Eccentric Archetypes
In his theory of the human psyche, Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung (1875 -1961) referred to universal characteristics, or archetypes, that reside within the collective unconscious of people the world over. The collective unconscious is the part of the unconscious mind that is derived from ancestral memory and experience and is common to all humankind.
A key feature of archetypes is their cultural and societal universality that crosses time and place and are, therefore, regular features of human expression. They are found in the myths, legends, fairytales, and literature of cultures worldwide and throughout history.
Each of us has a number of archetypes within our personality, some of which dominate; some sublimate, and all are fluid depending on the situation. Although there are hundreds of different archetypes, I’ve chosen to focus on the primary types as defined by Jung; those that symbolize basic human motivations. Each type has its own set of values, meanings and personality traits that are both strengths and weaknesses.
As you view the artwork, you are invited to note which characters you feel drawn to and how you relate to the archetypal traits.
CONCEIVED OF SOMETHING BEYOND IMAGINATION, 2018
18” x 24” Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Explorer
Aka: The Seeker, The Wanderer, The Individualist
Strengths: Autonomy, Ambition, Embrace Learning, Independent Thinking
Weaknesses: Constant Striving yet never fully commited; Restless
Examples: John Bender (The Breakfast Club); Author Carlos Castenada; Steve Irwin.
ENLARGEMENT OF MY SOUL, 2018
18” x 24” Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Caregiver
Aka: The Altruist, The Parent
Strengths: Compassion, Generosity, Dutiful
Weaknesses: Prone to Martyrdom, Easily Exploited
Example: Mary Poppins, Mother Teresa
I FORGIVE YOU, 2018
18” x 24,” Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Lover
Aka: The Partner, The Intimate, The Friend, The Seducer
Strengths: Passionate, Committed, Loyal
Weaknesses: Risk losing own identity; Ego-driven need to possess
Example: Romeo and Juliet; Baby in Dirty Dancing; The Sirens
I FORGIVE YOU TOO, 2018
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Lover
Aka: The Partner, The Intimate, The Friend, The Seducer
Strengths: Passionate, Committed, Loyal
Weaknesses: Risk losing own identity; Ego-driven need to possess
Example: Romeo and Juliet; Baby in Dirty Dancing; The Sirens
OH, MY, MY! OH, HELL YES!, 2018
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Rebel
Aka: The Outlaw, The Revolutionary, The Misfit
Strengths: Strong-willed, Holds a mirror to life, Bringer of change, Questions authority. Weaknesses: Willful, Intolerant, Reactionary Example: Che Guevara; Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games); Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
I KISSED A COWBOY, 2019
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Jester
Aka: The Fool, The Trickster, The Jokester
Strengths: Shows how to have fun; Enjoyment of life
Weaknesses: Can use humor as a defense.
Examples: Beetlejuice; Robin Williams; Austin Powers; Jim Carrey
MY SAFARI, 2014
16” x 20”. Combined Media
450. Framed
Archetype: The Orphan
Aka: The Wounded Child
Strengths: Empathy, Lack of Pretense, Street Smart, Pragmatism
Weaknesses: Expects too little from life; May fall into the victim role; Self-doubt; Shame Example: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens; Harry Potter
AGING GRACEFULLY, 2019
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Wise Woman
Aka: The Crone, The Knower; The Custodian
Strengths: Evolved; Insightful; Trustworthy; Keeper of confidences and tribal stories. Weaknesses: Loss of humility; Breach of confidence
Examples: Midwives, Alternative therapists; Poet Jean Oliver; Aung San Suu Kyi
MISTY MEANOR, 2018
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Innocent
Aka: The Romantic, The Dreamer
Strengths: Faith, Optimism, Trust
Weaknesses: Naiveté, Inexperience, Difficulty living in the real world
Example: Peter Pan; Pippin Took (The Hobbit), Buddy, the Elf.
I’M HAVING A GREAT TIME HERE WITHOUT YOU, 2015
20” x 24”. Combined Media
500. Framed
Archetype: The Diplomat
Aka: The Peacemaker, The Agent, The Ambassador
Strengths: Skilled Negotiator; Articulate; Able to see both sides.
Weaknesses: May fall into hypocrisy; Authoritarian; Double Agent
Examples: A Secretary of State; Members of U.S. Foreign Service; Pocahontas
THE BUG WHISPERER, 2016
20” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Creator
Aka: The Artist, The Innovator, The Inventor
Strengths: Imaginative, Teller of truth; Expressive; Explores boundaries.
Weaknesses: Self-indulgent; Perfectionism;
Examples: Frida Kahlo, Mozart, Leonardo DaVinci, Dr. Frankenstein
YOU MAY BE THE TROUBLE THAT I SEEK, 2018
18” x 24”. Combined Media
650. Framed / 600. Unframed
Archetype: The Sage
Aka: The Scholar; The Detective; The Thinker; The Philosopher
Strengths: Curiosity, Wisdom, Intelligence, Analytical
Weaknesses: Dogmatic, Ruthlessness, Impatience
Examples: Goddess Athena, Yoda, Gandalf
For Purchases and Other Inquiries Please Contact the Artist.
Call/Text 415.250.9860 Email: PattiAnastasi@gmail.com