Quail Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Quail Totem is a wonderful Animal Teacher, bringing lessons that focus on Self Care, Grounding, and the importance of doing so. 

With the Quail being a bird that is widely hunted, he has much he can teach us humans about living and surviving symbolically in this big ol' world. Awareness is needed in order to not only see Opportunities, but to see where dangers and pitfalls lie. It is the calm, grounded soul that can be fully aware of their surroundings. If were are to make wise decisions in the face of adversity or crisis, those decisions must come from our balanced self. It is from this place that we know when to move forward and when to hang back, when to be open and when to protect ourselves. 

In order to be at our best in balance, we  must become a master in self care, nurturing the body mind and spirit. Eating well, sleeping well, having "me" time, and surrounding ourselves with healthy relationships...all can help us breathe deeply and calmly. Above all, Quail reminds us to listen to our inner voice, for there lies many answers that can be useful on this journey.

Polar Bear Totem Symbolic Meaning

I've painted Bear Totems for years, so many Black and Brown bears in my creations, but over the past few months I have been attracted to the beautiful Polar Bear. My first was a custom requested Polar Bear Gourd Ceremony Rattle which motivated me to start learning more about them. Since then I have worked with and learned more and more about their energy.

The Polar Bear is a very special animal teacher. They are known for pure spirit, exceptional strength, and make choices based on their inner knowing and never their fears. They are resourceful, even when it seems as if there are no resources, which when coupled with their perseverance and adaptability makes them a motivating survivor. They can go the distance, able to attain their vision. 

They teach us the importance of making clear choices that are based on our highest good - the choices that can lead us toward following our calling -not the choices that can keep us down.
They represent cycles, and moving through them, and allowing them to flow from beginning to end....andto have the wisdom to know when a cycle is absolutely complete and needs to be let go.
  The Polar Bear can teach us much about Energy, how to conserve it, and how to spend it.

They remind us that when we live our life with a pure and honest heart, our spirit has open communication with Source.

Their white fur (purity in spirit) is their camouflage, allowing them to hunt in a way that they can stand back, watch, and listen. This combined with their focused patience makes them highly effective hunters, lending to decisiveness and strategic planning. 

They fully utilize their senses and capabilities, able to smell a seal (their primary food source) up to 1 mile away. 

They are "sure-footed" on ice and slippery terrain, having dermal bumps on the pads of their feet for traction - symbolic of ability to navigate difficult circumstances with balance and a confident spirit. Their claws are deeply "scooped" for digging in ice, which symbolizes an aptitude in searching for answers and meaning in life. 

Their skill in the water allows them to swim for days at a time, up to 6 mph. In fact, they spend more time in the water, then they do on land. Their scientific name is Ursus Maritimus - which means Maritime Bear. This strong bond with the water is symbolic of a balance of emotions. While the Polar Bear is a strong effective hunter, they are also extremely nurturing and protective of their young. They are not territorial as one might think, and often choose to escape instead of fighting. 

Often the Polar Bear will lead a mostly solitary life, though I don't consider this lonely, but symbolically in a place where one is happy and content with themselves and who they are. 

Crow and Bear Protection Totem and it's Symbolism

Animal Totems have always been very important in my life, even since childhood. I look to Nature when I need to feel Peace, and I look to my Animal Totems when I need a different perspective on things. Resonating with the Earth gives me the Grounding that I need to make decisions in a calm and balanced way. 

I study the animal kingdom daily, their ways of survival, communicating, and cycles. When the totems come to me, either physically or through vision, their message and wisdom always can be applied to my own current circumstances. 

Last week as I sat in my studio I had two beautiful yet oddly shaped gourds sitting on my work table, waiting to be transformed. They had been their for a few weeks, waiting for the inspiration to materialize. Then late one evening while I was quietly writing in my notebooks, I knew. I would sculpt a Totem, one for Protection....for the home, and it would honor the Crow and Bear. 

The base of the Gourd would represent the human, our spirit. Above would be the Crow - as the Watchmen, alerting us with his messages and voice as he watches over our realm. Under would be the Bear - the protector, who nurtures with tender love but at the same time will guard their family fiercely.  

I sculpted in entirety that night, the Crow and Bear, wanting their energy to stay in a continuum.

I kept the natural shape of the gourd, which had a looped end on the top, perfect for the creation of the Crow. By the next day I began the painting, giving the Crow and Bear their richness.

 A Tribal Face was painted in the center to represent the human, detailed with the Sun and Moon, symbolic for the protective qualities to be present Night and Day, while walking in both worlds.

 A Star scene was painted withing the Bear's fur, as he carries wisdom from the Star Beings. 

