Hummingbird Landing Gourd Sculpture and it's Story

It doesn't seem to matter who you are, how big or small, it's near impossible to not be affected by the arrival of a Hummingbird.  We two-leggeds stop in our tracks, frozen, so as not to disturb his flight of quick little bursts from here to there, almost as if he's teasing us with a game of peak a boo. The pure and happy energy from this delicate little winged one can bring a smile to our  face almost as quickly as his wings flutter.

We await, ever so still, in hopes that the hummingbird will land and greet us, as the Tree Spirit here has done. Quietly, not a flinch, giving stillness for the landing.

For when it lands, pure awe is present, a joy, a trust in one another, a moment of utter magic even though brief.

And that's what Life's moments are....a memory of the magic that the Universe provides, the little things that catch our breath and make us smile.

Hummingbird Landing is a Gourd and Clay Folk Art Sculpture by Jeanne Fry.
It has been sold.







Symbolic Meaning of the Pileated Woodpecker

In many cultures around the world, woodpeckers are known for and symbolic of the drumming, and of course within that the heartbeat. They are immediately distinctive when one hears them, and while many may not realize on a conscious level, they can soon help you reconnect with the heartbeat of the Earth...a primal knowing of balance.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest in the woodpecker family. The symbolism of the colors are important to his meaning. The black and white is representative of how we look at things, our perspectives, and being able to discern between rational and emotional based situations. This is a meaningful totem when one is being overwhelmed by drama and not able to see clearly the basis of what is truly happening. The red crest is symbolic of power, and in this case, powerful mental faculties.

The Pileated Woodpecker is a Master at his craft, nurturing and teaching those around him to find their rhythm in life, and to stay connected, balanced, and level headed in their thinking.

It all leads back to the drumming and the heartbeat.

The Original Folk Art Painting above of the Pileated Woodpecker Mother and her Babies is available in our online shop here Pileated Woodpecker Mother and Babies Original Painting

She Stands in the Circle of Stones

Some years ago I came across a book called "Circle of Stones" by Judith Duerk. So touched by the writings it became one of my most treasured books. It reminded me to look at where I came from, to keep the wisdom from the elders alive in today's world, to strengthen the bonds of "sisterhood", and above all... to pass the love, support, and wisdom on.

"She Stands in the Circle of Stones" by Jeanne Fry

On a personal note, I have spent the past year weeding out unhealthy relationships in my life....the ones that were one-sided, neurotic, self-serving, and energy robbers. After doing so, I then began nurturing those relationships that I treasure, giving them the more focused and meaningful time and energy I now had.

While my circle is smaller...it is stronger, authentic, and healthy.

 

This journey is what inspired my latest piece "She Stands in the Circle of Stones".

(She Stands in the Circle of Stones is no longer available to collect) but you can see more in our Artfire Studio here http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConsciousArtStudios

Bearfootin' in Downtown Hendersonville ~ Public Art

It's always an honor to create something lasting, something for a community, and something that will benefit an important organization. Recently I was involved in a public art project for downtown Hendersonville. Every year generous businesses sponsor a bear, team up with an artist to paint the bear with a decided theme, and put the bear out for display in the downtown. At the end of the season, in the Fall, the bears are auctioned off to benefit a community organization.

Sculpture of Bearfootin' Bear

This year I teamed up with Morris Broadband as my sponsor. With Morris Broadband being such a positive force in the community and an active supporter of the Arts, they chose the Arts Council of Henderson County as their organization to benefit from the auction.

I was very excited to receive the Mama Bear and Cub sculpture to paint, as I had just recently painted a similar painting of a bear and her baby.

The theme I chose to present on the sculpture was called "Together We Can", which I felt portrayed the community support and the arts, pulling in the aspects of Morris Broadband and the Arts Coyuncil of Henderson County.

"Together We Can...support one another.

Together We Can...support our community

Together We Can...support the Arts

Together We Can...make the world a more beautiful place"

Beginning of painting the Bearfootin' Bear

With that in mind I began painting the basis of the bears...shades of black, umber and honey brown on their noses, and details of the eyes.

