Spirit of Oak

I took a break from painting over the summer as I was travelling, making up for lack of travel opportunities in 2020. As I was hiking in the countryside, I could see images in the landscape around me, and began foraging for interesting driftwood and deadwood, feathers and other detritus which was either washed up or blown down. When I returned home, I started experimenting with clay.

This piece was inspired by the lovely piece of oak I found as the autumn equinox was approaching. Spirit evolved as I worked; the completed piece is not exactly as I originally envisioned. However, Spirit is exactly as he should be. I completed Spirit by the equinox; when the Oak king gives way to the Holly king, which adds to his mysticism.

Spirit is holding a moonstone sphere in his right hand while handing over power with his left. He will now rest until the spring equinox.