Phil’s Artwork

Artwork

Phil’s Artwork

Phil walks the path of sculpture. He works with wood, metal, crystals and many other natural materials. He creates, among other things, Shamanic walking sticks. So far he has created five Shamanic sculptures. Four walking sticks, each with their own theme and story as well as another piece.

All the flat round stones used for the eyes come from “La Baie des Chaleurs” in New-Brunswick. They have, over time, become rounded and polished by the elements but he will sometimes give them some extra polishing.

The wood he uses comes from branches that were dried for two years after their trees fell, blown down by strong winds in 2003. It was in Riviere Rouge, Quebec.

One coat of Abrasin oil is put on the sculptures to protect them without loosing the wood’s original look and feel.

Different types of colored leather are used for the grip, wrapped in a spiral to create a ‘vortex’ in between Mother Earth and Father Sky. All materials come from nature: wooden beads, bones, animal claws and teeth, feathers, amber and various metals. Epoxy, which is made from conifer resin, is used to glue on he crystals and stones.. The only non-natural part in epoxy is hardener, witch is used for curing the resin faster.

  • Custom walking sticks and/or Shamanic sculptures are available upon request.
  • fire opal, a perfect Shamanic crystal which stabilizes emotions, is present in all the walking sticks.
  • They are all for sale except for the Fire Horse and the Duck.
  • Below are the photographs of the sculptures as well as the story and symbolism behind each one.
Deer

Phil: “For my first walking stick, I had no clear intention of sculpting a Deer. However, I couldn’t miss the two bumps in the branch and was drawn to work around them. These bumps looked a lot like the elbow of a Deer/Caribou like creature. I didn’t have a choice anymore since I felt it was imposing itself to me.”

The fire opal is the only crystal on this staff. The antlers are sculpted from deer antlers.

Deer’s Wisdom includes:

  • Gentleness in word, thought and touch
  • Ability to listen
  • Grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance
  • Understanding of what’s necessary for survival
  • Power of gratitude and giving
  • Ability to sacrifice for the higher good
  • Connection to the woodland goddess

Phil began this sculpture in 2005 and completed it in 2006.
Price: $ 4 250 – 5’3” tall with a 6 inch leather grip

Owl

This was the second one to be born. As everyone knows, the Owl is a night creature. Night and Day are the theme of this walking stick. The universal oscillations are represented and substantial effort was put into sculpting a sine wave. Frequency and amplitude of a true sine wave have been respected as it envelops the three claws connecting this owl to Mother Earth. The sine wave points up the body of the Shaman and through the three owl heads, connecting to Father Sky. The three heads of the owl represent its connection to the past, the present and the future joining together in a circle (or Medecine Wheel). The colors of the owl’s eyes are made of crushed green glass, ruby and fire opal. The two moons represents a single proton with its electron circling around it. The inner moon is a Pyrite, a protective crystal which absorbs negative energy and grounds it. On the Shaman’s fifth chakra is the crystal which unites all the staffs into one: a fire opal.

According to our Algonquin Shamanic tradition, the Great Owl is the spirit keeper of the North.
He is the one who has seen beyond death and what lies beyond. The one who sees what others choose not to see, the one who goes where others fear to go, The one who teaches us to look deep inside of ourselves and see the parts of ourselves we choose not to see, to know it is all about us, and to heal it all. The one who helps us heal the false self and become.

Owl’s Wisdom includes:

  • Stealth
  • Secrecy
  • Silent and swift movement
  • Seeing behind masks
  • Keen sight
  • Messenger of secrets and omens
  • Shape-shifting
  • Link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light
  • Comfort with the shadow self
  • Moon magic
  • Freedom

Started in 2006, finished 2007
Price: $ 4 750

Fire Horse

This staff was made for a very good friend of Phil’s and is the third one of the series. His friend’s family name, “Blainey”, is of Irish origin. To be able to ‘fit’ the family crest in the sculpture, it was necessary to deconstruct it and rearrange it in a tri-dimentional way. Fire and the Lower World are the themes of this staff. The first hoof is firmly in contact with Mother Earth. Slightly above, still at the root (of his family), we can see his reconstructed family crest.

In the middle, what could be perceived as the Lower World is a gateway for the Shaman, is symbolized by a red Jasper sphere, surrounded by flames. The second hoof is part of the dream and imagination world we can see some parts of the original outside of the branch. An inner search for balance expressed through a Yin Yang symbol (two ONYX, one white, one black. The Sun as a burning Fire in the sky. At the bottom of the 4 coloured leather lace grip, there is a double bead/mane, and at the top, a double set of bead/leather/feathers.

The owner of this staff is an aquarious, and this is represented by the two front legs and hoofs up in the air. Both feminine and masculine flames wrap the Shaman and Animal Totem Spirit who share the same multi-dimentional body. The flames in the mane reach up into Father Sky. And in the position of the throat chakra is, once again, the fire opal.

