Tigers - Hand Painted Frame Drums

BLACK & WHITE TIGER ...&...GOLDEN TABBY TIGER
 by vegan artist © Karrel Christopher
 16'' Remo Buffalo Style Frame Drum - NON-leather
** completed ** ready to ship **
Your drumming meditations, prayers, chants and ceremonies can be played without the cruelty of dead animal skin. Embrace COMPASSIONATE DRUMMING ~ The marriage of art, sound, rhythm...a gentle soothing tone or bold voice - it is your choice. *NON*leather Frame Drums painted with professional artist oils by artist Karrel Christopher. Celebrating the elements of nature & honoring its special animal beings with spiritual joy.
For new commissions, I have two styles of quality REMO Frame Drums available for my custom designed and painted creations. The classic Buffalo Style Frame Drum 3 1/2'' deep...or... the newer Fiberskyn Frame Drum 2 1/2'' deep - in diameters of 14'', 16'' or 22''. Both are NON-leather.
The surface of these drums are a dream to paint on - allowing for beautiful detail and durability. You can drum to your hearts content knowing that no animal was butchered for these drum heads. And happily the synthetic drum head is more tone stable in various humidity and temperatures than animal skin drums. Every drummer I have spoken with compliments their quality and rich tones! There are so many ways to create pleasing sounds on these frame drums. They may be played for musical enjoyment, mediation and ceremony with a soft mallet provided. Play with your hands without jewelry and avoiding sharp nails. More bell like tones by striking the rim and bottom edge with your fingers and palm. Call to great spirit with love, beauty and compassion --and enjoy fine art in your sanctuary space and drumming circles.
Please feel welcome to contact me about commissioning your unique drum.

FB Page ~ Hand Painted NON-leather Frame Drums by Karrel Christopher ART & Photography -- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

Painted Frame Drums Portfolio: https://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html

Drums completed and ready to ship: https://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants/drums-thar-are-available.html

All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC

Custom Painted Frame Drums

They just arrived!! ~ My favorite drums to paint on!

Two classic 16’’ Remo Buffalo Style Frame Drums are now available for me to create your custom, one-of-a-kind spirit drum. 
And of course they are non-leather.

Our world is in the midst of many uneasy changes – so now more than ever – we can benefit from our meditations, connections to nature, beauty, art and musical expressions.

Peace, healing and evolution starts within each one of us.

You can enjoy the tranquility of solo drumming and chanting – or join with your favorite drum circles - practicing proper social distancing and wearing masks. 

~ The beat goes on!! ~

Check out the links below for samples of my work, ideas and inspiration.

Please feel welcome to contact me for more information.

* Painted Frame Drums by Karrel – *non*leather - https://www.facebook.com/pg/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

~ 5 PAINTED *non*leather FRAME DRUMS completed and ready to ship: http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants/drums-thar-are-available.html

ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com

~ Paintings by vegan artist © Karrel Christopher ~ All rights reserved ~ “Shares” are welcomed with credits and links included. Thank you for your interest and support ~ KC

Painted Frame Drums: BLACK & WHITE & GOLDEN TABBY TIGER

BLACK & WHITE & GOLDEN TABBY TIGER 
 by © Karrel Christopher
-- Original Hand Painted Custom Designs --
Spring is here! - are you ready for your Drum Circle??! These two drums are completed, available for purchase and ready to ship! 

~ COMPASSIONATE DRUMMING ~ The marriage of art, sound, rhythm...a gentle soothing tone or bold voice - it is your choice. *NON*leather Frame Drums painted with professional artist oils by vegan artist Karrel Christopher. Celebrating the elements of nature & honoring its special animal beings with spiritual joy.

I have two styles of quality REMO Frame Drums available for my custom designed and painted creations. The classic Buffalo Style Frame Drum 3 1/2'' deep...or... the newer Fiberskyn Frame Drum 2 1/2'' deep - in diameters of 14'', 16'' or 22''.

