Alkonost is the Russian name for the half-bird, half-woman creatures that appear in Russia's vibrant and ancient folklore tradition. In this series, I play with both composite creatures (birds and humans) and composite cultures (Russian and Louisianan) to create a new mythology, a new kind of alkonost, one that protects various elements of the Louisiana landscape. 

Here, two alkonosts protect the natural world atop their totem. On their head they carry seeds: they oversee and embody the ability to procreate, to give life. 

The totem is comprised of (top to bottom): Swamp Leather Flower, Magnolia, Coral Honeysuckle, Mamou, and Buttonbush.

Protection and guardianship-- specifically female guardianship-- appear frequently in my paintings. Much like a talisman you wear around your neck, I like the idea that a painting can be a protective object for your wall, can act as guardian of your space. The alkonosts have dominion over their static ecosystem in the particular world of the painting-- in this case, the Swamp Leather Flower, Magnolia, Honeysuckle, Mamou, and Buttonbush-- but as an object on your wall, they also serve as guardians over your room, your space, whatever dynamic ecosystem they come to occupy. They protect two worlds: the world of the painting and the world they see from their perch on the wall.

Size : 22x30” paper size; framed to 27x34”

Materials : watercolor and ink on 100% cotton cold-press paper

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