The guardian, the ancient, the sentinel

I placed him on my desk this morning, letting the winter light gleam across his heavy face.

An archival print of a bear drawn in graphite, embellished with a 24k gold leaf halo. Illustrated by Brianna LaVarta | Native Fauna art

There is this powerfully noble and gentle way he gazes past the frame. Looking forward to a fate I cannot see nor comprehend.

He is witnessing something sacred, something ancient, and something true.

An angled view of a grizzly bear drawing in graphite and 24k gold leaf illustrated by Brianna LaVarta

Lately, I have been allowing the meaning behind my work to unveil itself with time. I have accepted that their intentions arrive long after I have laid the last layer of graphite.

These wise, sentient beings,

They hold the language to thoughts and fears I cannot yet articulate outloud.

This bear, The Sentinel, feels like my guardian. Ever present, ever strong, and always keeping watch.


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On ravens, graphite and quietude