"Eagles of Unlimited Potential" by Chi-Jen Liu
Symbolism · The Full Collection · Series
Fly With the Birds
Birds are associated with grace and beauty. Few have not become mesmerized by the sight of a peacock's iridescent train, the camouflage of an owl, or a flock of cranes taking flight. Birds have inspired artists and writers for thousands of years because of their unique ability to fly, swim, and dwell on land. They are symbolic of dreams, freedom, adaptability, and intelligence.
"Phoenix Empress of Birds" by Chi-Jen Liu · Details
In Chinese culture, the phoenix is considered the chief of birds. Chi-Jen Liu shares the legend that inspired his artwork, "Phoenix Empress of Birds": "Before earning the status of chief, the phoenix was already a virtuous bird. She not only had the wisdom and foresight to save food before a natural disaster, but also the compassion and largess to distribute food among the birds. As a result, all the birds survived because the phoenix took charge." The phoenix symbolizes an honorable ruler and the hundreds of small birds represent supportive civilians. It is a strong feng shui symbol that promotes social harmony and powerful leadership.
"Duck Scholarship" by Chi-Jen Liu · Details
"Duck Scholarship" is a tribute to all hardworking students. In ancient China, the word "duck" was associated with academic achievement, so images of ducks are used today to bring encouragement to students as they complete their educations. Being well-educated increases one's potential to contribute to society, making the world a better, more functional and harmonious place for all.
"Giant Eagles of Accomplisment" by Chi-Jen Liu · Details
The eagles in "Giant Eagles of Accomplisment" represent different kinds of goals – the eagle on the left symbolizes talent because he has caught a fish; the eagle in the middle promotes leadership for he has captured the slippery and unruly squid; the eagle on the right stands for intelligence and patience because he stands on the rock waiting for the right moment to act. They convey some of the qualities that lead to business prosperity. The ocean conveys vast richness of resources.
In many cultures, the eagle is known as the king of birds and therefore symbolic of divinity and leadership. Notorious for their sharp vision, eagles also represent discernment and astuteness. Eagles are inherently ambitious creatures and their ability to reach staggering heights – up to over 10,000 feet! – symbolizes our unlimited potential when we keep striving to do our best.
"Owl's Eyes of Wisdom" by Chi-Jen Liu · Details
Owls are nocturnal creatures with excellent eyes. "Owls Eyes of Wisdom" celebrates the owl's ability to see in the dark, to see what other's can't see – and associates owls with wisdom and solemnity. Owls are natural hunters – they are equipped with night-vision, exceptional hearing, and sharp talons. Nature even provided owls with camouflage – their feathers blend into nature by making them resemble tree branches and trunks. Owls have the ability to fly silently, allowing them to catch their prey by stealth. They thus symbolize the power of intuition and silence, and demonstrate that action need not be ostentatious and noisy to be effective.
In feng shui, the image of pure snow in the woods generates meditative energy and helps focus the mind because of its cooling, calming effect.
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