Secret Story: Someone to Watch Over Me
“Someone to Watch Over Me”. Painting of a tawny frogmouth by Kirstie Page
I had a conversation last week with a beautiful soul who shared that the owl is her spirit animal and that she loves flowers like jasmine. That night, I dreamt of the two images together. I’d never seen an artwork with the two combined before and it felt... right.
Technically, tawny frogmouths aren’t owls. They’re a member of the night jar family. But to me, they kinda *feel* like an owl so it almost counts. It’s personal for me to paint this - I see these hauntingly beautiful birds sitting in the trees and on electric wires around my house in the evening. Looking outward, gazing intently, still as a statue.
When I looked up the symbolism for this animal I felt it was very fitting given the challenges, heightened fear and emotions many people are currently experiencing. According to the powers of the internet, seeing one is encouraging you to break through times of ambivalence and despair, and to reach towards nature and it’s healing energy. I really loved that.
Jasmine was selected because it flowers abundantly around Brisbane and it’s glorious scent fills the air on a summer evening. This gorgeous flower symbolises love, beauty and purity.
Mixed media painting of a tawny frogmouth by Kirstie Page
Finally, the subtle background pattern is a variation of the Japanese Uroko pattern which is said to ward off evil spirits.
When I combined these aspects together I like to feel that while the resulting painting may be “dark”, it feels like a warm embrace. I hope you can feel it too.
If you’re experiencing a challenging time, may you look at this piece and know my thoughts are with you and I’m sending you support, encouragement and positive, healing energy. Hang in there.
ORIGINAL SOLD.
About Kirstie Page
Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer. Kirstie creates beautifully uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and symbolism to provide comfort and joy to people. Her artworks have featured in varioius gallery exhibitioins and are held in private collections all around the world.
Kirstie is also an active member of The Gap Creative, an artists’ collective located in The Gap, Brisbane.