Dream Catcher Painting

Description

A dream catcher is one of the most widespread symbols of Native American culture. Moreover, it is an indication of their identity. There is a belief that a hoop-and-web will protect a sleeper from bad dreams by “catching” them. Meanwhile, positive dreams will be let in. Nowadays, people often use a dream catcher as a protective fetish.

A bit of history

Traditionally, Americans made it from a willow branch hoop, nettle fibre or sinew. As decorations, they used feathers and beads.

Each part of the dream catcher had a special meaning. Its round shape represents the earth’s spherical character. The web absorbs bad dreams at night and discharges them during the day. The feathers act like a ladder. Good dreams descend on a child or adult who is sleeping.

There are those who connect a dream catcher with Ojibwe mythology. According to their beliefs, it is associated with so-called Spider Woman or Ojibwe. She was a mother or guardian of all Ojibwe infants and adults. As time was passing by Ojibwe people started spreading out across different regions of North America. It became clear Spider Woman couldn’t take care of all her people. To help, the Ojibwe women started weaving webs for infants. These charms people hung over their children’s beds to capture any bad or evil dreams while little angels were sleeping.

In some cultures, people called dream catchers “the web of life”. It reflected life as an everlasting circle of good or bad events. People believed that this token helped them to make the right choices and follow their dreams.

The painting “Dream Catcher” is my artistic vision of this magical charm. They say that our soul can be influenced while we sleep. I hope the artwork, full of positive vibes, will help to keep your personality intact. You will sleep soundly, becoming more confident, kind and patient.