Crow tracks were painted up one side of the Totem, and Bear Tracks up the other side of the Totem. One of his feathers painted drifting down, as a gift.

 The Crow's tail feathers extend down the back of the Totem, resting above a branch from the Tree of Life. 

The Crow and Bear Totem was created to bring it's protective essence to the home, to place near the front door to always remind one they are watched over.

SOLD

Please contact us if you would like to commission a similar piece.

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

Armadillo Shield Symbolic Gourd Necklaces and Totem Meaning

Animal Totem Art has been my focus for many years. With the majority of my creative inspiration coming from nature and the animal kingdom, there is a wealth of wisdom to be learned from them. My personal totem is the Lizard, who's lessons I have benefited greatly from over time.

Recently I was having a conversation with my wonderful Aussie friend, Nicole. Our talk grazed over spirituality, life lessons, and intuitiveness, as it often does. Late one night while in the midst of one our philosophical chats, Armadillo totem wisdom was sent to me. 

This was unusual, for armadillo has certainly never come to my attention.

The Armadillo is most known for it's shield of armor that he wears. This is his source of protection, with his underbelly (inner self) being his vulnerable area. When he feels danger near he will roll up into a tight ball and protect himself. In reflection for humans, the danger could be physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual. I pondered over this little creature, visualizing him curled up in a ball...a circle.

I realized while talking with Nicole that for the past few weeks I had been wearing a particular gourd necklace.

It was one that my husband and I  had made, a circle disk made of gourd. The piece was simple and natural and when I wore it I felt a sense of strength and courage, and yes...protection. I was especially wearing it when I would go out to holiday gatherings and virtually everywhere in public. I pay special attention to what I adorn myself with when I am out, as I am very sensitive to the energy of others. How serendipitous that the armadillo and his symbolism was becoming more prevalent to me. 

Armadillos have sharp claws and are expert diggers. This would be symbolic of "getting to the root" of the matter. It is beneficial to know the underlying motivations and things unseen in situations. By being aware, we are able to use the protection ability more proficiently. We wouldn't want to ball ourselves up and protect ourselves from everything, for we might be missing out on a great love or opportunity. Learning when to protect ourselves and to what extent is the great lesson.

We decided to make more of these gourd pendants for others that may want to connect with the wisdom of the Armadillo. The are simple, earthy, and rustic.

 The pendants are made from gourd circle disks (symbolic shields) that were shaped and sanded by John. We then paint them different subtle color combinations allowing one to choose the color the resonates with them. The backs of the shields are painted black. A small silhouette of the armadillo is painted on them and our signatures underneath. This way, at any time that you need to remind yourself of the wisdom, you can just flip the shield over to see the armadillo. Small gemstones and glass beads adorn the shields to represent the richness of our spirits. They are strung on leather cord, vintage style copper, or bronze finish chains that have a rustic look, creating a unique earthy piece of jewelry.

Green Armadillo Shield Symbolic Totem Gourd Necklace
SOLD

 Copper Armadillo Shield Symbolic Totem Gourd Necklace
SOLD

Purple Armadillo Shield Symbolic Gourd Necklace with Blue Shells
SOLD

 Blue Armadillo Shield Symbolic Totem Gourd Necklace
SOLD

 Deep Blue Armadillo Shield Symbolic Totem Gourd Necklace
SOLD

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.

Emotional Healing with the Sea Turtle Totem and Reiki Symbols

My most recent painting is titled "Emotional Healing", and focuses on the Sea Turtle Totem and incorporation of Reiki Symbols. I was inspired to create a painting that would be soothing and be symbolic for the healing of our thoughts...feelings...and emotions. The Sea Turtle and the Water itself, both are symbolic of the Feminine, Motherhood, and the Nurturing that is involved with our personal growth and evolving as we age. They represent the ability to find balance in one's emotions, thereby being able to make solid choices that make both the heart and mind content. That balance also helps us to "ride the current", or ups and downs in life's journey.

"Emotional Healing" with the Sea Turtle Totem and Reiki Symbols by Jeanne Fry

As a Traditional Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, I decided to incorporate a few of the Reiki Healing Symbols into the painting, to amplify the healing effects. The Cho Ku Rei symbol is a power symbol, and was painted to boost the balancing aspects. The Sei He Ki is a specific symbol that is used for emotional and relationship healing. And I used a Contemporary Master Symbol, for Soul Healing and to represent the Light of the Awakened Heart. 

This is a powerful healing piece of artwork, that I envisioned could be used as a meditation tool, or to display in a massage therapist's or healer's office. The soothing calming color work and the symbolism is engaging and brings one to focus.

