“Raven Shaman”
Line art by hand, editing in Illustrator and Photoshop
With these pieces, I was definitely looking at Native stories concerning ravens. I have a thing for crows and ravens in the first place, but I also really love the story of the crow being this beautiful bird who is chosen to carry fire back to the animals and man from the Creator.
The world had become cold so the Creator gave crow a burning stick and had him return to the creatures so they could all use its warmth. Unfortunately, carrying the blazing stick in his beak, crow’s feathers charred and turned black and his once beautiful voice became hoarse from the ash and cinders. For his sacrifice, the creatures and the people honored crow and did not hunt him.
This story stuck with me because I appreciate the message of someone looking bad or strange on the outside, but being a giving, honorable person on the inside. I think it is one of those “not-judging-a-book-by-its-cover” things.
So back to the drawings…I wanted to use themes from Native American clothing and regalia, but I also wanted to work in some African vibes, and also the idea of plague doctors. I saw crows and ravens as symbols that often are related to death and dying. These drawings sort of turned into my interpretation of a reaper. I see it as imposing but strong and calm.
