This is a handcarved, multi block linocut print of Snowy Owl and Trickster Raven, two charming characters who appear in a Inuit Folktale inspired by Director Co Hoedeman's retelling of this story in his stop motion puppetry video offered in the Inuit language available on YouTube.

PRINT SIZE: 9" x 9"

PAPER SIZE: 11" x 11"

MATERIALS: It is hand printed with Caligo safewash non-toxic ink on Stonehenge paper which is made from alternative sources including salvaged byproducts from the textile industry and agro-waste as well as bamboo, cork, plant fibers, grass, flowers and even vegetables. These papers are EMS (Environmental Management System) certified ensuring they are manufactured with minimal environmental impact. Stonehenge papers are acid-free, pH-neutral, archival quality and made in the U.S.A.

COLOR OPTIONS: It is printed in two options: Pine Green & a Ice Blue-Turquoise gradient. The colors are all hand mixed so please expect slight variations.

STORY DETAILS:

Owl and raven were once white, so they decided to decorate each other. Owl sat still long enough for Raven to paint him with hundreds of beautiful spots which Owl was so pleased about, and Raven felt wonderful, too, having created a masterpiece. To show his gratitude, Owl offered Raven a pair of kamik boots. However, when it was time for Raven to be painted, he was so enamored with his new boots he couldn’t sit still enough for Owl to do a good job painting him in return. So Raven ended up completely black which he was very upset about. Since then they remained enemies (and to this day corvids and owls do not get along).

The folktale reveals a value system about body decor that is different than what you find prevalent in the media today. Today more often than not, when someone is “beautiful” the credit is entirely given to that individual, whereas in this story the only reason why Owl is beautiful is because Raven had the skills and took the time to paint Owl, and Owl was patient enough to sit still through the whole process. In other words, “beauty” is a result of cooperation, reciprocal exchange and valuing each other’s gifts.

The design is in the shape of the Yin Yang symbol because it is a story that demonstrates the contrasting characteristics of these two characters’ personalities, and the contrasting ways of thinking about adornment and beauty. I also purposely made Owl’s spots look like a flock of ravens showing how the beauty of one is inside the other, just like the wisdom offered by this story.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

This would make a wonderful gift for someone who feels that the wisdom of this story resonates with how they see and experience the world. It would be great for a bird-lover, owl-lover or raven-lover. It would be fitting for a person who values cooperation and reciprocity in general. It would also be appropriate for someone who appreciates the concept of Yin and Yang, and/or someone who values indigenous wisdom, or someone who loves folklore and folktales. It would especially work for someone who appreciates the craftsmanship and skill required to create handcarved prints.

PACKAGING: This print will be enclosed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cardboard mailer. FeathersandFolktales uses eco-friendly packaging supplies. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note that the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.