Most mythical horses represent duality. Calmness and relaxation but also aggressive masculine sexual power. So the horse often appears as a paradox; male and female, warrior and peace maker, fire and water, death and birth. It is also associated with men and harsh labour. We find this duality in the history of the mythical horse in central Asia, Europe, in Africa, Tahiti, etc,…where the horse is originally associated with “the Chtonien world of darkness which came out from the bowels of the earth and the abyss of the sea. Bringer of life or death, he is the link between destructive fire and triumph, and between the nourishing and asphyxiating properties of water.” (excerpt from the Dictionary of Symbols)

But the horse can stop being Chtonien (linked to the earth), and can become Ouranien (linked to the sky). Usuallly a white, celestial messenger of saints, of heroes and of spiritual conquerors, he then represents controlled instinct, mastered and surpassed.

The themes of force, power and fire go as far as the flames of the Underworld or, in Christian mythology, “Hell”. Fire Horses were often perceived to be guides for the dead in many asian cultures and in Mycenian Greece they would sacrifice horses so they could carry the bravest souls to the kingdom of the dead.

Horse/Pony/Mustang’s Wisdom includes:

  • Power
  • Stamina
  • Endurance
  • Faithfulness
  • Freedom to run free
  • Control of the environment
  • Awareness of power achieved with true cooperation
  • Interspecies communication
  • Expanding one’s own potential abilities
  • Friendship and Cooperation
  • Travel
  • Astral travel
  • Guardian of travelers
  • Warns of possible danger
  • Guide to overcoming obstacles

Was began and finished in 2007

Price: $5 750

Dragon

The Dragon is a mythical creature which is said to live in two dimensions at the same time. He is as skilful on land as in the air, feeding from both the energy of the Earth and of the Heavens. When you look straight into its amber eyes, the Dragon seems to be looking back at you from somewhere and ‘some when’ else. He is the guardian of the sword and you will need its permission to use it. The Dragon will only authorise someone to use it to keep the balance of Natural Law in place.

Nine spinal fins, arranged in a spiral, symbolize the nine Chakras, like the DNA strand. Two colored leather lace grips, again with the spiral/DNA shape, the energy of Mother Earth and of Father Sky wound into the staff.

In the middle, we can see a double egg, witch represents the beginning and the end of the universe wrapped into a single moment.  

Crystals and other materials used

  • Horns (2) and tusks (4): Real deer horns
  • Spine dorsals (4): Deer tibia bone
  • Teeth(12): Sharpened ends of turtle claws
  • Claws (16): Turtle claws
  • Dragon eyes (2): Amber
  • Shaman eyes (2): Natural rocks picked up in La Baie Des Chaleurs, New-Brunswick
  • Right sphere: Hematite
  • Left sphere: Labradorite
  • Sword (Aluminum): Top: Turquoise / Central blue crystal: Agathe / Transversal crystals (2): Orange fire opal

Started and finished in 2007. It is 66 inches high and has a 10 inch high leather grip starting 40 inches from the ground.

Dragon’s Wisdom includes:

  • Born of Fire
  • Protector
  • Exists between thoughts
  • Ability to move between worlds
  • Connection to the birth of the Universe
  • Red Dragon sleeps in the core of the Earth

Price: $ 5 000

Duck

A special order was at the origin of  this fifth sculpture. The original drawing was inspired from Haida Native culture. On the surface exposed to Father Sky, we see other animal spirits riding on to the Shaman/Duck. Look for the Moose, the Owl, the two tropical fish facing one another and sharing the same tail. On the Mother Earth side, an alligator or amphibious creature is also on for the ride. It’s only after the sculpture was almost finished that Phil picked up on those hidden animals. On the Mother Earth side, we see the Woman Shaman spreading her Healing Hands, the Great Fire carried by water along the legs of the duck and falling upon all life below.

Goose’s Wisdom includes:

  • Movement along ones soul path
  • Understanding the power of community
  • Assisting others through illness
  • Happiness

Duck’s Wisdom includes:

  • Grace on water
  • Water energy
  • Seeing clearly through emotions
  • Spirit helper of mystics and seers
Serpents

Phil:

Sixth Sculpture; Fir wood snakes, very light

Duality, a medicine man and a medicine woman, back-to-back.

Under the two people, there is a strip of real snake skin. Roots, important connection to Mother Earth.

Braiding of two types of beige and orange leather, length of 9″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds.

They share their seventh Chakra “Crown Chakra”, the one that connects to the Father Sky.

Both dream of the creation of humanity, the DNA represented by the two snakes.

The structure of the double helixes of DNA is therefore represented there.

The two snakes hold together in their mouths a Fire Opal crystal. This crystal is found on each of my sculptures, the Opal crystal unites all my sculptures into a single work.

