Baelbel

     This drawing was spawned from an extremely intense and involved dream I had recently. The narrative spanned days in dream-time, and the story is too long and elaborate to disclose here. This drawing only scratches the surface of the emotional depths and details therein. 
4x10"

The Heresy of Longing

     On my second voyage to the Fields Where Nothing Happens it seemed to be late afternoon; although the sun could not be seen, the sky shone golden behind ominous, errant storm clouds. I ascended a steep hill covered in tall grass which undulated in a cool, damp breeze smelling of lavender and rain. Ahead of me, at the crest of the hillock, something, or things, were in motion, but I was too far away to identify its source. Just as I reached the top of the hill I saw a whirling column of what appeared to be tiles of various shapes and sizes, each containing a dazzling array of patterns and colors which also moved about within; but as I approached for a closer look, the tiles began to break apart into smaller tiles, separate from the group, and drift away on the breeze. As each tile disengaged from the cyclonic assemblage, the colors within became drab and ceased to move about. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of loss and sadness. But as tears ran down my face, a presence originating from the remaining gyre of tiles imposed itself upon my consciousness in the most brilliant and musical way, admonishing me against grieving.
     This is the way of all things, and here more than anywhere, it said to my mind. Do not sorrow for inevitable transience. As the last tiles floated away I was hit with an ecstatic shockwave of joy, and the sky's golden light intensified to an almost unbearable brilliance...
6x14"

Ars Goetia

Shax, 9x12"

Bifrons, 8x10"

These two drawings will be published in an illustrated compendium of true historical demons titled Ars Goetia,  being released later this year by Tara Helfer, artist and bookmaker. She has undertaken the arduous task of summoning "new" artists to assist her in reinterpreting the Lesser Key of Solomon, an ancient grimoire in which King Solomon writ the names, personalities, and sigils of 72 daemons he imprisoned and consorted with. Thanks are due to my great friend and talented writer Charlie Clements, who told me about the project, and to Tara for allowing me to be one of the artists privileged with illustrating these beings.  I am thrilled to be a part of this project, not only because it will be showing daemons from varied artistic perspectives, thus shedding new light on them, but also because I still believe in and adore the art and craft of bookmaking. The advent of the Kindle and other modern technological book substitutes is killing millions of bookworms each year. We must all do our part to stop the slaughter! You can find out more about this project at 72demons.blogspot.com

Liason to the Baba Yaga

Baba Yaga is a favorite mythological character of mine, and I revere her so much that I couldn't even bring myself to attempt to draw her. I liked the idea that before you could even cross the bridge to her legendary chicken leg house, you would have to confront her concierge. If this is her go-between, imagine how terrifying she must be... also, beyond her house, deep in the woods, a luminescence larger than any will-o-wisp beckons...