The Messenger
The Omen
“The Watcher”, “The Messenger”, and “The Omen”
Introducing the Mystics, a series I recently completed featuring three owls. Each one is representative of a small part of the folklore surrounding these majestic creatures throughout the history of humankind. Different cultures around the world have presented alternative representations of the owl both in past and present stories that persist between wisdom and the ominous. Each tribe of Native Americans had their own beliefs and ideology regarding what they believe to be the prophetic nature of owls. According to Navajo legend, the creator, Nayenezgani, told the Owl after creating it "...in days to come, men will listen to your voice to know what will be their future". California Newuks believed that the brave and virtuous became Great Horned Owls after death. The wicked, however, were doomed to become Barn Owls. In Greek Mythology, Athena (the goddess of wisdom) first saw the creature and was impressed by her large eyes and dignified appearance. The owl later became closely associated with her. The associations of the Roman goddess Minerva mirrors that of Athena as a symbol of wisdom. She was believed to have the power to transform into an owl. In perhaps lesser-known circumstances (to some), alleged alien abductees/experiencers consistently report odd owl recollections that have included everything from screen memories to reporting a three to four foot owl on the side of the road after seeing strange lights in the sky and unexplained missing time. Whitley Strieber wrote about his profound owl experiences in his book “Communion”. The avid outdoorsman and author Mike Clelland has compiled an astonishing compilation of reports directly related to odd owl experiences and synchronistic events that span the globe and simply boggle the mind, as does his own personal account which sent him on his own search for answers. While it is certainly a very strange thing to ponder, it should be noted that the people reporting these instances could be your neighbor, a close friend, or even a frightened and discreet family member. While not every alleged abduction case has an odd owl story, it can be considered as a somewhat common theme within the phenomenon that should be noted. Most times, an owl is just an owl, but given the history of humankind in relation to religion vs science vs folklore vs what we believe to be reality, I find it is best not to pretend that we already know everything there is to know. The fundamental core of scientific thought is to ask questions. This series poses no answers, only art. For that reason, I chose a broad approach for the title of each piece, purposely avoiding a specifically defined title. The symbolism stands alone. I have been humbled and honored by the response that each piece has received. Creating this series has been a joy and something that comes from the deepest reaches of my heart what I wish to convey with my art. Thank you to each of you that have commented and especially to those who have reached out to with your own stories. Your bravery is inspiring.