Modern day society has us losing touch with the natural world. Humans forget that we must respect nature and the earth’s many creatures. Indigenous cultures have recognized this and the sacredness of animals since the beginning of time. In Into the Wild, I wanted to highlight how each animal is unique in their behaviors and the way they exist in their natural habitat. They can give us new perspectives about how we can live our own lives. Across cultures, animals have spiritual associations because of their innate wisdom. In creating this series, I chose animals that either resonated with me or with my closest friends. For me, the bear reminds me to stay grounded and rest, the snake reminds me to be open to transformation, and the hawk reminds me to spread my wings and see things from an aerial view.
Animals remind us to stay present, make the best of our current situation, and coexist with each other. Different creatures are also incorporated in many of the zodiac signs because the ancient Babylonians recognized their spiritual significance. They even associated planets, constellations, and seasons with animals. The symbol of the wheel has a lot of spiritual significance in my work and is a recurring theme. The wheel represents the passage of time, the earth’s natural cycles, an echo, a ripple, or a sacred halo. Into the Wild celebrates the idea that we are all connected to nature, its creatures, and the universe itself. I combine printmaking, painting, resin, gold leaf, and collage in this new series that explores the sense of wonder and mystery I feel about the natural world.
This exhibition will be on display at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC from May 4th- June 8th. All artwork is for sale. Click the image for specs. Interested in purchasing a piece?
Email me: kate@kateritchiestudio.com
