Type Casting… And Coming Attractions
May 10, 2017
A Celtic ant design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
An Ant will carry a leaf hundreds of miles to bring it to the anthill or the “group mind.” An Ant work for the good of the entire community. This ant (pictured above) was just rescued from a raging river by a dove that dropped a feather that he climb upon. The feather carried him to shore were he sits and contemplates the world.
Bees buzzing design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Bees. We cannot say enough about bees, that bring the sweet honey of life… and sting only with provoked. Bees spread pollen from flower to flower and mix things up to keep things growing.
Little brown mouse design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
A Mouse must touch everything with his or her whiskers to know it, yet he or she can chew every little thing or idea to pieces. And oh, the Mouse must watch out for predators like birds, cats, and snakes. Life is not easy when you must watch closely, little brown mouse, for that piece of cheese may be sitting on trigger that will spring a deadly trap.
We take these small creatures for granted in our daily walks, but they will figure large in some of the coming stories on this page.
For my May10Boys.
Watch out… little hog
May 3, 2017
“Watch out w’en youer gittin’ all you want. Fattenin’ hogs ain’t in luck.” Quote by Joel Chandler Harris, design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Joel Chandler Harris (1848-1908) was an American writer and folklorist best known for his collection of “Uncle Remus” stories “Br’er Rabbit” stories written in dialect. Harris worked as an apprentice on a plantation during his teenage years where he gathered stories from the African-American oral tradition.
Introducing “Notch” as Br’er Rabbit
May 2, 2017
Pointillism is a painting technique that emerged during the late-1880s in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. The term “Pointillism,” as an offshoot of Impressionism, was coined by art critics in order to ridicule the works of these artists. Pointillism today does not have negative connotations; it relies upon the ability of the eye and mind of the viewer to blend the color spots into a fuller range of tones. My application of Pointillism in creating motifs inspired by trade wind beads does not attempt to blend pigments on a palette, but to create textures within texture. Pointillism is an appropriate pen technique reminiscent of African trade beads that are spotlighted motifs in this blog.
“Notch the Rabbit,” design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Br’er (or Brother) Rabbit stories have their origins in African trickster storytelling traditions. Slaves brought Br’er Rabbit to America, and he is a folk hero that uses his wits to overcome adversity and adversaries. Br’er Rabbit is multidimensional and brings nuanced messages: he can be a hero or a lovable villain. Notch was a real rabbit companion from my youth who earned his ear notch on an adventure.
May Day… off and running
May 1, 2017
In a recent post, I have the impression that rabbits might be asleep and not paying attention to completing the race… True, the old belief that plodding wins the race, but in the race of life, much strategy is needed to continue the race. This page has been loosely focused on minimalist texts and quotes that offer hope in a world seemingly filled with conflicting forces. It is going to increasingly be populated with creatures, including the Hare, that offer lessons within parables.
A parable is a short story that illustrates a practical moral lesson; it is a simulative that expresses a relationship under which something else is figured. Many storytellers through the ages have used parables to reveal truths about human nature and relating to others in layered situations. I hope to continue this tradition in my own way.
Oh, How the Feathers Flew!
April 28, 2017
A Jay ventured into an area with some peacocks during molting season. There were lots of feathers on the ground, but the feathers started to fly after the precocious jay tried to re-purpose some of the discarded plumage by tying them to his tail and head. He thought himself quite a sight and strutted towards the peacocks with great swagger.
Disheartened, the Jay was compelled to return to his own kin-birds. Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
As he approached the group, the peacocks quickly recognized the cheat and plucked his borrowed plumes. Disheartened and naked (they removed some of his feathers as well), the Jay was compelled to return to his kin-birds. However, as the other Jays observed his behavior from a distance, they were equally annoyed.
Turning their backs to the Jay, the understanding among all the birds was clear: it is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
Aesop’s Great and Little Fishes
April 27, 2017
It’s never wise to compare yourself to others.
Fish design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Earlier in the day, a fisherman was drawing up a net from the sea that was full of all sorts of fish. While the big fish were all caught and hauled into the ship, a little fish escaped through the net mesh and swam back into the deep. As he crossed paths with more big fish, the little fish was grateful that his seeming insignificance was actually his safety net.
Ribet, ribet… It’s Earth Day!
April 22, 2017
Inspired by Zuni carving, this design is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Frog sings the songs that summon the rains to our earth and cleanse and purify the soul as well as replenish harmony.
Frog Replenish Harmony Notecard
Introducing the hummingbird warrior
April 21, 2017
Inspired by a Native American kachina doll motif, this design of a hummingbird warrior is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
The hummingbird warrior resides with each of us – the courage to fly in any direction: forwards, backwards, up and down, even as we appear motionless. Darting here, there, and everywhere this warrior embodies paradox that surfaces joy and love.
For Ian.
Don’t Rush Flowertime…
April 20, 2017
Inspired by a Native American bear carving, this design is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Bear has the ability to hibernate, the capacity to quiet the mind to digest life experiences. The power of introspection throughout winter seeking the sweetness of truth bears fruitage throughout flowertime.
Aesop’s The Tortoise and the Hare
April 12, 2017
Aesop’s fable of the Tortoise and the Hare designed by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
The Hare boasted of his speed within a congregation of animals: “I’ve never been beaten when I run at my full speed.” Then he put forth a challenge to all of his animal friends: “Does anybody care to race me today?”
The tortoise quietly stepped forward: “I accept your challenge.”
The Hare hopped up with delight: “That’s a joke? I could dance around you the whole way and still beat you!”
The Tortoise modestly responded: “Keep your boasting until you finish the race.” She glanced at the other critters with a curious grin: “You’re on.”
Soon a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted forth at once and disappeared around a bend. Then paused to wait for the others to arrive… showing his contempt for the Tortoise and lay down to take a nap.
The Tortoise plodded on and on, patiently, carefully. The Hare awoke to see her just at the finish line and could not run fast enough to save the race.
All of the animals observed that plodding wins the race.
Aesop’s Tortoise and the Hare postcard
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