This was designed for a silent auction for a group I’ve donated a few paintings for in the past for www.hopeandopportunity.org.
In the world of symbolism, the Turtle is one of the strongest and most revered creatures on the planet. It has transcended all cultures, religions, and corners of the earth. It is a being whose magic united heaven and earth, and the sea turtle in particular is a prevailing mythic figure and archetype. The Turtle encapsulates protection, patience, wisdom, courage, compassion, perseverance, skill, longevity, loyalty, peace, confidence, love, adaptability, healing, and knowledge. Impervious to attack, the turtle is seen as a very model of settled, universal order. It is steady, strong, protective, and unshakeable. A self-contained creative source the Turtle is also called “the keeper of secrets†considered long-lived, wise, and secretive. The turtle is courageous because it makes progress only when it sticks its neck out, and moves forward with a patient, steady flow in order to achieve the desired destination.
The turtle has carried Wisdom on its back for many cultures throughout history. Wise with age, some psychological theories see in the turtle a connection with the self; the unity of the personality as a whole. Though life around us may be chaotic, the turtle can slow down and heighten its awareness, which continually allows it to see the connection to all things. Proverbially steady, in Eastern religions the turtle is thought to be the balance of opposing principles.
The turtle also signifies immortality and is considered a provisional dwelling places for souls making their way through a series of lives on the path to Nirvana. In many cultures, if you need grounding, focus, endurance or deep power, calling on the turtle for help is a time-honoured way of wisdom.
The song list on my iPod for my 2011 creations:
Winter Dies – Midlake
The Courage of Others – Midlake
Rulers, Ruling All Things – Midlake
Best Unsaid – Michael Brook
Oh My Heart – R.E.M.
Sinking Friendships – Jonsi
Saint Naive (Live) – Jonsi
The Suburbs – Arcade Fire
Ready to Start – Arcade Fire
Modern Man – Arcade Fire
UBerline – R.E.M.
Every Day Is Yours To Win – R.E.M.
Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I – R.E.M. (seriously, one of he best songs since Night Swimming)
Blue – R.E.M.
Photosynthesis – Carbon Based Lifeforms
Exile Vilify – The National
The Devil’s Tears – Angus & Julia Stone
Be the One – Moby
The Day – Moby
Stella Maris – Moby
The Violent Bear It Away – Moby
Lacrimae – Moby
Canis Lupus – Alexandre Desplat
Open Your Eyes (feat Peter Gabriel) – Salman Ahmad of Junoon
Perth – Bon Iver
Michicant – Bon Iver
Hinnom, TX – Bon Iver
Calgary – Bon Iver
Another Day in 1977 – Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
Forever Lost – God Is An Astronaut
How Does It Make You Feel – Air
Praan – Garry Schyman
A Dedication – Washed Out
Allies – Blue States
25 Years – The Go Find
We Bought a Zoo – Jonsi
Wapusk – Kathleen Edwards
Get It Wrong, Get It Right – Feist