Spirit Helpers

BIRCH FOREST WOMAN II: Regaining Her Bearings - Enameled Spirit Helper Pendant
 
This piece marks the second synthesis in my work of the Spirit Helper Series with the Birch Forest Series.
 
Whereas Birch Forest Woman I was alive with the colors of Spring, this time she is adorned with the colors of fall: burnt orange hair, and leaves turning at the edges, ready to make their graceful fall to the earth as they are touched by wind.  The two silver side flanges are at the same time extensions of her hair, and her hands in the serene Yoga Tadasana pose.  Her face and form are inspired by a Punuk Style Old Bering Sea Ivory Figurine from 2000 years ago. 
 
In this piece I used the Baisse Taille enameling technique, covering a textured surface, in this case my birch bark texture, with transparent enamel.
 
To me, spirit helpers are both ancient and modern.  They are small helpmates to give us courage and hope and to aid us in spiritual, emotional or physical regeneration, healing, growth or serenity.

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