Spiritual Symbolism of the Wolf in Art Spirituality is one of the most dominant themes in art, and has been clearly portrayed by many artists throughout history which reflect the faith and beliefs of their time and culture. Spirituality is something we regard as intensely personal, or something we feel passionate about. For some, it is in a set religion, others a way of life, or in nature. Nature is a way many people can reflect themselves onto, creating a sense of oneness and divinity. In native culture especially American, the theme of nature is their core belief. And believe in that everything (object/ fauna etc. has a spirit.
The most highly respected spirit is the wolf, for its characteristics. The wolf is a strong character, and symbolizes loyalty, courage, family, devotion, wisdom etc. Which even today the wolf is respected and feared by many, and the characteristics of its soul is highly regarded. Through the exploration of art mediums and techniques, this essay will discuss the different imagery of three Artists, whose work aims to express spiritualty in art by capturing the nature of the wolf, along with their beauty, symbolism and significant religious haracter in a range of religions and cultures.
This work created by artist, Barrett Biggers is a digital painting/ adaption of the Japanese film ‘Princess Mononoke’ directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film is about the journey taken by a warrior, fighting against the forest gods and Tatara (a mining colony), and meets San, the Mononoke Hime (a nature princess). Who solemnly aims to protect the forest and every creature. Barrett Biggers is the Peoples’ Greek Artist. His work focuses on a genre of art inspired by classic films, games, anime, manga, comics and Eastern culture. Creates unique and visually pleasing works with a vintage twist.
He is also a digital fine artist, and is considered a ‘prolific’ digital painter and strives to make his digital work look like traditional painting styles. It has been named “Tra-Digital” art by many; focuses on emotion and texture rather than photo-perfect realism. Works in traditional media such as matte, metallic, watercolor and canvas. To offer fans a variety of styles and options of outstanding quality. The digital painting by Barrett Biggers is a rendition of a realistic looking San (subject) contrasted on a washed/ink/watercolor omposition with a loose “wolf spirit” in the distance.
This is a powerful painting, with the subject (human) appears to be a warrior or guardian, with the wolf portrait in the background, creating that sense of a guide. Biggers artwork communicates a relationship with the human and the wolf, the composition and the headpiece the girl is wearing. The contrast of colours along with the light and dark creates a sense of struggle and hope. although this is a rather detailed and contains elements of abstract colors and expression, the artwork is balanced and well-constructed.
Spirituality is particularly highlighted through the symbolism of the wolf and the facial marking; depicting an indigenous; organic sense. The award winning and beautifully crafted film, ‘Dances with Wolves’ is a 1990 classic American Western directed by, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner. It is a film adaptation of the 1988 book of the same name by Michael Blake and tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who travels to the American frontier to find a military post and his dealings with a group of Lakota Indians.
This is a handsomely photographed nd well-acted film is a very special cross-cultural resource that explores in sympathetic and salutary ways the ideals of hospitality, empathy, humor, and friendship. Best of all, ‘Dances with Wolves’ shows the paths we all must take to become true human beings. During the start of the film, the main character John Dunbar undergoes a spiritual quest and is transformed. At the beginning of ‘Dances with Wolves’, John Dunbar can be considered an undeveloped spiritual person, yet at the end it is apparent that the Lakota tribe indirectly assisted Dunbar in ecoming a spiritually mature individual.
John Dunbar was portrayed quite insensitive to the beliefs and culture of the Lakota. Originally, he believed that they were ‘savages’ and that all the Lakota tribe wanted to do was to steal his horses. https:// www. youtube. com/watch? v=KMRNmrXfivl This screenplay, is of when Lt John Dunbar, receives his name Sioux ‘Dances with Wolves’ from the Lakota. John Dunbar’s connected with the wolf is what he is named after. When at Fort Sedgewick, Dunbar befriends a wolf who he calls “Two Socks” for its white forepaws.
Observing Dunbar and Two Socks chasing ach other, the Sioux give him the name “Dances with Wolves. Mr. Costner says; “After watching Lieutenant Dunbar play with the wolf, the Sioux give him the Indian name Dances with Wolves. “I loved that Lieutenant Dunbar’s first instinct was to kill the wolf, and finally it turns out to be one of his best friends,”. This is a well-acted and emotional scene, portraying a deep spiritual connection that had developed between two socks (the wolf) and Dunbar. Through understanding and trust. This artwork, of graphite, pastel and acrylic on paper. Was created by Patricia Ariel, Brazil (Rio De Janeiro) born. Is an artist who uses symbolism and visionary themes.
Now living in the united states, she is a self taught artist, and has also expressed herslef in other artistic languages such as theater, dance and music. Patricia’s art is heavily influenced by her spirituality and insights about the connections of men with nature and magic, and the spiritual and psychic dimensions. She quite often uses a relaistic representation of the human figure, to bring relaity closer to the realm of dreams and spirituality. Creating a world of visual poetry where light and darkness collide and reveal the ymbolic and the mystical.
In my work I constantly investigate the point of contact between the physical and the reality of dreams, spirituality, and abstract concepts. Themes like transformation and transitions, the human duality, spiritual and emotional experiences, and the ties of man with nature and the raw forces of life are often explored. ” Patricia Ariel portrays her theme of spirituality and abstract dreams the control and minpulation of art techniques. Her contrasting colours, the deep reds, blues and bright pinks, against the shaded graphite pencil adds a visual affect and bstract colouring.
The fine detail within the wolf, adds a realistic surrealism affect. The wolf head covering the girls eyes, suggests that her and the wolf share the same views and character. The theme of spirituality is communicated through art In various techniques, styles and use of suject juxtaposition. Wolves are a major influence on artists work, as their character has been highly praised and resepcted. throughout history, decsending back to the native americans. The wolf represents devotion, loyalty, intelligence, family, strength and courage. Which makes t a great representative of self and inner state of mind.
Nature is where we all come from and where we will all return to. Everythign is connected and therefore our strongest relationship is with nature and the energy we share with others. Through the examination of three different artists work, inspired by organic and earthly origins. It is clear to see that spirituality, is represented by nature and wolves, through the use of art techniques and styles. All share the same theme yet composed and constructed differently. Still giving the viewers their inner patronus (feelings and soul in form).
