When we look at art we all know on some level what sort of meaning we derive from what we are seeing. It usually begins with a feeling. That piece caught my attention because I loved the color or it made me smile. Or that piece caught my attention because it made me feel curious, etc.
Then when we look closer at the work we begin to notice the texture and imagery and all the details of a piece. Sometimes the imagery reminds us of something from our past (good or bad) or maybe something that we are going through at the moment.
Once we have had our response to the piece, we often wonder what the artist was thinking when they created the work. We wonder if our response is what the artist intended or was it something totally different?
Today, I thought I'd share an image key that I have put together to help you the viewer better understand the meanings behind the imagery I use.
Below is the image key that accompanies all the work that I do.
*You can find the most up-to-date image key in the About tab above.
Image Key
Cats- mischief, magic Dots- mindfulness, meditation
Birds- The heart or Love Men- Confidence
Rabbits- naiveté, ego Women- self, nurturing
Bears- strength Clouds- aspirations, future
Elephants- whimsy, happiness, wisdom Houses- ssafety, acceptance
Dogs- friends Balloons- hopes and dreams
Butterflies- freedom, choice Girls/Boys- innocence, innocent self
Whales- wisdom Ships- dreams, future
Fox- mischief, calm, contentment Stars- memories, spirits
Victorian Figures- Society, Culture, Values
Flowers/Plants -growth (physical, spiritual, emotional)