Sunrise Canyon

This incredible original acrylic painting on wood panel is created by artist Sandra Brestel

Measurements: 40″H 76″W

Last nights rain storm has washed the dust from these ancient images once again, and the canyons stunning colors glisten in the early light. The rain has also brought with it a gentle breeze that swirls along the canyon wall. This awakening breeze brings the chill of many winters and the warmth of a thousand summers. The wind also brings a great life force, which it has carried across mountains and plains to this spiritual place. A rain magic has been summoned by the spirits of this place and by the reverently placed prayers that shamans have etched upon the rocks long ago. Petroglyph sites like this are difficult to interpret, they are often spiritual in nature and filled with images and symbols representing supernatural deities and spiritual beliefs. Some rock art sites seem to record a specific event in ancient history, but those are rare. This place is alive with images and symbols of everyday life, from etchings depicting a hunting party to a trio of maidens carrying water, to an abundance of Bison, Elk, and Bear. The endurance, stability, and wisdom of the turtle is also represented here. This sacred place tells a story of abundance and success. The main contributor to that abundance is rainfall and a continued source of clean clear water. An elaborately etched image of a rain shaman dominates this site. The cloud motif above his head and the rain flowing from his outstretched arm, are a lasting prayer for rainfall. Below a cloud of encroaching lichen, a spiral sun symbol shines its life giving light and the time worn image of Tlaloc, the goggle-eyed Mesoamerican rain god, brings a powerful rain magic to this place. The rocks are covered in symbols of abundance and fertility. Reverently etched images of the majestic elk, lumbering bison and rabbits encourage these animal spirits to return to this place and to thrive. And a trio of bears enhance the magic of this place. These ancient bear images have been carefully etched with heart lines and symbols within their stylized bodies. This was done to honor the bear and to evoke the power of one of the most revered animals in North America. The bear is a symbol of great strength, fierceness, and courage. The spirit of this magnificent animal has protected this sacred canyon for generations and will continue to protect this sacred canyon, for many sunrises to come.