Emma Saanen
“Meadow Hare” 2020
Digital illustration.
Based on my earlier piece “Spring Hare”, I created this using the lasso tool in Photoshop. I am really excited by this style; I get so uptight in making my drawings as lifelike as possible that creating becomes a chore, so making something less strict is a joy. In future, I think I will make a lasso version of all my work in future. It makes me smile. I am reminded of lino printing, something I don’t have the space to do at present.
Drawn from a journey undertaken on 11/05/2020
I donned the cloak and antlers of Earth Deer Spirit. Alongside the Blackshuck, I began my journey.
It was dusk. The pinks bled into purples, then magentas. Pinpoints of light marking the constellations began to appear, and with them the luminous colours of the Starbirds. We were invited to traverse the skies with them.
Up we went, my edges merging with the night sky. The Milky Way sparkled below us, showing the Starbirds the way. The pale lights and sweet scents of the Upper World drew us in, where the Great Phoenix was burning bright in the topmost branches of the World Tree.
I had to move through the crowd gathered around Phoenix, being careful not to bump into children who were running around in delight. Falling from the azure sky were Her feathers, and the children were making a game of gathering as many feathers as possible. A feather danced into my hand.
I was called forward by Phoenix to hear her message.
I am a creature of all three realms. I am born in the Lower World; my nest of ashes is safe amongst the roots of the World Tree. I die in the Upper World; my burning a spectacle in the crown of the World Tree. My body rises, and my ashes fall, through the Middle World; my forms spiraling around the trunk of the World Tree.
My cycle is ending. My body has almost burnt up. My ashes are falling through your world, gathering ready for my rebirth.
It takes time for the dust to settle.
My intention for this celebration was to mark Beltane, to connect with my spirit allies meaningfully, and to offer prayers on behalf of my community. It was a solitary event because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Due to health reasons it was delayed until Saturday 2nd May. Thankfully the weather was beautiful so I was able to celebrate outdoors in my garden.
I created a sacred space using sage to smudge my garden, before calling in the elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth at each quarter. I then called in my spirit allies and the local spirits using my bullroarer.
While drumming and moving slowly, I undertook a journey with the intention I journey to non-ordinary reality to speak with my spirit allies and ask them for their prayers.
When I returned I made a prayer rag for each prayer from fabric I have stored away.
I approached my prayer tree, a Japanese maple I designated as such during a ritual when I first moved home, and made an offering to him. I asked him to hold the prayers and carry them to the upper world.
The altar was made when I moved in, and is simple. A pair of red deer antlers I acquired while I was at art school, and a piece of slate that I bought for 50p from a kid who was chancing his luck in the local park.
The offerings were collected from my garden: a dandelion, a bluebell, and a rhododendron, along with a tealight.
Using a blend of incense made by a friend, and some sage, I mindfully cleansed each prayer rag and attached them to my prayer tree.
While drumming, I undertook a second journey with the intention I journey to non-ordinary reality to shepherd these prayers to where they need to go. I do not feel it is appropriate to share the events of this journey yet.
Upon my return home I sat in silence for a time, and to borrow from Dr. Seuss my heart grew three sizes as I contemplated what I had bore witness to.
To ground myself back into ordinary reality I spent some time creating affirmations and intentions which I burned. I waited for my incense to burn down before giving quiet thanks to all who attended in spirit, then I went to enjoy a late lunch with my partner.
Blessings from under the unfurling ash trees.
“Spring Hare” (2020)
Digital illustration
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The Covid-19 lockdown is starting to get me down, but the sight of the Spring growth is getting me through. I felt inspired to create something with a Spring vibe.
“Laika” (2020)
Digital illustration
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The story of the Soviet Space Dogs is a tragedy. You can learn more by reading “Soviet Space Dogs” by Olesya Turkina, or the graphic novel “Laika” by Nick Abadzis.
“Lucy” (2020)
Digital illustration
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This was a relaxed piece of photoshop practice as I traced over a photograph taken by my partner of my cat, Lucy. She is partial to boxes.
“Three-eyed Lynx” (2020)
Digital illustration
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The Three-eyed Lynx is one of my spirit guides. At least I think he is; he always keeps his distance.
“Sidhehound” (2020)
Digital art
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I’m still having fun playing with Photoshop. Today I thought I’d try to create something that looks like my recent canvas paintings. This is far from perfect, but I love it. This is the representation of my shamanic clan name, Sidhehound (Hound of the Sìth). I will draw her again.
“James (stay home)” (2020)
Digital illustration.
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Here is a print-quality version of my latest piece of digital art. I usually only make these available to my Patreons, but I wanted to share this with everyone.
James would like you to stay home, stay cozy, and stay safe!
“Rabbits (Hello Neighbour)” (2020)
Digital illustration.
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I’m teaching myself how to use Photoshop. It’s a lot of fun! I’m thinking of making a zine about my non-human neighbours who live in the park next to my home. The rabbits are a firm favourite of my my partner and I. I love to watch them hop away, flashing their cute little bun bums!