The wisdom of the serpent: Transmutation of the death/rebirth life cycle It is the energy of integrity The ability to experience everything voluntarily and without resistance, in order to achieve wisdom

Completed in 2010, 64 inches tall.

Price: $4250.00

Shark

Phil:

Seventh Sculpture; Fir wood Shark, very light

This sculpture is based on the theme of Hawaiian Shamanism.

We find the medicine man/woman (Shaman) in the form of the moon, always with the fire opal which unites all my work, one of the stones of unconditional love.

The Shark holds an Apophyllite crystal in its mouth. This crystal is said to perfectly conduct energy, it creates a conscious connection between the physical domain and the spiritual domains, it stimulates intuition. See Judy Hall’s Crystal Bible for more information.

Braiding of two types of beige and black leather, length of almost 12″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds and a real fossilized giant shark tooth, probably from a white shark (megalodon).

There is also a sea turtle, a faithful inhabitant of the Islands. The turtle’s eyes are made of an Abalone shell.

There is a volcano, because we know that the Islands were formed from volcanic eruptions. There is also a spherical crystal of red jasper to symbolize heat, and therefore lava flows.

The wisdom of the Shark:

Protection (Aumahua which represents a family of Hawaiian gods, one of its forms is the Shark, manõ)

The values and rules of good conduct could be: The Shark, part of the mythology of the Hawaiian Islands, represents a benevolent god and protector of families. The deceased could transform into Aumahua. and they could judge, condemn, and punish family members who did not obey the rules, and reward those who did.

The Shark acts as a guide, provided physical and mental strength. Another myth says that children were told not to go swimming after sunset. There was a man who was half Shark, who captured them and took the children away to devour them.

Completed in 2011, 67.5 inches tall

Price: $4600.00

 

 

Compostelle

Phil:

Eighth Sculpture; Compostela in maple wood

Special order from the “La Tienda” boutique on Wellington Street in Verdun, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

We find the triskele, three times, the shell, the symbol of the road to Compostela, and it is a walking stick… 1-2-3, we walk!

Triskele derived from Greek, means three legs. The origin of the Triskele comes from Neolithic air. This symbol was found at the entrance to a cave in Newgrange in Ireland.

Among the Celts, the Triskele represents action in movement, cycles, progression, revolution, and completion.

It is also associated in different cultures with:

– Life-death-rebirth

– The Spirit-The Mind-The body

– Mother-Father-Child

– Past present Future

– Power-Intellect-Love

– Creation-Preservation-Destruction

– And more others

– Some say that the symbol is associated with three Celtic worlds:

o The Spirits World

o The Present World

o The Celestial World

– We see the similarity with Shamanism, LOWER-MIDDLE-UPPER Worlds

13 inches of two-color leather braiding, beige and orange, decorated with macrame balls and feathers. Robust leather band for support when walking on steep trails.

Can be disassembled into three parts, so you can put it in your backpack at night. Since Compostela walkers often sleep in dormitories, this prevents them from being stolen while they sleep.

Completed in 2012, 53.5 inches tall

Price: $2250.00

Manon's Artwork
More artwork coming soon.

Haida style raven - acrylic on a wooden box
Haida style raven carving in soap stone

The way of the circle does not offer medical or psychological consultation.

Please consult your doctor or mental health professional for those services.

Artwork

Phil’s Artwork

Phil walks the path of sculpture. He works with wood, metal, crystals and many other natural materials. He creates, among other things, Shamanic walking sticks. So far he has created five Shamanic sculptures. Four walking sticks, each with their own theme and story as well as another piece.

All the flat round stones used for the eyes come from “La Baie des Chaleurs” in New-Brunswick. They have, over time, become rounded and polished by the elements but he will sometimes give them some extra polishing.

The wood he uses comes from branches that were dried for two years after their trees fell, blown down by strong winds in 2003. It was in Riviere Rouge, Quebec.

One coat of Abrasin oil is put on the sculptures to protect them without loosing the wood’s original look and feel.

Different types of colored leather are used for the grip, wrapped in a spiral to create a ‘vortex’ in between Mother Earth and Father Sky. All materials come from nature: wooden beads, bones, animal claws and teeth, feathers, amber and various metals. Epoxy, which is made from conifer resin, is used to glue on he crystals and stones.. The only non-natural part in epoxy is hardener, witch is used for curing the resin faster.

  • Custom walking sticks and/or Shamanic sculptures are available upon request.
  • fire opal, a perfect Shamanic crystal which stabilizes emotions, is present in all the walking sticks.
  • They are all for sale except for the Fire Horse and the Duck.
  • Below are the photographs of the sculptures as well as the story and symbolism behind each one.
Deer

Phil: “For my first walking stick, I had no clear intention of sculpting a Deer. However, I couldn’t miss the two bumps in the branch and was drawn to work around them. These bumps looked a lot like the elbow of a Deer/Caribou like creature. I didn’t have a choice anymore since I felt it was imposing itself to me.”

