Totem
Totem
Having been fascinated by totem animals since I was a child, I decided to pay tribute to them in this series.
Found in many cultures, they are regarded as spiritual guides and sources of wisdom. They are those invisible companions, bound to us by a mysterious thread, capable of protecting us, transforming us, or revealing a hidden inner strength.
And you, who will be your guardian of the soul?
Cosmos
The cosmic serpent is no ordinary serpent, but a living deity. This sacred totem dances between Earth and the universe, guiding both the visible and invisible worlds. It invites us to harmonise the opposites within ourselves, so that we may find our place. Endowed with an energy that is both powerful and mysterious, it connects the individual to the universal forces of creation, transformation and infinite wisdom.
A guardian of ancient wisdom and profound truths, he encourages us to listen to our intuition and to accept the changements with ease (even when they seem daunting) and to explore the unknown with confidence. This totem also reminds us of the importance of protecting our energy and setting healthy boundaries, whilst remaining open to life’s mysteries.
Love
Just like a diptych, this drawing came into being naturally and at exactly the same time as ‘Mekhila’. It captures the essence of the same period, but not the same symbolism.
This time, It is love taking flight.
The same heron, but never alone again : he has found his soulmate and lifelong companion. Herons are unique in that they mate for life, like two hearts that recognise one another in the silence of the world. What could be more beautiful to embody this bond that dances between two beings, stronger than time itself ?
“Love” captures this powerful and unexpected relationship that turned my life upside down. A story that begins where everything seemed to have already been decided.
« What you accept, but never forget »
Mekhila
I created this drawing following a significant and heart-wrenching event in my life.
The heron is a symbol of knowledge and self-esteem. It encourages us to find a balance between impulsiveness and passivity, and teaches us the importance of reflection. It embodies patience and tranquillity. It guides us towards introspection, inviting us to embrace our emotions without judgement and to listen to that inner voice that whispers our deepest truths. With it, every step towards ourselves becomes a sacred adventure. It urges us to accept all our emotions without judgement, to follow our intuition and to embark on the adventure of self-realisation.
As for ‘Mekhila’, it is a Hebrew word, both gentle and powerful, meaning ‘to forgive’. It is: ‘What you accept, but do not forget’. It means ‘Dance with your past’. A subtle alchemy in which wounds become stars, and memories, dance steps.
Willow
The rhinoceros symbolises indomitable strength and raw power. It embodies the the courage to face adversity, with its horn, which it uses both as a weapon and for protection. This endangered animal becomes a a valuable spiritual guide.
This giant floats on a cloud, by her side. A A secret communion takes place under the full moon. As throughout this series, one can sense a unique and precious bond between the woman and the animal. She seems to be listening to his breath and caressing the untamed. With this rare colossus by her side, she has nothing left to fear. With him, every challenge becomes an opportunity. He opens doors we thought were closed. He teaches us to be bold and imaginative, and instils this conviction: “ Nothing is insurmountable! “
« No matter how long the night, the sun always rises in the end »
Hope
This drawing emerged from an oppressive silence, where time stood still, that white void where inspiration seemed to have deserted me. It marks the end of the infamous writer’s block. After a year of creative stagnation. A year of searching, of trying, of hitting a brick wall, of questioning myself. A year that, little by little, left me feeling hopeless and robbed me of my own light.
How can we create anything when we are consumed by emptiness ?
And then one day… that bison appeared before me !
A symbol dating back thousands of years, embodying the plains and the legends of the Native Americans, it personifies that enduring strength, that hope reborn from the ashes. It symbolises strength, resilience and the rebirth of unity and peace. As I drew it, I felt something unravelling within me. Every stroke was a reclamation, a way of finding myself again, of reconnecting with my deepest essence: I could create and draw once more. Every part of its being served life, and it brought me back to my own.
This drawing is more than just a work of art. It is a resurrection. It encourages us to hold on to hope in the face of adversity. “No matter how long the night, the sun always rises in the end.”
Padaung
With its calming presence, the giraffe embodies peace, intuition and wise decision-making. Majestic in stature, it seems to bridge the gap between heaven and earth, symbolising that subtle distance between the heart and the mind. It encourages us to speak with sincerity, to listen attentively and to face challenges with serenity.
I chose the name ‘Padaung’ , to pay tribute to the ‘giraffe women’. A tradition upheld by the Karenni people of Myanmar and the Ndebele people of South Africa. Their necklaces, stacked like rings of wisdom, stretch their necks towards the sky, thus celebrating grace and patience.
This illustration, full of gentleness and tenderness, is available in two different versions and colours.
Âme Ours
“Bear Spirit” embodies love, deep tenderness, kindness and protection. As a totem animal, the bear envelops our lives in a reassuring presence, like an invisible embrace that whispers: “You are safe.” It is that silent guide, that unyielding leader who, when faced with adversity alone, never gives in.
His strength lies not only in his claws, but in the unshakeable trust he places in his soul and his instincts. He learns to walk with a firm step, to listen to the slow rhythm of patience, and to persevere. Every step, however hesitant, leads towards the light. The bear does not guide; he inspires. Reminding us that true power comes from connecting with oneself, and that determination is the fire that transforms trials into wisdom.
Lulla
This work is the very first in the Totem series.
My middle name is ‘ Lulla ‘ was given to me by my mother, who was inspired by a wild heroine, a woman-wolf. Today, I pass it on to this work, as a legacy.
A powerful totem animal, the wolf is the ultimate symbol of free spirits. Unwavering fidelity, unfailing loyalty, but also that longing for the open sea that refuses to be chained down. The wolf shows us that we can love deeply without losing our freedom, and protect our own without denying our nature. It is the bridge between two worlds: that of the pack, where we keep one another warm, and that of the solitary night, where we come face to face with our own truth. It is the one who listens before speaking, who senses before seeing. A guide through light and shadow, he teaches us to perceive the invisible and to understand the mysteries buried within us. He reminds us that true wisdom comes from listening.
This work is a tribute to the sacred duality between the strength drawn from others and that which arises within oneself.
