ABOUT THIS PIECE
Inspired by the powerful effect of myth and archetype on our psyche I created this series to delight, provoke and inspire. Artemis is the first goddess in my Goddess Archetype Series.
This piece, a modern depiction of the mythological Greek Goddess Artemis explores independence, self defining focus, the attainment of goals, resilience and connection to nature.
MYTHOLOGY BEHIND THE ART
Beloved daughter of Zeus, Artemis was the Goddess of the Hunt and Goddess of the Moon. The young Artemis had been a midwife to her mother and from this act was also considered to be Goddess of Childbirth. By extension, Artemis was a fierce protector of all living young, both human and animal. Artemis roamed the wilderness with her silver bow and quiver of arrows accompanied by her faithful hounds and forest nymphs.
She was an unparalleled huntress with a competitive nature, her sure aim that never missed its mark. In the myth, Artemis was lured into a malevolent competition whereby she inadvertently shot and killed Orion, whom she loved. The objective of the competition was to hit a semi-submerged rock in the lake, however unbeknown to Artemis the target and victim was an unsuspecting Orion swimming in the moonlight. Whilst in mourning, she placed Orion amongst the stars and gave him her favourite hound, Sirius the Dog Star to keep him company as he traversed the heavens.
POSITIVE INFLUENCES OF THE ARTEMIS ARCHETYPE
Typically someone who has a dominant Artemis archetype playing out will present as an independent thinker, someone who is self reliant and has a competitive edge. Their self-determined goals are likely to be pursued with conviction. Other people’s views and expectations will not have much influence nor deter this focused character from attaining goals. They are likely to feel strongly about a cause and will often be the first person to come to the defence of someone being victimised. They are very protective of children especially their own. They are resilient and comfortable in their own skin.
SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION
Crescent Moon - lunar goddess of new beginnings
Water - the subconscious
Forest - courage, endurance and immortality. A place where life thrives.
Mountains - constancy, stillness, eternity
Deer - innocence, intuition, speed and agility
Hare - fertility, rebirth, immortality
Rocks - reminder of the shadow side of competition
Constellation - Orions Belt
Silver Bow and Arrow - laser like focus on goals (straight and undeterred as a propelled arrow)
Nude - freedom of spirit, untouched by materialism, at one with nature
Gesture - self reliant, confident, focussed, conviction
TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION
The painting was undertaken in the traditional technique of indirect painting; beginning with an initial monochromatic layer focussing on value, followed by a layer of colour and completed with a final pass to refine and unify the painting. Purposeful brush strokes were used to add a sense of direction, texture and dimension. Once dry, this piece was varnished for longevity and protection.
SEE THIS PIECE IN REAL-TIME. STUDIO VISIT / LIVE VIDEO CALLS
Often my online collectors tell me the pieces they have purchased exceeded their expectations.
Whilst I am confident buyers will ultimately be happy with their purchase I understand it is often difficult to see the true beauty of an artwork from a photo.
To help prospective buyers have more confidence in making a decision on a potential investment I open my studio to view the artwork up close. For interested buyers further away, I offer a WhatsApp live chat where the pieces of interest can be viewed in realtime and I can answer any questions about the artwork.
If you would like to engage in either of these options please do not hesitate to contact me.