The fire opal is the only crystal on this staff. The antlers are sculpted from deer antlers.

Deer’s Wisdom includes:

  • Gentleness in word, thought and touch
  • Ability to listen
  • Grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance
  • Understanding of what’s necessary for survival
  • Power of gratitude and giving
  • Ability to sacrifice for the higher good
  • Connection to the woodland goddess

Phil began this sculpture in 2005 and completed it in 2006.
Price: $ 4 250 – 5’3” tall with a 6 inch leather grip

Owl

This was the second one to be born. As everyone knows, the Owl is a night creature. Night and Day are the theme of this walking stick. The universal oscillations are represented and substantial effort was put into sculpting a sine wave. Frequency and amplitude of a true sine wave have been respected as it envelops the three claws connecting this owl to Mother Earth. The sine wave points up the body of the Shaman and through the three owl heads, connecting to Father Sky. The three heads of the owl represent its connection to the past, the present and the future joining together in a circle (or Medecine Wheel). The colors of the owl’s eyes are made of crushed green glass, ruby and fire opal. The two moons represents a single proton with its electron circling around it. The inner moon is a Pyrite, a protective crystal which absorbs negative energy and grounds it. On the Shaman’s fifth chakra is the crystal which unites all the staffs into one: a fire opal.

According to our Algonquin Shamanic tradition, the Great Owl is the spirit keeper of the North.
He is the one who has seen beyond death and what lies beyond. The one who sees what others choose not to see, the one who goes where others fear to go, The one who teaches us to look deep inside of ourselves and see the parts of ourselves we choose not to see, to know it is all about us, and to heal it all. The one who helps us heal the false self and become.

Owl’s Wisdom includes:

  • Stealth
  • Secrecy
  • Silent and swift movement
  • Seeing behind masks
  • Keen sight
  • Messenger of secrets and omens
  • Shape-shifting
  • Link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light
  • Comfort with the shadow self
  • Moon magic
  • Freedom

Started in 2006, finished 2007
Price: $ 4 750

Fire Horse

This staff was made for a very good friend of Phil’s and is the third one of the series. His friend’s family name, “Blainey”, is of Irish origin. To be able to ‘fit’ the family crest in the sculpture, it was necessary to deconstruct it and rearrange it in a tri-dimentional way. Fire and the Lower World are the themes of this staff. The first hoof is firmly in contact with Mother Earth. Slightly above, still at the root (of his family), we can see his reconstructed family crest.

In the middle, what could be perceived as the Lower World is a gateway for the Shaman, is symbolized by a red Jasper sphere, surrounded by flames. The second hoof is part of the dream and imagination world we can see some parts of the original outside of the branch. An inner search for balance expressed through a Yin Yang symbol (two ONYX, one white, one black. The Sun as a burning Fire in the sky. At the bottom of the 4 coloured leather lace grip, there is a double bead/mane, and at the top, a double set of bead/leather/feathers.

The owner of this staff is an aquarious, and this is represented by the two front legs and hoofs up in the air. Both feminine and masculine flames wrap the Shaman and Animal Totem Spirit who share the same multi-dimentional body. The flames in the mane reach up into Father Sky. And in the position of the throat chakra is, once again, the fire opal.

Most mythical horses represent duality. Calmness and relaxation but also aggressive masculine sexual power. So the horse often appears as a paradox; male and female, warrior and peace maker, fire and water, death and birth. It is also associated with men and harsh labour. We find this duality in the history of the mythical horse in central Asia, Europe, in Africa, Tahiti, etc,…where the horse is originally associated with “the Chtonien world of darkness which came out from the bowels of the earth and the abyss of the sea. Bringer of life or death, he is the link between destructive fire and triumph, and between the nourishing and asphyxiating properties of water.” (excerpt from the Dictionary of Symbols)

But the horse can stop being Chtonien (linked to the earth), and can become Ouranien (linked to the sky). Usuallly a white, celestial messenger of saints, of heroes and of spiritual conquerors, he then represents controlled instinct, mastered and surpassed.

The themes of force, power and fire go as far as the flames of the Underworld or, in Christian mythology, “Hell”. Fire Horses were often perceived to be guides for the dead in many asian cultures and in Mycenian Greece they would sacrifice horses so they could carry the bravest souls to the kingdom of the dead.

Horse/Pony/Mustang’s Wisdom includes:

  • Power
  • Stamina
  • Endurance
  • Faithfulness
  • Freedom to run free
  • Control of the environment
  • Awareness of power achieved with true cooperation
  • Interspecies communication
  • Expanding one’s own potential abilities
  • Friendship and Cooperation
  • Travel
  • Astral travel
  • Guardian of travelers
  • Warns of possible danger
  • Guide to overcoming obstacles

Began and finished in 2007

Price: $5 750

Dragon

The Dragon is a mythical creature which is said to live in two dimensions at the same time. He is as skilful on land as in the air, feeding from both the energy of the Earth and of the Heavens. When you look straight into its amber eyes, the Dragon seems to be looking back at you from somewhere and ‘some when’ else. He is the guardian of the sword and you will need its permission to use it. The Dragon will only authorise someone to use it to keep the balance of Natural Law in place.

