Winter Solstice 2016
Happy Winter Solstice! This year marks the 17th edition of artwork celebrating the spirit of the Winter Solstice. Should the anticipation of seeing the artwork become too much, the link can be found at the end of the text. For this year’s offering, I was asked if I would create an illustration using a 3D modeling and rendering program, as opposed to Adobe Illustrator which I have an affinity for. I chose LightWave 2015, my favorite 3D program, as the tool of choice in the creation of the artwork. While the tools are essential to render the final product, the most interesting part is the research into how various cultures observe the Winter Solstice. It is always a fascinating journey which provides a new perspective on the solstice. The concept of journey also ties into this year’s theme, the spiral, which is thought to symbolize a spiritual journey.
The spiral appears in the art of almost all cultures on all continents. It can be found in ancient primitive rock carvings to today’s modern designs. Throughout the natural world, the spiral is a recurring design. The meaning of the spiral in ancient art is still under debate. Some argue it may have represented the sun, or the portal to a spirit world. Perhaps it represented life itself, or life beyond life - eternity. Or else, it may have had a more prosaic, functional purpose, possibly as a calendar device, employed to deconstruct time into chapters, seasons and solstices. It is also possible the spiral represents a symbolic journey, and was used for pilgrimages in a fashion similar to a labyrinth. In our modern time, the spiral is still used as part of a spiritual observation known as the Advent Spiral, which was also part of the inspiration for this year’s theme.
The Advent Spiral, also known as the Winter Spiral, is an important part of the Steiner Waldorf homeschool calendar. It symbolizes finding light in the darkness. The ceremony usually takes place when it is dark. A spiral is created using evergreen boughs then a lit candle is placed at the center. Children are given a candle, placed in an apple, after which, each child will individually walk, in turn, to the center of the spiral to light the candle. On the return journey from the center of the spiral, the lit candle will be placed along the path wherever the candle bearer sees fit. As more candles are placed along the spiral path, their combined light will illuminate the path in the darkness.
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.
Click here to view artwork