#patron present

Reindeer Games
Ink, 5x7

Legend has it that Amanita muscaria (the mushrooms depicted here) are a bit of a treat for caribou/reindeer.  Due to the hallocenogenic properties of this particular mushroom, it is said that it gives reindeer the “ability to fly.”  :B  

I was very happy to hear that this piece had a signficant meaning for the one who received it (it reminded her of the book, Fire Bringer, by David Clement-Davies).  I love it when stuff like that happens.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

The Journey to Cloud Castle
Turquoise and Cherry Red ink washes, 5x7

I have a number of these larger-ish paintings to do…  They’re for patrons for the holidays.  It’s going to take me a while to get everything done, and plus, I really don’t want to show anything until my patrons, individually, see their gifts FIRST. However, the recipient of this one travels a lot; so, I have noooo idea when she is going to lay eyes on it by the time she comes back home.

The “thought process” below is what I posted up on Patreon.  Here goes.

I knew that I wanted to do something castle-oriented for Irene.  Back when Rosa weasled her way into my brain, I heard her talk about Cloud Castle.

I had my moment of “reminding” myself what castles look like…  And even so, I found myself trying to compare this elusive “castle in the sky” to genuine, real-life fortresses.  Something didn’t feel right.

It was too rigid, guarded.  Cold.

So I asked her to give me a nudge in the right direction.  Anything.

“It shifts, transforms, and is always on the move… always playing a game of hide-and-seek.  Some can see it clearly, and never in the same way as another; some cannot see it at all.  It does no good to look at these,” she gestured to the images on my phone, “because it is not made of stone, wood, or metal…  Nor is it made of cloud.  It is made of wishes, and intentions. It is refuge.  It is a place where nothing hurts, and everything makes sense.”

Realizing the truth, and already feeling defeated, I said, “It’s nearly unfathomable.  There’s no way I could capture something of that magnitude.”

She smiled and said, “No.  No one can.  …  But you can try.”

I sighed, almost about to object when she said, “I’ve ‘made’ this castle before in the company of a little girl.  Do you know how it was done? …  With tape, glue, cotton balls, and construction paper.

"It was everything we wanted it to be.”

And that’s when I saw it–despite her apparent age, there was something in her eyes.  A light; a certain fearlessness and curiousity; child-like enthusiasm.

And so I did as I was encouraged.  I tried.