Nine spinal fins, arranged in a spiral, symbolize the nine Chakras, like the DNA strand. Two colored leather lace grips, again with the spiral/DNA shape, the energy of Mother Earth and of Father Sky wound into the staff.

In the middle, we can see a double egg, witch represents the beginning and the end of the universe wrapped into a single moment.  

Crystals and other materials used

  • Horns (2) and tusks (4): Real deer horns
  • Spine dorsals (4): Deer tibia bone
  • Teeth(12): Sharpened ends of turtle claws
  • Claws (16): Turtle claws
  • Dragon eyes (2): Amber
  • Shaman eyes (2): Natural rocks picked up in La Baie Des Chaleurs, New-Brunswick
  • Right sphere: Hematite
  • Left sphere: Labradorite
  • Sword (Aluminum): Top: Turquoise / Central blue crystal: Agathe / Transversal crystals (2): Orange fire opal

Started and finished in 2007. It is 66 inches high and has a 10 inch high leather grip starting 40 inches from the ground.

Dragon’s Wisdom includes:

  • Born of Fire
  • Protector
  • Exists between thoughts
  • Ability to move between worlds
  • Connection to the birth of the Universe
  • Red Dragon sleeps in the core of the Earth

Price: $ 5 000

Duck

A special order was at the origin of  this fifth sculpture. The original drawing was inspired from Haida Native culture. On the surface exposed to Father Sky, we see other animal spirits riding on to the Shaman/Duck. Look for the Moose, the Owl, the two tropical fish facing one another and sharing the same tail. On the Mother Earth side, an alligator or amphibious creature is also on for the ride. It’s only after the sculpture was almost finished that Phil picked up on those hidden animals. On the Mother Earth side, we see the Woman Shaman spreading her Healing Hands, the Great Fire carried by water along the legs of the duck and falling upon all life below.

Goose’s Wisdom includes:

  • Movement along ones soul path
  • Understanding the power of community
  • Assisting others through illness
  • Happiness

Duck’s Wisdom includes:

  • Grace on water
  • Water energy
  • Seeing clearly through emotions
  • Spirit helper of mystics and seers
Serpents

Phil:

Seventh Sculpture; Fir wood snakes, very light

Duality, a medicine man and a medicine woman, back-to-back.

Under the two people, there is a strip of real snakeskin. Roots, important connection to Mother Earth.

Braiding of two types of beige and orange leather, length of 9″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds.

They share their seventh Chakra “Crown Chakra”, the one that connects to the Father Sky.

Both dream of the creation of humanity, the DNA represented by the two snakes.

The structure of the double helixes of DNA is therefore represented there.

The two snakes hold together in their mouths a Fire Opal crystal. This crystal is found on each of my sculptures, the Opal crystal unites all my sculptures into a single work.

The wisdom of the serpent: Transmutation of the death/rebirth life cycle It is the energy of integrity The ability to experience everything voluntarily and without resistance, in order to achieve wisdom

Completed in 2010, 64 inches tall.

Price: $4250.00

Shark

Phil:

Seventh Sculpture; Fir wood Shark, very light

This sculpture is based on the theme of Hawaiian Shamanism.

We find the medicine man/woman (Shaman) in the form of the moon, always with the fire opal which unites all my work, one of the stones of unconditional love.

The Shark holds an Apophyllite crystal in its mouth. This crystal is said to perfectly conduct energy, it creates a conscious connection between the physical domain and the spiritual domains, it stimulates intuition. See Judy Hall’s Crystal Bible for more information.

Braiding of two types of beige and black leather, length of almost 12″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds and a real fossilized giant shark tooth, probably from a white shark (megalodon).

There is also a sea turtle, a faithful inhabitant of the Islands. The turtle’s eyes are made of an Abalone shell.

There is a volcano, because we know that the Islands were formed from volcanic eruptions. There is also a spherical crystal of red jasper to symbolize heat, and therefore lava flows.

The wisdom of the Shark:

Protection (Aumahua which represents a family of Hawaiian gods, one of its forms is the Shark, manõ)

The values and rules of good conduct could be: The Shark, part of the mythology of the Hawaiian Islands, represents a benevolent god and protector of families. The deceased could transform into Aumahua. and they could judge, condemn, and punish family members who did not obey the rules, and reward those who did.

The Shark acts as a guide, provided physical and mental strength. Another myth says that children were told not to go swimming after sunset. There was a man who was half Shark, who captured them and took the children away to devour them.