The surface of these drums are a dream to paint on - allowing for beautiful detail. You can drum to your hearts content knowing that no animal was butchered for these drum heads. *And happily the synthetic drum head is more tone stable in various humidity and temperatures than animal skin drums. Every drummer I have spoken with compliments their durability and rich tone quality! There are so many ways to create pleasing sounds on these frame drums. They may be played for musical enjoyment, mediation and ceremony with a soft mallet provided. Play with your hands without jewelry and avoiding sharp nails. More bell like tones by striking the rim and bottom edge with your fingers and palm. Call to great spirit with love, beauty and compassion and enjoy fine art in your sanctuary space. Please feel welcome to contact me about commissioning your one-of-a-kind drum.

FB Page ~ Hand Painted NON-leather Frame Drums by Karrel Christopher ART & Photography -- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

Painted Frame Drums Portfolio: https://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html

Drums completed and ready to ship: https://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants/drums-thar-are-available.html

WHY I choose SYNTHETIC *NON* leather REMO Frame Drums for my Totem Drum Paintings

My choice will ALWAYS BE >  SYNTHETIC *NON*leather!
Hand painted Remo Frame Drums by Karrel Christopher:
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

> DRUM HEADS: SYNTHETIC vs DEAD ANIMAL SKIN <
Recently, a drum collector visited my art studio and was admiring my hand painted frame drums and my animal paintings. He and his wife loved the quality and spirit of the artwork and the voice of the drums.

I shared with them that because I am VEGAN, I only painted my designs on *non*leather synthetic fiber REMO drums. Respect for animals being key – they also are more resilient and tone stable in various temperatures and humidity. As a musician and shaman workshop facilitator, he admitted that the animal skin drums he has used constantly go out of tune during his events (having to stop and make many adjustments). He agreed that the Remo drums had a great tone and loved the advantages in changing weather.

The wife mentioned that he had several goat skin drums – to which I automatically cringed with great sadness. As she reviewed my walls covered with several goat portraits, I could see she was feeling a bit awkward and embarrassed. --Then she added,
“Opps – sorry – I am sure they were only very old goats!”
.....WHAT ???? .....
I was stunned by her statement (excuse?) and reminded them that – regardless of their age...or species…that all animals cherish their lives…as we do. I got a nervous laugh from them both and they quickly changed the subject.

In the days that have followed, her words continued to jar my heart and brain. They were just another startling example of how people try to justify their choices and sooth their conscience. Though they perceive their choices as normal and innocent – some part of them must suspect the violence involved. Over and over again, I had to ask myself – how does this work? “I am sure they were only very old goats!” (like that makes it OK ?!!) Well, for NOT me – it doesn’t!

I know and dearly love many “old goats” and have also mourned their passing. They are all beautiful feeling individuals. And I respect the right to life – for ALL the ones I have not met. It would never occur to me to say – Hmmm, you know, I could make a drum or purse out of you because you are “OLD” – absolutely NOT! – NOT at any age!

So I am trying to figure the reasoning?! What if we lived in a society that found it a normal, mainstream and acceptable tradition (and a livelihood) to make drums, crafts, accessories and décor items out of *human skin and hair*?? Would using small children considered surplus & by-product (like in animal agriculture) be alright?! Would killing adults who were not very productive be practical?! Would knocking off grandparents (because they are OLD) be acceptable?! Extreme – yes!? Do those examples shock you – well of course they should! Being a good, well intentioned, moral person – you KNOW it would be absurd and very WRONG.

So WHY don’t we KNOW that slavery, exploitation and murder are WRONG for ALL innocent sentient SPECIES?!! All the *non*human animals all cherish their safety, family, freedom and lives too. What bizarre conditioning, brainwashing and marketing tricks have people assimilated?! – without question – even defiantly defending terrible acts - that most certainly would be a terrible contradiction to their sincerely professed values?! It is further disturbing that lots of folks ignore what should be obvious ethical concerns when it comes to those “old traditions and practices”. There are many who make earnest claims about “being spiritual” – all while banging on a drum made from the skin of an often tortured and murdered individual (and using other animal source accessories for their rituals).

For example, that GOAT SKIN DRUM is most likely from: a young male goat that was of no use to the dairy industry OR any goat raised & killed for meat OR an adult female depleted dairy goat whose productivity has dropped and is no longer profitable OR a victim of ritual slaughter OR any old goat someone could imagine making a profit with. So please ask yourself: What is the energy, music, intention, meaning – the sincerity and quality of spiritual – or artistic practice, when all that misery and violence is contained in the history of that poor animal? Let us awaken our heart intelligence. Think!

