Wolf Symbolism Expressed in a Mixed Media Painting on Canvas

October 12, 2018 / minette /
wolf symbolism, wolf painting

I am celebrating finally completing this large wolf painting. I am have always been fascinated with the spiritual symbolism of animals and pay attention to when they show up in my life to guide me or remind me to pause and take notice. Wolf symbolism is powerful medicine. You can click on the image above to see the full painting.

It feels vulnerable to share this painting. 
 
I love trusting and following my painting journey. Wolf symbolism is powerful medicine. According to SpiritAnimal.info, “When a wolf manifests its presence as a guide in your life, it could be a call to live your life more freely, to bring the intensity of passion in your everyday endeavors.”
 
To me this wolf captures the expression from the earlier layers of words and colors and speaks her truth aloud. Who am I being as the wolf? Am I speaking my truth?
 
Why does it feel challenging to share this image? Because I think it’s gorgeous, I’m attached to what you might think or say.
 
As an artist, creative, writer and coach I have deep empathy for how vulnerable it feels to be visible.
 
And as a business owner and strategist, I know it’s essential to show our work.
 
It’s a paradox.
 
Sharing what’s in our soul in this way is hard. No matter what the work is that do in the world, it requires stepping into discomfort and being visible, being ready to receive feedback or hear crickets. We get attached to our work. It’s personal.

In a recent blog post on finding my voice I shared this same canvas but it looked quite a bit different, it was a bold and abstract expression of emotion. You can see it here if you are curious. And underneath that layer are a few others, including a large black raven. I love creating layers of images this way until a canvas finds its forever image. I think maybe the wolf is the final image for this canvas, we shall see.

For me this wolf is related to me finding my voice as a woman, artist and warrior and using my voice to speak my truth about what matters to me. While real wolves may not howl at the moon, I can see the appeal in using our voice to gather our tribe, to warn others or to express fierce joy.

The wolf: A power animal symbolic of freedom

According to SpiritAnimal.info, wolf has a range of meanings.

In the spirit animal kingdom, the wolf symbolizes:

  • Sharp intelligence, deep connection with instincts
  • Appetite for freedom
  • Expression of strong instincts
  • Feeling threatened, lack of trust in someone or in yourself

This part of the post resonated most with me.

“Wolf power or spirit animals point to an appetite for freedom and living life powerfully, guided by instincts. When a wolf manifests its presence as a guide in your life, it could be a call to live your life more freely, to bring the intensity of passion in your everyday endeavors.”

Wolf Symbolism

One of my favorite resources for information on animals and symbolism is WhatisMySpiritAnimal.com. I find their information to be comprehensive. I particularly love this reflection: “Their commitment to and love of family is humbling, their communication skills elegant, and their intelligence awe inspiring.” Who wouldn’t aspire to those qualities?

wolf symbolism

Do you think about animal symbolism or get curious why particular animals show up in your dreams or appear on your path in other ways?

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8 Comments

  1. Tracy on October 12, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    I love wolves too! I have yet to read – “Women who run with books”. which I believe is similar.

    Reply
    • minette on October 12, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      Women who run with wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes is an amazing book! Thanks Tracy!

      Reply
  2. Roy A Ackerman, PhD, EA on October 12, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    I am not familiar with animal symbolism- but I can see the symbolism that emanates from certain animals.
    I am glad you found a way to share that information with us.

    Reply
    • minette on October 12, 2018 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks Roy! Animal symbolism in art is fun to explore.

      Reply
  3. Eydie on October 13, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    Beautiful painting – I adore the mixed media. Being vulnerable is strengthening. I’m always leery about sharing my blog posts because I think I’m too scattered in my writing. I go from one thought to the next without a clear order. But, heck, I share them anyway.

    I’ve not given any thought to animal symbolism probably because other than having a cat, there hasn’t been a particular animal to consistently show up in my life. It would be fun, however, to delve into the subject matter.

    Reply
    • minette on October 16, 2018 at 10:47 am

      It is so fun to dive into animal symbolism Eydie. You will start to notice images or signs of different animals all around you once you do.

      And I am so glad you are sharing your blog posts in spite of your own misgivings.

      Reply
  4. Pamela Schmidlin on October 28, 2018 at 3:06 am

    Wow, you have some talent there……you really truly did that? Amazing! And the wolf- my dogs are loving the subject too!

    Reply
    • minette on November 3, 2018 at 6:16 am

      Thank you Pamela!

      Reply

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