Martial Arts Kung Fu Identity Jewelry - More Than Just Images
Martial Arts Kung Fu Animal System Identity Jewelry has been designed to be reminders of the physical and spiritual components of each Animal System.
The basic spiritual component is the Eight Trigrams surrounding each animal. The Trigrams which many of us have been exposed to through the I-Ching, represent reality in Taoist tradition. They are comprised of broken and unbroken lines. The broken lines represent Yin (feminine) and the unbroken lines represent Yang (masculine). The Eight Trigrams are Sky, Lake, Fire, Thunder, Wind, Mountain and Earth. I designed the Eight Trigrams to surround the animal in each piece so that we always remember there is a spiritual aspect to each system.
The Animal Systems I used are Dragon, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Tiger, Snake and Monkey. Each has it’s own unique characteristics. The images I created are meant to visually remind us of these characteristics. The following are brief explanations of these animals.
Dragon represents both physical and spiritual wisdom. The dragon prefers zig zaging motions and rising and falling, swinging and whipping movements to overcome its adversaries. The dragon is also adaptable and can change into any animal at any moment. It is the most mystical of all animal forms.
White Crane is the epitome of grace. It prefers to stay away from close confrontations, and instead uses its long legs and powerful wings. The beak is also used when an opportunity presents itself.
Praying Mantis is known for its unwillingness to retreat from an opponent and for standing its ground and fighting fiercely against all odds. The Mantis can begin at long range and move instantly to close range. The Mantis is known to successfully overcome multiple attackers.
Tiger’s natural fluidity hides it's ferocious power. Armed with deadly claws, sharp and strong jaws, the Tiger is one of direct and powerful. In any confrontation it leaps into attack going for the quick and direct resolution of the conflict.
Snake represents endurance, flexibility and accuracy. It is known for its suppleness and rhythmic endurance. The snake is also cunning and deceptive when necessary. The snake is completely supple in body and mind.
Monkey is considered one of the most unusual and effective styles in Kung Fu. Its deceiving and unorthodox techniques of tumbling and rolling make it an awesome and strange sight to behold. In addition, there are mental attitudes such as elusiveness and unpredictability.
Inspiration: As a young woman I studied Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. The impact of this study and practice changed the course of my entire life. Recently I began having dreams of the various animal styles associated with Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan. The vivid memories of these forms and the attributes of each animal inspired me to create jewelry that depicted the physical and spiritual qualities of each animal style.
Artist: Paula Bidwell of Native Talisman Art is an American Indian artist, jeweler and author. She is also considered an Indigenous Healer and spent many years on the reservation learning traditional healing and ceremony. She combines being an artist and indigenous healer into her art. Paula believes strongly that we are all related and there is very little separation between us. Her art resonates with all cultures and peoples.
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