“Treat the Earth Well”

11 x 30” Watercolor and Gouache on Paper

The title explains the piece, and is a lesson for all.  This artwork is an interpretation of an old saying which is attributed to a variety of different cultures, but equally as relevant:  “Treat the earth well, for it is not yours: it is loaned to you by your children.”

A variety of symbols are included, largely that of a circle.  A circle is a powerful form, with no beginning and no end.  It represents the four directions as well as the circle of life.  Within the Earth-form is an ancient shield adapted from one found at The Castle Gardens Site in Wyoming.  Tellingly, several of the engravings at that site include turtle forms.  In Native American lore, the turtle is legendary for bringing the earth to the people.  A turtle also symbolized along life.  I sent my husband off to Iraq with a turtle amulet, and it worked: he came back home alive!

Feel the earth and don’t irrevocably alter nature.  We must do all what is in our power to protect the environment for future generations…. Remember: the earth does not belong to us: it is loaned to us by our children. 

This painting is on display in the Artists of the Black Hills Annual Show, August 8 – September 6, 2014 at the Dahl Fine Art Center in Rapid City.  Come by if you are in the area, to see outstanding artwork by artists from the Black Hills region!

http://www.thedahl.org/upcoming.html