Creating botanical beauty

Sometimes projects require a mammoth amount of planning, research and reading. The series I'm currently working on certainly falls into this category. On the surface this is often not evident, but there is always hidden meaning and symbolism behind my work, you just need to look for it. My current big series 'Flora and Fauna' In many ways harks back to some of the work I was doing 5 years ago for my final project at university. I conducted extensive research on The Language of Flowers and the historical use of nature in art symbolism, designing my final collection around the theme of sin and virtue.

For a long time I have wanted to do more botanical illustration, as I am a great lover of nature and all things wild and weird. But for me it can't just be an attractive image I'm creating, there has to be some meat on the bones, and that means symbolism and depth.

After countless hours of pondering and research I decided on a number of themes and phrases to form the basis of the pieces themselves, and began researching flora and fauna which reflect these themes. I already had a shortlist of moths and insects I hoped to work into the series somewhere. So after many hours with my nose in books, looking back over old notes, doodling and utilising my old friend Google I finally began sketching out some compositions. Happy with my progress and the way my ideas were shaping up the next stage was to complete full size line drawings of the compositions, compare them, see how they flow and work together.

Once I was satisfied that the series had the potential to work as a collection of artworks not just a stand alone piece then the really intensive work could begin. Firstly, I transfer my linework to paper, some details and essential parts are noted in pencil, followed by a detailed pen later providing shading depth and the basis for the compositions and finally watercolour, to make the pieces come alive and look more than just a monochrome sketch. Because of the level of detail and accuracy required I decided to complete tests of my colour palette and technique to ensure it was going to successfully achieve what I needed it to. Any mistakes and changes of heart over colour would be visible, so everything has to be decided upon in advance, planning is the key for this series.

As time moves on and the pieces progress I am pleased with how they are shaping up. This type of time consuming layering is hard work but ultimately worth it. As ever, the watercolour layer makes everything come alive and gives a sense of vibrancy (not a word I often use to describe my work) and realism to the pieces. Only time will tell if the series will work together and achieve my dream of a decadent, richly symbolic set of botanical illustrations ...

'Evil, be gone ...': Eguzkilore inspired Flora and Fauna

This design has particular significance for me. It was inspired by numerous trips to Southern France and Basque country, which has its own very unique traditions and beliefs. In the region many beliefs have existed which are almost unique to the area and have often been persecuted, such as Basque Paganism and the Cathars. The remnants of these beliefs live on in different traditions and daily life in the region. I first noticed visiting the incredibly picturesque Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert 4 years ago a strange symbol adorning many doors in the commune, what I thought to be a dried sunflower, yet subsequent research revealed it to be a Carlina acaulis - a type of silver thistle (which I detailed in my blog 'Eguzkilore'). Research told me the symbol had originated from basque pagan tradition, symbolising the sun and protecting the home from darkness and demons. Yet again last year I saw the symbol, in Narbonne in a collection of archeological stones at the Lapidary Museum. The stones date back to Roman times, many are ancient grave markers. Many featured the symbol, which could be seen hundreds of times, obviously holding great significance and importance in Roman Narbonne.

When beginning design work for my flora and fauna series I began to consider incorporating Eguzkilore into one piece. The more I considered it, the more I thought what a good idea it was to theme one piece around the symbolism of the Eguzkilore and pay homage to the traditions of my beloved Languedoc-Roussillon.

When sketching for the piece I decided to draw the image of the Eguzkilore blooming in the wild, not dried and nailed to a door, however as far as I'm concerned the symbolism is still the same. When contemplating insects to feature in the composition I quickly decided on the cicada, as this is another strong symbol of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. I first saw a ceramic cicada in Aigue Mortes and wondered what on earth it meant, and the more I looked, the more of them i saw. It turns out the cicada, like Eguzkilore is a symbol of protection and against bad luck, but in the wider world the cicada is also represents resurrection, immortality and spirituality.
As a second insect it felt apt to include the Scarabaeidae commonly known as the Scarab beetle. The Beetle is one of the most well known symbolic insects in the world and of course represented the sun in ancient Egyptian culture. I felt this reaffirmed the symbolism of the Eguzkilore and ensured the piece was tied in with the sun, light and protection from evil.

The symbolism of this piece is so important to me because it pays homage to an ancient tradition which for many is a hidden piece of history only there for those willing to look. For me the symbol of the Eguzkilore represents the region I have come to love and adore so much. Its layers of history, its warmth and positivity and the richness and depth of culture waiting for those willing to scratch the surface. 'Evil, be gone ...' pays tribute to history, tradition and all things Languedoc-Roussillon.

Art in focus: 'The Magician'

'The Magician' is the very conduit between the Universe and Humanity. He has the ability to channel the power of the world through his actions and being. This card is all about skill, concentration and creativity. A time is upon you when you can achieve your goals with your own skill, initiative and determination. Focus your energy and actions, trust the message of 'The Magician', draw on the power of the universe and it will aid your own creativity to achieve your desires. Commitment, concentration and creativity ensure success.

