Aboriginal cultures world wide have long realized that we share this planet with other species that have gifts superior or equal to ours. Their veneration led them to conclude that all creatures, human or otherwise, are ultimately connected in a sacred interdependent living web and share a "soul essence" which transcends both time and space. Judie's Animal Spirit Designs are her attempt to capture this mystery. To that end, she pursued a vision not predicated by any one culture, and by doing so, arrived at something uniquely personal.
When I think of her Spirit line the word "mandala" comes mind. It's a Sanskrit word which means whole world or healing circle. Much like the Navaho sand paintings, it's art that has both the purpose and the power to unlock the soul's architecture leading it into the deeper mysteries. The closest parallel in western culture was traditional use of the stained glass "window" (conceived as more than a window--it could act as a portal.)
Talismans, or jewelry objects with magical powers, can be mandala-like vessels into which we project our own psyche on a path towards a type of revival or restoration. They confer images, often more of a symbolic nature, which have both the power to transform and ennoble. Wedding rings operate just in this way-able to reinforce the deeper mystery of union, but only if those values are jointly held.
But you need not believe in magic to have magic do its work on you. Enjoying the "beauty" of a special dress or the "boldness" of a particular hat will have a unique conveyance that offer similar advantages to the wearer.
Likewise, the spirit of the Arctic Hare can be both one of nurture yet conferring the power to nurture. The Moose spirit embodies the paradox of a type of power that is unobtrusive and even invisible. (The perfect wearable mantra for someone who likes to "walk softly but carry a big stick.")
If you are a bohemian in spirit; restless with the sedentary life-the Caribou or Arctic Tern spirit might be speaking to you.
Judie also challenged herself, in many ways, on a technical level. She worked with the concept of "negative space," where less is more, and in doing so, was often able to convey a symbol or image with just an outline. Incorporating many symbols from cultures both ancient and modern, she became as her Fox spirit (one of her favorites )-and was able to explore boundaries yet resisted defining them as limitations. Omnivorous in her use of symbols: celtic, Chinese, Japanese, nordic, germanic, Hopi, contemporary and also some highly personalized and of her own making--she incorporated what struck her fancy.
All designs are offered in sterling silver or lead free pewter with a hand brushed satin finish. Each pin comes with a separate the individual "Spirit" monograph on the card's back explaining both her artistic vision and use of symbols.
Here's to putting a little magic back in life! Take time to read the individual copy explaining her effort and enjoy at the level of your choice.
-Dick Gumm
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