Greek Mythology - Research
Possible focus of artwork: http://list25.com/25-most-legendary-creatures-fromgreek-mythology/2/ http://classicalwisdom.com/top-ten-terrifyingmonsters-greek-mythology/ other research references: - Greek Constellations and their meanings http://www.constellation-guide.com/constellationnames/
The illiad and the odyssey - artist inspiration • I am so inspired by this book have recently discovered, illustrating events within the Illiad and the Odyssey. Its not only interpreting the same subject that i am, but it does it so beautifully. I am so envious of these designs! This Illustrated version of 'The Illiad and The Odyssey' is created by wife and husband due, Alice and Martin Provensen, Who's vibrant mid-century illustrations span everything from classic fairytales to an homage to William Blake. In 1956, The proven sons were commissioned to illustrate an adaptation of Homer for young readers, - and The Illiad and the Odyssey: A giant Golden book was born. - a stunning large format, sadly regelated to the tragic out of print corner of culture, but still obtainable.
• Their vibrant vintage illustrations are beautiful. I love the use of texture. Its very organic, - creates an authentic and almost vintage feel which fits well with the ancient theme of the book. I also think the muted colour palette - with a pop of vibrancy works really well to keep this vintage feel.The style of the people and scenery is very fitting and in keeping with ancient greek artwork - adds to the authenticity. • The images them selves are emotive and striking interpretations of the text they have really brought to life the characters and unfolding events. Captivating and enchanting. I can see these images really appealing to a young audience and drawing them into the story.
The illiad and the odyssey - artist inspiration
Monsters of Mythology
"Frightening, shocking, strange and unpredictable, the monsters of Greek Mythology are the antiheroes that have inspired authors such as Hesiod, Homer, Plato, Aristophanes, Shakespeare, Wilde and Gide, artists like, Rubens, Goya, Ingres and Picasso and have fascinated countless generations of readers and listeners all around the world. Here, for the first time, the monsters of Greek Mythology get to tell their story! The original myths are coupled by the monsters’ own version of their story, all in sharp and witty original verse by Anastasia Tentokali and appropriately translated for the english version by Fanis Skourtis.The design of the book makes use of a quite old but extremely ergonomic technique in which the content is arranged within a page so that it leaves enough space downwards and on the sides so that the reader’s hand can comfortably grasp it without obscuring the text. The typography including fonts and text distribution, reminds of classic children’s books of old times that is made afresh by the use of modern technology that allows crystal-clear precision in the rendering of the shapes and the printing of the colors. The printing was made in high-quality Old Mill 130 and 250 gram paper. Every “misunderstood monster” featured in the book is illustrated accordingly to its “psychology” as this is explained in its “personal account of its story”. The brand new book by Mangel-Wurzel book is lavishly designed and illustrated in smart neo-black-figure style colors in reminiscence of the black-figured illustrations of the Classic Greek Era, interpreted in a new –edgy style." I absolutely love everything about this book! its such a simple but really clever concept, and provides such a new spin on the ancient greek tales. I think the fresh new out look of 'monsters' created with the use of bold vivid imagery is sure to capture the attention of a young audience. Its a theme which I consider exploring at this point.
Monsters of Mythology
Characters
Throughout my research i’ve noticed that a lot of emphasis is placed upon male characters is greek mythology, and their heroic or destructive roles. Yet I've come across some really fierce and inspiring woman too who i’d love to discover more about!
Woman in Greek Mythology
A collection of just some of the woman of greek mythology who have sparked my interest. - more at this link
https://www.paleothea.com/Basic.html
Daphne (left) She ran away from Apollo as fast as her legs would carry her, but to little avail. As Apollo closed on her she called out to her father, a river god, to help her. The old god did the only thing he knew how to do, and transformed her. Just as Apollo grabbed her, Daphne's skin turned to bark underneath his fingertips and she grew leaves and foliage. She was transformed into a laurel tree. Apollo, not one to give up so easily, stroked the tree for a while and then cut off some of her branches and wove them into a crown. I suppose he found this romantic. If I had been Daphne though, I think I would have found this practice quite painful. At any rate, he proclaimed the laurel as his sacred tree
The Harpies (right) The Harpies were birds with women's upper bodies. Following tradition, there were three of them, they were: • Aello or Aellopus, meaning Whirlwind or Storm foot • Ocypete, meaning Swift Wing • Thyella or Celaeno (though the last is sometimes excluded) They were the daughters of the Nereid Electra and Thaumas, the son of Pontus and Gaia and they live in a cave in Crete. That made them sisters to Iris! These three sisters were always ravenously hungry. They were often called the Dogs of Zeus (Hades?). The name Harpy means "Snatcher." They were the ones that threw an entire country (Ethiopia I believe, no seriously!) into famine! The Harpies were regarded as storm winds (in the Odyssey), but were the Goddess Athena in her vengeful form before that.
