Hey Peeps! At the beginning of the year I set a goal for myself to focus on my traditional work and I am pleased to announce I’ve been hard at work on a few different paintings. Are you ready for the debut of “The Key to Protection” an old key painting created by yours truly? Excellent, because here it is and I’m about to tell you all about it.
Another Old Key Painting
I’m not sure if you remember but last year I created a painting called “The Key to Good Fortune” it also prominently features an antique key. Back when I was planning that piece the seeds for this current piece were planted and with the completion of “The Key to Protection” it has now officially become a series!
For context I fell in love with the idea of finding a lost key forgotten for long enough it has become part of the foliage around it. This instalment in the series Features a forgotten key hanging from a sprig of raspberries. A ladybug (Coccinellidae septempunctata) casually walks along the keys shaft, probably on the look out for lunch.
With this old key painting I tried a more minimalistic colour palette with the goal of making the Key and Ladybug blend in slightly. I didn’t want them to be immediately noticeable at first glance and I think it helps establish that the key is well hidden and protected by the raspberries.
Raspberries Symbolism
Raspberries have been around for millennia. Their symbolism has changed over the years and covers a wide range of different meanings. It’s argued that prior to medieval times the raspberry was often seen as a symbol of protection. Likely due to the plants thorns. It was common to plant raspberry bushes around your home to ward off evil spirits and it certainly helped that they’re delicious.
This changed In Medieval Europe though. As you know the christians couldn’t leave anything alone and like many things changed the symbolism to suit their world view. They saw the berries vibrant red colour and associated them with the blood of christ. Changing the Raspberry from a symbol of protection into a symbol of piety and generosity. This view eventually spread throughout the colonized world allowing the raspberry to spread globally and become a staple fruit in most places.
Currently the raspberry most commonly represents protection, piety, kindness, determination, and perseverance. As cultures blend and change so too will the raspberries symbolism. It’s fascinating if you ask me.
What do Ladybugs Symbolize?
My partner and I had to temporarily relocate to Alberta. It’s a very long and ongoing story. Without getting too personal it involved a car accident that caused a serious injury. Since the move I have been finding ladybugs everywhere! They’ve been in my office, the bedroom, the windows, and even on my house plants. I love seeing them!
When I was planning this painting and doing thumbnails I was originally thinking to include a butterfly but changed my mind to include a ladybug instead. Considering how many I’ve been finding It felt more fitting.
Most people will see a ladybug as a symbol of love, luck, and fortune. They also symbolize healing and protection. On a personal note that’s exactly what we need for this chapter of our journey.
Is this Ladybug Artwork for Sale
Yes! The Key to Protection is looking for a forever home. If you’d like to claim this painting as your own hit the button below.
I frame all of my own work. I have quite a few years of experience framing and hope to open my own gallery in the near ish future. You can rest easy knowing this painting has been framed to conservation standards. Including;
- Conservation Clear Glass
- Acid Free matting and backing
- Dust cover
- Removable hardware
Just between us I’m planning two more pieces that use this theme. I don’t have more to share at the moment so you’ll need to check back for updates.
With that said I’m in the process of migrating to bluesky, and focusing more on my own website. Follow me and sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with new artwork, product launches, and subscriber exclusive benefits.
Stay creative out there peeps,
Justin Erickson
