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Friday, October 25, 2013

Totem Poles, Animals and Skinny Spaces

Woodland Totem

Wolf
Woodland Totem detail

Woodland Totem
encaustic 6 x 24
 I needed a long skinny painting.  I have just the space.  But, what does one paint in a long skinny format?  Actually, this painting has been tossing around in my mind for some time.  I'm a bit interested in the idea of animal totems and the wisdom they hold.  So many of our cultures hold beliefs of the animals and their stories and meanings. 
Living in the pacific northwest, we have a very rich Native American culture here.  There are many totem poles around our area.  The belief is abundant about the concept of animal spirit meanings.  Stories have been passed through generations that decipher the meanings of these animals.  Each animal has its unique message that it carries.
It was a pretty joyful experience for me to put together this painting with my furry and feathered friends in totem pole style.  Have a happy Friday, everyone!

Owl
Woodland Totem detail

Bear
Woodland Totem detail



Deer
Woodland Totem detail


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27 comments:

  1. LorraineOctober 25, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    superb inspirational art as ever

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  2. MarianneOctober 25, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    Beautiful portraits all of them and a super encaustic painting. I love it!!
    xxx Marianne

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  3. VictoriaOctober 25, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Fabulous work..such feeling and energy shining through...gorgeous and magical!
    Victoria

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  4. Valerie-JaelOctober 25, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    Just terrific, love all the animal portraits and the wonderful totem! Valerie

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  5. GlorV1October 25, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    Wow, these are fantastic! Lots of "deep" energy flowing from these beautiful creatures. Thank you.
    gloria

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  6. Joy MurrayOctober 25, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    Beautiful work! I think you capture both the souls of the animals and the magical mythology that we have created with them, It should bring you lots of good spirits and inspirations.

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  7. Twist of PinkOctober 25, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Wonderful animals! Really like your work. Happy PPF!

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  8. bellefrogworksOctober 25, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Your totem is just wonderful - love your art

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  9. DebbieOctober 25, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    What a clever idea and beautiful results!! I haven't had my wax out for a long time. You're making me want to turn on the griddle and play! :-)

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  10. Lisabella RussoOctober 25, 2013 at 6:33 PM

    Fantastic! I love your totem pole painting, the animals are wonderful!

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  11. Anne MandaOctober 25, 2013 at 10:48 PM

    Wonderful, very strong and impressive! Great piece!

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  12. GigglesOctober 25, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    A wonderful representation of British Columbia's wildlife too Marji! Gorgeous work , very spiritually rich! Powerful work! I would hope the indigenous people would be honored!

    Hugs Giggles

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  13. www.dorissdaughter.comOctober 26, 2013 at 2:23 AM

    Wonderful representation of an animal totem. Love this Marji :)

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  14. Linda KunsmanOctober 26, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    your animal totem is stunning Marji! the rich colors, details and depth of this is amazing!

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  15. PaintingWriteOctober 26, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    Well this is the perfect subject matter for a long skinny painting! I love it! Native American culture fascinates me and I love that they had such respect for nature and the animals they share the planet with so this animal totem fascinates me. Beautiful work.

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  16. Irene RafaelOctober 26, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    fabulous totem painting. i can feel the joy you experienced by looking at the painting. i am sure that it is even more stunning in person.

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  17. Šolanje na domu-WaldorfOctober 26, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    I think it's a fabulous idea for a skinny and truly fabulously executed. :)

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  18. dentheOctober 27, 2013 at 1:35 AM

    Such a great idea! love the wisdom that shines out of their eyes ....

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  19. lorikOctober 27, 2013 at 2:12 AM

    I love your painterly style and generally love your art!

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  20. Tammie DickersonOctober 27, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Beautiful work! Love the depth and dimension in your artwork :)

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  21. Gillena CoxOctober 31, 2013 at 4:24 AM

    your animal spirits shine through

    much love...

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  22. minnemieNovember 2, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    I love 'em... you knew I would! And your palette also happens to be a favorite of mine:-)

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  23. GigglesNovember 22, 2013 at 3:06 AM

    Just wanted to tell you that you're missed! Hope you're well!

    Hugs Giggles

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  24. UnknownNovember 29, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    Gorgeous totem with wise characters on it. I hope all is well, Marji. Big, big hugs to you!!!

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  25. seablueleeDecember 6, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    Marji, this is amazing. They look so real and three-dimensional -- I'll bet they come to life at night when you're not looking.

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  26. ManuelDecember 7, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Me encanta la mirada de sus ojos; el búho impresiona; el oso me transmite ternura, (como si de un oso de peluche se tratara); el lobo te acecha, pendiente de un descuido, para cazarte; y el ciervo curiosos como siempre.
    MI enhorabuena, muy buen trabajo.
    Un cordial saludo desde Sevilla.

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  27. GigglesDecember 20, 2013 at 9:19 PM

    Dearest Marji you are missed my dear!! I hope you are well and happily creating and showing your work!! Not sure how you celebrate but wishing you a healthy year ahead with fiscal abundance and joy!

    Hugs Giggles

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