f WSC 05 SallyJSmith Shamaness Sally J Smith

The artwork presents a figure centrally positioned within a landscape imbued with symbolic weight. Here we observe a woman, adorned in elaborate regalia composed primarily of feathers and animal fur, standing before a circular object resembling a drum or shield. Her posture suggests an act of invocation; her arm is raised, holding aloft what appears to be a ceremonial staff topped with feathers. The expression on her face conveys a sense of focused intensity, perhaps indicative of spiritual communication or trance.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the work’s meaning. A cascade of water flows down a snow-covered slope behind the figure, creating a visual dynamism and suggesting themes of purification and renewal. Towering trees with vibrant yellow foliage frame the scene on the left, their color contrasting sharply with the cool tones of the surrounding environment. The background is dominated by a range of jagged mountains silhouetted against a twilight sky filled with numerous birds in flight. A wolf stands attentively near the woman, its posture mirroring her own sense of alertness and connection to the natural world.
The subtexts within this painting are layered and complex. The figure’s attire and actions strongly suggest a shamanic or spiritual role; she appears as an intermediary between the human realm and something beyond. The presence of the wolf reinforces this association, as wolves frequently hold symbolic significance in indigenous cultures, representing intuition, loyalty, and connection to ancestral spirits. The birds soaring across the sky could symbolize freedom, transcendence, or messages from a higher power.
The circular object before her is open to interpretation; it might represent the cyclical nature of life, the cosmos, or a portal to another dimension. The overall composition evokes a sense of reverence for nature and an exploration of spiritual practices rooted in ancient traditions. The artist has created a scene that blends realism with fantasy, inviting contemplation on themes of connection, transformation, and the power of the unseen world.