Depictions of 'The Magician' vary from deck to deck but many similarities are often maintained, such as the suggestion of supernatural, magical powers and a mysterious atmosphere. Most depictions of the Magician show him holding a wand, dating back as far as Marseille Tarot, and include a table of significant objects referring to the suits of Tarot. In the Rider-Waite deck 'The Magician' maintains many original elements, but is enriched with further symbolism such as the red roses and white lilies at his feet representing duality, his red and white clothing symbolising purity and knowledge and the eternity symbol, which is hinted at on the brim of the hat in Marseille Tarot, but is here shown more obviously above the Magicians head.

While I was sketching ideas for my Magician I went on a short post-Christmas break to York with my partner. In a Church there I was struck by a stained glass window which had some striking similarities to my preliminary sketches back home. At that point the only decision I had made was that my Magician would be holding a flaming Chalice, all other elements were still open to development. The window figure was holding a chalice with snake emerging from it. I photographed the window, thinking it a stroke of fate that I had stumbled across Something so similar to my sketch, and decided to go with the timely suggestion made by fate and incorporated some other elements from the window, including the deep blue clothing and fair hair.
The Magician is one of my designs with the most separate symbolic elements. His elemental study/studio is full of objects symbolically referring to Tarot. Upon the Magicians workbench are items representing the suits of Tarot; a wand, a pentangle in the form of a wax seal stamp, the Magician holds the cup, and two swords are displayed upon the wall. Other items within the scene also have symbolic meaning, with the books representing knowledge and learning, the quill and parchment expressing creativity and the hourglass reminding us of our mortality. Within a glass cloche on the very edge of the image sits a specimen of a Crow. The crow is a recurring element in my series which I decided to include in this piece for continuity and also to symbolise knowledge.
The chalice held by the Magician burns with the flame of knowledge, but also represents his powers of alchemy and the possibility of his skill and knowledge. Other elements on his bench hint to alchemy, such as the glass bottle and notes, but his experimentation is left deliberately mysterious to the viewer.
As 'The Magician' is the card is numbered one it represents new beginnings, I chose to express this through the hint of the new dawn through the arched window, which frames the magician. His laboratory is purposely humble and modest, with a flagstone floor and lime washed walls, excess is of no concern to him, and would only serve as a distraction from the real importance of his existence and purpose. His eyes stare with a haunting knowledge and depth, hinting at his relationship with the universe and the power it channels through him. His headband is another recurring feature in the series, an ouroboros, representing infinity and eternity.
I wanted to give the impression that the viewer is looking into the magicians private, personal life and space, and witnessing an important, seminal moment in his existence, which is only being shared between him and the universe, we are simply spying in on the scene of his skill, dedication and concentration come to fruition.

Art in focus: 'The Hermit'

'The Hermit' card is all about seeking the truth and walking a difficult, but rewarding path. In his soul searching solitude the Hermit had gained incredible wisdom, knowledge and awareness. The Hermit card suggests that through introspection, contemplation and meditation you too can achieve new heights of wisdom and spirituality. What you seek lies within you, and though its discovery may be a lonely path, it's seclusion leads you to ultimate understanding of yourself, the knowledge within you and the deeper meaning of our existence.

In many Tarot decks the The Hermit is portrayed in very similar ways. As an elderly man, who may be searching for something, usually holding aloft a lantern, which symbolises wisdom and guidance. In Rider-Waite Tarot the lantern contains a 6 pointed star within, which is the symbol of the seal of Solomon and represents wisdom. Usually the Hermit will be cloaked or hooded, and holding a staff, representing power and travelling along a narrow but ultimately rewarding path. He is alone, showing the isolation he has chosen and which gives him his power and knowledge.

When designing my Hermit I wanted to focus on his solitude and knowledge as the main themes within the piece. Initially I found it quite difficult to decide on the physical traits of the Hermit, I knew I wanted him to be cloaked and hooded, but beyond that I had no set idea of what I wanted my hermit to look like. I began to consider the symbolism of the hermit and what he meant to me, and realised I drew large parallels with the Hermit and Gandalf the Grey. Every time I thought about him that's who I saw, so a lot of Gandalf was put into my final portrayal of The Hermit. Another inspiration was 'Light of the World' by Holman Hunt. The imagery of this beautiful painting guided my illustration, though to compare it to my completed piece you wouldn't really know it.
The landscape serves as the main method of emphasising the Hermits solitude, as he stands alone in an infinite, unwelcoming mountain wilderness. He urges you to follow his path to ultimate wisdom, however it is not an easy one to tread. The stream is a recurring element in my Tarot landscapes, beginning with the fool, and symbolises the continuing story and narrative throughout the Major Acarna from start to finish.
On his staff rests a crow, revisiting the crow who first appeared in 'The Fool'. Crows are incredibly wise birds, yet are very misunderstood and have a reputation of being an ill omen. The crow represents the Hermits wisdom and how it guides him along the path of his life.