We are NOT cave men and women anymore. We have presumably evolved. We are supposed to be intelligent. And we are fortunate to have the wonderful advantage of many responsible and ethical alternatives for our use, enjoyment, expressions and profit. It would certainly seem more sincere and meaningful for all those items to come from a place of responsibility, love and peace.

Why not create new traditions, habits and rituals that leave out the violence. Choose LOVE. Let us honor each other and ALL our Earth Family with respectful, kind and compassionate choices.

Thank you for your consideration.

When we discover our conscience ~ we must act.
All beings cherish safety, family, freedom and LIFE
~~~ Live, rejoice and prosper VEGAN ~~~
Create a world respectful, just, safe and joyous for everyone. ~ KC

*non*leather hand painted frame drums by Karrel Christopher
https://www.facebook.com/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography-379579508720158/photos/?tab=album&album_id=827375437273894

Remo drums: please check out the *non*leather options! http://remo.com/

~ RIP Remo D Belli 1927 - 2016 http://remo.com/remobelli/
Thank you Remo. I will never forget your kindness to me as I started my journey of painting on frame drums. Your understanding, thoughtfulness and support were greatly appreciated. It was an honor to meet you, know you and tour your incredible drum manufacturing facility in Valencia, California. Thank you for showing the world how great NON LEATHER drums could be!! ~ KC
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-remo-belli-20160503-story.html

Painted Frame Drums with Animal Totems

Orders for CUSTOM PAINTED FRAME DRUMS are being accepted.
Visit my GALLERY of Hand Painted Frame Drums, for some ideas.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.827375437273894.1073741828.379579508720158&type=1

*non-leather* HAND PAINTED FRAME DRUMS
by Karrel Christopher
~ available for purchase & custom creations
* REMO sound quality and durability * Buffalo Style & FiberSkyn*

My journey with painting frame drums started accidently through my adventures playing Native American style flutes. Many happy hours were spent in the beautiful Franklin Canyon Park in the Los Angeles area…exploring on my own and enjoying full moon hikes with groups. In reaching favorite destinations, we would send up our prayers to Great Spirit and I would play my flutes. Communing with nature this way felt so wild and wonderful. I met an array of interesting folks who were passionate about nature, crafts and musical ceremonies. Several people knew I was a designer and painter and suggested that I start creating custom totem drums. It sounded like great fun and soon after, my first commission request came in. It all began with the face of a majestic Tiger!

Painting on drums was a whole new experience for me. The very smooth surface lends itself so well to fine detail. And interestingly, each brushstroke makes a bit of gentle sound. There is something meditative about it. As a design comes to life before me and is completed - there is an interesting energy about it that is somehow different from that of a painting on traditional supports. It is hard to describe – and perhaps it has to do with some sort of amplification by the sound of the drum? It is hard to say, all I know is that I really fell in love with the whole process!!

In the months and years that have followed, I have eagerly looked forward to each new project. Whether the drum is of your favorite totem animal, herbs/flowers/plants or symbols that have special meaning to you (or any combination) – it is a welcomed challenge and joy for me to create something special for you. It can be a border design or full face of the drum painting. My one-of-a-kind hand painted designs compliment nature's beauty at your favorite drum circles, ceremonies, resonate in your meditation space or simply add nature's grace to your home or office.
They may be hung as fine art and be played for music enjoyment with a soft mallet.

For 30 years I was a vegetarian and in 2012 embraced a VEGAN lifestyle. It was important to me to find quality drums that were not made from dead animal skins. I was delighted to discover the line of Remo *non*leather frame drums. It was an honor to meet Remo himself and tour his impressive drum making facility. We enjoyed sharing our enthusiasm about art, music and community. He gave great emphasis to the therapeutic advantages of playing drums – both physically and spiritually. His kind support of my creative work while I lived in California was so appreciated and I continue to purchase his drums through international retailers.

