The Outlaw | Character Archetypes | Flora & Fauna Symbolic Art

Here is “The Outlaw.”

The idea of the twelve character archetypes, invented by Carl Jung, is that there are universal, inborn models of people, behaviors, and personalities that influence human behavior.

Fiction writers and all kinds of storytellers use these archetypes as a helpful device when creating characters in a story. In real life, no one person fully embodies any one archetype. Rather, this is a useful device for us to describe parts of ourselves that we all have in different measures, which may come to the forefront at different moments in our lives.

Meditating on the essence of each archetype can be an inspiring and empowering reminder of the different strengths that exist within our own character. These ideas can help us answer the continual question of who we want to be.

I chose to paint animals and plants that humans have associated with the various traits inherent in the different archetypes. Some of these symbols are shared across different world cultures, others less-so.

Perhaps looking at this image will help awaken this part of your character a little bit, reminding you of a well within yourself that you can tap into when needed.

The Outlaw rejects conventions while embracing revolution and revenge.

The Outlaw defies convention to go their own way.

Bats often represent death in the sense of letting go of the old and bringing in the new. They are symbols of transition.

The red flowers behind the bat represent the intensity of the Outlaw’s bold convictions.

Black clematis flowers, a symbol of rebellion, fill the background.

The Outlaw does not have to be a villain. They can be the one brave enough to stand up for justice and goodness in an unfair world.

Contact me if you’re interested in purchasing the original painting or a print of this artwork.