Original acrylic on canvas

​

Indigenous people’s regard the Toucan as sacred conduits between the living world and the spirits. They are a symbol that represents communication, clarity and balance and speaking out. Their population is sadly decreasing and their habitat increasingly encroached upon and destroyed. The indigenous people, the natural caretakers of these wild places are also being threatened and driven out of their beloved homelands. I stand with Survival International and their efforts to give indigenous people a voice, so that we can protect our natural world guided by those that have been doing just that for the last 35,000 years.

Original acrylic on canvas
41 x 51 cm

​

The koi’s natural characteristics embody determination and courage and in Japan they are said to have the brave heart of a Samurai. They will be determined and swim up waterfalls and streams to get to their destination. They are known also as swimming flowers able to engage our attention and yet give a feeling of relaxation. They represent abundance and prosperity, stay in tune and go with the flow. Two Koi’s also represent the balancing of masculine and feminine, ying and yang.

Original acrylic and pastel on board.
42 x 60 cm

​

The Bororo Tribe of Brazil considers the Macaw a messenger of the Gods and Ancestors, carrying prayers to the Heavens. They represent mindfulness and the genuine power of the spoken word. Their words or songs encourage you to open your heart and embody forgiveness, growth and compassion. Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest is a relentless ongoing threat. Inadequate governmental deterrents for illegal loggers perpetuate this destruction. Incredibly an area of 6 football pitches is cut down every minute for palm and soya plantations and grazing land for beef production. Deforestation fires are now responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gases. Survival International are an organisation that give a voice to indigenous people who are loosing their homeland and are directly affected along with the wildlife and plant life. These amazonian tribes act as guardians and protectors of the last pristine remnants of the forest biosphere. They have a culture and knowledge of how to live sustainably and if we as a species listen, perhaps we can turn the tide on a very bleak human legacy.

Original acrylic and oil
with gold leaf on canvas

​

The Rook as with the raven and the crow are intertwined with similar meaning. They encompass intelligence and communication through following your intuition. They have the wisdom and ability to deal with change and loss, hence their ancient association with death change and letting go. Growth is never straight and like the circle they represent transition, evolution and revelation.

Original acrylic and oil
on board

​

The Raven is believed to have the power of prophesy and protection. This was the second painting I created with strong influences on how I felt at the time with regard to my immediate world around me personally and of the global issues surrounding the human psyche and the world we live in.

Original charcoal and pastel
on paper 21 x 42 cm

​

The Hare symbolises new beginnings. This particular piece of art was in fact my first endeavour to draw after many years of not. I was so anxious to even put a mark down on the paper. I had no intention at that time to sell any of my emerging work and yet I was so afraid. In ancient teachings the hare represents protection, solitude, focus and love. Come out into the light and enjoy life.

Original acrylic and gold leaf
on paper 

​

‘Mad as a March Hare’ is the saying associated with the hares that are seen boxing in the meadows in early spring. The fight is not just between the males but also with females, testing each other’s prowess and strength. The Hare represents new beginnings and coming out into the light to new opportunities. They also teach alertness, like the sound of a tribal drum the hare will beat his foot to warn of danger sending the whole family home, safe underground.

Original acrylic on canvas
40 x 50 cm

​

The Barn Owl likes to remain hidden and observe their surroundings calmly. They are symbolic of wisdom, mystique, silence and listening. The owl teaches us to calmly discern what is around us and follow intuition as it arises.

Original acrylic and pastel on paper .
42 x 58 cm

​

There is rich symbolism associated with the magpie. My intention was to create a piece that spoke of joy and freedom. Although I have a rough idea of where I am going with a piece of art, I never know the final outcome or the symbols that emerge. The Hawthorn represents love and protection and the two magpies of black and white, nod to the world of opposites, ying and yang. The magpie reminds us to use our discernment when we are faced with all that glitters, let go of what is old and allow in the new.

Original acrylic on paper
29 x 28.5 cm

​

The symbolism of the blackbird represents the keeper of truth, unveiling that which has been obscured and ignored by the naked eye. He speaks of great transformation which can be achieved through finding your authentic voice and speaking your truth.

Original acrylic and gold leaf
on canvas 15 x 15 cm

Original acrylic 
on canvas 15 x 15 cm