The Messenger 19.75 x 15.75

This piece is part of my Sacred Wild collection. The goal of these works is to amplify the inner spiritual energy that I perceive in the subject to make it visible to all. I experimented with different materials to create my own technique which combines pastel brushed with alcohol, bold pastel pencil outlines, and ink. I really like the interesting textures created by combining the wet and dry media. The background of this piece was created using ink. The hawk is outlined with ultramarine pastel pencil and painted in with ink. I grew up with some of the Native American traditions and ceremonies of my ancestors. In Native American culture, the Hawk is the messenger carrying the prayers of the people up to the Creator and bringing signs and messages back to the people. That’s why it struck me on a deeper level when a hawk was one day sitting in our backyard for hours. It was moving in a strange way and something was clearly wrong with it. After taking some photos from which I would use to paint this piece, I transported the hawk to an animal rescue center, but it unfortunately died before we arrived. They conducted a test and discovered some toxic substances that the hawk had probably consumed. It was a gift to see this magnificent bird up close and try to help it.
 
Pastel and Ink on Paper
19.75” x 15.75”
This artwork is sold matted and framed. The mat is a neutral beige that coordinates with the artwork and the frame is black.