By Ian Daniels

Mythopoeia

“I live in Kent, England - in the town of Maidstone, which is steeped in history. The surrounding countryside of ancient woodlands, meandering rivers, meadows and leafy lanes of light, provide a constant inspiration throughout the change of seasons.

I work from home in a studio looking onto the garden - a very simple set up, a desk, an easel, and a cabinet of paints, brushes, pencils and sketchbooks along with various collected bits and pieces that I find while wandering; a jewel-like leaf, a fox skull, a twisted root, a textured stone, anything that captivates my imagination.

I’m inspired by folktales, myths and old stories - from ghost stories to fairy stories – I’m interested in the psychological aspects and emotions, and exploring how symbols and stories may reflect a feeling or spirit in us that is forgotten, an emotion or inner understanding that is passed down to us through myths and legends and is part of our make up.

I like to explore connections of different emotions, perhaps sadness and love, darkness and wonder, beauty and witchery. A quote, I think by the painter Khnopff, rings true for me ~ ‘Like long echoes from afar that melt into a unity deep and dark.’

Nature is forever a great source of creativity for me too. Bewitching trees and autumn leaves, the moon, a shell, roots and moths: anything that inspires. I enjoy exploring our connection with the rest of nature - on both a physical and a deeper spirit level - revealed in our stories, our personal journeys and our place in the world.

All sorts of mystical and religious imagery is an inspiration, as well as a fascination with the shamanic beliefs of ancient peoples and their connection with animals and the earth, spirits of the dead and ancestral memories and totem magic.

I try to find a balance in my work between natural representation and symbolism, the inner and the outer, dark and light, our fear of death and our fear of life, our hopes and dreams.”

Ian has been a member of Enchanted Folk since February 2008

members.enchantedfolk.com/iandaniels