{"id":5270,"date":"2013-11-03T12:25:30","date_gmt":"2013-11-03T12:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.artcorner.com\/?p=5270"},"modified":"2013-11-03T12:25:30","modified_gmt":"2013-11-03T12:25:30","slug":"animal-art-totems-choose-art-based-on-the-animal-in-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overstockart.com\/blog\/animal-art-totems-choose-art-based-on-the-animal-in-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal Art Totems: Choose Art Based on the Animal in You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many of us choose to live in the city and the suburbs, which has its own perks, but we miss nature (definitely not the mosquitoes). We miss the peace and privacy that comes with it: So we seek hiking trails, mountains to climb, and preserves to take photos of endangered species. For all of humanity’s history, animals have played an important role in our evolution by providing us with food, shelter, warmth, and companionship.<\/p>\n

\"Heade<\/a>Animals have also played an important role symbolically, be it spiritually or aesthetically. Animal totems are prevalent in many cultures and traditions, with various meanings. The Vikings wore bear skins to intimidate the opposing force, symbolizing courage; to the Celts, the bear often symbolized the sun. There is evidence in some cultures of the bear representing fertility; We have a modern association of Mother Bears’ fierce protection of her young that we associate sometimes with our own family and motherly reactions. Ever wondered why a particular artist chose to paint a certain animal? <\/p>\n

Perhaps the animal meant strength over adversity or survival to the artist, or maybe he or she just really liked that animal as a kid. In a way these animals are like totems, bringing spring (growth and comfort) into our homes, reaffirming a state of mind we want to have. It can make us think, too, of that CEO with paintings of great hunts in his office to stay in the hunter’s mindset, to close the deal and snag the prolific client. When the time comes for us to have children, we often commission murals of animals and buy our children stuffed animals and coloring books of their favorite animal.<\/p>\n

We can use animal symbolism to make the act of decorating our spaces easier and feel more connected with the personality of ourselves, our families, or our company. Here are a few associations between animals and their symbolic messages. This information is a guide only, but it can provide a starting point for you. Our symbolic associations with animals are natural, based on their behavior and habitats.<\/p>\n

Animals and their Symbols<\/strong><\/h2>\n