PASSIONS in leather: FOREST SPIRIT

Animal Medicine

Do you want to get back to nature?
The truth is that we never left. We are always in touch with nature. We are always connected. Unfortunately though some of us are not open to or fail to recognize the connection.

Animals have much to teach us. Their survival skills, their playfulness, their nurturing abilities, and their strengths, gentleness and courage just to name a few.

They can become our friends, teachers and companions. If we set aside our prejudice, our preconceived notions. If we can allow ourselves to be open, we can then awaken to the majesty of life and our own inherent nobility.

SPIRIT MASKS

I have lost track of the number of masks I have made and sold. Many are in the surrounding area although some have gone to other countries.
No animals were specifically hurt for the creation of these masks. I use only animal parts that come my way through other sources.
There was a time that I would not even consider touching any animal that had expired. Now, rather then see it go to waste I honour that animal by creating something beautiful much like itself. Each mask is original it is one of a kind.

ALMOST 100

Imagine what it would feel like to be 99 years old.
( Somedays when I fall into bed or upon getting up I feel like I'm 99 years old myself. ) The stories you could tell about your life's experiences would be very interesting. History in the making. Take heed we are all heading in that direction and I would like to think that somewhere in my lifetime I made a difference. How about you? What are the things that matter most to you and how would you like to be remembered?
I am not a history buff. My memory is too short! I can relate to certain emotional experiences.
One time during a very difficult period in my life while speaking with a kind soul on a crisis line, I related how I could not stop crying. You need to realize how involved I am with nature and my native crafts. The advise she gave struck home and opened the door to a life altering experience. She advised me that the next time I felt like that to go and hug a tree. Regardless of how strange it seemed I was somehow immensly intrigued. Sure enough one night at three in the morning feeling intense despair and weeping uncontrollably, I headed to a special place at the back of my property. Boy am I glad it was dark out there with not a soul around to see me. I found the tallest biggest pine and hugged it with all my strength and despair. In my grief I briefly remember feeling somewhat silly but dismissed this thought immediately. No one is here or so I thought until I heard this voice "LET GO YOU ARE CHOKING ME!" Hey who said that? Again I heard, "LET GO YOU ARE CHOKING ME!" Sobbing I said I can't, I can't let go. Then I realized that I had to let go of that tree sometime for daylight would inevitably arrive. Reluctantly I let go. "NOW WASN'T THAT EASY?" said the voice. I realize this is a very personal experience and the implication would have special meaning only for me. But I would like to pass on the significance of letting go of a difficult situation. The significance of accepting what is, and the instant peace that is experienced when you let go. Believe me the actual dropping of my arms from hugging that tree came with great resistance but when I did I experienced instant PEACE. Letting go is just that easy providing you want peace. One word of caution though and that is not to allow your thoughts to take you back to that place ever again.

Friday, November 2, 2007

FOREST SPIRIT

Forest spirit is one of many masks. Each mask has an individual name. Making masks is my favourite craft. This particular mask was created because of a yearning to move further north closer to nature. That yearning still exists today and continues to grow stronger.

I am currently recreating my masks. Originally I used preformed faces now I am experimenting with making my own faces making each one a genuine original.

Animal used to create this mask are:
red fox
antler
horse hair
bear fur
deer hide

PASSIONS in leather

Animal Medicine

Medicine bags

Medicine bags

Medicine bags

Medicine bags

Dream Catcher

SPIRIT MASKS

SPIRIT MASKS

SPIRIT MASKS

SPIRIT MASKS

ALMOST 100

99 Oct 30/07

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Friday, November 2, 2007

FOREST SPIRIT

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