animal art

Learn to Be Still. Can Butterfly Teach Us This?

Posted by Barbara Techel
8 x 8 Mixed Media Collage

It seemed contradictory. To name this Butterfly piece, Be Still.

A birthday gift for my sister’s 60th birthday I knew I wanted to create a butterfly, though when the message that kept coming was be still, I wasn’t so sure.

But animals have a way at times of making us work for our wisdom.

It’s oh-so-lovely to be a butterfly – owning your total beingness and those glorious gorgeous wings as they flutter out into the world enjoying the sweet and nourishing nectar of plants and flowers. How everyone marvels in awe when they see a butterfly!

But how do we get to this magnificent stage? Ah yes, I understand, dear Butterfly. We must embrace being still.

It’s reminding me of a conversation during a monthly astrology group I’m part of. Butterfly and the concept of transformation comes up often. How as a collective we are all going through a significant metamorphosis.

Though, how often it is that some get stuck being a caterpillar, as a member said in exasperation! Not that there is anything wrong with a caterpillar! And I’m not saying this is the case for my sister.

But we all can learn to be still in some aspect of our lives. Even though this was something I craved when I left the corporate world many moons ago, and in many ways wrapped stillness around me with great pleasure, there are times it being still can feel uncomfortable.

Something I continue to lean into is that when we resist stillness it’s is a clue. A very valuable clue. It’s niggling at us to go within, listen, and observe. What is needing your attention right now? What part of you really wants to become that butterfly? What part of you is in protection mode not wanting to expand our of fear?

I know for myself, coming into my sixties two years ago, I felt something changing within me. I wanted even more stillness. I wanted to really appreciate everything around me even more. I want to drop deeper into my being. Though a part of me was scared – and still is at times, because of all those years of doing, doing, doing can sometimes be hard to let go of.

I reflect on my parents, now in their early eighties, both with some health challenges. My husband inching his way toward not working as much. Each navigating stillness in their own way. And me observing this and taking the cues as lessons for myself.

To Be Still is a gift if we can change our perspective and look through a different lens. When we do, we just may find a part of ourself that wants to be seen and know it is loved, and that all is going to be okay.

xo

Barb

Miss Mouse in the House. Art as My Dream World.

Posted by Barbara Techel
Miss Mouse in progress – Mini 4 x 4 – mixed media collage

“Well, Miss Mouse,” I said as I cut her shape out. “I thank you for this lovely insight!”

As it often happens, an animal presents itself to be created into a piece of art. And together as a team we create a bit of magic to be put out into the world.

While cutting around Miss Mouse I heard her say, “Dream.” And so this will be the word that goes on the piece when it’s complete.

But then it went deeper as I realized how art is my own special kind of dream world. A space where my thoughts take a rest and I’m in blissful communion with the animals and natural world. Here, I’m inspired, offered helpful insight, and find comfort, peace, and love each and every time.

When I returned home early April after being gone for seven weeks, I felt uneasy that I might not create again as I wasn’t feeling inspired. Will I get back in the groove again, I wondered? This, along with a swirl of emotions about my Dad progressing in his Parkinson’s and memory loss, and now in assisted living had me moving through many emotions.

But I reminded myself not to put pressure on myself and allow things to unfold organically…

and slowly they did. Deep reflections of how I want to enjoy each precious moment of life while still here and healthy. While also doing some inner work of grief that comes along with changes.

And then just like that, butterfly, snail, and mouse dropped into my mind’s eye asking to be created. And I was called to work on 4 x 4 mini pieces of birchwood panels. Though, honestly, I first found myself resisting the tiny size, but yet, how at peace I find myself in this cozy space away from the big outside world that can often feel chaotic and unsettling.

I know I can’t stay in this dream world. But I can visit and stay awhile and find calm and peace for my heart. And then carry that blissful vibration out into the world not only as myself standing within it, but sharing a part of me through my creation of art I hope will inspire others to feel the same.

XO

Barb

    

Pilots to the Rescue – 2025’s Recipient for a Portion of My Art Proceeds – Plus New Bird Art!

Posted by Barbara Techel
Kingfisher – Explore – Mixed Media Collage 6 x 6 on birchwood

I’m happy to announce, in collaboration with LaValley Home and Garden, this years recipient for a portion of my art sold will benefit Pilots to the Rescue.

Their Mission:

The mission of Pilots To The Rescue is to prevent at-risk animals from being euthanized by transporting them via air and ground transportation to give them the best chance at adoption.

Volunteer pilots fly animals from critical situations to safety, ultimately saving lives.

Not only has this organization helped dogs and cats, they’ve also helped ten foxes and four wolves. Catch a video below to learn more about them!

And to kick off this announcement I have five new pieces of art available for purchase through LaValley Home in Garden in Howards Grove, WI. No worries if you aren’t local, as they will ship upon request!

My mixed media Animal Oracle Art thoughtfully blends together chosen images of animals that have inspired and/or captured my attention in some way! Each image and corresponding backgrounds are enhanced with a variety of pastel chalks, pencils, markers, and paint. My collages include dried florals, leaves, and natural elements I discover on my walks such as acorns, feathers, stones, and tree branches, along with bits of discarded/recycled ephemera. Animal image and supporting images are then curated and adhered to create a dimensional effect that is gently and lovingly nestled with care on birchwood.

Check out this heartwarming video of the mission of Pilots to the Rescue who have helped over 4,000 souls to date!

xo

Barb