RADIANT IN RED
Series 2 in Colors of the Wild
In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. Deer symbolize the powers in nature that are not easily subdued. They also represent instinctual energy and spiritual independence. During a deer's life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of regeneration. This animal's peaceful serenity is a perfect example of what deer represents, and all together encourages a certain embracing of the divine. The deer in the painting is a red deer, a species which ranged from Europe to as far east as western China. In several European cultures, this majestic mammal symbolizes inner peace and harmony, and its regal presence represents grace and nobility. In China, the red deer is often associated with longevity, while in Japan, it is considered a symbol of strength and power.
The dominant color scheme in the painting are red hues, shown by the deer, the plants (maple leaves and cattails) and the setting which is in the autumn season. Autumn is symbolic of plenty, ripening, harvest, and abundance, and represents the preservation of life and its necessities.
Maple trees can be found in North America (including Canada which uses a maple leaf on its national flag), Europe and eastern Asia. Maple leaves symbolize balance, love, longevity and abundance. Cattails are reeds that grow along the water’s edge and are known for having cylindrical, brownish and sausage-shaped flower spikes. According to Victorian tradition, in the “language of flowers,” cattails are a symbol of peace and prosperity. Consequently, the presentation of a cattail stalk as a gift served as an offering of peace in hopes of ending a conflict.
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