Companions of Appalachia - Part One

Companions of Appalachia is a collection born from my deep love for the Appalachian Mountains, their folklore, and the magic of fall. As a native North Carolinian, I grew up celebrating my birthday each year at Grandfather Mountain, where the changing leaves and mountain air became a part of my story. This series is a nod to the symbols, myths, and quiet history that live in the mountains - those companions we find in both nature and our culture. In these works, companions are more than figures; they are the friends, stories, and fleeting presences that remind us of where we are, where we’ve been, and the timeless spirit of the Appalachians.

Part One introduces the first companions, guides of light, time, and renewal. From the oak leaf’s grounding presence to the lantern’s guiding flame, the cardinal at dawn and the crow at dusk, and the dogwood as a symbol of enduring hope, these companions weave together nature and folklore into a cycle of journey, transformation, and belonging

Companions of Appalachia is a collection born from my deep love for the Appalachian Mountains, their folklore, and the magic of fall. 

Part Two introduces the second companions, guides of the night, the home and land, and friends we find in unsuspecting places. The barn owl reminds us that when the night comes, nature comes alive in the safety of darkness, where the spider is always by our side - just when you least expect it. The quilt block and pumpkin remind us there is warmth and coziness to be found even in the darkness and chilliest of nights.