6 new pieces for the Mythos art show at Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working hard on a new small body of work that’s a little different from my usual fare. These are a little darker, and skew a bit older to fit my plan for their eventual home, which is a new Pocketbook of Witchfolk and Demons book.

(Above/Main Image: The Brown Mountain Lights inspired by Irish/Celtic mythology's Tír na nÓg. This piece references the odd glowing orbs that sometimes escape from the ground in the mountains at night. Scientists believe they're a natural phenomenon involving trapped gas in the caves below the mountains...but we know there are little creatures distributing these lights all along the mountainside, lighting the way for something fun and maybe a little sinister.)

(Above: Grandfather Mountain inspired by The Green Man from British Folklore. Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for viewing all that's good and alive in the mountains. It also has the profile of an old man in the shape of the mountain's cliffs)

I made this little book in 2015 or so and I've always wanted to make a larger, more colorful and narrative book within the same idea and world. I want to explore the places the narrator goes, and see the updated witchfolk/demons, and where they live and the stories that are connected with them.

(Above: The original Pocketbook of Witchfolk and Demons book, a small zine with characters who give you advice, be it good or bad)

I felt like this show would be a great opportunity to really focus on this world and finishing 6 large pieces would give me the momentum to really focus on it becoming a full book. My intention is to make a few special riso copies of this book, with many character designs, short stories, and a few large pieces scattered throughout. I'm already starting to explore some spot side characters and their stories, hopefully I'll be ready to share this soon! I'd like to first focus on a Riso version and then a more affordable offset printed version.

The show, opening this Friday, May 9th, at the Los Angeles/Alhambra Gallery Nucleus, is called Mythos and includes Mythology and folklore inspired work by three other artists as well: Erica Williams, Parakid, and Paulette Jo. Here’s the description from the gallery- “This narrative exhibition focuses on Folklore rooted in Mythology and how these stories are intertwined with our daily lives; crossing cultures and millennia. Join us as we visit archetypes, fantastical creatures, and mythical worlds. We invite you to join us and explore the mysteries of Mythos!”

(Above: The Fool's Gold Beetle inspired by Cerberus in Greek Mythology. This print is based on a few myths, but mainly Cerberus, and how it can be tricked to sleep with music, or in this case, lured away from their master by fool's gold, which trick the three headed beast by turning into Golden Tortoise beetles before consumed. This piece takes place deep in the mountain, where a local's last plea with the gatekeeper of Hell turns into a trick when hope for a deal is lost. Too many wanderers had stumbled into these old caves, having their souls eaten, lost forever.)

I’ve decided to interpret this theme as how I'm inspired in my daily life to create and dream up original stories based on known folklore and classic myths, but inevitably with the ghost stories and origin myths I heard growing up around the Blue Ridge Mountains. I love to mix everything I do with that nostalgia for the mountains, and I thought why not focus on that combination for this project.

(Above: The Moon Witch, inspired by Hecate from Greek Mythology. She waits for you at midnight at the crossroads in front of her temple. If you're true, you'll know the right path. She's accompanied by her two other heads who help her decide your fate.)

'Inspired by familiar archetypes from classical mythology and folklore, this body of Riso printed work explores how those creatures and characters might take root in other forms within the ghost stories and storytelling traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What if the Green Man of British folklore or Hecate of Greek mythology had found their way into the overgrown woods of southern Appalachia? Could the spirits who haunt the creeks and hollows be echoes of old gods and monsters? This is a playful exploration of stories heard growing up around the mountains of North Carolina, and how classic stories help shape our understanding of the world with a bit more wonder.’

(Above: Hellbenders, inspired by Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi, Japanese characters in origin myths. The violent storms in the mountains are controlled by the most ancient creatures in the land, the Hellbenders. Lead by their guardian, who plucks them from 8 different mountain streams, the Hellbenders bring thunder, while a sword made from their bones delivers the lightning.)

Here are the titles all together:

1. Grandfather Mountain / The Green Man 

2. The Fool's Gold Beetle / Cerberus

3. Hellbenders / Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi

4. The Moon Witch / Hecate 

5. The Brown Mountain Lights / Tír na nÓg

6. Omie Wise / Lady of the Lake 

All coming with short stories and poems attached soon.

I'm also intending to make each of these a patreon print this year, peppered throughout the year!

(and finally, Omie Wise, inspired by the Lady of the Lake from the arthurian tales. Omie is a mountain spring Goddess, but was once the drowned lover of an evil man. In death she slays men who would seek to harm the women of the mountains with the extended the dagger that was used to kill her. Her magic isn't always good, and the sirens who accompany her enjoy the hunt. Her story can be listened to here)

If you're in Los Angeles please come see the opening of the show this Friday from 5-8pm at Gallery Nucleus.