I began experimenting.  At the same time, I started seeing history not as a progressive linear line moving forward towards something better, but as carrying things forward from the past, mixing the past to the present. History became layered for me, I saw the concept of layering, not in my creative paintings in a different way, a different perspective.

At the same time began a series of the earth and its layering, I was working on pieces for a solo exhibition in January 2024. If I bring layers of history forward, repeat the stories that are hidden in those layers, retell them, and create something from them, looking at them in a present light, history could then be seen as layering and not progressive. For example, I experimented with the concept of a layered history in a work I called “Turquoise Jacket,” The jacket is a story of a young person inheriting their grandmother's turquoise jacket.  The jacket smelled like the grandmother, and the jacket brought up memories of the stories the grandmother told and the value of this stone turquoise and their ancestors and families.  The new works I am creating challenge me, allow me to move beyond a style I had become very comfortable with, and learn many new things.  It is experimental and exciting. 

And the content and concept of the work have changed, and that is fun.  You can see the painting “Turquoise Jacket” if you follow this link on my website.  https://christinealfery.com/products/the-sky-stone-jacket?_pos=1&_sid=b9d201f7d&_ss=r  When I create work, not just the work for the Earth series but for everything I create there is always a concept behind the work, and I write about it. 

I find creative work without content meaningless.  For example, all the political so-called artwork today is in my opinion, not art.  It is simply copying what someone else thinks and repeating it, this is progressive history writing, and it is not the unique original idea.  Something art used to have but doesn’t anymore.  Unique and original by bringing history forward from the layers of stories from the past, blending them into the present and making something different, unique, and original. 

Does art need to be unique and original?  In my opinion yes, otherwise the artist is just copying from someone else's thinking, not their own.  Another excellent example of what they are calling art today is wall décor, but I won’t go on about that because well, it is not art just being called art.

Trees

Featured image: Yellow Trees on a Peninsula

from soil to sky

be still

….listen

….listen

Beauties of the woods

….wisdom of the trees

Goldfinches

 

Featured image: Goldfinch

Goldfinches

Her arrival

Her presence

The fluttering of

     Her wings

Yellow like the sun

She breaks the monotony

Of brown, a beautiful

     Color yes

But not yellow

     Like the goldfinch

She brings light

Goldfinches are symbolic of joy, enthusiasm, positivity, and persistence. In Christianity, these birds have a strong symbolism and are sacred. In the ancient Egyptian culture, they were personified as the souls of dead human beings. The Native Americans consider them to be symbolic of prosperity and abundance.

The goldfinch was also seen as a protector against the plague.

It represents many abstract ideas: genius, innocence, captivity, history, beauty, timelessness, resilience, dignity, and truth.

It represents many abstract ideas: genius, innocence, captivity, history, beauty, timelessness,

resilience, dignity, and truth.

No wonder I just smile when they come to the feeder.

Amber Poppies

 

Featured image: Amber Poppies

Embracing amber 

It’s warmth

It’s happiness

Its vibrance

It’s energy

It’s lite is like

The light in all of us

Visitor at the Feeder

 

Featured image: Fox III 

A fox visited the feeders today. Meandering around looking for food, trying to catch an occasional squirrel. She finally found her way to the back ground feeder where she found the chunk of suet I left for her the day before. It had frozen to the ground, and it was glorious watching her pounce on it to spring it loose.  Ever so cautious, darting back and forth to make sure it was safe. And then finally she scampered off with the chunk.

Fairy Wren

Featured image: Fairy Bird

Fairy-wrens, also called splendid wrens, live in Australia. The incredible blueness of this wren is like sapphires with wings. Allegories surrounding these beautiful blue male birds are that they are birds that adapt to change quickly and live beautifully.

