Skulls, Ravens, and the Art of October

October has arrived with its crisp air and lengthening shadows, bringing with it a season of celebration that spans cultures and continents. From Halloween's playful spookiness to Día de los Muertos' vibrant honoring of ancestors, autumn invites us to embrace the mystical, the mysterious, and yes, the beautifully macabre. At Sorrel Sky Gallery, we're celebrating with a collection of skull and raven-themed artwork that proves these powerful symbols are anything but ordinary.

While plastic skeletons and costume shop props have their place, true skull imagery carries profound meaning. These pieces honor spirituality, celebrate immortality and never-ending love, and remind us to live with zest and adventure. They're talismans against negative energy, symbols of wisdom gained through life's challenges, and bold statements of confidence as we step into our next great adventure.

Perfect for October and beyond, these works transform any space into something a little more intriguing, a little more magical.

Jewelry That Makes a Statement

Harlin Jones proves that gothic glamour reaches its peak when crafted in precious metals and gemstones. His 14ct Yellow Gold Emerald Skull-Tusk Earrings feature dimensional skulls suspending brilliant-cut emeralds, which are the gem of Venus herself, symbolizing romance and rebirth. With glossy tusks completing the design, these earrings bring ethereal elegance to your October festivities (and every day after).

Jones's Skull Bracelet with Black Diamond and Turquoise offers another stunning option. The 14ct yellow gold skull sits alongside Kingman turquoise and a black diamond on an oxidized silver chain. It's the kind of piece that elevates any autumn outfit, whether you're attending a gallery opening or a costume party where you're going as "yourself, but make it witchy."

Día de los Muertos Beauty

Michelle Tapia channels the joyful spirit of Día de los Muertos with her La Muerta Bonita collection. The name itself means "beautiful dead." Her ring combines sterling silver with Sleeping Beauty turquoise and fossilized walrus tusk in a design that honors life by acknowledging death. The matching La Muerta Bonita Pendant, featuring sterling silver, fossilized walrus tusk, and 14K gold accents, continues this celebration.

These pieces perfectly capture the essence of the season, not somber mourning, but a vibrant celebration of those who came before us and the precious time we have now.

Masterful Metalwork

Ben Nighthorse brings decades of jewelry-making expertise to the skull motif. His Skull, Feathers and Spears Pendant is a substantial 2 1/2" x 2 1/4" statement piece in sterling silver that commands attention. And for those who believe even belt buckles should be art, his Heart and Skulls Belt Buckle, crafted in sterling silver with black onyx and rosarita, transforms a wardrobe essential into a wearable sculpture.

Contemplative Art

Rory Wagner took a quieter, deeply thoughtful approach to his art making and, with Painted Skull Study, invited viewers into meditative contemplation. While others might be decorating with temporary Halloween décor, you could be living with a genuine work of art that happens to be perfectly seasonally appropriate.

Ravens—October's unofficial mascot—have earned their mysterious reputation. Intelligent, social, and a little bit spooky, these birds feature prominently in folklore from Norse mythology to Native American traditions. They're the perfect subjects for autumn artwork.

Bronze Birds with Personality

Star Liana York captures ravens at their most charming in Board Meeting, a set of five bronze ravens clearly deep in important deliberations. Are they plotting mischief? Discussing the best locations for shiny objects? Planning their next appearance in a Gothic novel? York's keen observation of animal behavior makes each bird distinct and full of character—perfect for anyone who appreciates ravens' legendary intelligence and social nature.

Tim Cherry freezes a single dramatic moment with Raven's Caw. Standing 22" high, this bronze sculpture captures that distinctive head-thrown-back posture as the bird releases its unmistakable call. It's that sound that echoes through October afternoons and haunted house soundtracks immortalized in lasting form.

Painted Mystery

Kathryn Ashcroft brings painterly depth to raven imagery with Calling All Ravens, a 16" x 20" oil painting (20" x 25" framed) that layers color and atmosphere to evoke the bird's mystical quality. Perfect for anyone who wants their October ambiance to last all year.

Functional Art with Feathers

Fred Ortiz transforms the raven into a functional sculpture with his Raven II Bronze Vessel. Featuring turquoise accents, this bronze piece serves as both sculpture and container—perfect for holding October's treasures, whether that's candy for trick-or-treaters or sacred items for a Día de los Muertos altar.

Robert Rivera brings his masterful gourd artistry to the season with two remarkable pieces. His Raven Sculpture on Petrified Wood stands 26" tall, combining carved raven imagery with ancient petrified wood, a marriage of natural materials that spans millions of years. Rivera also creates the Flute Player Gourd Bowl, where traditional Southwest imagery meets functional art. These hand-carved gourds prove that October's aesthetic extends beyond ravens and skulls to embrace the full spectrum of Southwest tradition and seasonal celebration.

Whether you're hosting a Día de los Muertos gathering, decorating for Halloween, or simply embracing autumn's darker, dreamier aesthetic, these pieces offer something far more lasting than seasonal décor. They're conversation starters, personal talismans, and genuine works of art that happen to be perfectly suited to October's mysterious mood.

Unlike jack-o'-lanterns that wilt or paper decorations that tear, these sculptures, paintings, and jewelry pieces become part of your life story. They're the kind of "Halloween decorations" you'll treasure in July.

Experience these pieces in person at our Durango or Santa Fe galleries, where autumn light plays across bronze feathers and precious metals. Our team can help you find the perfect piece to celebrate the season—or to simply celebrate the beautiful, the mysterious, and the meaningful year-round.

This October, why settle for temporary decorations when you could invest in lasting art?

Visit Sorrel Sky Gallery to explore our full collection of skull and raven artwork. Perfect for celebrating October's many holidays—and for treasuring long after the season ends.