The Mystic Muse: Crows in my Art

South African artist Mariaan Kotze with Crow paintings Esoteric art symbolic (1)

A Lifelong Fascination

“Crows are evil,” some may say, but for me, they are anything but malevolent.

My fascination with crows started as a small child when I encountered a talking crow in a cage at the Bloemfontein Zoo. My parents had to drag me away from the cage where the crow was kept. The crow could talk, and I found it fascinating.

My heart went out to the locked-up crow, alone in its cage. I was in awe of the big, powerful bird, but it evoked sadness in me.

As a student, I often visited the zoo on a Sunday morning to visit that crow again.

Embracing the Mystique of Crows in My Work:

Crows have held a universal fascination across cultures for centuries, adopting a myriad of symbolic meanings.

 In my artworks, these enigmatic birds transcend mere superstitions; they embody profound symbols of wisdom, transformation, and resilience. With intelligence as their hallmark, crows challenge us to confront hidden truths and embrace transformative experiences.

They guide us through the labyrinth of life, urging us to adapt and use our wit to navigate challenges.

The symbolism of crows is a tapestry of beauty, woven with threads of ancient beliefs and modern interpretations.

South African artist Mariaan Kotze with Crow paintings Esoteric art symbolic (2)
“You’ve Got This Girl.” 30x40cm

“You’ve got this girl. You’re stronger than you think, trust your journey, and let the wisdom within guide your path. In stillness, you’ll discover the answers waiting to unfold.”

The Symbolism of Crows:

The Crow in my art symbolises Intelligence, Fearlessness, Flexibility and Adaptability and most of all, Personal Transformation and Alchemy.

Spirit animal info Crow symbolism

Image by Spirit Animal Info by Elana Harris, feel free to read her interesting blog post about Crows as Spirit Animals. 

Destiny:

The crow’s presence in my art signifies a connection to destiny, a reminder to trust the unfolding path of our life’s journey.

The mystical aura surrounding crows sparks my imagination, infusing my art with a sense of magic and mystery.

In the grand tapestry of symbolism, crows emerge as messengers of profound truths, beckoning us to face challenges head-on and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of life.

While I occasionally use crows in my art to portray darker emotions, I am predominantly drawn to the positive symbolism they represent. These majestic birds serve as muses, guiding me to infuse esoteric elements into my creations.

A True Character: The Rescued Crow:

One particular crow, perched on a smallholding outside Bloemfontein, holds a special place in my heart.

Rescued and nurtured back to health by the talented artist Jacques Fuller, this crow became a true character.    https://www.facebook.com/jacques.fuller.54 

His hoarse voice and unique personality stole my heart, becoming a muse for one of my paintings.

South African artist Mariaan Kotze with Crow paintings Esoteric art symbolic (1)

This painting is more than a testament to my lifelong love for crows; it is a celebration of the mystique and symbolism that these creatures bring into my artistic journey.

Check out this video of the rescue Crow that inspired the above painting!

Closing Note: Embrace the Crow’s Wisdom

In the spirit of embracing wisdom, transformation, and resilience, let the symbolism of crows inspire and guide you, may you fall in love with these beautiful creatures!

Visit my previous blog post about Blackbirds in my art.

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All Artwork © Mariaan Kotzé