[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) ;)