I know that Salmon are a powerful symbol for the Pacific Northwest and the Celts both of which are a part of my own story so I started by doing some research and gaining a new respect and appreciation for Salmon. I have been aware of the Celtic story of Fionn mac Chuhail which establishes the Salmon as a totem for wisdom and prophecy and there are many other Celtic stories where Salmon serves as the inspiration. In the Pacific Northwest, Salmon is an integral part of our culture, our richness, our connection and understanding of this extraordinary part of the world. Salmon teaches, sustains and stands as a symbol for the soul of the Pacific Northwest.
After immersing myself in understanding the meaning of Salmon I began to make the Salmon earrings. First I sculpted a couple of Salmon figures from polymer clay. One being a singular Salmon and the other a Celtic Triquetra of Salmon. From these I made molds.
From the molds I cast the salmon in bronze, refined, fired, polished, patinated, and built these earrings. The first is a singular Salmon. In it's mouth it holds a large blue pearl. On the back I've added Runes as a kind of blessing. The runes symbolize partnership, wholeness, flow and joy.
Making these earrings was such a joyful learning experience. I have a new appreciation and respect for the Salmon, what it teaches us about life and balance, what it means to those of us who make the Pacific Northwest their home and how the Salmon may be a part of helping us understand what we need to do to care for this beautiful, bountiful home we share and have named Mother Earth.
