Sallie Knox Hall - Spirit. Animal.

Encountering an animal or natural element and feeling a deep connection to a deceased loved one's spirit can be a profound experience. Many cultures and belief systems hold the idea that animals can serve as vessels for the souls of those who have passed on. For instance, the presence of a cardinal as a messenger from the spirit world is most often the first thing that comes to mind. Its appearance, for many people, feels like a gentle reminder that one is being watched over or comforted by the deceased.

After my father’s untimely death almost 2 years ago, I began to recognize the presence of a lone buck in my yard as embodying his spirit. Deer are often on our property at certain times of the year, but this just felt different. A visitation from a buck in the middle of a busy day often gives me pause to remember my father’s life here in this realm. It reminds me that his essence lives on and brings me great peace. Another symbol of my dad’s energy is the occasional shed. I’ve never in my life found a shed in the wild until after his death…..and I found 2 on separate occasions right around my house. Lastly, my dad was a “moon enthusiast” and could tell you more than you ever wanted to know about its phases! The moon, presenting in many shapes, is always there.

As I started to delve into this body of work, I asked friends and family what type of creature or object shows up for them. There were wonderful answers….owls, herons, foxes and even feathers and rocks. The question led to amazing conversations about hope and resilience and for that I am so grateful.

I continue the use of cold wax and oil in these pieces. The haphazard glaze of white paint and wax sets the mood as the underpainting. Vibrant colors and graphic shapes create a visual contrast with what lies beneath their surface. The appearance of an arch shape connotes the ideas of transition and passage from one dimension to another. Besides the arch and placement of some animals, there is no planned composition, as I use intuition to guide me. This leaves room for exploration and pleasant surprises along the way.


I hope you enjoy engaging with these paintings as much as I enjoyed creating them!