As I went to post my latest Wardruna inspired drawing, I realized I missed posting the last two pieces I had done. So here’s me backtracking to a couple of older sketchbook drawings. I’ve gone back to using my Strathmore Tan Drawing Sketchbook, and I would say after using it for this long it’s the only sketchbook I’ve gone back to over and over again (sadly some of my regular sketchbooks are collecting dust). Many artists, myself included, love the amount of depth you can easily create on toned paper. You already have a working middle ground, so pushing the shadows and highlights comes easier and results in better depth in the overall drawing.
The Appeal of Pagan Folk
I’m using the term ‘pagan folk’, but sometimes placing specific genres on a musician or band can be a bit vague. ‘Faroese singer-songwriter’ comes up for a singer like Eivør Pálsdóttir or ‘alternative Nordic pop’ for Aurora or Kalandra. The band Heilung describes their own music as “amplified history”. Where as a band like Faun from Germany, identifiable with their medieval themes, gets labelled pagan folk as well. All to say, lots of genres being thrown out there to the point that I don’t know how to package any of these musicians into one specific label.
The desire to be closer to nature, live more rural, and escape from the general madness of our concrete jungles is no longer reserved to a small population. It’s also something being translated more and more into different art forms including music. Inspiration can be found in many forms different from your practice; photography, film, etc, but mine has overwhelming been through music and literature. I can easily get lost in the rhythms and voice of a singer like Einar and feel transported.
“I think many people who don’t go to church or other religious ceremonies,
I think they miss that solemn, holy place.
…
One of the goals with Wardruna concert is to actually create that space.
To create that serious space, moment, where you can just get lost into the music.
…
It’s about communication, back and forth.
About acknowledging things that are bigger than yourself. Remembering nature,
that we are part of it, etc.”
-Einar Selvik with Iron Realm Productions at Midgardsblot 2016.
The drawings for Kvitravn; the one above and the one with the white raven featuring Lindy-Fay Hella, are both inspired by Wardruna‘s latest album and the visuals from their respective music videos which you can find on Youtube.
Art of Shaima 