Paintings and Drawings by Savanna - Paintings on Silk

Jaguar Paddler God

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

One of the Mayan Gods known as the Palenque Triad.
The first stories of the Triad begin around 3000-4000 bc. and are found through the late classic period. This one, with the Jaguar headdress leads the canoe, the Maze Paddler God usually steers from the stern. Symbols on the paddle, canoe and tattooed on his arms, show the hieroglyphs for the heaven or supreme other world. I’ve painted the Paddler God here with other favorite glyphs in my own style, some of the other glyphs are sun, earth, fresh new earth, sunrise...
The original is available.

Permit "the fish that got away"

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

Created for my friends who love the sport of fly-fishing for Permit, or I should say hunting, because with all the current advantages of locating this timid fish, bouncing signals off the sea floor, off the satellites, “fish finders”, polarized sunglasses, and beautiful little hand crafted flies… the fish usually wins.

Beautiful and elusive, “The fish that got away” created in a fun little silk painting to brighten the rainy no fish days.

Jaguar Shaman

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

This silk painting using the Serti technique - is my interpretation of an ancient painting. …Jaguar, power, dance, transformation - symbolized and expressed in a beautiful painting from the Maya Late Classic Period (600 – 900 AD).

The Jaguar was the most revered animal in Mesoamerica. They played a large roll in the Maya religion and were an important Shamanic creature. The Jaguar with its power and grace, held the top position in the food chain, this supremacy was greatly admired and sought after. In states of ritual transformation, humans changed themselves into jaguars from at least Olmec times onward. Kings, chiefs and shaman often wore the pelts, sandals, and headdresses made from the Jaguar. Necklaces of jade beads in the shape of jaguar teeth and stone thrones often took the form of the Jaguar. Here a Maya lord takes the shape of his animal self or “uay”.

From a vase of the “Altar de Sacrificios” of the Late Classic Period. The belt holds the symbol of heaven and jade (jadeite) beads which are associated with life and renewal of life - the most important stone to the Maya.
Original painting is available.

Dolphin's Sunrise

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

A silk painting I created while living in Belize, I was around wild dolphins often. They filtered into my dreams and into my work. Several of my paintings and drawings were created after one beautiful and magical evening of watching dolphins play in a bioluminescent bay. A moment when life itself was more surreal than my artwork can ever convey. This silk painting seems to glow as if it is lit from beneath. That’s the way that warm night felt.

Egyptian Boat "Soul Traveling"

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

I love boats in ancient art, not only the style of boats from ancient cultures but also their purpose, as they not only serve in daily life but also commonly seen as the means of transportation for the soul through the afterlife.

This is my interpretation of this ancient painting, created in silk in the Serti technique. I found this boat beautifully laced with symbolism and style.

A section of a Nineteenth Dynasty painting from the tomb of Irynefer. A scared bark is traveling on the celestial Nile of the afterlife. Irynefer, standing in a pose of respect toward the Gray Heron (a sacred bird that represents the ba or soul and the sun god Ra), the disk of the sun (over the heron and over the stern of the boat) are also symbols of Ra.
Like the sun, the heron rose from the primeval waters of the Nile and its name, Benu, was likely derived from the word weben: to “rise” or “shine”.
Other symbols; painted on the side of the boat is the eye of Udiet, a symbol of sanctity and divine grace. In addition, the protective eye of Horus, the wadjet, floats above the prow. There are many more symbols, like the winged scarab on the necklace worn by Irynefer, the feather of Matt on the staff - representing soul’s value or truth. And more - that all add to the protection and divinity of the journey.
Later "Benu" the Gray Heron of Egypt, became the sacred bird of Heliopolis, which became the legendary phoenix of the Greeks. The association of the rising and setting sun, or rising from its own ashes, or resurrection.

Mayan Glyphs

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:34 CDT

A few of my favorite Mayan glyphs
Original Painting 20"x26" Serti Technique on Silk I wanted this one to feel like the walls and artwork in the Maya temples - softened colors and time washed.
Original Painting Serti technique on silk is available.

Xul - Maya God

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:22 CDT

Xul (sool) is the Maya God of Thunder and Lightening. Here he is hanging from a ‘Sky Band’ that represents night. He is a powerful god and in the body of a Jaguar.

Xul is a favorite; he has also appeared on the pen and ink mainland map I created for Belize.
The glyphs I choose are pictures and symbols, describing or celebrating the Maya world. The pictograph or hieroglyphic meanings are often lost to us. Sometimes I use extractions from broken or damaged text - not always complete in definition. Still I love them for their artistry.
Original Painting 20"x26" Serti technique on silk is available.

Mayan Jaguar Glyph

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:02:06 CDT

This painting is of one of my favorite Mayan Jaguar Glyphs. I love how the Maya viewed the world. When I interpret a glyph or ancient artwork (often part of it is missing or chipped away by time or vandals) I fill it in using my imagination and artistic license. I do try to maintain the essence and strength felt in the Maya culture and their artwork, but in the end the image and artwork becomes a part of me, my style, a fusion of sorts spanning 3000 years.

This original painting is available. Original Painting 20"x26" Serti Technique on Silk

Greek Merchant Boat and Dolphins

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 06:38:39 CST

My interpretation - of a favorite frescos painted over 3500 years ago in Santorini, Greece. I've recreated a section of it using the serti technique on silk, 40"x23" inches.

This original painting is available $2,400 and available as a Giclee print and custom mural on tile..

Dionysus sailing with Dolphins

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 06:38:38 CST

Inspired by a Greek fresco. Hand painted in a serti technique on silk. 26" x 20".
The original painting is available $2,400
The Greek God Dionysus sailing with Dolphins. The son of Zeus and Semele The god of wine Later named Bacchus by the Romans.

There are many stories involving Dionysus. This is one of my favorites…
The God Dionysus was traveling on a ship disguised as a man. The sailors on board decided to make a little extra money by selling this lone passenger into slavery at the next port of call.
Dionysus (with his super powers) discovered their devious plot and became enraged. With vengeance he filled the wind with the sound of flutes and caused the timbers of the ship to sprout and rapidly grow into grapevines. Then (as an extra special touch) he turned the oars of the ship into snakes which so terrified the crew they promptly jumped overboard. Unfortunately in those days… most of the crew couldn’t swim.
Dionysus was known to be a generous and joyful god (though he tended to be a bit excessive at times). When he heard their pleading and begging, he had a change of heart, and saved them from drowning by turning them into Dolphins.

The Greeks have known for centuries that, Dolphins (as previous sailors themselves) often help ships and their crew at sea. Rescuing drowning men, women and especially children - by guiding and lifting them gently to safety.

Sailors throughout history have grown to respect these gentle creatures, treating them with kindness and a shared kinship. Welcoming them on their voyage - as having a dolphin visit during a journey at sea has long been viewed as a good omen from the gods.

In another story Dionysus turned himself into a dolphin - to ferry the faithful to the temple of Delphi.

It’s hard to love the sea and not love mythology.