Women of the Owl
In many cultures, a totem can be a sacred object, symbol, or a spirit being. The Totems class by Vanessa , on the Get Messy Art Journal website, has inspired many artists to examine what animal speaks to them...guides them...inspires them. What animal do we identify with that acts as a guide to help us complete tasks and head in the direction we need to be heading in our life right now?
It was not hard for me to find my spirit animal. I have always been drawn to owl. Owl flies into my life and perches in my brain as a reminder to be still and listen.
After the first lesson in Totems class, I created an owl and posted it to the community. Very quickly, other Women of the Owl emerged and a collaborative project was born. Sarah Rondon and Sofia from Tig Taghuri also identified the owl as their spirit animal. We each created a homemade journal, artwork on three pages, and sent them to the next person who did the same. After a year of flying and visiting each home, owl has returned to each of us.
When my journal returned to me, I had two more spreads to create. I spent a lovely Friday evening reflecting on owls. After finishing, I flipped through the book and was struck by how much my art has improved. Many artists say you should create everyday. I have done this during 2017. Seeing the difference in the owls I have drawn is a testament to that daily practice. How do you improve as an artist? Create everyday. It is as simple as that.
Owl taught many lessons during this past year. I hope Owl’s lessons are valuable to you as well.
Owl wants you to remain true to your wisdom and voice. Owl values knOWLedge. Owl revels the wisdom of silence. Owl reminds us to stay focused. Trust owl when you need to see truth. Hidden in the dark, owl watches over you with the secret of wisdom...wisdom which is also found in softness and selfcare. In some cultures, Owl is an omen of death. Death in the literal form, but also in a more figurative sense. Owl teaches us that change and transitions in life are not to be feared, but welcomed.
Fly over to Sarah and Sofia’s blogs to see their journals. I am in awe of their art and vision.
Here are the pages I created. The first four were done a year ago. The last two were done recently.
This is the front cover of my zine.
The word OWL is in the middle of knOWLedge. Seems fitting.
I think this page shows my beginning status of art journalist. There are so many, MANY things I would do differently to this page today. I do like the owl's expression. I wanted to redo this page, but I am going to leave it to remind me of my growth. It is part of the journey, no?
I drew this owl in November of 20`16. Compare it with the next two images. Is daily practice a necessity? Yes!
I bought metallic watercolors. Who better to use them on than an owl with a crown?
This is the latest owl I have created. I am struck by the difference between this owl and the one in the fourth image. Daily practice is important for growth. This owl has reinforced this lesson for me.
Sarah’s pages:
I love how Sarah was inspired by the color of owls and used paper to communicate her message. Bravo!
Look at how Sarah cut the edges of these feathers. I am so inspired! This opens up a whole new world of possibility!
The softness of this page makes me feel calm.
Sofia’s pages:
Sofia's use of whitespace inspires me. I tend to cover my pages with color...mostly grays and blacks. This is beautiful.
The depth of this page takes my breath away. Owl is truly hiding.
Sofia must know how much I need this reminder. Self-care is not always my number one priority.