The Original Painting has sold. Art Prints of it are available in my Fine Art America online shop. They will ship directly to you.
Emotional Healing with the Sea Turtle Art Print

Honeybee Totem Meaning

The Honeybee has been gaining a tremendous amount of attention recently, due to their high importance in nature and the large loss in their population. Our human existence relies heavily on them, so I wanted to take some time to share their symbolic meaning.

The Honeybee and Daydreams of Honeycomb, a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Honeybee is quite complex in its design, living skills, and social community. 

Life as we know it depends on the skills of the Honeybee. Their productive lives pollinate plants and flowers, many of which would not have another source of pollinating without the bee. They have the ability to "taste" through their legs, so when they land on plants they are able to sense if there is nectar available. They can store pollen in special sacks on their hind legs to take back to their hives that can be combined with nectar to make "bee bread", a special food source for the bees.The pollen also can attached itself to hairs on the bee's legs that is then transferred from flower to flower as they are foraging....thus pollinating. While it may seem that they are simply creating their hive and honeycomb for their own benefit, in the "bigger picture" other species of life (including humans) depend on their work. They are symbolic of Fertility.

Each bee has its own place in their colony, be it the Queen Bee, Worker Bees, or Drones. All of them have a vital place in their community, with each one depending on another.  This dependence on one another is just like in our own human society, with each person contributing. We can not accomplish our goals alone, no matter how much we think that we can. We all rely on others to formulate our "world". 

The Honeybee is symbolic for being able to accomplish things that others thought we could not. For a long time people were perplexed at the fact that the honeybee could even fly. His body is much larger than his wings, and it was with wonderment that this creature could accomplish flight. Although simply, the bee is able to fly because of the high rate in speed that his wings flutter. This lets us know that no matter what challenges we have in our path, there is always a way to overcome. Persistence and hard work will help us succeed. 

Their winter survival again urges us in helping one another. They huddle together in their hive, with the Queen Bee in the center. All the other bees surround her to keep her warm, knowing that she is the source of life. The bees will rotate around her through the winter, so that no honeybee gets too cold.

The Honeycomb has its own special symbolism, with each section being in the shape of the 6 sided hexagon. The hexagon represents the Heart and the Sun, reminding us of the importance of Balance. We must work hard towards our dreams and goals, together and individually...but we must also "taste of the honey". In other words, we should reap the benefits of our hard work, enjoying what we have created. It is the balance of work and play, give and take.It is the cycle of life, and enjoying each moment as it is given to us.

The Original of this Painting as sold.

Finding a Direction..a Bear and his Compass

The Black Bear sits attentively in the foreground, contemplating which direction to proceed in. Seems he has been in this space before. The roads all seem familiar. Sometimes familiar can be comforting, but sometimes we need to remember that if it didn't take you towards your dream the first time it's probably not the right way to go now.  Careful thought is being given to the choices that lie before him. He knows not to proceed without using his balanced wisdom, so he chooses to wait and watch.

Finding a Direction, a Mixed Media Painting by Jeanne Fry

 When his heart feels the "knowing" and his feet feel firm and steady, he will make the right choice...and his dream will become his reality.

The Original Painting has sold.

Animal Totem Ornaments from Gourd and Wood

Well, my favorite time of year is coming up...Autumn, and a whole new set of inspirations begin to fill my heart. I love the crisp mornings, the new seasonal foods, apple cider, sweet breads, and the colors...oh the COLORS ! Of course as we all begin to enjoy the season and that "nesting" feeling starts to set in, we have thoughts for the holidays. 

Now is the time I start making some seasonal pieces, and especially ornaments. Since I like to work with natural elements, I create on primarily wood and gourd. Being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I decorate with a woodland theme, and animal totems are rampant in my work. For those of you who have some of my decorations, you know the ornaments go fast. I have a little collection available now and wanted to share them with you, as I can't guarantee how many I will be doing this season.

Animal Totem Ornaments on Gourd and Wood by Jeanne Fry

You are welcome to message me requests for specific animal totems. Available now are: Lizard, Owl, Crow, Bear, Raccoon, Eagle, and Moose.

You can find them in our Artfire Shop in the "Animal Totem Ornament" category. You can follow the link here

Animal Totem Folk Art Ornaments on Wood and Gourd

The Horse Totem, Healing, and a Little Girl

When an artist is in the process of painting, they never truly know how important that piece is going to become in their life. When I am navigating through my process, the focus is on sharing my journey, my growth, my inspirations, and accessing my intuition.

This week the focus behind my paintings was "overcoming". I was immersed in a creative frenzy, painting almost non-stop for three days. Each night my husband urged me to go to bed at a decent hour, but the palette kept my attention until 3am each morning. 

