Impundulu
My son is a professor of literature with a life long love of mythology and legend. He suggested a collaboration which we call the Presumptive Bestiary. He selects mythological creatures and describes the history and narrative, I do the drawings. While the vast majority of legendary creature compendiums were inspired by the bestiaries of Medieval Europe , he has focussed on stories from other non-western traditions. The Impundulu or lightning bird is a terrifying familiar for the witches and tagatis among the Xhosa, Zulu and Pondo peoples of South Africa.
Responses (2)
March 27, 2022
that's very interesting! I like the arts about stories.
March 27, 2022
I agree, stories seem essential. Sometimes they are the artist’s stories, sometimes they are someone else’s. I even imagine that my abstractions are telling a story. Early on, in art school, I began writing on my drawings. At some point I realized, not only did I enjoy the words, but I also liked the texture of marks.
March 25, 2022
Wow nice, putting the myth out there, if not in taking it in your heart, than your eyes can not help to see.
March 26, 2022
Thank you. We are hoping to publish a book of the Presumptive Bestiary. In addition to descriptions we are thinking that we might include a short story about each creature. I particularly enjoyed making this drawing.
- Category
- Fantasy, Metaphysical
- Type
- Other Art
- Materials
- Paper, Ink
- Dimensions
-
12.00 inches wide
18.00 inches tall
1.00 inches deep - Weight
- 1.00 lbs
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA, US
