Animal Healer (Healer Series)

“Animal Healer is part of the “Healer” series Barbara Bullock creaded in the last 1990s and marks one of the first times she created collaged sculptures to give meaning to deeply held personal beliefs. Honoring the veterinarian who cared for her animals, Bullock affirms that animals are kindred spirits and connect humans with the spirit world. Animal Healer was also created at a time when her parents were ill, and she associated the healing powers of animals with the idea of recovery and health. Bullock has been influenced by traditional African religions such as the worship of deities known as “Orishas,” guardian spirits that are manifested as aspects of nature according to the Yoruba people of West Africa and many of their descendants in the Americas. Her pieces almost act as life-size gatekeepers into a sacred world of symbolism and magic.” Source: Sajet, Kim. The Chemistry of Color: African American Artists in Philadelphia, 1970-1990. Philadelphia, PA: The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 2005, pg. 42.