Rebirth of the Bear
Rebirth of the Bear
Pastel on canvas, 50 x 61 cm, March 2024
Sometimes a painting isn’t just a painting — it’s a turning point in life. That’s what happened when I painted “Rebirth of the Bear.”
This was my very first artwork on canvas — a milestone in my journey from observer to creator. For years, I stood quietly on the sidelines, studying art history and conservation, loving art in all its forms but believing I wasn’t an artist myself.
In 2024, everything shifted. Guided by intuition rather than intellect, this piece came to life in less than an hour — a spontaneous outpouring of something I didn’t know I carried inside.
The bear at the center is more than a subject; it is a symbol of my own rebirth. Inspired by a shamanistic drum journey and the colors and energy of my childhood in New Mexico, the bear represents the part of me that was once held back by fear and limiting beliefs. In my vision, a Native American woman frees the bear from chains — just as I freed myself through art and trust in my inner voice.
Painted with my hands, this work embodies my spirit animal and my path back home to myself. It reminds me that art flows from the heart, not the mind, and that creativity is a sacred language of trust and freedom.
When I look at this painting, I feel proud, grounded, and at home — connected deeply to my true self and the universe.
This vibrant and spiritual painting draws its inspiration from Native American art and beliefs, echoing the colors and symbols of the American Southwest where I spent part of my childhood. At the center glows a warm yellow orb, surrounded by bright orange and deep red, gently rubbed into the canvas by hand. Expressive lines spiral in turquoise, leafy green, dark blue, and earthy brown along the edges, creating a sense of circular movement and energy.
A reddish handprint rests in the heart of the painting — a symbol of healing, protection, and spiritual power — overlaid by the black silhouette of a bear, embodying courage, wisdom, and intuition. Each corner holds meaningful Native American symbols: a broken arrow (peace), a star (hope and guidance), a spiraling sign (homecoming), and a wheel (Hogan, permanent home).
This artwork was born from a drum journey that reconnected me to my roots and sparked a personal transformation. It symbolizes my journey of opening my heart, finding my voice, and coming home to myself — living in alignment with my intuition and values.
More than just a painting, it vibrates energy and invites viewers into their own process of transformation, expression, and healing.
What symbols guide you back home to yourself?
