The story of a wise old woman caring for a bear is not just Inuit, it is far more ancient and universal, and weaves its way into all of our heritages, seeps through all of our bones. . . . Sometimes the old woman cares for a polar bear, other times, a black bear, or simply a wild creature. Whatever it is she is cradling, the act is one of defiance, a selfless transgression that contains within it timeless wisdom. . . .where a relationship of hunter and prey transforms into one of reciprocity and interdependence. A relic of our humanity captured in story, the retelling of which is a sacred ritual of continuity of mothering the wild and in turn being mothered too, in a world that has long forgotten such values.
Read MorePhoto of a gorgeous scene from the North Woods Lake Umbagog and Androscoggin River region where I spend several; days each summer immersed in pristine wilderness . . . .along with all the rustic charm and quirks and inconveniences that come with truly getting off the grid! Every corner of this lush landscape carries the spirit of Sky Woman, from the Haudenosaunee creation story of Turtle Island—North America.
Sky Woman’s Seeds: A Myth to Grow What Matters
What if creation wasn’t just something that happened once, long ago—but something we’re still a part of? In this reflection on the Haudenosaunee story of Sky Woman, I explore themes of reciprocity, balance, and the quiet power of tending what we love. With insights from Robin Wall Kimmerer and Ilarion Merculieff, this piece is a love letter to the enduring relevance of ancient myth for our contemporary moment.
Read MoreWhat Is Linocut Art?
A linocut print is a kind of relief print, similar to a woodblock print. A design is hand-carved out of artist’s linoleum which is then rolled with ink, paper is hand-pressed on top to reveal the final art print. The effect is an image that is both bold and simple, making a perfect medium for conveying classic, timeless themes and beloved folktale characters.
Read MoreWild Wings & Whispers Within: Call of the Shadow, the Untamed Self
What if the stories we inherit are meant to call us home, back to the old woods of the soul? In this lyrical retelling of a beloved African American folktale, three baker women hear a knock that grows louder with each rising loaf — until their quiet cabin bursts open into wings. Part caution, part invocation, the story hums with ancestral echoes and sacred thresholds. The owl, guardian of the in-between, becomes a symbol of wild return and transformation, reminding us that when we silence the deeper self, it will rise again, calling us back to life. Let this story lead you on a journey to reclaim what is feathered and alive within.
Read MoreShort History of Block Printing
From its origins in China, during the course of its journey across the world, block printing has undergone many iterations and transformations so the block prints you see today are an embodiment of a combination of innovations, creativity, skills, and knowledges that bring together contributions of people from vastly different cultures and continents.
Read More