Completed in 2011, 67.5 inches tall

Price: $4600.00

Compostelle

Phil:

Eighth Sculpture; Compostela in maple wood

Special order from the “La Tienda” boutique on Wellington Street in Verdun, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

We find the triskele, three times, the shell, the symbol of the road to Compostela, and it is a walking stick… 1-2-3, we walk!

Triskele derived from Greek, means three legs. The origin of the Triskele comes from Neolithic air. This symbol was found at the entrance to a cave in Newgrange in Ireland.

Among the Celts, the Triskele represents action in movement, cycles, progression, revolution, and completion.

It is also associated in different cultures with:

– Life-death-rebirth

– The Spirit-The Mind-The body

– Mother-Father-Child

– Past present Future

– Power-Intellect-Love

– Creation-Preservation-Destruction

– And more others

– Some say that the symbol is associated with three Celtic worlds:

o The Spirits World

o The Present World

o The Celestial World

– We see the similarity with Shamanism, LOWER-MIDDLE-UPPER Worlds

13 inches of two-color leather braiding, beige and orange, decorated with macrame balls and feathers. Robust leather band for support when walking on steep trails.

Can be disassembled into three parts, so you can put it in your backpack at night. Since Compostela walkers often sleep in dormitories, this prevents them from being stolen while they sleep.

Completed in 2012, 53.5 inches tall

Price: $2250.00

Manon's Artwork
More artwork coming soon.

Haida style raven - acrylic on a wooden box
Haida style raven carving in soap stone

The way of the circle does not offer medical or psychological consultation.

Please consult your doctor or mental health professional for those services.

Artwork

Phil’s Artwork

Phil walks the path of sculpture. He works with wood, metal, crystals and many other natural materials. He creates, among other things, Shamanic walking sticks. So far he has created five Shamanic sculptures. Four walking sticks, each with their own theme and story as well as another piece.

All the flat round stones used for the eyes come from “La Baie des Chaleurs” in New-Brunswick. They have, over time, become rounded and polished by the elements but he will sometimes give them some extra polishing.

The wood he uses comes from branches that were dried for two years after their trees fell, blown down by strong winds in 2003. It was in Riviere Rouge, Quebec.

One coat of Abrasin oil is put on the sculptures to protect them without loosing the wood’s original look and feel.

Different types of colored leather are used for the grip, wrapped in a spiral to create a ‘vortex’ in between Mother Earth and Father Sky. All materials come from nature: wooden beads, bones, animal claws and teeth, feathers, amber and various metals. Epoxy, which is made from conifer resin, is used to glue on he crystals and stones.. The only non-natural part in epoxy is hardener, witch is used for curing the resin faster.

  • Custom walking sticks and/or Shamanic sculptures are available upon request.
  • fire opal, a perfect Shamanic crystal which stabilizes emotions, is present in all the walking sticks.
  • They are all for sale except for the Fire Horse and the Duck.
  • Below are the photographs of the sculptures as well as the story and symbolism behind each one.
Deer

Phil: “For my first walking stick, I had no clear intention of sculpting a Deer. However, I couldn’t miss the two bumps in the branch and was drawn to work around them. These bumps looked a lot like the elbow of a Deer/Caribou like creature. I didn’t have a choice anymore since I felt it was imposing itself to me.”

The fire opal is the only crystal on this staff. The antlers are sculpted from deer antlers.

Deer’s Wisdom includes:

  • Gentleness in word, thought and touch
  • Ability to listen
  • Grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance
  • Understanding of what’s necessary for survival
  • Power of gratitude and giving
  • Ability to sacrifice for the higher good
  • Connection to the woodland goddess

Phil began this sculpture in 2005 and completed it in 2006.
Price: $ 4 250 – 5’3” tall with a 6 inch leather grip

Owl

This was the second one to be born. As everyone knows, the Owl is a night creature. Night and Day are the theme of this walking stick. The universal oscillations are represented and substantial effort was put into sculpting a sine wave. Frequency and amplitude of a true sine wave have been respected as it envelops the three claws connecting this owl to Mother Earth. The sine wave points up the body of the Shaman and through the three owl heads, connecting to Father Sky. The three heads of the owl represent its connection to the past, the present and the future joining together in a circle (or Medecine Wheel). The colors of the owl’s eyes are made of crushed green glass, ruby and fire opal. The two moons represents a single proton with its electron circling around it. The inner moon is a Pyrite, a protective crystal which absorbs negative energy and grounds it. On the Shaman’s fifth chakra is the crystal which unites all the staffs into one: a fire opal.

According to our Algonquin Shamanic tradition, the Great Owl is the spirit keeper of the North.
He is the one who has seen beyond death and what lies beyond. The one who sees what others choose not to see, the one who goes where others fear to go, The one who teaches us to look deep inside of ourselves and see the parts of ourselves we choose not to see, to know it is all about us, and to heal it all. The one who helps us heal the false self and become.

