Dream of the Spirit Bear
The Spirit Bear is one of nature's rarest phenomenons and a blessing to the Native Culture. True Spirit Bears are in essence, black bears with white fur and are NOT an albino bear. They are an endangered species and continually hunted for their rare white fur.
The Bear is the healer, and a reflection of the introspective side of us all. Walking with the Bear is a path of healing and working ourselves out from the deepest parts of our own selves on our Earth Walk.
In this painting, The spirit bear is represented in a tribal style with many spirals within the design - representing the spiral of life...and everything that unfolds through it.
The warrior is making an offering to the Great Spirit Bear with a bowl of smudging sage smoke. The hands with spirials that gradually transform into bear prints are reaching up as he becomes one with the Spirit Bear through his dreams.
The Dreamcatcher is actually woven by my own hand and constructed and applied to the painting with real feathers. It symbolizes protection in dreams and the Spirit Bear offering protection as they dream together and become one.
There are four facial profiles hidden within the rocks to represent the Grandfathers (or Ancestors) of the four directions. The little dots near the bear's head are 4 Swarovski crystal beads also represent the Grandfathers.
Acrylic on Canvas - 12" x 48 "
Privately owned.