#bone goddess

[winding-maze]

The Wake, personal art from 2008.

It was my grandfather's favourite art that I did.

[retrorevelations]

According to the ancient Celtic calendar, we are currently within the Thirteenth and final month of the year, each month being based on the 28 day cycle of the moon, called "Ruis". This month is associated with the Elder Tree, as trees were very sacred to the Celts, and the "totem" spirit or emblem, if you will, for the month and birth sign, was that of the Raven. The Raven being a sacred bird, a symbol of mystery, wisdom, magic, and death. The Raven was also thought in some respect to be the "Guardian of the Gate", as he would help souls cross over to the Other World for rest, before being reborn back into this world.

So to celebrate this time (as I myself am Ruis/Sagittarius), and the closing of yet another year, I thought I would do another beautiful cello music video, this time combining TWO great Oregon artists together, the music of Billy Mickelson, and the accompanying art of Stephanie Lostimolo. Happy Holidays to you all!

[rosewoodapothecary]

The Bone Goddess by Rhiannon Lavis - Part of the team at bonefox

The Bone Goddess is something I drew a couple of years ago, but she had been in my head for years before that. I keep wanting to draw her over and over.

To me, she is a spirit of death. But to understand her you must understand the role death plays in nature. Death is not evil or cruel, it is a necessary part of natures cycles; in order for things to live, other things must die. Animals must consume other animals or plants, plants must consume the nutrients found in the bodies of the dead. We came from the earth and return to it, over and over in a perfect cycle where nothing is wasted.

The Bone Goddess oversees that cycle, she ensures that creatures die at the right time, that their bodies are not wasted. She is decay and the feasting of roots on bodies. She cares for the scavengers who assist her task, such as vultures, hyenas and sharks. Her companion in this artwork is a Griffon Vulture.

She abhors waste and anything that interrupts the cycle of death to life. Her enemies are poachers, trophy hunters, and those responsible for the needless deaths of war.

(This artwork was done in ballpoint pens on A3 watercolour paper, and is now sold)