6. Lunar Wolf: Introspection Under the Celestial Sky
This is part of the Seattle Waterfront Popup Mural series I created in the summer of 2024. Make sure to read about each of them in my blog. I have beautiful detailed prints available in the store, if you are interested. This mural was created in partnership with Friends of the Waterfront for the new Seattle Waterfront Prominade
Introduction
I’m thrilled to share the latest piece in my artistic journey, a mural titled “Lunar Wolf: Introspection Under the Celestial Sky.” It’s an invitation to enter a serene landscape where tradition, memory, and personal reflection converge. It’s a moment of quietude, visually representing the balance between past and present and an exploration into the beautiful, challenging journey of self-discovery. It serves as a reminder of the vital importance of quiet moments for our wellbeing.
Bill Pfeifer, Jr (Weidaaka Yoodoohaa) is standing next to his Shark mural wrap in Seattle
This piece is very dear to me, and has helped me understand the importance of personal reflection, a necessary component for healing and growth. It’s a reminder of the times when I’ve been able to step away from the world and connect with myself.
Inspiration and Concept: A Serene Escape
The concept behind “Lunar Wolf” is deeply personal, originating from cherished childhood moments and the winding road of self-discovery. The wolf, relaxed, embodies peace and inner reflection, rather than aggression. Nestled on the grasslands by the ocean, with its tidal line of seaweed and debris, rocks, and a forested island, it evokes a sense of deep contentment and connection to nature. It’s a quiet scene that allows us to focus on the beauty of the natural world.
Growing up in Southeast Alaska, I experienced the magic of bioluminescent algae illuminating the waves during a camping trip. It was a rare, unforgettable moment. The air was crisp and clear, and the night sky was unlike anything I had ever seen. The Milky Way, a rare sight in the often-cloudy Alaskan skies, also made an appearance. I’ve woven these memories into the mural, with the waves reflecting the dance of bioluminescence. This tranquil beach, inspired by those memories, is the perfect setting for the wolf’s introspective moment. It’s an oasis, and reminds us to honor the past experiences that have shaped us.
The moon, uniquely rendered with a wolf face, acts as a guiding spirit. The moon is a constant presence, mirroring the ebbs and flows of our internal landscape. In Tlingit culture, stars are the spirits of our ancestors, watching over us. The Milky Way, shining above, is a powerful reminder of this ancestral connection. It’s a reminder we’re not alone and that there are forces supporting us.
Details showing wolf moon islands and reflection on cold night
The wolf imagery is also inspired by a very different personal experience, which serves as a corollary to the peace in the mural. During a winter survival camping trip, we were practicing building shelters. After completing mine, I sat by the fire with the others. Later, we heard wolves howling across the river. As I settled into my shelter, I struggled to undo my frozen bootlaces, my cold hands creating both physical discomfort and emotional vulnerability. I then heard the wolves again, just across the creek. The combination of my vulnerability and the wolves’ looming presence was a powerful experience. Eventually, I was able to secure my shelter and drift off to sleep. The cold, clear night, with stars above, contrasted sharply with the turbulence I’d felt earlier. It was a reminder that even in our vulnerability, we can find peace.
Color Choices and Design Elements: Tradition Meets Serenity
The color palette for “Lunar Wolf” is deliberate and symbolic. Deep blues create tranquility, while the bioluminescent waves add a touch of wonder.
Detailed view of the wolf’s face showing vibrant colors
The wolf’s form is detailed with traditional Tlingit formline designs: stacked split U shapes in the ears and inverted painted trigons on its back. These are the signature symbols of my people, connecting me to past, present, and future.
I use black and gray to create bold formline outlines, and cyan and magenta as alternatives to more traditional colors. Pale blues and greens in the trees, grass, and seaweed reflect the natural environment of Southeast Alaska. Bright highlights for the moonlight and Milky Way add depth and a dreamlike quality, illuminating the darkness.
Personal Stories and Artistic Representation: Finding Solace in Nature
The serene landscape, with the ocean and beach, symbolizes a moment of peace and introspection—a place to calm the mind and connect with something larger than yourself. The wolf’s presence on this beach reflects my own experiences of finding solace and clarity in nature, reminding us of the places that have shaped us.
The moon, with its wolf face, acts as a guiding spirit, reflecting the Tlingit belief that the stars represent our ancestors watching over us. The Milky Way symbolizes this ancestral connection and the blessings they bestow. It’s a reminder to remember the lessons of the past.
Details showing the tidal line on the beach and the forest and stars
Self-Reflection and Solitude: Reconnecting with What Matters
Like the wolf, I have taken time away from the frenetic energy of corporate culture. I worked with my wife to develop a piece of property, living in a tent for months, building infrastructure and exploring the surrounding forests. This was a time of tremendous growth and reconnection with nature, and a reminder of what truly matters to me.
Framed 8×10 print
In this space, I found peace, but also a heightened awareness of my thoughts and feelings. This inspired the introspective spirit of this piece, highlighting the importance of cultivating balance.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Introspection and Heritage
“Lunar Wolf: Introspection Under the Celestial Sky” is a testament to the enduring spirit of introspection and cultural heritage. It’s a physical manifestation of life lessons, and a reminder of the importance of self-reflection, peace, and ancestral connections. It invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys, find peace in solitude, and celebrate the rich traditions of the Tlingit people. Through this mural, I share my personal stories, and it is my hope that this piece inspires others on their own journeys of self-discovery, embracing both turbulent and peaceful moments.
Previous Mural Description: 5. The Shark and Jellyfish: Ancestral Waters
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