Appalachian Ouroboros, 30×24, Acrylic on Canvas
Serpent Series
I created my “Serpent Series”, which combines ancient serpent symbolism across faiths and creeds and my own personal painting style, to investigate the themes of empathy and connectivity. Various cultures woven through generations and time embrace spiritual symbols and meanings. The visceral reaction that many people have to serpents stems not only from physical fear, but from the iconic imagery connecting these animals to sources of evil. However, the serpent not only can be a symbol of healing, but of protection as well.
The Ouroboros, originally seen in Ancient Egypt, is a circular depiction of a snake or dragon eating its own tail. The cycle of destruction and rebirth is especially powerful to me in the juxtaposition of the Appalachian mountains. In times of ordered chaos, it can feel as if the whole universe has turned upside down. Our sense of gravity shifts as we move through seasons of grief, pain, and ultimately renewal and love. Placing our ultimate trust in our intuitive powers, we begin to see snakes as sources of guidance and strength. When we find that nurturing spirit within our own souls, our spirit communes within itself. Imagine the replenishment we could give to ourselves by viewing our own soul as a source of self-sustaining, intimate reciprocation and love. The skeletal system is the literal structure that carries us through this world, a working foundation for our tendons, nerves, muscles, and skin. Our decisions carry weight, whether impulsive or vetted in discernment, and as we grow, the soft but gentle voice we strive to hear, whispers to us from somewhere deep within our bones. While a serpent speaking tends to remind us of scheming lies in the Garden of Eden, the modern snake has existed for millions of years, surviving, adapting, exhibiting a quiet wisdom, and avoiding predation and danger. The colors and ranges of our emotions are always passing over and through our bodily foundation, our skeletons, just as a snake passes over its own terrain. We are connected to each creature, each mountain, each water-smoothed stone–timeless, yet ever-changing.
Gray Eden, 12×16, Acrylic on Wood Panel
Milk and Cookies, 7×5, Acrylic on Canvas
Each piece is connected by the sincere desire to see snakes through a different light. My hope is that the viewer will linger past any sensations of fear or discomfort to see other characteristics in these animals that might reflect beauty, warmth, or connection.
This series was also a natural leap from simply painting creatures in nature that caught my eye and gave me joy to telling a story about a creature’s reputation across time and various cultures.
I spent a lot of time researching different mythologies, gods, goddesses, symbolism, and geographical narratives and I found there were many rich traditions in which this creature held power and respect.
Heart of Artemis, 22×17.5, India inks on Paper
Nadya, 24×18, Acrylic on Canvas
In Greek mythology, Artemis is the goddess of hunting, nature, and childbirth. She is fierce, capable, independent, and protects young women.
She is often depicted with her bow, arrows and quiver, and surrounded by animal companions.
The feminine energy in this piece evokes feelings of nurture, intimacy, and gentleness. Nadya, clothed in scales, and hair adorned with scales, watches her companion with ultimate trust. The mystical serpent of blue and purple hues drapes itself powerfully over her shoulder.
Their physical closeness represents the bond between the two. When we find that nurturing spirit within our own souls, our spirit communes within itself. The name Nadya is of Slavic origin and means “hope.” Imagine the replenishment we could give to ourselves by viewing our own soul as a source of self-sustaining, intimate reciprocation and love.
Spine & Serpent, 35×25.5, Acrylic on Repurposed Low Density Board
“I can feel it in my bones.” This is an expression we may have heard before, possibly from our grandmothers if I had to guess. The skeletal system is the literal structure that carries us through this world, a working foundation for our tendons, nerves, muscles, and skin. This female skeleton is mid-stride, walking through this life. Our decisions carry weight, whether impulsive or vetted in discernment, and as we grow, the soft but gentle voice we strive to hear, whispers to us from somewhere deep within our bones. While a serpent speaking tends to remind us of scheming lies in the Garden of Eden, in actuality the modern snake has been in existence for millions of years.
It has evolved to survive, adapted to geographical conditions, and exhibits a quiet wisdom, avoiding predation and danger. The colors and ranges of our emotions are always passing over and through our bodily foundation, our skeletons, just as a snake passes over its own terrain.
Bodyguard, 14×11, Digital Painting
At first this might seem menacing, but to me, it’s comforting. In this piece I really let myself speak about intrusive thoughts. We all have a moment when we can turn in on ourselves, violently berating, criticizing, and tearing down all the beautiful things we’ve built.
The elusive Ethiopian Mountain Viper here is guarding the viewer from that behavior. Gardenias represent peace, and Forget-Me-Nots, a deep connection to a loved one. One thing I really love about using the digital process is that there is record of every stroke, line and change made to the piece.
Watch the Video to See My Process…
Snake Oil, 20×24, Acrylic on Canvas
First of all, I love this piece. I love the vivid orange brown glass of the bottle and the sepia tones. I really wanted this piece to remind the viewer of newspaper print from the Wild West. Covered wagons, miracle tonics, and snake oil- oh my! Snake Oil is an old descriptor of a substance that carries no real medicinal power, but is sold with the promise that it cures all ills. I find this concept very striking (if you’ll forgive the snake pun… I have snakes on the brain. Which is different than snakes on a plane. This is what ADHD looks like in real time, by the way…). The snake on the bottle label is a Timber Rattlesnake, whose head rests on the skull of a cat. The Timber Rattler is generally a docile and elusive creature. But it is not to be trifled with, as its bite can be an extreme medical emergency. The fact that snake venom is feared but also sold as a cure to what ails you speaks to me of so much more than meets the eye. Humans like to dance on the edge of the dangerous. Are we tempting fate or testing natural selection? Who knows?