Artist Spotlight

Emma SanCartier

We haven't spotlighted a fairy tale artist in several months, so here is some lighthearted relief via the whimsical, folksy illustrations of Emma SanCartier.

6 swans

You could put a lot of things into the category of "folksy," but when I look at her prints, I think of medieval wood stamping with a pleasant, unique mix of Maurice Sendak.

the snow queen

They are highly imaginative and superbly colorful, with luscious sweeps of the watercolor brush and veils of blues and oranges overlapping.  She also uses patterns reminiscent of native textiles.

gerda takes flight

And infuses the old tales with a little attitude.

little red riding hood

rapunzel takes action

Support Ms. SanCartier and snag some cool Christmas presents on her etsy shop.

As always, if you or someone you know is a budding fairy tale writer or artist, Spinning Straw into Gold wants to spotlight them!

Artist Spotlight

The Snow Maiden

This is a fantastic wordless animation  of the Russian fairy tale Snegurochka by Yumi Yoshida.  Note the subtly of movement and expressions, the use of absence in the narrative to heighten the poignancy of the storytelling.  The soundtrack by Fillipo Beck Peccoz is quietly melancholy and a complimentary accompaniment.

Stunning.

Artist Spotlight

Athina K. Poda

Pseudonym Achen089 on deviantART, a traditional artist from Greece, Ms. Poda has a gift for conjuring three dimensions from those sacred two-dimensional collections of words that we call stories.  

Beauty and the Beast

A visionary for Middle Earth and Narnia (oh yeah, and Hogwarts--are you paying attention now?), she has also created a fairy tale series that is both very realistic and original.  In my opinion, not an easy thing to accomplish.

The Little Mermaid

Fairy tales lend themselves well to stylized artistic depictions, and that seems to have been the trend in the last half of the 20th century.  But Ms. Poda's style reminds me of the the more realistic, albeit unnaturally graceful, illustrations of the early 1900's.

Snow White

Some of her fairy tale paintings seem to reveal knowledge of the composition of the literary tales, placing the costuming and background in their corresponding geographical areas and time periods.

The Princess and the Frog

The soft watercolors over pencil sketches, with white (ink?) highlights give all her pieces a dreamy, floaty look.  How appropriate!

I also detect a slight art nouveau influence.  (But what do I know?)

You can support this fairy tale artist by purchasing from her etsy shop or commissioning her. 

Note:  The main function of the fairy tale, poetry, and artist spotlights is to bring attention to and support and encourage fledgling fairy tale creators .  If you or anyone you know writes or illustrates fairy tales, is not published or well-known, and would like to be featured, please contact me or leave a comment.

Featured Artist

Malissa Melrose

Ms. Melrose channels the fairytale feel in her aptly called folk art, using traditional mediums like cloth and clay.

Frog Prince, complete with gold ball and princess.

Madam of the deep Mare.

Anybody home?  These sculptures are miniscule!  The better to house wee ones.

She also has some charming Halloween trinkets.  Shop on her site Sleepy Hollow Folk Art.

Enjoy!

Artist Spotlight

Natalie Ewert

Nat is an ecclectic, multi-talented artist living in California.  Her jewelry creations are especially fantastical, whimsical, and reminiscent of fairy tales.

His and her majesty, the Queen and King of the Ravens.  These beads made of clay are waiting for someone to take them home and tell their story.

Talking skulls figure into a lot of folklore.  The skeleton guard from The Last Unicorn comes to mind.  These ones are especially whimsical with their flowered features and pink hue.  Can't you see them stacked all in a row on the wall of magic garden or enchanted castle?

My favorite: every fairy tale dame needs a winged helper.  In fairy tales and folklore, birds as messengers and magical agents abound.

 

Finally, everyone loves quintessential fairy tale fantasy The Labyrinth.

Find even more inspiring pieces on her Etsy store, Dreamtrappings (don't you love that name?).