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The White Hind in the Thicket

Deer. Signs of their presense, torn bark, a trail of hoof prints through the trees, a shed antler. Deer are elusive, highly tuned to the slightest sound or movement; a delight to come across.

Fallow Deer Antler

It is easy to understand how deer are often seen as magical creatures in myths and stories, connected with the spiritual, supernatural world. Often in these stories and myths they are white, a brilliant, glowing white. In Celtic mythology, they are seen as ‘fairy cattle’ that are milked by mystical women – sometimes banshees – who themselves shapeshift into deer. I am fascinated by shapeshifting in any form and by the crossing of the subtle veil between worlds.

I have been collaborating with the author and storyteller Roselle Angwin. Once I had written my book, The Memory Tree, Roselle proof-read it. She liked my artwork and suggested that we work on something together; I would illustrate one of her stories. As she lives close to Dartmoor, she chose an old Dartmoor tale that she first heard from Dartmoor storyteller, Mavis Hewitt. The story is about a man’s encounter with a magical deer. Stories with this theme occur all over Europe.

Here are some photos of our booklet fresh from the printer. It is available in my Folksy shop and in my shop on this website.

The White Hind Booklet

The White Hind Book Inside

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The Memory Tree – Launched!

Finally I have finished The Memory Tree book it is in some shops already including my Folksy shop and my Reflections shop.

The Memory Tree Book

The Memory Tree Back Cover

Inside The Memory TreeInside The Memory Tree

I took a few books into a gallery the other day and the owner said he’d give one to his daughter who’ll be going off travelling to remind her of home. That’s a nice thought!

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Havergate Hare

Hare Cleaning on Havergate Island

Hare on Havergate IslandWhile on Havergate Island last year, I had plenty of opportunities to watch, study and photograph the island’s hares. It was a pleasure.

A full moon shimmered on the waters of The Narrows.

Havergate Island Moon

On returning, I drew this picture, called “Havergate Hare”. It is now a greetings card available on my Folksy shop :)

Havergate Hare

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Dancing Heart Bowl and My New Folksy Shop

I’ve just opened my Folksy shop and am begining to fill it with cards, paintings and papier mache bowls. My latest addition is this “Dancing Heart” bowl painted with acrylic paints and metallic, acrylic inks that give it a shimmering finish:
Dancing Heart BowlDancing Heart Bowl close up

I hope to get more cards into my website shop, soon. Any requests, just contact me :)

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