Native American Legends ~ White Buffalo Woman ~ # 13 of 30 ~ SOLD

“Mythology is not a lie,

Mythology is poetry,

it is metaphorical."

~ Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

The Legend of White Buffalo Woman

This story takes place long before the arrival of white men to Turtle Island. It was a time of scarcity for the indigenous people of this land. There was not enough food, clothing or shelter to go around. Neighboring tribes were constantly battling over what little resources were available. Something had to be done, so the elders called a counsel. As they were discussing possible solutions, one of them spotted a lone figure far in the distance. When the person drew closer, they could see that it was a young woman, clad in a beautiful white robe and carrying a bundle that was also wrapped in some kind of skin. She had an angelic appearance and so they trusted her and were not afraid. She drew them to her side saying, "A time of great abundance is near, but you must learn to work together and tap into the power of the Great Mystery". With those words, she unwrapped the bundle and took out a beautiful pipe. "This is the sacred pipe", she said, filling it with special herbs while saying, "Its smoke will make our earthly prayers visible and deliver them to the heavens". She taught them to give thanks and to combine prayer with proper action to obtain what they needed, reminding them that the fastest way to stop the flow of abundance was to neglect being thankful for blessings already received. The young prophet stayed with the wise men until day turned to dusk. When it was time to leave, she rolled on the ground three times. As she rolled, she was transformed into a white buffalo calf! No sooner had the calf disappeared across the horizon when herds of bison started drifting in and grazing all around the outskirts of the Indian camps. Because of White Buffalo Woman, the early Native Americans experienced a time of plenty for many years and women were given a more equal status with men. This is why I like to think of White Buffalo Woman not only as a symbol of thanksgiving, but also as being instrumental to woman kind's liberation and empowerment.
Aho, As I remember it ~ Paint Dreamweaver

#13 of 30 -

Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

White Buffalo Woman

12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper Acid-free triple Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20" Signed and certified by the artist.

12" x 9.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free triple Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 16" x 20"

Signed and certified by the artist.

• SOLD

I hope you like my stories.

Thanks again for your friendship,

emails and comments!

X ♥  O

Lessons From The Fox ~ SOLD

In-Between Times

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

• SOLD

A magical creature of the night, fox is

usually most visible to us at dawn and dusk;

the in-between times, when the veil

between the physical and metaphysical

world is the most diaphanous.

Insulated From the Cold

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted to 8" x 10" - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

When it is cold, the fox wraps itself

in its thick insulating tail.  

Likewise, individuals with fox totems

will find the ability to insulate

themselves from anything that seems cold,

especially relationships.

These are some of the paintings that

have come through me during the

past couple of weeks.

If you would like to find out more about

animal totems and the messages they offer,

be sure to sign up for my

Animal Spirits Book Giveaway.

Wishing You Many Blessings,

Sitting Pretty - Camouflage, Patience and Observation ~ SOLD

Sitting Pretty

5.5" x 7.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper matted to fit a standard 8" x 10" frame

Sold •

Do you have animal totems? Or should I say, do you believe in animal totems? Since I got very little response to yesterday's post, I was wondering if anyone here is interested in the subject at all.

Regardless of the lack of interest or feedback online, the fox has still been with me all this month. Although no real life individuals have showed up here at The Sandarosa, I find myself being lured by fox's charm and now have two more of these watercolors in progress. I want to make a collage of my foxes like the one for the 30 in 30 Challenge when I'm done with the set. A nice comment on my Animal Spirit Lens today sent me there for a long overdue visit. Although I've learned a lot about photography and Photoshop the past four years, I fear that delving too deeply into the world of stock photography has had a toll on my watercolor art and marketing. The fox is a very suitable totem for me at this time because of all the industry shake ups that are presently going on in the world of micro stock. Current events leave me questioning my path, evaluating options and altering my career path yet again. Sound familiar anyone? It hasn't got me worried though, because I know that when one door closes, another always opens. Fox is here to remind me of the virtues of camouflage, patience and observation.

I started painting on synthetic Yupo paper about fourteen years ago, but switched back to regular cold press Arches in an effort to consolidate my style. Profoundly influenced by last month's challenge, Yupo paper has been the vehicle of choice for my paintings so far in February. After all this time, some of the  Yupo pieces I've done in the past, remain some of my favorites. Here are a few from my archives. What do you think of them? Your critiques are appreciated.

Be sure to visit my last post and leave a comment if you are interested in having your name added to the drawing for a free copy of my Animal Spirits book.

Thanks for reading and please share 

my book giveaway with your friends.

Best Wishes,