The Chukar Partridge

Featured image: Chukar

Recently, in our local newspaper, a local naturalist of the area wrote a column about a bird he sited in his wanderings, called a chukar.  The chukar, he stated, was not local to the area, so he was surprised to see it. The chukar is a game bird whose habitat is mountainous areas. What interested me more than his words was the picture of the bird in his column.  The bird had beautiful black and white stripes on its wings. I knew I had to paint the bird and make it part of the “Allegories of the Earth” series I have been working on for my solo exhibition at New Visions Gallery in Marshfield, WI.  In the series, I am researching and creating artwork about all things natural, the earth, and what I call my, “Yes, Yes, Yeses”. 

I found that to the North Indian and Pakistani culture, as well as in Hindu mythology, the chukar sometimes symbolizes intense, and often unrequited, love. It is said to be in love with the moon and to gaze at it constantly. The bird, to many cultures, also symbolizes strength and protection. 

In her article, “Chukar Spiritual Meaning, Symbolism and Totem,” Kristen Hawkins  states, “The Chukar Partridge is an amazing bird symbolic of many cultures worldwide. This unique bird symbolizes strength, protection, and perseverance – perfect qualities we can all strive for daily. Furthermore, it is believed to be a messenger of good luck and miracles and a very loyal companion on our life’s journey.”

The Chukar Partridge holds a special significance to Native American culture. These birds are known for their strong survival instincts and ability to exist in extreme conditions, often representing resilience and longevity within a culture.

In various tribes, the Chukar has been used to represent the strength of will and the willingness to face difficult trials head-on. Many Native American cultures also use this bird, in particular, to symbolize love, wisdom, or courage when speaking of children’s destiny, marriage, and even society at large.

In all forms, being associated with the Chukar Partridge is something that many Natives pride themselves on, as it is a strong symbol of growth through adversity.

Other cultures as well use the chukar as an iconic symbol. According to Kristen, the chukar partridge is revered as a symbol of eastern culture, originating across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is respected for its hardy nature and ability to thrive in harsh environmental conditions. Chukar partridges are cherished due to their beauty, distinctive song, and symbolism.

They are associated with courage, fertility, and virtue, depending on the region or culture they originate from. Additionally, they often symbolize good fortune and bringer prosperity and abundance.

Easily identified by its red crest, rufous belly, and chestnut-striped back feathers, this bird has become an emblem of the East for many centuries. As a result, the graceful chukar partridge can be seen featured in artwork across the Middle East, adding extra vitality to each scene it is set in.

Chukar Partridge is a small, charismatic bird originating from the eastern Mediterranean that has long been connected to African culture. Seen in ancient Morocco, Egypt, and other nearby countries, they have long been symbols of strength and fertility.

In Morocco, some indigenous tribes believed that Chukar sat lightly on eggs which could grant them the power of insight. Even now, in Africa, their attractive nature and melodic call are celebrated as a sign of good fortune.

The Chukar Partridge is an animal symbolic of luck, joy, and celebration in Celtic culture. Present throughout Europe, this beautiful game bird is admired for its striking black and white markings along with its gregarious flock behavior.

Traditionally associated with abundance and prosperity, the Chukar Partridge continues to be a source of inspiration among those seeking the luck of the Celts. As a symbol, the partridge shares many of the same qualities as other animals within this cultural circle.

Instilling their owners with courage, perseverance, and self-confidence, these animals all share one common trait: they remain symbols of optimism even in tough times.

The Chukar Partridge is an iconic symbol of Christianity across many cultures and lands. Accompanied by its noble beauty, the Chukar Partridge has long been associated with important Christian values, such as hope, purity, and freedom.

In various pieces of Christian artwork around the world, you can find a Chukar Partridge in the backdrop of scenes from the life of Jesus. This bird is a constant reminder that even in times of struggle and suffering, we have a path to follow to bring us closer to God’s love.

From ancient mosaics all the way up to modern masterpieces, this noble species will remain an ever-present sign of support for Christians seeking guidance.”

Thanks, John Bates, for bringing the Chukar Partridge to my attention.