“Eclipse” is a multi-block handcarved handprinted linocut inspired by reindeer folktales that can be found scattered throughout landscapes we now think of as separate countries including: Finland, Russia, Greenland and Canada, and the United States (specifically Alaska). These folktales circle the arctic like a wide necklace made of woven strands of interconnected stories and antler bones that tell of a time when humans and reindeer lived together as one family.

PRINT SIZE 10” x 15”

PAPER SIZE 12” x 18”

MATERIALS: It is hand printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) relief Ink on archival quality 100% cotton acid-free Strathmore Paper. Strathmore Paper Mills are locally located in Massachusetts where my studio is.

PRINTING PROCESS: This is a multi-block handcarved handprinted linocut. Two separate blocks are carved and printed in separate stages, one for the background sky, and the second for the reindeer, mountains and birds. For this reason the carving and printing process takes much longer than a one-block linocut with only one color. The various shades of the sky and earth are hand-mixed so please expect slight variations.

STORY INSPIRATION: Reindeer folktales transport us back into deep time, an ancient magical world where human identity was forged around living in fidelity to the migration of reindeer rather than confined to national borderlines. Through these timeless stories we see reindeer featured prominently as divine mystical beings, caretakers, mothers, fathers, companions, family members as well as celestial beings poetically ushering in the seasonal cycles. Ancient folktales reorient the way we see ourselves in relationship to each other and to the earth, encouraging us to rethink people, place and belonging. Transcending linguistic and cultural barriers, reindeer folktales reveal our deep human need to feel embraced by the herd, as well as our shared and enduring human yearning to belong intimately to the landscape.

In this artwork I have sought to relate the significance of finding the shared synchronicities in these reindeer folktales with this year’s solar eclipse that passed over New England within a few hours of where I live. Eclipses draw our attention to circularity and intersecting cycles, the merging of two celestial bodies that are normally seen as opposite or separate (the moon and sun are often gendered, or at the very least seen as opposite in many myths and legends) . . .Folktales about reindeer/caribou similarly, do the job of intersecting, connecting things that are normally seen as separate or different. Weaving together landscapes we now think of as separate countries and cultures, these folktales offer us an “eclipse”: through their telling we witness this mystical merging of many into one.

Please check out my related blogpost: “Eclipse: Entwinements and Meanings” for more details.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

This would make a wonderful gift for someone who loves the idea of interconnectedness of all human beings and our shared humanity. It is also makes great gift for reindeer lovers, wildlife lovers, folktale lovers, as well as those who appreciate handmade gifts.

PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. FeathersandFolktales uses eco-friendly packaging supplies. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print.

SHIPPING: This item will be shipped within 1-3 business days.