Base coat on Bearfootin' Bear

Once the basis of the bears was painted I decided how to portray my theme. I chose to have the bear cub as an artist, learning how to express and paint, and so began the details of the cub. A large tree silhouette was painted on the mama bear's back. Each leaf was a different vibrant color, having been painted by the cub. In the cub's hand was a tree branch on which he had painted "Together We Can", and an open paint can sits in front of him. A paintbrush is held in his other paw.

Tree Silhouette on Bearfootin' Bear

"Together We Can" Bearfootin' Bear by Jeanne Fry

Once the bears were completed it was time to deliver them to a local body shop where they would receive their clear coat that would protect them from the elements while on public display.

"Together We Can" Bear by Jeanne Fry after the Clear Coat

Bearfootin' Bear ready for display in Downtown Hendersonville

After the official "Reveal" celebration, the bears are placed at various locations in the downtown. "Together We Can" is shown in front Flight Restaurant, which is near the Arts Council of Henderson County. Many thanks go out to American Doll for adopting the bear ( taking them in at night and bring them back out in the morning), Morris Broadband, The Arts Council of Henderson County, and Downtown Hendersonville for the wonderful opportunity to create "Together We Can".

Here was my recent visit to see them on display...

"Together We Can" by Jeanne Fry

Together We Can.....

Sun Spirit in the Ancient Healing Garden

The Sun Spirit brings a remembrance of an ancient time, when life was simpler, when we lived in more natural ways, when we were connected more strongly with nature. When she is present our days seem to be in a more positive light and we feel as if anything is possible. She watches over us in our days, warming us, helping us and everything around us heal and grow.

Sun Spirit in the Ancient Healing Garden by Jeanne Fry

She is a reminder when life gets hectic or we don't feel quite right, to get back to basics and honor the things nature brings to us.

Strong ~ Vibrant ~ Positive ~ Healing

This is the third painting in my series, "Healing in the Ancient Garden"

Earthy colors of yellow ochre, turquoise, burnt umber, burnt orange, and titanium white were used in the painting, which is 12 x 12 and sealed with a satin finish. The spirals are representative of the healing energy from the Sun Spirit.

SOLD



Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Symbolic Folk Art

"Crow Carrying Sun Medicine"  is the second painting in the trio "Healing in the Ancient Garden".

Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

This painting focuses on the Crow himself, who is depicted here as the messenger, the carrier, bringing the sun's medicine for those in the garden who may be missing it. Maybe they are small and not able to catch the sun on their own, maybe they are blocked by other growth around them, but never the less....Crow realizes what they need and assists in the delivery of the sun's medicine to them.

The symbiotic nature of this ancient garden is a reminder of how connected life is and how we all affect one another. In my readings, was inspired by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan, "Life does not take over the globe by combat, but by networking."

This original painting was sold, but prints are available here in our Artfire Studio

Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Art Print in Artfire Shop 

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here
Crow Carrying Sun Medicine Art Print on Fine Art America

Crow in the Ancient Healing Gardens Folk Art

In my newest painting, I wanted to reflect a time long ago when healing was a bit more natural and our connection with the Earth was stronger. In doing so, I used soft earthy colors as the palette, maize and ochre, burnt sienna and umber, turquoise and sage green and began layer upon layer. Umber spirals are placed throughout the painting to represent the healing process of the garden. Bits of titanium white can be seen amongst the layers, symbolic that a "cleansing" had occurred before the growth.

Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Sun is meant to appear old but strong, natural and indigenous, lending it's hand to the  growth below.

And within all of this, I needed a totem. As Crow has been coming to our home the past few days in a much more prevalent way, this was the chosen totem. In the painting, the Crow is symbolic not only as a messenger, but for "creating anew" which I feel gives the painting completion...

Cleansing, Growth, and Renewal

In the Ancient Healing Gardens with Crow

This original painting has been sold, but Art Prints of it are available in our Artfire Shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Folk Art Prints for Sale 

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America shop here

Crow in the Ancient Healing Garden Art Print on Fine Art America