folk art by Jeanne Fry

If you would like to see more of the painting, or to collect it, you can find it listed in our Artfire Shop here

Moonlight Messages from Crow - Original Painting on Artfire

The Regeneration of Mother Earth

I continually marvel at (and am  grateful for) the ability of Mother Earth to adapt. We two-legged ones have not been very kind to her over the last several years. We have put undue stresses on her and been disrespectful to this place that we call home. She will occasionally tantrum, and yet she still reaches into her heart and finds away to work around our chaos. 

"The Regeneration of Mother Earth", Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

She leaves answers for us in all of her work. When something is poisonous, she will have a remedy nearby. When something has been destroyed, she will heal it and bring new life.

I many times worry that she is taken for granted, and that someday her "fixes" may not be available.

This is what inspired my newest painting

"The Regeneration of Mother Earth"

"The Regeneration of Mother Earth"

The Original Painting has sold, but you can find Art Prints of it available in our Artfire Shop here
Mother Nature Art Print 8x10

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America Shop. There you can order it as an Art Print, Matted and Framed, on Canvas, On Metal, or as a greeting card
Mother Nature Art Print on Fine Art America

Through the Elephants Eyes and the Elephant Totem Symbolic Meaning

Late on a Friday evening, while burning some Frangipani incense and drinking my usual Earl Grey tea, I took to the canvas with a different kind of inspiration. My senses were in a heightened state for the room was filled with the scent of cut roses, bundles of spearmint drying in the kitchen, and the rich soil on my garden gloves lying on the end table near the door. Blending that with the Frangipani and my tea, I realized I had an impromptu aromatherapy session going on.

 The creative inspiration that came forth was bringing visions of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows into my mind. Rich and Warm, vibrant and bold, the colors swirled in my belly. Immediately my mind wandered now to thoughts of an African landscape, the sun, and an elephant.

Through the Elephants Eyes, Contemporary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry

I knew that I had to paint the elephant. The elephant generally has poor eyesight and relies more on his sense of smell to guide him. How ironic that my sense of smell this evening led me to him.

I wanted the painting to reflect more of what the elephant totem could smell and feel, with the actual visuals being a little more subtle.

I wanted the richness of his surroundings to be dominant, with the color scheme making you immediately associate him in his own environment. 

Learning more about the elephant totems symbolism  gave me a much better understanding of his character, and a desire to carry some of its wisdom with me. Their size and strength is immediately apparent, but their softer compassionate side is often not thought of. They are deeply compassionate, tending to sick and injured ones as well as caring for those that are passing over. They carry great balance within themselves, bold and strong, gentle and loving. A wisdom we all need to carry with us. 

The other trait that I found of importance was the fact that the females will travel in packs. Their packs are comprised of all ages and led my an older wise one, all learning and caring for one another. It reminded me of that same special bond we can find in healthy women's circles and how completing that can be for a woman's spirit.

Through the Elephants Eyes, Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

My hope with this painting was to be able to stimulate the viewers senses, beyond the visual and the obvious.

The Original of this painting has sold, but it is available as an Art Print here
Through the Elephants Eyes Art Print

My Journey Through Bear Time....Bearfootin' Bear Public Art 2013 for Downtown Hendersonville

I was honored to be asked again by Mike Kai of Morris Broadband to collaborate and create a Bear for this year's Downtown Bearfootin' Bear Project. Having worked with them last year on the "Together We Can" bear, I was excited to be given another opportunity to create a bear to support a new charity and the downtown.

Fiberglass Bear waiting to become Artful

Each bear is a collaboration between a sponsor, a charity, and an artist. Upon completion they are placed on display throughout Downtown Hendersonville from May through October, and are then put up for auction with the proceeds benefiting the chosen charity. 

Last year's bear was a Mother Bear and Cub in a sitting position, while this year's was a full standing Bear. I knew that the height factor and size would be a challenge for me due to my health issues of Lupus SLE and Spondylolisthesis in my spine, but my love of Art and the Bears and Supporting Charities urged me to go forward. 

 Once brought back to my studio it began with a light sanding process to even out its texture and prep for its artful journey. Slowly working through the sanding process was much like a meditation, giving me time to contemplate on the theme of the bear and his design. This year's charity is "Thrive". Their mission is to provide support and opportunities to adults with mental health needs offering community, hope and recovery. Their goal is to help those they serve move from surviving to thriving.

Sanding the Bear...Meditation and Contemplation

During this quiet process the design  had come forward in my mind. The logo of "Thrive" is a sage green leaf branch. I was inspired to incorporate the branch throughout the bear's design, embellishing it further with birds. My artistic take on their mission of moving from surviving to thriving, would now have  birds flying with the branches in their mouths. Along his chest would be a long branch that would symbolically show this process, with a bird beginning in the sitting position...to standing...to getting ready to launch in flight...and then taking off...moving toward a spiral sun that represents its aspirations.

Priming the bear with grey matte prepped my "canvas" for the painting. I used paynes grey, burnt umber, and black to give life to the bear's coat. Using a fan brush, I slowly navigated through giving him texture in his fur.

