If you are familiar with my work, then you might notice one particular animal has found his way into more than one collection of paintings.
I'm not talking about birds.
Or dogs.
I'm talking about the orange fox.
Welcome to part 2 of my Frequently Asked Questions series.
In my previous blog post I shed light on what I typically listen to while I work. (You can read the answer that surprised everyone here.) This one addresses the question about why I love painting foxes.
Often associated with mischief and trickery, foxes are complex creatures.
They are cunning.
They are agile.
They highly intelligent.
And seeing a fox in a dream or out in the wild can either be a symbol of good luck or resilience.
These cunning creatures have played significant roles in folklore from around the world.
When it comes to trickery, foxes are the unrivaled masters.
In various cultures, they are often portrayed as sly and cunning tricksters, outsmarting everyone around them.
From Aesop's fables to Native American legends, foxes are the mischievous characters who teach us valuable life lessons through their clever antics.
But my fondness of foxes goes beyond that.
When I was growing up, there was a family of foxes behind one of the biggest trees in our yard.
We always saw foxes out there in the woods.
Looking back, it didn't seem real. It was almost mythical.
Standing still as statues doing our best to stay out of sight, my family and I would watch a mother fox and her 2 pups play in the woods.
These magical sightings came at a really formative time in my life when I was an older child.
And that connection to the woods, that tether to some of the purest and simplest moments as a young boy is still strong today.
For me, the fox represents surprise, delight, and family. I just know that I'm going to have a great day when I see one.
When I paint foxes, I particularly love to paint them nestled in a cozy den...
their home...
their safe place...
because of my connection to my home and safe place.
So the next time you see an orange fox tail in one of my paintings, just know I was painting from a place of pure childhood magic.
Can you find the fox in this Folk Tale Canvas Print?
18 comments
My niece is 28 & on the spectrum. She loves foxes, all animals really. So many things I want to say… She is adopted by my sister. She was her stepdaughter, abused by both parents. After my sisters divorce, we raise her together along with caring for my 95 yr old mom with dementia. We had a local artist draw her a family tree when adopted & she is the fox. She is high functioning & volunteers at our local animal shelter. My niece also loves to paint. She is taking oil paint classes at the present. So so many unspoken words (not able to express) are spoken thru art. Healing process with art & animals for her abuse. She rushes into the room to see when your work is on Home Town. I never thought till this last episode to look you up. My whole reason for this comment… for your admirers like her who could never afford a painting… have you ever considered an adult coloring book with a “Where is the fox theme”? We also have a bunny that visits each year (we say same one wink wink) that we have named BunBun. I’m purchasing some bunny tiles to do something with (not sure what yet). Keep doing what you are doing & bringing light, touching lives you never even know about. God bless you
A wonderful family of red foxes lives near me in Pawleys Island, SC. They often frolic on the beach, lie on the piers and in the dunes. Talented photographers and artists have captured “Mr. PI Fox” (my name) and family for calendars, paintings, etc. Such a joy!!
I want to share a poem from a poetry blog I read weekly, The Poem Farm.
It came on the heels of your childhood story of the red fox and pups.
Fox’s Song
Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
I am Fox. I am fire.
I match all these autumn leaves.
My splendid paws crunch maple leaves.
I sniff the cider breeze.
People flock to pumpkin patches.
I match pumpkins too.
I am Fox. I’m fire.
My bright heart beats hot and true.
Soon beneath our fullest moon,
snow will dust your old stone wall.
And I will still be Fox. Be fire.
Clothed in ginger robes of fall.
Enjoy, Adam!
I
Adam,
Your connection to, and love of, nature is just wonderful and makes me happy. When so many today seem to be oblivious to nature, you revel in it joyously. Thank you for sharing your art with everyone.
Love this memory that you shared with us! I love foxes too. I also love the custom wallpaper you made for your Aunt that was showcased on an episode of Home Town. Can I get some please?