Guardian No. 416…forager…providing nourishment for the wild soul…
Inspired by an eccentric friend with an insatiable appetite for wild places and their food resources…
The green ears indicate that a male was my inspiration. A deer antler “beak” emerges from a camel bone bead, symbolizing endurance, commitment, and a self-sufficient way of living, attached to hand-dyed vintage linen fabric. Hand-felted, unspun dyed wool creates his disheveled hair. He is king of an enchanted, wild world, wearing a rock crown adorned with twigs and pheasant feathers.
For his strong-shouldered body, I selected a variety of earth-toned fabrics, as he is a man deeply connected to the land.
His personality further emerges with intricately-detailed hand-stitched wings, embroidery, and thoughtfully chosen beads. His legs are made with deer antler to reflect his strength and passion for the wild.
This Guardian takes flight on a re-purposed bedspring emerging from a hand-painted wood block base. Sewn to the back of the Guardian’s right wing is a tiny bell, representing my mother’s playful spirit. It’s gentle sound is a reminder to listen to the whispers of your heart.
Measuring 24″ x 9″ x 8″
debbie smith art 