Animal art has been a part of human existance since prehistoric times. Click here for an NPR article. Animal Art is one of my favorite things to do. Wild or domesticated, they bring joy to our lives. When I draw or paint an animal, I feel that I am capturing its essence. To me these are beautiful and awe-inspiring creatures. Their physical appearance, grace, and agility can be captivating to watch. Each one seems to have its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Diversity
There is a vast diversity of wild animals on Earth. This diversity can be fascinating to explore and learn about. It is also exciting to paint and draw as many animals as I encounter here in my little town of Brevard, North Carolina. I am fortunate to be surrounded by woods, mountains, streams and valleys. Within these natural places many animals make their homes. Deer and bears are common visitors. Foxes roam both the forests and the streets. White squirrels are abundant in my neighborhood. And yes, we also have the less unique brown squirrels.
Many wild animals are highly intelligent creatures. They have complex social structures, communication systems, and problem-solving abilities. Watching, learning, and of course, painting these magnificent creatures is a joy for me.
Domesticated Animal Art
While I love the wild animals I encounter, I have a deep attachment to even the domesticated ones as well. If you drive or bike (my personal choice for visiting the countryside) you will see farms that raise cows, sheep, goats and donkeys. Some farms raise the more exotic breeds such as alpacas.
Even though these may seem to be common farm animals, I still find I have a deep emotional attachment to them. Spending time with them seems to help me to reduce stress and anxiety. And of course most people are familiar with studies showing that petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate, and increase levels of the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with feelings of love and bonding.
Cultural Significance of Animal Art
Wild animals are often seen as symbols of strength, power, and freedom. They can also be important figures in mythology and folklore. Here in our area of Brevard and Pisgah Forest, the bear is an important symbol of our mountain way of life. That is why you can find almost any representation of bears here in the galleries of Brevard. If you’d like to learn more about the cultural significance of bears in Native American folklore click here.
Personal Connection
Many people feel a personal connection to wild and domesticated animals. They may have had positive experiences with wild animals in the past, or they may simply appreciate the beauty and wonder of these creatures. Our pets are wonderful examples of personal connections. Pets can provide companionship and emotional support for their owners. They can be there to greet people at the door, cuddle with them on the couch, or go for walks with them. Pets love their owners unconditionally, no matter what. This can be a source of great comfort and support for people, especially during difficult times.
Joy
I feel that through anmal art, I can capture and convey feelings of connections and joy. It would give me great pleasure to know that my work helps people feel more connected to the wild and domesticated animals around them. I hope that the joy and happiness that animals bring into my file is shared when someone sees my work. I want my work to help people understand and appreciate the world around them that makes people laugh, smile, and feel loved.