In a Certain Kingdom, Illustrations and Covers

A look at some recent printing for In a Certain Kingdom, by Nicholas Kotar

The internet is certainly a strange thing. Dangerous and brilliant all at once… a distraction of the highest degree, programmed to be incredibly addictive. Perhaps we may all have lofty imaginings, of a life without it, bathing in the golden voice of the sunrise, milking cows and sowing seeds. I sit and find myself damning it when the mind is taken elsewhere, but then again, should I be grateful for it? As without it I wouldn’t have a clue in approaching the work that’s mysteriously appeared through this magic mirror.

Last year I was delighted to work with the superb author Nicholas Kotar. I had been a fan of his work for some time. Listening to many hours of podcasts whilst chipping away. I also picked up an old copy of the Russian Fairy Tales, which were foreign but also familiar. So I was grateful to have the chance to illustrate the new editions of his translations. They are beautifully weird stories, presented in the language of dreams. In its simplicity things are offered just as they are. With modern, rational eyes the sting of weirdness is certainly taken away. It is quite the experience to rencounter these ancient tales as an adult, and to realise just how odd they truly are. Evidently we need these stories, as they keep coming back.

I shall quote the beginning essay by Ivan Ilyin that forms the beginning of In a Certain Kingdom.

“Whatever shadow may fall on your life - maybe you are worried about the fate of your country, or perhaps dark thoughts visit you concerning your own future, or maybe your entire life seems an unbearable wound - remember the Russian Fairy Tale. Listen to her quiet, ancient, wise voice.

Don’t think the fairy tale is a childish diversion, not worthy of the attention of a grown man. And don’t think that adults are smart and children stupid. Don’t imagine that an adult has to “stupefy” himself to tell a story to a child.”

Do purchase these books, for these tales translated and bought to us English speakers by Nicholas are miraculous. In addition, there are also some superb insights from Ivan Ilyin, Jonathan Pagaeu and Martin Shaw.

I have been slow to write this up, it’s been a busy period. And altogether I do struggle with writing…. I am used to the making of images.

Which are shown below:

The idea was to have chapter headings running across the books, A simple image to contain some mystery to the story, whilst not detracting from our imaginative capacity to hear the tales and let our minds drift in the words and the images that spring from the pools of our imagination. These are of course devised from medieval woodcuts and illumined manuscripts. The blurring of the creature and nature, the fantastical woven together.

This is the central image for the covers, with the idea being a font/chalice that holds the wisdom of the fairy tale. From the chalice arises the phoenix, rising from the font of imagination and creation, a regenerative force is at play. From the bottom of the chalice is the roots that sprout out and sustain the enduring and timeless quality of the fairy tale. With the flying horse to take flight in our imagination.

The lettering was influenced by Russian Cyrillic calligraphy, most notably the ancient Vyaz form of Cyrillic calligraphy, what else was I to turn to, it was very clear to go this way! The block like rhythm those characters hold are stunning, the elongated marks are striking. Perhaps this is the most suited project I could justify finding a way to incorporate Russian Vyaz lettering into a work.

If you wish to go for a ride, these are the tales!