Owl’s Wisdom includes:

  • Stealth
  • Secrecy
  • Silent and swift movement
  • Seeing behind masks
  • Keen sight
  • Messenger of secrets and omens
  • Shape-shifting
  • Link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light
  • Comfort with the shadow self
  • Moon magic
  • Freedom

Started in 2006, finished 2007
Price: $ 4 750

Fire Horse

This staff was made for a very good friend of Phil’s and is the third one of the series. His friend’s family name, “Blainey”, is of Irish origin. To be able to ‘fit’ the family crest in the sculpture, it was necessary to deconstruct it and rearrange it in a tri-dimentional way. Fire and the Lower World are the themes of this staff. The first hoof is firmly in contact with Mother Earth. Slightly above, still at the root (of his family), we can see his reconstructed family crest.

In the middle, what could be perceived as the Lower World is a gateway for the Shaman, is symbolized by a red Jasper sphere, surrounded by flames. The second hoof is part of the dream and imagination world we can see some parts of the original outside of the branch. An inner search for balance expressed through a Yin Yang symbol (two ONYX, one white, one black. The Sun as a burning Fire in the sky. At the bottom of the 4 coloured leather lace grip, there is a double bead/mane, and at the top, a double set of bead/leather/feathers.

The owner of this staff is an aquarious, and this is represented by the two front legs and hoofs up in the air. Both feminine and masculine flames wrap the Shaman and Animal Totem Spirit who share the same multi-dimentional body. The flames in the mane reach up into Father Sky. And in the position of the throat chakra is, once again, the fire opal.

Most mythical horses represent duality. Calmness and relaxation but also aggressive masculine sexual power. So the horse often appears as a paradox; male and female, warrior and peace maker, fire and water, death and birth. It is also associated with men and harsh labour. We find this duality in the history of the mythical horse in central Asia, Europe, in Africa, Tahiti, etc,…where the horse is originally associated with “the Chtonien world of darkness which came out from the bowels of the earth and the abyss of the sea. Bringer of life or death, he is the link between destructive fire and triumph, and between the nourishing and asphyxiating properties of water.” (excerpt from the Dictionary of Symbols)

But the horse can stop being Chtonien (linked to the earth), and can become Ouranien (linked to the sky). Usuallly a white, celestial messenger of saints, of heroes and of spiritual conquerors, he then represents controlled instinct, mastered and surpassed.

The themes of force, power and fire go as far as the flames of the Underworld or, in Christian mythology, “Hell”. Fire Horses were often perceived to be guides for the dead in many asian cultures and in Mycenian Greece they would sacrifice horses so they could carry the bravest souls to the kingdom of the dead.

Horse/Pony/Mustang’s Wisdom includes:

  • Power
  • Stamina
  • Endurance
  • Faithfulness
  • Freedom to run free
  • Control of the environment
  • Awareness of power achieved with true cooperation
  • Interspecies communication
  • Expanding one’s own potential abilities
  • Friendship and Cooperation
  • Travel
  • Astral travel
  • Guardian of travelers
  • Warns of possible danger
  • Guide to overcoming obstacles

Began and finished in 2007

Price: $5 750

Dragon

The Dragon is a mythical creature which is said to live in two dimensions at the same time. He is as skilful on land as in the air, feeding from both the energy of the Earth and of the Heavens. When you look straight into its amber eyes, the Dragon seems to be looking back at you from somewhere and ‘some when’ else. He is the guardian of the sword and you will need its permission to use it. The Dragon will only authorise someone to use it to keep the balance of Natural Law in place.

Nine spinal fins, arranged in a spiral, symbolize the nine Chakras, like the DNA strand. Two colored leather lace grips, again with the spiral/DNA shape, the energy of Mother Earth and of Father Sky wound into the staff.

In the middle, we can see a double egg, witch represents the beginning and the end of the universe wrapped into a single moment.  

Crystals and other materials used

  • Horns (2) and tusks (4): Real deer horns
  • Spine dorsals (4): Deer tibia bone
  • Teeth(12): Sharpened ends of turtle claws
  • Claws (16): Turtle claws
  • Dragon eyes (2): Amber
  • Shaman eyes (2): Natural rocks picked up in La Baie Des Chaleurs, New-Brunswick
  • Right sphere: Hematite
  • Left sphere: Labradorite
  • Sword (Aluminum): Top: Turquoise / Central blue crystal: Agathe / Transversal crystals (2): Orange fire opal

Started and finished in 2007. It is 66 inches high and has a 10 inch high leather grip starting 40 inches from the ground.