Danae (above) Danae was the mortal daughter of Acrisius (king of Argos) who was locked in a bronze room. Her dad locked her there because an oracle said her son would kill Acrisius, and Acrisius wasn't too thrilled with the idea. But no lock stops Zeus, and so Perseus was born. When Acrisius heard, he threw the two into a casket and set them into the sea (so that if they died he couldn't be accused of murder, it would be Poseidon's fault). But they didn't die, and Danae went on to live happily ever after (eventually) and Perseus became a great hero. That picture on the right is of two men putting Danae, grasping her son all the while, into the casket that will soon be set on the sea.
Selene (below) Selene was the Goddess of the Moon. She was the daughter of the two Titans Hyperion and Themis (see below). She married mortal Endymion (a shepherd who ended up sleeping forever) and had 50 daughters (I don't know what happened to them). She is a part of the Triple Goddess (there will be a section on the Myth pages explaining the phenomenon of Triple Goddesses, so keep looking). Click on Selene's name to read her story (full length) in the Myth Pages.
Circe (left) Circe was an evil, or just cruelly quirky, sorceress. She was very powerful and turned all of Odysseus' men into swine (they barely escaped). She also had the power to purify and cleanse the Argonauts of the murder of Apsyrtus. Her name means "Falcon" and that seems pretty appropriate for her character. Circe was the daughter of Helios (the Sun) and Perse, and was the aunt of Medea. She was wayyyyy dangerous because she was so powerful and so bored. This picture on the left is a painting of Circe by John Waterhouse (who is my favorite painter).
Persephone (above) Persephone was special. She was the daughter of Demeter, and called Kore which simply means Maiden. As such, she was the Goddess of Spring. One day, as she was out picking flowers, Hades, the God of the Underworld, abducted her, raped her, and made her Queen of the Underworld. In that role she has often been described as a cold and unhappy goddess. Some have described her as the Light link between the Underworld and Earth as opposed to Hecate. Demeter fought hard to get her daughter back and eventually rescued her from the Underworld, but Persephone must always return to the underworld every year. It involves pomegranate seeds. There's a major mystery cult dealing with this, but I can't tell you about 'cuz it's a mystery. Want to read more?
Chimaera (right) Oooh! How cool! According to Edith Hamilton, the Chimaera, killed by Bellerophon, was female. So she fits right in here. That picture on the right is one person's idea of what a Chimaera looked like - except probably a female lion. But anyway! It was one of Echidna's offspring, and was killed when Bellerophon (on his flying horse Pegasus) thrust a lead spear down one of her three throats. She breathed fire (cuz she was cool like that) and melted the spear. But the lead dripped into her belly and killed her. Chimaera means "SheGoat". The background of this page has Chimaeras on it.
Calypso (right) Daughter of the Titan Atlas, she lived on the island Ogygia. This was where Mr. Odysseus (of the Odyssey, yes, that's one you should know) was washed ashore. Calypso fell in love with this shipwrecked hunk o' burnin' love, and offered him eternal life to stay with her (which he refused, good for him - he had a wife, Penelope). They were lovers, though against his will. After seven years, Athena complained for Odysseus to Zeus, and Hermes was sent to Calypso to order her to set him free. She did so reluctantly, helping him make a small boat to get free of the island.�
Sirens (right) Their name means those who bind, and it is very appropriate. The Sirens were beautiful half fish half woman creatures who sang so beautifully that any man who heard them was compelled to jump off of his ship (they lived on rocks in the sea) and swim to them. Unfortunately most of the sailors died in the rough water and those who didn't perished of hunger because they never moved from the Sirens. There were originally two of them, then three, and then more as writers just liked to add to them. They are most famous for their participation in the Odyssey. In this story, Parthenope, Ligeia and Leucosia sang to the Argonauts who were only saved by Odysseus filling their ears with wax and Orpheus playing VERY loudly. Odysseus tied himself to the mast of the ship so he could not get away.
This research has been a starting point for a Greek mythology orientated brief. Although I don't know exactly what I want to produce yet, it has sparked a specific interest in the woman of greek mythology. - a theme that I would love to explore! - perhaps illustrations depicting a story of one or two of the characters, or a series of prints depicting them?