St.Keyne

Yet another remarkable Saint to create an image for. This was an interesting one as there aren’t many iconographic works of St Keyne. Allowing the imagination to open. There are some wonderful images of the well, It is incredibly bucolic.

The first, very quick thumbnail sketch, this was the kind of image that came to mind, the trees and the well.

The development of St Keyne, the initial idea for her holding the dove

The composition of this piece has some influence from this remarkable fresco that can be found in Alsted, Denmark. I am very fond of these bolder, flat colours, and the domed framing.

A more involved sketch, working out the composition for the final piece.

The master sketch, which was transferred onto the wood block.

The focus of the piece is of course St Keyne, centrally placed supporting the dove, she was renown for her beauty, being a princess of sorts before a holy saint. I did want her to radiate a serene, royal kind of quality. With this I wanted the piece to emerge around her, as if her presence with God’s hand brings forth this image. Beneath shows the triumph of her miracle, turning the snakes to stone. From this act there is a balance restored, the other animals are able to breathe and the forest was transformed, the wolf is no longer hunting the hare, and the wild horses arrive for service. Behind her are the entwinned trees, showing the elm, oak and ash, as if they grow around her, and their source of life is sprung from the well.

Final Print

This was a joy to make. I am very grateful that the chance to make this kind of work has arisen, and is on going. The stories Paul has been writing so far have been superb, I am finding them very refreshing to read. I am glad the images are sitting well next to the words.

If you would like the print it is available here. There is a limited edition of 5