I was first introduced to the Green Man while studying Medieval English Literature. He appears in the 14th c. poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. You can read a translation of the poem here. (Though it's much better in it's original West Midland dialect edited by J. R. R. Tolkien here.)
The Green Man is a fascinating creature. One of the natural world, often depicted with a face made of or surrounded by leaves. He is the symbol of the endless dance of birth, growth, and death.
Quite some time ago, I painted a three page spread in my journal green. It's a color I like, but not my usual color so I didn't know what to do with it until I read the poem Horned God/Green Man by Gwydion Wolf on Sue's Site. Sue put me in touch with Gwydion, and he graciously gave me permission to use his words and bring my page to life. Thanks again, Gwyd.
Acrylics, Ziller Sweet Grass Green, Nikko G nib.
Have you met the Green Man before? I know you have. Want to take a guess?
Have you met the Green Man before? I know you have. Want to take a guess?
It looks like Ink staring through a bush! :)
ReplyDelete