Spirit Animal Portraiture

As a child I knew intuitively that the world teamed with spirits: trees, rivers, flowers, rocks, insects and of course animals. It wasn’t just that these things were alive (and they were) but that they possessed the exact qualities of aliveness as myself, as every human. As I matured the eternal spirits of the universe became central to my art. They insisted I acknowledge their presence.

As an adult I stumbled upon the metaphysical philosophy called animism, discovering that my sensory connection to the environment is not only shared by others but is also a core belief among many ancient cultures. For myself and others, animism is not simply a child’s fanciful conception, but a legitimate mode of perceiving the world.

While it is true that my fascination with Spirit Animal Portraiture is indeed whimsical, resplendent and amusing, it also carries with it a deep wisdom and appreciation for the natural world and every facet within it.  My goal is to speak for those creatures and elements whose voices are rarely heard, whose profound wisdom offers humans salvation if they would only take the time to listen and learn. My art is a bridge between the sanity of the natural world and humanity’s chaotic, destructive, frenetic actions. My creations highlight the connectedness inherent in life and remind us of the importance of diversity, sustainability and the sublime beauty all around us.