Winter Solstice 2014
Happy Winter Solstice! This year marks the 15th edition of artwork celebrating the spirit of the Winter Solstice. The past year (2014) has been challenging in many respects with several unexpected turns. Often, we expect things to turn out a certain way only to have a totally different outcome occur. The artwork this year was definitely a case of an unexpected turn. The original idea, which gestated for several months, did not come to fruition. Instead, in a surprise moment of inspiration, the subject veered off into a very different direction with a style and technique I have never explored before. For some reason I decided it would be a good idea to use Adobe Illustrator to create artwork in the style of a marker drawing. Once the piece was completed, and after a bit of additional research, the theme was more in line with the idea of death and rebirth than was first realized. While the Winter Solstice is still the overarching theme, it is also the first day of Yule which is celebrated through the 12th of January or sometime near this date. With this in mind the illustration this year is based on the myths and rituals from Scandinavia, specifically, the Yule Goat.
The Yule goat's origins might go as far back as pre-Christian days. In Norse mythology, the goat, an established symbol of Yule, was also the symbol of the god Thor. Thor is the great protector of the “Maiden”, that divine and life-providing damsel, annually in distress, whose light and love belongs to the gods, and to who they looked for their annual rejuvenation. The chariot of Thor, in which he rode across the sky, was pulled by the goats Tanngrisnir andTanngnjóstr. Thor would sacrifice the goats then resurrect them with his hammer, Mjölnir, after which they would return to life the next day. The tradition of sacrificing a goat during Yule may be a reference to this myth. This practice could also be viewed as symbolizing how death must occur before there can be rebirth, a belief held by many pagan religions. In Scandinavia, people thought of the Yule Goat as an invisible creature who would appear some time before Christmas to make sure the Yule preparations were proper. In Finland, the Yule Goat was originally said to be an ugly creature that frightened children and demanded gifts at Christmas. The modern Yule goat is now considered an ornament usually made from straw then bound with red ribbons.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Winter Solstice and a happy holiday season. Please enjoy the artwork and, as always, I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback.
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