One of the paintings from this run was of a horse totem, named "Run Fast, Run Hard". There was movement in the strokes and a portrayal of speed, as the painting is motivating you to move fast and work hard toward your dreams. 

Run Fast, Run Hard a Contemporary Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

Occasionally over those three days I would post a few photos of what I had been painting on our Facebook art page. As soon as I would share the photos I would go back to painting. My cell phone alerted me of a private message through Facebook, with an inquiry of interest about the painting. 

As soon as I started reading the message from my phone, I was engaged in a story, and knew that I needed to sign into the computer and give it more focus.

A mother in California was interested in purchasing the painting for her 9 year old daughter. As she shared with me the reason that she wanted it, my heart moved to another place....a place in my own past.

Her daughter Ashley has a rare disease that she is battling, Pediatric Sarcoidosis. A lump in my throat started forming as I felt the link with my own Lupus, as both attack random organs in the body. She told me how strong Ashley is and how she loves to paint. She has been loving horses as of late, and since her mom can't give her an actual horse, she wanted to give her my painting.

She included a link to the fundraising site they have set up for Ashley to help cover her medical bills so that I could learn a little more about her. When I opened the link, the tears started falling. When I looked into her eyes, I saw my own when I was little. My mind raced back to when I myself was so young, when at the age of 4 I was in the hospital and became an amputee.

During my hospital stay I had been given a gift by a stranger. The man had stopped me in the hall and had given me a painting of Faith, Hope, & Charity. I never saw the man again, but I still have that painting to this day.

I knew that this painting had to be a gift to Ashley, of that there was no question. The gift that I had received had changed my life, teaching me that love and compassion exist in unexpected places. My hope is that Ashley will feel that too, and always be surrounded by love and support.

This trip back in time, flood of emotions, and decision making all happened in just a few minutes. I soon looked up with the tears welled in my eyes and showed my husband Ashley's link. As soon as he saw it, he said "She looks just like you when you were little", and he himself was fighting back the tears. 

I'm sharing her link here, in the case that you might want to donate to her cause, and should you choose to you are not only helping her and her mom, but my own inner child spirit as well.

http://www.gofundme.com/ashwoodfund

I am grateful for this moment in my life as an artist, as it has been one of the most meaningful exchanges I have ever experienced.

In Love and Light,

Jeanne


 

Hedgehog Totem Meaning

When meeting a Hedgehog many will immediately feel caution because of his "spiked" appearance. Of course you are supposed to feel guarded, as this was Mother Nature's way of providing him protection. When they feel threatened they will curl up into a ball, tricking their predator into thinking they would not be a good meal. Hedgehog teaches us that it is not always wise to let our vulnerabilities show to those we are unsure of.

Hedgehog Totem Original Painting ATC Card by Jeanne Fry

These little wonders of nature are called "Hedgehogs" because they forage and hunt through low lying brush, undergrowth, bushes and hedges. They are resourceful and meticulous in their daily living, which is another good lesson. The Hedgehog reminds us to take our time and we will see opportunities that are available. 

Most species are nocturnal, similar to the opossum. This is symbolic of being connected to the dream time and one's own intuition. The hedgehog can remind one to trust their gut feelings and protect themselves when need be. It is the "knowing" that helps one along their path, suggesting doors of opportunity and to be patient in the lessons.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you are enchanted with this little Hedgehog painting, it is done on an ATC (Artist Trading Card), that is available in our Artfire Shop here

Hedgehog Totem Artist Trading Card Painting

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

Cardinal Totem and its Symbolic Meaning

Recently I have been very attracted to the Cardinal Totem, especially since I have a male and female couple that have taken up residence nearby and come to visit me every day. Watching the tender care they give one another , and the special balance they exhibit between being assertive and being passive have given me many contemplative mornings.

Their beautiful red color represents vitality, strength, and standing in one's own power. They remind us not to be afraid to be ourselves, and when we're feeling spent and burned out, there is always tomorrow to try again. They are definitely a "follow your passion" totem.

We live in a woodland area where there is an abundance of birds, but I have become very attuned to the cardinal voice. The female is just as vocal as the male, which is not usual among most birds. It calls to us as women to speak our truth, and to do so with grace. 

The cardinal is a beautiful totem to work with, teaching us balance between Passion and Responsibility, between Assertiveness and Grace, and to never give up.

Cardinal Totem Original Painting Bookmark by Jeanne Fry

This morning while painting, I decided to create a Cardinal Totem on a few bookmarks.

The Cardinal Bookmark has been sold.

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/