I have always been fascinated by heraldry – of the various ways families shared their achievements or proclaimed their values. Traditionally, heraldic crests sought to capture both the actual traits and aspirationals of a person or family – who they were and what they stood for.
This collection revisits that old concept in a more organic and whimsical way. Each element within the image carries a specific symbolic meaning, interacting with the other elements and creating a loose crest shape.
Each piece includes at least one bird, insect, precious stone, and flower. These were created with specific people in mind, so the symbols take on a life of their own and converge as a kind of “character blessing.”
The crow
Watercolor on paper, 9″ x 12″
- Crow: intuition, magic, destiny
- Emerald: love, truth, self-knowledge
- Spider: creativity, industry, patience
- Fireflies: illumination, sense of wonder, the spirit of heroes
- Mushrooms: magic and artistic wildness
- Fern: magic, confidence, fascination
- Lupine: imagination and creativity
The nightingale
Watercolor on paper, 9″ x 12″
- Nightingale: virtue, creativity, nature’s purity
- Blue Topaz: kindness, empathy, courage
- Bees: community, brightness, industry, and order
- Dandelion: joy in the midst of trials, faithfulness
- Basil: love and marriage, healing
- Moss: maternal love, charity
The dove
Watercolor on paper, 9″ x 12″
- Dove: gentleness, eternal love
- Jade: the “blessing stone”, used for both jewelry and weapons, strength and beauty
- Ladybugs: prosperity and self-reliance
- Magnolia Blossom: nobility and perseverance
- Violet: modesty, virtue, steadfastness
The Robin
Watercolor on paper, 9″ x 12″
- Robin: renewal, hope, and happiness
- Sapphire: peace, intuition, and hope
- Butterflies: Greek “psyche” meaning “soul”, transformation and lightness
- Iris: passion and valor
- Ivy: fidelity and attachment
The Swallow
Watercolor on paper, 9″ x 12″
- Swallow: love, loyalty, and peace
- Amethyst: peace, purity of spirit
- Moth: faith; drawn to light
- Sunflower: consistency and devotion
- Oak Leaves: bravery
Mary Scarlett 