“Power of the Raven” – Original Totemic Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

“Power of the Raven” is an original totemic painting by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, created in 2019. The work combines oil painting on canvas with real feathers and measures 50 × 60 cm.

At the centre of the composition is a raven with its wings spread wide. Its dark form almost merges with the black background, while the pale feathers surrounding it create a sharp contrast and a strong sense of movement, tension, and presence. By combining painting with real material, the work moves beyond a traditional flat image and acquires a tactile, almost ritual quality.

General view of the painting “Power of the Raven”. Canvas, oil, feathers, 50 × 60 cm, 2019.

In this work, the raven is conceived as a totemic symbol. Marina Stognieva turns to ideas of inner strength, intuition, transformation, and connection with what lies beyond ordinary perception. The open wings intensify the sense of power, while the bird becomes the central sign of the composition — dark, focused, and protective.

The physical material of the work is especially important. Real pale feathers surround the painted raven and create a tactile boundary between image and reality. Their softness contrasts with the dense dark strokes of oil paint, strengthening the dramatic quality and visual depth of the composition.

“Power of the Raven” combines symbolic painting, mixed media, and the artist’s personal interpretation of a totemic image. It is not simply a painting of a bird, but a work about inner power, intuition, transformation, and the ability to perceive what may remain hidden at first glance.

The painting has its own exhibition history. In 2019, it was presented at the “Mytets” Art Gallery in Kyiv, and in 2020 at the Central House of Artists in Kyiv. These two exhibitions became part of the documented history of the work.

“Power of the Raven” during the exhibition at the Central House of Artists, Kyiv, 2020.

The combination of dark painting, natural feathers, and a powerful symbolic image gives this work a distinctive presence in space. It is perceived not simply as a decorative object, but as an independent artwork with a strong character and meaning that remains open to personal interpretation.

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Artwork Details

Original Artwork & Collectible Fine Art Prints

The painting “Power of the Raven” is an original one-of-a-kind work by Marina Stognieva, created by hand using oil paint and real feathers on canvas.

Collectible Fine Art Prints personally signed by Marina Stognieva may also be available for selected works. Available formats, materials, prices, and other details can be discussed before ordering.

Payment & Worldwide Shipping

Payment can be made via PayPal, bank transfer, or another agreed method.

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated individually depending on the destination and order details.

Because real feathers are incorporated into the artwork, the painting requires especially careful packaging. The work is securely protected for safe transportation, and all purchase, payment, packaging, and international shipping details can be discussed directly with the artist before ordering.

“The raven in this work is not simply a bird for me, but an image of inner strength, intuition, and transformation. I wanted the real feathers to become part of the painting itself and to intensify the feeling of a totemic presence.”

— Marina Stognieva