JUSTA BEAVER

Open edition print by Alaskan artist V Rae

Image size: 18" x 6"

Artist narrative: In Montana, where I grew up, the Indian tribes call Beavers the sacred center  of the land because they create life sustaining habitat for other mammals, fish, birds and people.  The artfully engineered canals, dams and lodges not only enhance neighboring life, they function as earth kidneys  holding and purifying downstream water to sustain successive circles of life.  All of this is accomplished through the collaborative effort of a monogamous colony of gentle spirited design engineers.  The sacred center  metaphor hints at the inspiration for my art: ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7-10)