Textured brushstrokes to give him fur

 Once sanded, primed and the base coat of the bear is done, the exciting part of the design finally arrives. Carefully working around his entire body to accomplish the vision, you find new ways to get to all of the areas. This Bear is taller than me, and so each area had to be worked from a different angle. It was challenging and rewarding at the same time.

There were moments spent outdoors...

Moments spent against work table...

Close detail beginning on face

Birds in Flight toward the Spiral Sun

 I can't truly tell you the length of time it took to complete the Bear, because once in this creative mode....time blends..there are no start and stop times...it becomes Bear Time.
Layers of paint, dry time, paint splattered on clothes, continually moving him to complete your vision, and stepping back to contemplate the process....these things become so much more than doing a painting. It's as if you are creating an entity in itself.

And so becomes "With Wings to Fly", our Bear for the 2013 Bearfootin' Bear Public Art Project.

Front View of "With Wings to Fly"

Back View of "With Wings to Fly"

For those of you that are familiar with my work, you know that most of it revolves around Nature, Animal Totems, and Empowerment...so this project no matter how challenging, is nourishment to my soul. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be involved and hope that it brings a smile to someone's face and that it's message touches someone's heart.
"With Wings to Fly" will be on display in Downtown Hendersonville ( I believe in front of Flight Restaurant) for viewing. His auction will be on October 19th, 2013, when he will be adopted by a loving person.

If you like to learn more about Thrive, the organization that will benefit from it's auction, you can visit their website here
http://thrive4health.org/

Thank you to Mike Kai and Morris Broadband for supporting artists and the community.
http://www.morrisbroadband.com/



Goodbye Old Bear....I will miss our time together.

"With Wings to Fly" and Artist Jeanne Fry

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Stone Crow Shape Shifter

The woman had been feeling empty for years, alone and lost. Each year she had lost more and more little pieces of herself , in relationship and circumstance. After time her face had appeared to look as if it were made of stone, revealing a cold emptiness...until she found a crow mask while out walking.

Stone Crow  Shape Shifter Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

 Once she put on the mask, she was filled with emotion again. She found her voice and felt a completeness in her being. She was able to create within her life again, manifesting her desires and reclaiming all those lost pieces of herself.

Now she is a part of the Crow Clan. She communicates and journeys with them.She has  found her new home.

SOLD

Moose Totem Symbolic Meaning

 

The Moose Totem, one from the animal kingdom that can captivate us in awe, immediately teaches us to not judge a book by it's cover. Because of his large stature and build one would think of them as awkward, but in reality they are quite graceful and adept in their mobility. They have the gift of acclamation and can navigate many types of terrain with skill.

"Moose Medicine" a contemporary folk art painting by Jeanne Fry

 

They move with ease between land and water, a bridge to both worlds, and their link with the water gives them a strong connection with emotions and cleansing...the ability to relate well with others but to also be content alone.

 

Moose is a mentor for building confidence, encouraging those to utilize all of their senses and create a diverse skill set for living in the world...to know when to make their presence known and when to be discreet...to be flexible with changes and learn to work with them...and to live each moment being "aware".

 

It is an excellent totem for those with careers where they need to exhibit diplomacy, to have the ability to know when to be strong and firm, and when to be more delicate and gentle.

 

Moose has the ability to understand self and others and how to be flexible on this journey through life.

 

 

The "Moose Medicine" painting is available in my Artfire Studio if you would like to learn  more about it. Moose Medicine Painting on Artfire

Abstracts in Emotion ~ Passion

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you are forced to change.The transformation can manifest in many ways. As an artist, I find our creativity evolves with these life occurrences and our personal growth.

Recently I found this evolution in my own artwork yet again. My art usually represents my philosophies and experience, and as I grow and evolve personally and meander through my own journey in life, as does so on the canvas. A few days ago  a canvas sat before me and my physical body was greatly fatigued.I studied on that canvas...almost a meditation. Inside my spirit had so much it wanted to release even though this body did not necessarily want to follow suit. Knowing that my usual style of painting would be too intricate and controlled, that day I needed to bring my feelings to the canvas with a graceful ease, a flow from the heart to the hand. This was the creation.

"Passion" by Jeanne Fry

The inspiration behind this painting is symbolic of a "feeling"....a feeling that comes from that place deep inside your belly where your desire..your passion for life..and your creativity reside. No matter how many things are piled on your shoulders, no matter the challenges that you face, nor how weathered you may feel....deep inside this place you are vibrant, alive, and your passion burns on.

I am not sure how long this style of work will stay with me, but I am grateful for the inspiration and ability as always, and will release and create as long as the fire burns in my belly.

Namaste,

Jeanne

This painting is not available any longer. You can visit our Artfire studio to see available paintings.
Conscious Art Studios on Artfire



The Divine Feminine ~ Personal Portraits in our Mind's Eye

Everyone has a different concept or image in their mind of how the Divine Feminine is represented. My thoughts have been on this recently and I was inspired by a quote that I had read

"When you feel you are being moved by the creative spirit, you are in fact being moved by the divine feminine." Teri Degler

And so, my painting began and continued non-stop until completion of what I see in my mind and soul when I think of the Feminine Divine.

 


The original painting of the Divine Feminine is not available any longer, although you can order prints and greeting cards of her in my Fine Art America studio here Prints of the Divine Feminine