When I started my
Etsy shop, I wanted to choose a name that meant something to me, something to my family. I chose Little Gray Owl to represent my son, a wise little guy who amazes me every day with the insight he offers. At the time, I had no idea that owls were as trendy as they seem to be in the craft world. So I promise I wasn't jumping on a bandwagon. Really. The name came to me and it stuck.
And the glasses. Well, those don't have anything to do with my son (whew for him!). For better or worse, they're mine. As a little girl in the '80s, I was cursed with these huge, saucer-sized glasses that made my eyes look two times bigger than they actually were. Oh yes, so sad. But even though I loathed them for taking up so much room on my face, they allowed me to pursue my favorite pastime--art--more fervently.
I started wearing contacts part-time when I got older, but nothing helps me see quite like my glasses do. So there they are. My
little gray owl with glasses print is a tribute to all of those who know what I mean. :)
The Lenape legend of Rainbow Crow is what inspired my crow feather cards--one version with an inked rainbow, and another version in black.
The gist is that the crow, once colored like a rainbow, sacrificed his beauty to help bring the gift of fire to other animals. You can read the full story on American Folklore. If you have a family, I highly recommend the picture book version by Nancy Van Laan.
