Why Spirit Animals?

On a random weekend in 2020, I found one of my brothers outside painting on a big sheet of ply. It looked quite playful and cartoon-like. He explained to me that he was painting a mural of sorts for his friend’s birthday party and that he was planning on having a cut-out for the head of the figure so that people could stick their faces through and take photos, like the ones you find at carvnivals or amusement parks. 

I was on the hunt for a present for my partner at the time and thought that a personalised artwork of this scale and fun nature could be a really nice gesture. I wanted to incorporate some of his favourite things. He liked red wine, philosopher Carl Jung and his favourite animal was a wolf. I asked if my brother would be interested if I commissioned a piece of this vein, however, he was doing his HSC and didn’t have the time.  

If you want something done, do it yourself… right?

Painting with the intention of gifting the artwork to someone else seemed to fuel my excitement as I feverishly moodboarded and planned. I have a similar complex when it comes to cooking. I despise cooking for myself, and am easily satisfied with the most simple of meals. But, if I have guests, I will go above and beyond to host and put on (in my humble opinion) a delicious spread. 

I decided to make the painting even more special by painting in a robe that I had designed and made (with the help of my talented personal seamstress / Nanna) for him earlier that year. The robe was composed of three contrasting patterns that all combined to create this incredibly luxe and equally ridiculous garment. It was the perfect addition to such an already self-indulgent concept. And that’s part of the beauty I’ve found with the personalisation of all my Spirit Animal commission pieces - they’re as symbolically “you” as can be, without it actually being a large,  obnoxious and totally conceited self portrait. 

Me (Jasmine) in said robe that I made with the help of Nanna. See below for finished painting featuring the robe.

I titled the finished painting after Carl Jung’s book, ‘Modern Man in Search of a Soul’. I admittingly have not read the book in its entirety, however, enjoy the following words by Jung;

“How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also If I am to be whole.”

I think a large part of my fascination with capturing one’s personality through symbolism comes from a strong desire to understand my own identity. As a ‘mestiza’ (person of mixed race), I’ve often felt an inner-conflict in how I identify myself in a cultural sense. At times, I feel too white in some circles and too asian in others. The Spirit Animals inspire me to explore the beauty of individuality and the complexities of identity, rather than to rely on social and cultural constructs in order to feel that I belong. 

I believe I’ve painted over thirty commissions since and each one is so, so special. I’m very grateful to be able to monetise one of my passions in such an organic way. 

One of the most enjoyable parts for me is the collaborative process between myself and the client. To ensure the client’s satisfaction, I allow them to have as much or as little involvement in the creation of their painting. I know a lot of artists don’t typically work this way, but given that these portraits are highly personalised it’s important to me that I’m capturing the client exactly as they wish. 

Interested in your own commission painting? See this blog for how it works.

Until next time, my friend.

Jasmine Forcadilla