The Yawanawá tribe of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest have shared their sacred spiritual knowledge with artist John Dyer in a world first for the 'Spirit of the Rainforest' project. John's painting shows us Vana - who is the spirit of our own shadows. She protects us and takes care of us. Tropical butterflies, birds and plants create a rainforest feel. The boa constrictors show us her power.

"In British culture shadows are often used as ominous devices, but the realisation that the spirit of one's own shadow is a protector and guardian angel is enlightening. The power of the spirit is indicated by the Boa Constrictors and I have painted with intense colours and contrasts to evoke the rainforest exploding with energy and light from the shadows. My Vana spirit sits at the center of the composition radiating energy and protection. Rainforest butterflies, Macaws and spiders are used throughout the painting. The energy that lives in us is the same energy that connects all living things and this energy radiates from the canvas." John Dyer

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The painting is featured in the book 'Painting the Colours of the World' by Kate Dinn.

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