Featured Artist – Iris Compiet – Faeries of the Faultlines
I stumbled across Iris Compiet’s wonderful art a while back and was instantly mesmerised by her work and wanted to share it with our members and website visitors.
In Iris’s own words:
“I’m a traditional artist and Illustrator from the Netherlands. At the age of seven I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up… paint and draw fantastical beings. I enjoy working on projects ranging from picture books to gallery art, concept art and even sculpting.
Storytelling is an essential part of my artwork, and as an artist I strive to lure in the spectator, to make them feel a connection to the work and open a gateway to their imagination to ignite it even further. I created a world called Faeries of the Faultlines. A glimpse into that world can be seen in a book with the same title. Drawing inspiration from European folklore, mythology, fairytales, ghost stories and anything from tombstones, Victorian photography to popular movies and music.
Let me tell you about Faeries, let me take you away on a journey, an adventure…
The Faultlines is an ancient name given to those places where the veil between This world and the Other is thinnest. It is the place where faeries dwell, creatures creep and magic oozes through the cracks. Recently the Faultlines have been stirring, opening up to all who wish to see and to all who dare to venture… “
Iris published the book Faeries of the Faultlines after getting it successfully funded through Kickstarter. It was so popular that it is now sold out. A new edition of the book will be released in September 2020. The secrets of the faultlines and beyond sketchbook is still available in Iris’s shop as are print sets, sticker sets, postcards and more – including the fantastic Greenman pin badge above – one of my new favourite Green Men! A perfect Yuletide gift for any green man hunter!
You can see more of Iris’s incredible art and visit her online shop at: www.eyeris.eu
Please note that Iris’s shop will be closed from 13th December until 13th January.
The Green Man in Stone
Rob Stephens, artist extraordinaire, new grandad and creator of our fabulous logo dropped me a line to tell me that his stone carver brother Shaun has got the green man bug. Rob sent me these pictures of his incredible workmanship. The paler coloured one is a piece of stone that came out of the restoration work at York Minster. There must be a cathedral out there somewhere who would like their very own new Green Man?
The Green Man is Sleeping – Sian Jamison
The Green Man is Sleeping
The Green Man is sleeping, there’s nobody there,
The Green Man is sleeping, the trees are all bare,
The birds in the branches have all flown away,
The Green Man is sleeping, it’s cold and it’s grey.
The wind it is howling, like a dog without a bone,
It snarls and it gnaws the whole day long,
It snaps the limbs off suffering trees,
And pants and foams on the brining seas.
The Green Man he hears the noise all around,
But the clamour evades him, he’s under the ground,
He waits inert for winter to pass,
For the sun to come out and warm up the grass.
It’s freezing, it’s freezing, ice hangs from the roof,
But the earth binds him closer, obscuring the truth,
It’s freezing, it’s freezing, the coffin is sealed,
And we must all wait… for what will be revealed.
The above is reproduced with kind permission from Sian Jamison’s wonderful poetry book “The Green Man.”
More poems from the book will feature in our newsletter and on our blog throughout the coming seasons.
You can find out more about Sian and her work as well as purchase The Green Man CD, songbook and poetry book at sj-music.co.uk
Green Man Song Cycle
I am indebted to Sian Jamison for permission to use some of the lyrics and pictures from her wonderful poetry book “The Green Man” in our newsletter and on our blog throughout the coming seasons. Sian wrote in the introduction to the book:
“It was written for The Green Man Festival at Mount Edgecumbe in May 2016. It celebrates and tells the story of The Green Man as he moves through the year. It was first performed as a song cycle by The Stonehouse Music School and Community Choir directed by myself.
The melodies and lyrics were all inspired by my walks at Mount Edgcumbe. This version omits the music but I feel that the songs and choral speaking stand as poems on their own.
I hope that you find your own joy in my words and that the story of the Green Man brings enlightenment, mystery and wonder into all your lives.”
You can find out more about Sian and her work as well as purchase The Green Man CD, songbook and poetry book at sj-music.co.uk
The first poem will be published here on 8th December.
