[Art] River Dolphin as Totem

[moonvoice]

River Dolphin as Totem

There are four living species of dolphin (the fifth - the Chinese Baiji - is thought to be functionally extinct), which are mostly found in freshwater rivers, hence the name 'river dolphin.' One species of river dolphin - La Plata - is found in saltwater estuaries. The other three are the Ganges, Indus and Amazon, all river dolphins have more commonly known local names, in local dialects. All river dolphins are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, hunting, and low reproductive rates that lead to low population numbers. They hunt alone, or in very loosely organised pods. Because many live in very muddy environments with poor visibility, some have vestigial or very poor eyesight.





Keywords for River Dolphin as a totem animal (obviously not exhaustive):

Shape-shifting and shape-shifting mythologies, being extremely and highly sensitive to all forms of energy and energy shifts, being blind to the obvious, but able to perceive the hidden, preferring solitude or loose communities, being used by others, good luck and bad luck

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

Comments

[white9-fox.livejournal.com]

Birdie tattoo :)

A reference to them "flying" through the water?

I'd say you've succeeded this time. What do you think?

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I would have thrown it out if I felt I had failed River Dolphin; like my first attempt.

As for the sigil, I see something different, but it's awesome you see a flying bird. :D

[white9-fox.livejournal.com]

Really? What do you see in there?

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

I keep what I see in there private, since it's not about what see, it's about what river dolphin wants to communicate to others. But I don't see a flying bird. I see something a lot more mundane. I like your interpretation more.

[white9-fox.livejournal.com]

Oops, didn't mean to intrude :)

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Not at all! Some artists share stuff like that...but I think it's more interesting to see what other people read or feel from a picture, even if it's the opposite or different to what I see. I think that's where the real meaning is created - especially in something as symbolic as a sigil.

[white9-fox.livejournal.com]

Good point, and it does help prevent that "suggestion" thing as well.

I just get really curious about what others think. Blame my foxy side for that (or perhaps the probing dowitcher, lol) ;)

[lupabitch.livejournal.com]

This turned out really nicely; I was hoping it would, since you weren't happy with the last one.

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I had to approach it in a different way. I think river dolphin likes to play tricks on me when it comes to colouring... in retrospect it's not a surprise, considering how much eyesight they don't have.

[sidheblessed.livejournal.com]

I'd count this as a success.

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[ariestess]

How interesting! I like hte coloring. And the symbol on the dolphin itself looks like a bird...

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Awesome! :D Thank you.

[corvidophile.livejournal.com]

this one is very pretty! he looks soft enough to touch

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Pet the river dolphin!

[corvus-coronis.livejournal.com]

I remember a meditation many years ago where I kept repeatedly changing to a river dolphin & swimming up a river to find my goal (which was away from the river). Looking at some of the totemic meanings you've been given, I think that was an apt description of my state of mind at the time - especially probing into secret corners while being clueless to more visible issues

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this, I always appreciate it when people come to say 'I relate to those meanings from my own personal experiences.'

Sounds like a very amazing experience you had as well. :)

[corvus-coronis.livejournal.com]

Thanks, it was a pretty otherwise ordinary meditation (for that time), but it really stuck in my memory!

Anyway, keep up the good work! (both shamanic & art)