On the Grey West Wind II is a beautiful digital print of a textile piece printed onto quality recycled card using an environmentally conscious chlorine-free process. This print is plastic-free therefore fully recyclable. You will receive an A4 (H29.7cm x W21cm) or A3 (H29.7cm x 42cm) print complete with a backing board and compostable plant-based cellophane. The print is titled and signed on the back.
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About the Original Artwork
On the Grey West Wind II is a continuation of a similar thread of work exploring superstitions relating to Herons in the Highlands and Islands. According to Highland superstition the Heron was thought to be a Witch visiting from the Isle of Lewis brought on the ‘grey west wind’. The piece also derives inspiration from the idea of the ‘Spirit-host’ or ‘Spirit-multitude’ as communicated by Alexander Carmichael. The ‘Spirit-host’ was an army of earth-bound spirits carried on the west wind causing chaos and mischief. Another Lewis superstition relates to the passing of a person: at the point of a spirit departing the body all west-facing windows and doors should be closed to prevent the ‘Spirit-host’ from intervening with the person’s spirit as it departed the earth. Other beliefs point to the importance of keeping a window open to mediate their journey. Natural dyes derived from elderberries, alder, rust and oak are used to create cool, grey and silvery tones for the work. Machine and hand-embroidery add textural depth and movement. The Heron was hand-carved from a lino block and printed onto silk. Silver leaf adorns the shimmering moon.