Dragon’s Wisdom includes:

  • Born of Fire
  • Protector
  • Exists between thoughts
  • Ability to move between worlds
  • Connection to the birth of the Universe
  • Red Dragon sleeps in the core of the Earth

Price: $ 5 000

Duck

A special order was at the origin of  this fifth sculpture. The original drawing was inspired from Haida Native culture. On the surface exposed to Father Sky, we see other animal spirits riding on to the Shaman/Duck. Look for the Moose, the Owl, the two tropical fish facing one another and sharing the same tail. On the Mother Earth side, an alligator or amphibious creature is also on for the ride. It’s only after the sculpture was almost finished that Phil picked up on those hidden animals. On the Mother Earth side, we see the Woman Shaman spreading her Healing Hands, the Great Fire carried by water along the legs of the duck and falling upon all life below.

Goose’s Wisdom includes:

  • Movement along ones soul path
  • Understanding the power of community
  • Assisting others through illness
  • Happiness

Duck’s Wisdom includes:

  • Grace on water
  • Water energy
  • Seeing clearly through emotions
  • Spirit helper of mystics and seers
Serpents

Phil:

Sixth Sculpture; Fir wood snakes, very light

Duality, a medicine man and a medicine woman, back-to-back.

Under the two people, there is a strip of real snake skin. Roots, important connection to Mother Earth.

Braiding of two types of beige and orange leather, length of 9″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds.

They share their seventh Chakra “Crown Chakra”, the one that connects to the Father Sky.

Both dream of the creation of humanity, the DNA represented by the two snakes.

The structure of the double helixes of DNA is therefore represented there.

The two snakes hold together in their mouths a Fire Opal crystal. This crystal is found on each of my sculptures, the Opal crystal unites all my sculptures into a single work.

The wisdom of the serpent: Transmutation of the death/rebirth life cycle It is the energy of integrity The ability to experience everything voluntarily and without resistance, in order to achieve wisdom

Completed in 2010, 64 inches tall.

Price: $4250.00

Shark

Phil:

Seventh Sculpture; Fir wood Shark, very light

This sculpture is based on the theme of Hawaiian Shamanism.

We find the medicine man/woman (Shaman) in the form of the moon, always with the fire opal which unites all my work, one of the stones of unconditional love.

The Shark holds an Apophyllite crystal in its mouth. This crystal is said to perfectly conduct energy, it creates a conscious connection between the physical domain and the spiritual domains, it stimulates intuition. See Judy Hall’s Crystal Bible for more information.

Braiding of two types of beige and black leather, length of almost 12″, decorated with macramé balls and feathers from different birds and a real fossilized giant shark tooth, probably from a white shark (megalodon).

There is also a sea turtle, a faithful inhabitant of the Islands. The turtle’s eyes are made of an Abalone shell.

There is a volcano, because we know that the Islands were formed from volcanic eruptions. There is also a spherical crystal of red jasper to symbolize heat, and therefore lava flows.

The wisdom of the Shark:

Protection (Aumahua which represents a family of Hawaiian gods, one of its forms is the Shark, manõ)

The values and rules of good conduct could be: The Shark, part of the mythology of the Hawaiian Islands, represents a benevolent god and protector of families. The deceased could transform into Aumahua. and they could judge, condemn, and punish family members who did not obey the rules, and reward those who did.

The Shark acts as a guide, provided physical and mental strength. Another myth says that children were told not to go swimming after sunset. There was a man who was half Shark, who captured them and took the children away to devour them.

Completed in 2011, 67.5 inches tall

Price: $4600.00

Compostelle

Phil:

Eighth Sculpture; Compostela in maple wood

Special order from the “La Tienda” boutique on Wellington Street in Verdun, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

We find the triskele, three times, the shell, the symbol of the road to Compostela, and it is a walking stick… 1-2-3, we walk!

Triskele derived from Greek, means three legs. The origin of the Triskele comes from Neolithic air. This symbol was found at the entrance to a cave in Newgrange in Ireland.

Among the Celts, the Triskele represents action in movement, cycles, progression, revolution, and completion.

It is also associated in different cultures with:

– Life-death-rebirth

– The Spirit-The Mind-The body

– Mother-Father-Child

– Past present Future

– Power-Intellect-Love

– Creation-Preservation-Destruction

– And more others

– Some say that the symbol is associated with three Celtic worlds:

o The Spirits World

o The Present World

o The Celestial World

– We see the similarity with Shamanism, LOWER-MIDDLE-UPPER Worlds

13 inches of two-color leather braiding, beige and orange, decorated with macrame balls and feathers. Robust leather band for support when walking on steep trails.

Can be disassembled into three parts, so you can put it in your backpack at night. Since Compostela walkers often sleep in dormitories, this prevents them from being stolen while they sleep.

Completed in 2012, 53.5 inches tall

Price: $2250.00

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Manon's Artwork
More artwork coming soon.

Haida style raven - acrylic on a wooden box
Haida style raven carving in soap stone

The way of the circle does not offer medical or psychological consultation.

Please consult your doctor or mental health professional for those services.

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