ASL Butterfly Time to Fly

ASL for "butterfly" is made with two hands that link thumbs and wave the fingers slowly to show wings that are gently fluttering in the air. A glimmer of light touches the hands as if to highlight the moment. Purples, pinks, reds, lavender, and blue add to a varied presentation that is rich and colourful, yet demure and soft at the same time. American Sign Language (ASL) is the language primarily used by the deaf in the United States. It is, in fact, the fourth most popular language in America. ASL is conceptual and is a beautiful art form in its own right. ASL often has a referent connection to the actual item or motion that a sign represents. The sign for "butterfly" is a perfect example, as it "looks like what it is and what it does." For this sign, the hands also must show the grace of the butterfly, and this is beautifully captured in the image with fingers that are long and elegant. This butterfly art piece was created with brush and watercolor. With an overall feeling of blue, there are other colours that give the signing hands depth and dimension. As a finishing touch, details were inked in, making the painting "mixed media" . It is gentle and sweet. Soothing. Comfortable. Whimsical. Hopeful. The butterfly is a symbol of new life and future beginnings. It pushes its way out of the cocoon and then opens its wings to take in the sunshine of newness. Butterflies symbolize hope, new life, and Christianity. The old life is left behind and through faith in Christ, a new life is begun. Cocoon life is stagnant - butterflies soar.