I started this painting, ‘Unity’, at a live painting exhibit at the ‘Unity Festival’ in Slocan, BC, close to where I live. I considered what ‘Unity’ means to me. I was in a Women’s Circle that met once every new moon, and in the opening of the circle, we would sing the directions song, calling on the Spirits of the four directions to bring the essence of their spirit to the circle. It was very beautiful.
The Spirit of the East is Eagle, who we call to for vision & clarity. The Spirit of the South is Turtle, who we call to for trusting & innocence. The Spirit of the West is Bear, who we call to for dreaming & intuition. And finally the Spirit of the North is Dragon, who we call to for knowing & wisdom. And in the centre is the Earth, represented by the Tree of Life and the Flower of Life.
Especially at this time in the world, with all the social changes & collective awakening happening, I like to consider the different people of the four directions represented by these animals & recognize the common centre we share is the essence of life and this amazing Earth.
The original oil painting completed in 2020, is 30″ x 36″, with water mixable oil paints on canvas stretched over a wooden frame.
