[Art] Takahe as Totem

[moonvoice]

Takahe as Totem

The takahe is a flightless bird, closely related to the purple swamphen in the rail family. It was thought to be extinct for some time, before being rediscovered in the Murchison Mountains in New Zealand. It survives today, as an endangered animal, with new 'safe' populations being kept on off-shore islands. The takahe lives in alpine regions, and eats the base stems of snow-grass. It is a territorial bird.





Keywords associated with Takahe as a totem animal are:

surprises, expect the unexpected, an inability to soar over your problems, celebrating sound and sound magic, surviving in austere environments, adapting to harsh conditions, surviving predation, strength and sturdiness, the need for constant nourishment.

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18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint

Comments

[lupabitch.livejournal.com]

Oooooooooh. COLORS! Course, I think that about all your work, but this one especially. One wouldn't think purple and green would go together so nicely.

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Aw thank you. I actually love purple and green as a combination, I don't use it nearly enough.

[darakat-ewr.livejournal.com]

I like the color contrasts in this one, the green and purple look quite nice against each other. This bird reminds me somewhat of the water fowl

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

They are waterfowl; they're in the rail family. :)

[darakat-ewr.livejournal.com]

I think my local waterfowl is unfortunately called waterfowl :p...

[rainsingingwolf.livejournal.com]

Vibrant

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :D

[vyxen.livejournal.com]

I had no idea such wonderful birds existed. o.o
Thank you!

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Takahe are awesome birds. :D

[ariestess]

Wow! This is so bright! The yellows in the background really bring out the purples and blues in the bird's coat.

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :D

[mirrorred-star.livejournal.com]

I think I've seen pictures of takahe before. I love the contrast between its deep blue and the green.