I used a very muted, nocturnal colour palette to emphasise the warmth of the Hermits lantern which represents the Hermits inner spirituality and knowledge. I chose to maintain the use of the seal of Solomon from a Rider-Waite Tarot to give my lantern a supernatural, powerful appearance. I wanted it to inspire awe and wonder on all those who look upon it, suggesting the incredible power of wisdom and knowledge.
The grey of the mountains and the hermits cloak shows his connection and oneness with the world. His appearance is like his existence; simple and honest. He has rejected the material world and the temptation it brings, instead trusting a higher purpose and his own potential in life.
I chose to set the piece at night, as I liked the notion of the Hermit romantically toiling along his path come rain or shine and even in the darkest of night. I also wanted to the pitch blackness and tiny crescent moon to emphasise the power of the Hermits inner light, which shows that with wisdom you can illuminate the whole world.

Art in focus: 'The Sun'

As a new year is upon us I am embracing new beginnings and embarking on something different in the form of 'Tarot Tuesdays'. Each week an 'Art in focus' piece will focus on a different Tarot card, the historical significance of the card, its traditional imagery and an in depth look at my own interpretation of the card.

So let's kick off the year on a positive note with 'The Sun'!

Traditionally in Tarot 'The Sun', as the source of all life on Earth represents life, vitality and fertility. 'The Sun' card is read as a very positive sign, it brings boundless strength and happiness to your life, just as the sun brings to the earth. 'The Sun' is the most positive card in the whole of the major Acarna, so feel optimistic; the universe is on your side! 

In one of the earliest surviving Tarot decks, the Marseille Tarot, the image depicted is simply the sun, raining life upon the earth, with two figures stood beneath, possibly rejoicing and embracing. The imagery is simple in comparison to later decks, such as the Rider-Waite deck, which has complex symbolism linking to innocence and purity, as well as the vitality, happiness and optimism depicted by earlier decks. 

In my interpretation of 'The Sun' Tarot I purposely wanted the sun to dominate the card, ensuring it was the main focus of the image and portrayed a sense of strength and power.

When designing my sun I felt the inclusion of a face, to give the sun a personality and identity was essential. The expression of the face felt a very important element, and was something I did a number of sketches of to get right. I wanted the sun to appear melancholy, as he sees the world in the cold light of day, the harsh, often painful realities of mankind are all too clear to him. I wanted him to express a silent sorrow, that the life he gives is not always appreciated, rejoiced or treasured in the way it should be.

Stretching out beneath his life giving rays his bounty covers the land below. The crops and beauty he creates though the fertility he bathes the earth with is ours for the taking, but without his sustenance we would perish. Before him stands the lovers, a recurring theme within a number of my Tarot cards, symbolising fertility, the life the sun gives, and their respect for the Suns gifts, as they are enlightened, not ignorant, individuals.
The crops I chose to represent the Suns bounty are wheat and sunflowers. Wheat has been a staple food for the rich and poor for thousands of years, it has sustained entire civilizations, is one of the most ancient food sources and is still consumed all around the world everyday. The sunflower is a physical symbol of the sun and has been important in art symbolism throughout history. Sunflower crops can be seen sprawled across Europe, with their oil a major ingredient in cooking, the millions of nodding heads is quite a sight to behold, and one that always fills me with joy, hence my inclusion of it upon the card.
I chose a very rich, decadent palette for this Tarot, as I wanted it to represent the intensity of the sun and the light he brings to the world. I looked to illuminated manuscripts for my palette inspiration, as they are timeless and ancient like the sun, and capture a glowing vibrancy and true beauty. 

Sketch and progress work for 'The Sun'

'The Sun' fine art print

Eguzkilore

A curious sight in the Cathar village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert interested me greatly; a sunflower nailed to a front door was something Id never witnessed before, and sparked a great degree of intrigue. After extensive research I discovered that these were called 'Eguzkilore'.

Derived from an ancient tradition, the custom is scarcely mentioned or explained in texts, however it appears to have come from the Basque region, and is deeply rooted in French and Spanish folklore. 'Eguzki' (sun) and 'lore' (flower), (literally 'Sunflower' in Basque language), are actually dried silver thistles, and are traditionally believed to bring good fortune to the house which they adorn. In folklore it is believed that the Eguzkilore represents the sun and its power, which includes protecting a house during the hours of darkness, and warding off evil spirits, devils and witches. This tradition appears to be born out of Basque paganism, which existed in the Western Pyrenees before the arrival of Christianity in the region.
It is wonderful to see this old custom, which is clearly deeply rooted in Pyrenees tradition, survived today through the people of Saint Guillem la Desert.