Coyote Speaks
Format
Senior Art and Design Exhibition
Abstract/Artist Statement
My paintings are an exploration of my spiritual relationship with Coyote, who becomes an antidote for urbanization, materialism and waste in contemporary society. For me, Coyote is a reconnection with an ancient spirituality: the belief in Coyote as a creator and a link to nature. Coyote keeps me connected to the earth, from which all creatures were born equal and natural. He represents vitality and adaptability in the face of change. Coyote is tenacious, surviving disaster or extinction.Through my research of Native American religions I have learned that it is customary for adolescents to go on a vision quest. They have no food or water and remain alone for three days until they are given a vision of their animal totem. Animal totems are messengers of the Great Spirit and bring with them power and knowledge to guide those who open their minds to them. They are a connection to all living things and facilitate harmony and peace with nature. College has been a catalyst for my own self-discovery, especially in the area of religion.My life has been a struggle with spirituality, a struggle with the belief in a higher power, faith, and religion. Recently, I experienced something like a vision quest. A fierce spiritual bonding occurred as I listened to wild coyotes calling to each other. Their voices resonated and spoke to me. From that time, the Coyote has become a subject of my paintings. The figure of Coyote represents myself. The images are meant to describe the journey of the relationship between Coyote and me.
Location
Reynolds Gallery
Start Date
27-4-2009 9:00 AM
End Date
16-5-2009 5:00 PM
Coyote Speaks
Reynolds Gallery
My paintings are an exploration of my spiritual relationship with Coyote, who becomes an antidote for urbanization, materialism and waste in contemporary society. For me, Coyote is a reconnection with an ancient spirituality: the belief in Coyote as a creator and a link to nature. Coyote keeps me connected to the earth, from which all creatures were born equal and natural. He represents vitality and adaptability in the face of change. Coyote is tenacious, surviving disaster or extinction.Through my research of Native American religions I have learned that it is customary for adolescents to go on a vision quest. They have no food or water and remain alone for three days until they are given a vision of their animal totem. Animal totems are messengers of the Great Spirit and bring with them power and knowledge to guide those who open their minds to them. They are a connection to all living things and facilitate harmony and peace with nature. College has been a catalyst for my own self-discovery, especially in the area of religion.My life has been a struggle with spirituality, a struggle with the belief in a higher power, faith, and religion. Recently, I experienced something like a vision quest. A fierce spiritual bonding occurred as I listened to wild coyotes calling to each other. Their voices resonated and spoke to me. From that time, the Coyote has become a subject of my paintings. The figure of Coyote represents myself. The images are meant to describe the journey of the relationship between Coyote and me.