Andrew Findlay – Blacksmith
Blacksmith Andrew Findlay kindly sent me this picture of an incredible Green Man that he crafted. Andrew wrote “One I made using blacksmithing techniques which I thought may be of interest. I became a blacksmith because the process of creating in the forge is spiritual, alchemical and elemental all at the same time. A magical experience. Using the transforming fire we shape a sterile, cold and hard material into beautiful and permanent organic forms.”
You can see more of Andrews work at http://www.andrew-findlay.com
Amanda Bates – Green Man & Lady
Amanda Bates is an artist, based in Kingsclere north Hampshire, with a growing interest in the tradition of the Green Man. One of the things to spark that interest was a chance visit to St. Peter’s in Upper Wolhampton, West Berkshire, where she found a delightful pair of Victorian Green Man stone carvings on the exterior of the church that were previously undiscovered.
Amanda didn’t have a camera with her so instead recorded them in pencil (above). Amanda then created the wonderful pictures accompanying this post using Acrylic Ink on rough watercolour paper, entitled Green Man & Green Lady.
Amanda wrote: “The faces are Victorian (the church was rebuilt in 1857) and, with their surroundings of leaves, the gentleman’s leafy moustache and the vegetation emerging from the lady’s mouth, are in the Green Man tradition. I fancy that they might represent the local landowner and his wife.”
My thanks to Amanda for getting in touch and sharing her incredible work with us. You can see more of Amanda’s work on her website: www.amandabatesart.co.uk All pictures copyright © Amanda Bates
Fall – Gawain and the Green Knight
‘Fall’. 2016. Pencil and gouache on board. Private Collection. © Clive Hicks-Jenkins
As Yuletide approaches I always seem to find myself drawn back to the wonderful poem Gawain and the Green Knight. The poem was written by an unknown author in the late 14th Century, but was only rediscovered two hundred years ago and published for the first time in 1839.
The story begins as the court of King Arthur is celebrating the feast of Christmas. The door burst open and the formidable figure of the gigantic green skinned and green haired Knight rides into the great hall clothed all in green on a green horse. He issues a grisly challenge to Arthur and his Knights and asks if anyone amongst them is “bold both of blood and brain”, and will dare strike him one stroke for another, “I will give him as a gift this axe, which is heavy enough, in sooth, to handle as he may list, and I will abide the first blow, unarmed as I sit. If any knight be so bold as to prove my words let him come swiftly to me here, and take this weapon, I quit claim to it, he may keep it as his own, and I will abide his stroke, firm on the floor. Then shalt thou give me the right to deal him another, the respite of a year and a day shall he have. Now haste, and let see whether any here dare say aught.” Gawain begs Arthur to allow him the honour of taking the challenge and so begins Gawain’s magical quest.
Clive Hicks-Jenkins is devising a series of fourteen prints based on the medieval verse drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – vividly translated for the 21st century by Simon Armitage. Clive has very kindly given me permission to reproduce one of the images on our blog each month and the one above seemed perfect for December.
You can find more information on Clive’s website: http://www.hicks-jenkins.com
The Green Knight Bows to Gawain’s Blow
‘The Green Knight Bows to Gawain’s Blow’. 2016. Pencil and gouache on board. Private Collection. © Clive Hicks-Jenkins
Clive Hicks-Jenkins is devising a series of fourteen prints based on the medieval verse drama, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – a classic vividly translated for the 21st century by Simon Armitage. Clive has very kindly given me permission to reproduce one of the images on our blog each month.
Clive’s work often features some wonderful representations of the foliate Green Man. If you can track down a copy of Marly Youman’s wonderful book “The Foliate Head” I highly recommend it for Marly’s beautiful poetry and Clive’s wonderful illustrations of The Green Man that appear throughout the book.
You can find more information on Clive’s website: http://www.hicks-jenkins.com
The Green Man Orchestral Suite
After a visit to see the Highworth Jack-in-the-Green, Company of The Green Man member Garry Judd was inspired to write an orchestral suite. About one hundred and eighty years ago, Garry’s Great Great Great Grandad James left Highworth to try his luck in the City Of London. Unfortunately, he soon found out that the streets weren’t paved with gold, but went on to begin the line of North London Judds. Garry had always wanted to see a Jack-in-the-Green parade and so when the opportunity to see the Highworth Jack-in-the-Green came up it was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.
