“Faery and Her Dragons” — Drawing, 16.5”h x 11”w; I’m sometimes asked where my ideas come from. They distill from many sources, but I do have a tendency to ask a logical, even scientific question, and then opt for an imaginary solution. I’m fascinated with science and the worlds scientists have opened for the rest of us, but since childhood I’ve had a tendency to jump to conclusions that are more fantastic than accurate. As an example when I wonder logically where dragonflies go at night, I soon stray from entomology, I mix genres, and I start a story in my mind. I might decide that they are protected at night by a being accustomed to the dark and cool, one whose eyes can see in moonlight, one who doesn’t fade to semiconsciousness just because the temperature drops. Then of course I need to answer other questions that follow — Is she herself protected by spells or runes? Is she insectoid? Humanoid? Something in between? Are all dragonflies just pets, set loose during the day like we would send a dog outside, then gathered in at dusk to stay close in the dark?

I’ve heard that the habit of answering questions with non-obvious answers is a form of creativity. I suppose it might be but I’ve never thought of it as that, it’s just what happens.

“Faery and Her Dragons” will be in my solo show at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica in March, opening reception Saturday, March 2nd.

Pointed hat - or the furry demon strikes back!
" Hunting chickens, in the territory of a furry demon, has always been associated with great danger, but Torke was an experienced hunter. This time he decided to take his youngest son Yoke with him on the hunt. Before leaving, he warned him many times to never rest or fall asleep with a hat on his head, because it is easy to attract the attention of predators. Unfortunately, Yoke was so excited about the trip and weary of the long walk that he completely forgot about this rule. The furry demon appeared unexpectedly and out of nowhere, by the time Torke realized that his son had fallen asleep, it was too late... "
Cheers!

The sjörå rules over the mountain pool, lake or – if it is a powerful water sprite – the system of lakes that are part of her territory, in the same way the wood wife rules over a forest. She appears as a very beautiful woman, usually sitting on a rock combing her long, dark green hair. Like the wood wife, her back can be hollow or at times covered in scales, but unlike the mermaid she doesn’t have a fish tail. She walks on two legs instead.

Just as the water itself, she both gives and takes life. She rules over the fish in the lake, and the fisherman who shows her respect and leaves an offering of a few coins or a twist of tobacco will not only get a good catch but also be warned of approaching bad weather. Unlike the Neck that seems to lure people to a watery death out of sheer malice, she seldom drowns people in cold blood, only as repayment for an injustice. Not unless she is extremely hungry, that is ...

The illustration is from the book Vaesen.