Coho Totem

In the spirit of "Snake Crossing" (June 2012), I have continued working on a 2-foot by 4-foot scale, achieving life size images of animals that feel symbolic of this region of the world.

Images of wild animals inevitably speak to the viewer about more than just animal-ness: animals in art represent human attributes, memories, and beliefs, and we humans make them into totems, fetishes, and spiritual companions. Some may look down their noses at such habits, but I think that we need to relate to other animals more, not less. Their flesh is our flesh, their welfare is ours. We are all Earthlings together.

I have named this painting "Coho Totem." For a month this painting sat, fully framed, in a state of pastel-and-white coolness. Then I took it out of the frame and darkened the waters, to make the fish "pop" and make the whole work more powerful and memorable. I love how the dark paint brought out the texture of the layers beneath.

"Coho Totem." Watercolor, acrylic, and collage on a wood panel.  2'x4'. SOLD.