I am the world's slowest when it comes to naming. To Name something seems like such a solemn obligation, although we seem to have lost much of our connection to our own names. (Do you know what your name means?)
It used to be said, and in some traditions it still is, that if you can name something, you can have power over it. I'm not sure about power over, but a name certainly gives power to - an anonymous blank slate suddenly has more life, more personality and an It suddenly becomes a Who.
I decided to start a tradition and look to the stars for inspiration. Kuma got her name from one of the stars in the head of Draco, the dragon. The head also forms an asterism the nomadic Arabs called The Mother Camels - they form a circle in order to protect the foal, a small faint star, within from harm. While she doesn't have any kittens of her own, Kuma can indeed be very maternal. She can also be quite fierce, when she wants to be.
My inspiration for this one's name comes from another star associated with Draco, as well as the Mother Camels. As a part of Draco, the star forms the tip of the dragon's tongue. As a part of the Mother Camels, the Arabs sometimes said it was a 'trotting camel,' trying to catch up and join the circle. In this case though, I prefer the other version of its name.
So this little nameless kitten who loves to play and dance in the leaves is now Ari, shortened from Arrakis, the Dancer. May he always be as happy as he is now and may he always dance.
And of course, may the spice (of life) always flow.
Studio News
New paintings are in the works! They will be available through the Art & Invention Gallery in Nashville and possibly online too.