Highworth in Wiltshire celebrated it’s 800th anniversary with a Jack in the Green on 22nd April 2006 and the Jack is now an annual tradition as part of an annual May Market. Jack is accompanied by the wonderful Bang To Rites Drummers.
Garry is a composer who works in film, TV, radio, other media as well as concert music which has been premiered at the Wigmore Hall and featured on BBC Radio 3 and ClassicFM. His music has been played by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Courtney Pine, Leslie Howard, Finn Peters, Guy Pratt, John Etheridge and The London Community Gospel Choir to name but a few. He has written for over 150 film, television, radio and other media productions and is broadcast regularly throughout the world.
The Company of the Green Man has always supported and where possible promoted artists who have been inspired by The Jack-in-the-Green or the Green Man. It’s wonderful to add an orchestral suite to the list of music the traditional Jack-in-the-Green has inspired over the years. Other musicians inspired by the Jack include Jethro Tull who recorded a song called “Jack-in-the-Green” for their 1977 album Songs from the Wood. Jools Holland wrote a track called “Jack O The Green” with Suggs of Madness after Suggs saw the Jack in the Green at Whitstable. Northamptonshire folk band Empty Pocket included “Jack in the Green” by Paul Rogers in their 1995 album of the same name. Oxford folk band Magpie Lane’s fourth CD, Jack-in-the-Green (1998), includes a song of the same name, written by Martin Graebe.
Garry Judd’s The Green Man is available on iTunes HERE or to listen to for free via Spotify HERE
The Wood Beyond the World – June – The Door of the Year
June – The Door of the Year © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – May – Fertility
May-Fertility © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – April – Opening
April – Opening © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – March – Awakening
March – Awakening © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
Greenman Art
Albion James is the Craft name of James William Lilly. He is an Artist, Photographer and Professional Tarot Reader living in North Carolina. To see more of his work go to: http://albionart.wix.com/albionjames
The Wood Beyond the World – February – Clear Vision
February – Clear Vision © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – January – Looking Forward and Back
January – looking Forward and Back © Sally Priston
Happy new year to all our members contributors and readers of this blog.
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – December – Timelessness
December – Timelessness © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – November – Endings and Beginnings
November – Endings and Beginnings © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – October – Winter is Coming
October – Winter is Coming © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
Sally will be exhibiting at The Surrey Hills Wood Fair, on Oct 5th and 6th. Details at http://www.surreyhillswoodfair.co.uk
Lord of the Wood
Lord of the Wood © Danny Gates
The Wood Beyond the World – September – Fruitfulness
September – Fruitfulness © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – August – Harvest
August – Harvest © Sally Priston
Sally Priston’s work is based around nature, folklore and the changing seasons, she works in 2D in watercolour, ink and pencil generally, and also on wood, using pyrography. We are publishing one of her pictures around the first of each month from June 2013 until May 2014. If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
The Wood Beyond the World – July – Balance
July – Balance © Sally Priston
I’ll also be posting details of any fairs or exhibitions that Sally may be exhibiting at with each months picture.
If you would like to get in touch with Sally or would like to purchase any of her art please drop us a line at greenman@virgin.net
GREEN(BANK) MAN
Whilst Flicking through Spark Magazine I came across this wonderful image created by the Bristol Based visual artist Tim Floyd for part of the Easton Arts Trail in 2011.
Commenting on this piece in his blog Tim wrote:
“On Saturday afternoon I headed over to Co-operation road in Greenbank and spray-painted an image of a Green Man on one of the bricked up doorways of the old Elizabeth Shaw chocolate factory. The foliage and berries of a Hawthorn tree are forming, and being disgorged by the character. I got my inspiration for this piece from images of traditional Green Man stone carvings and from a row of mature Hawthorne trees that form a border between the chocolate factory and the Bristol to Bath cycle path.”
Tim commented to me:
“I’ve done a number of pieces which have been influenced by green man imagery. I work both in two and three dimensions creating pieces which respond to the cycles of nature, to the processes of decay and regeneration and to the relationships between human beings and the natural world –the image of the green man ties in perfectly with these themes.”
To see more of Tim’s fantastic work visit his website at: www.timfloyd.co.uk
The Company of the Green Man 