The drums available on my website are painted on Remo Buffalo Style Frame Drums - with 3.5" deep frames – drum diameters in 12” and 16” sizes. Includes mallet. The NON-LEATHER, cruelty free Fiberskyn head is pulled over a 3.5 inch deep frame/acousticon shell- providing excellent resonance. Braided cords are used for cross bracing to add to the look and feel of the Buffalo Drum. The center of the cording is comfort-coated for comfort. Beat near the center of the drum for deep pitches and accent them with higher pitch rhythms from the edge of the drum. *The synthetic drum head is more tone stable in various humidity and temperatures than animal skin drums. Every drummer I have spoken with compliments their durability and rich tone quality!

CUSTOM DRUMS: It would be my pleasure to create a custom Totem DRUM for you or a loved one - as time and supply allows. New orders will be created on beautiful *non*leather Remo FiberSkyn Frame Drums – with a 2.5" deep frame, featuring a smooth finish dark brown outer edge. This model is slightly lighter and makes for enjoyable longer playing sessions - and is more compact for travel. They are pre-drilled for cording a handle at the back. Cord supplied.
Sizes available: 12”, 14”, 16” and 22” inch diameter.
The same * REMO sound quality and durability *

For time sensitive gifts or events, please allow 2-3 months lead time. You may also see a painting you desire on my website available for immediate shipping.
Please contact me for a quote for your special commission based on size and complexity of design - and for local & international shipping details.

~ 6 PAINTED *non*leather FRAME DRUMS are currently available on my website:
http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants/drums-thar-are-available.html
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
DRUMS gallery: http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

~ Paintings by © Karrel Christopher ~ All rights reserved ~
“Shares” are welcomed with credits and links included.
Thank you for your interest and support ~ KC

Hand Painted Frame Drum ~ Golden Tabby Tiger

  
Golden Tabby TIGER with Celtic border
*non-leather* HAND PAINTED 16'' FRAME DRUM
by Karrel Christopher ~ available for purchase ~
Each of my drums are original paintings - no two alike - created with great care and spiritual intentions. They may be hung as fine art and be played for music enjoyment, mediation and ceremony with a soft mallet. Painted on quality REMO Buffalo Drums - 16" x 3.5" frame drum. Includes mallet. The NON-LEATHER, cruelty free Fiberskyn head is pulled over a 3.5 inch deep frame/acousticon shell- providing excellent resonance. Braided cords are used for cross bracing to add to the look and feel of the Buffalo Drum. The center of the cording is comfort-coated for comfort. Beat near the center of the drum for deep pitches and accent them with higher pitch rhythms from the edge of the drum. *The synthetic drum head is more tone stable in various humidity and temperatures than animal skin drums. Every drummer I have spoken with compliments their durability and rich tone quality! Please feel welcome to contact me about purchase information, special commissions --and local & international shipping details.

DRUMS: http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html

CUSTOM DRUMS: It would be my pleasure to create a custom Totem DRUM for you or a loved one - as time and supply allows. New orders will be on non-leather Remo FiberSkyne Frame Drums - 2.5". The difference in 1 inch depth and a smooth finished darker outer edge.
For time sensitive gifts, please allow 2-3 months lead time. You may also see a painting you desire on my website available for immediate shipping. Please contact me for a quote for your special commission based on size and complexity of design - and local & international shipping details.
~ Paintings by © Karrel Christopher All rights reserved.
ART website: http://karrelchristopher.com/
DRUMS: http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html
Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158

Hand Painted Totem Drum OWL

OWL hand painted drum

raven, hawk, fox, horse TOTEMS
and graced by oak leaves. A brand new, specially commissioned TOTEM DRUM is completed for a dear spirit friend for ceremony and drum circle events! 
This original oil painting was created on a 22" non-leather, cruelty-free Remo Fiberskyn Frame drum.
May this creation be a wonderful companion to my friend on her Shaman journey!  Please feel welcome to contact me about creating your custom totem drum.
~ design and painting by © Karrel Christopher
Drums: http://karrelchristopher.com/drums-wildlife-a-plants.html
ART website: http://www.karrelchristopher.com/
ART on Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrel-Christopher-ART-Photography/379579508720158
For inquiries e-mail:  karrelchristopher@gmail.com