Feathers.

They seem to be the latest fad – an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object’s qualities; a craze – at least that’s what I have noticed.  Feathers on pillows, blankets and t-shirts. Feathers on jewelry and decorations for your home.

It’s on packaging and signs.  

Companies use it as a logo.  A marketing strategy.

I wonder why others like them so much.

Feathers are not my latest fad – I’ve drawn them many times.  I can flip back to old pictures I drew as a teenager and they have always been a part of my sketchbooks. I remember hanging them in my room. They were part of my dream catchers.

Recently, however, I have enjoyed them in a way I haven’t before.

Natives have used the feathers for centuries as a symbol of trust, honour, strength, wisdom, power, leadership and freedom to name a few. The meanings will also depend on which bird the feather comes from. The colour of the feather gives it different meanings as well.  The feather falls to the ground as a gift – not by accident – but with a purpose.

Not everyone gets to wear a feather. Very much a symbol of honour. Most had to be rewarded or presented with a feather before one could wear one.

The church has used feathers to represent virtues. Three of them – for charity, hope and faith. A symbol of a virtuous soul and used as wax seals on documents so you would know that it came from a virtuous man.

 A symbol not to be used lightly or without thought.

 

God assures us of being under his wing of protection. It’s a reminder of ones protection – a realization that we are precious and loved by the Creator. Perhaps that why my sister in law asked to have a painting done for her home.  Serves as a reminder – a sign post if you will.  With a verse to remind us that we are covered with God’s feathers and under His wings we will find refuge – a sanctuary.

Painting the verse was hard – perhaps for a couple of reasons.

I don’t often paint letters.

I painted the verse in reverse order to be  sure I had enough room.

“refuge, find will you.  Wings. His.  Under (and) Feathers.  His.  With you cover will He.”

Makes sense no matter which way you read it!

Backwards, forwards – no matter what your journey looks like to others – it’s yours and it makes perfect sense to the One who created you.

 But it doesn’t make sense to others.

Still the words were difficult to paint.  I wonder if I truly believe the words.

Completely.  All the time?

The feather was easier to paint – more natural I suppose.

The blue in a feather represents peace and inspiration.  The black – protection. The Grey – peace and neutrality.

 I didn’t know that when I painted it.

Today – for me –  the feather symbolizes strength & leadership (eagle), freedom (flight) and a fresh start.

In years to come – the meanings may shift.

The eagle – When a feather comes from an Eagle it symbolizes great strength, courage, leadership and prestige. The feather represents to me the spirit of leadership. Leadership can lie dormant and for a time that is good. But there are also times where the gift of leadership is needed and necessary. A few years ago I experienced a shift in my life – nothing that I could really explain to others or put into words – it only made sense to me.  After a few years of silence my eagle was ready to take flight.

Flight for what? Flight to what?

I don’t know.

Perhaps just gliding.  But flying nonetheless.

Freedom – the feather can represent freedom – probably comes from the idea of flight – I’ve always wanted the ability to fly. When asked what animal I ever wanted to be it was always some sort of bird or wolf. Flight represents to me the freedom to fly where one needs to – with no restraints and usually with ease.

I am created to experience this freedom.

Each feather is perfect.  Each and every one is different.  Created just as it was supposed to be.  None of my feather paintings have looked the same.  I have a feeling more feather paintings will be needed.

A very intrinsic design.  A fresh start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps the next one will take on a different form – next time I will be the canvas.

A friend, with a different story than mine will join me.