between earth and sky

New Work by Lynnette Shelley

16 x 20 inches,
ink, acrylic, charcoal and coffee
on Aquabord

Hello everyone. I hope you are looking forward to the Autumn as much as I am. Besides the cooler weather, this Autumn will also bring on some major shows for me, including my first ever show in New York City (other shows are scheduled in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and possibly New Jersey). I'm also currently in talks with a new gallery in New Jersey who is interested in representing me. As such, I've been very busy in my little studio working on artworks for these shows as well as commissions and illustrations for clients.

One such personal work, "Between Earth and Sky" is one of my favorite works to date and you'll be able to see it in person if you go to the Parallax Art Fair at the Prince George in New York City this November 16-18th. It's already been pre-sold and will be going to its new home on the West Coast afterwards, so be sure to see it in person if you're at all able to make it out to the fair (see sidebar for show information). In addition, author Andrew Levkoff (whom I am illustrating the covers for his "Bow of Heaven" historical fiction trilogy) has asked to use the image on the cover of his second book in the trilogy ("A Mixture of Madness"), due out this year. In the meantime, you can buy the first book in the series, "The Other Alexander", direclty through Amazon. I've read it and it's very good.

The concept of "Between Earth and Sky" was to explore duality as it relates to myth and art. In many cultures, eagles are representatives of the heavens and the sky god, while snakes and serpents are representatives of the earth or underworld. The struggle between the eagle and the snake therefor takes on epic overtones when depicted in art. The Mythological Eagle represents the highest aspiration of the spirit while the Snake represents carnal / earthly passions. I don't use the words "good" and "evil", but these are simply two sides of Man's nature. Here is an interesting take on the universal eagle and snake symbol. The eagle is also seen as patriarchal and the serpent and feminine  and both are considered opposites of each other (Sky Father, Earth Mother). More on the symbolism of the snake and its meaning here.

 "Between Earth and Sky (Eagle and Snake)" by Lynnette Shelley
16 x 20 inches, mixed media on aquabord

new art book

The "Curious Creatures" Art Book is Finally Here!

I have been planning on putting together a fine art coffee table book for a while now, but finally set aside some time this week to get the job done. Now available through Blurb, this 60 page book features an image wrap hard cover as well as full color archival pages of my recent works, as well as some commentary and biographical information and other photos. You can view a full book preview online as well as order the book here.

Some examples of the cover and various pages below











BUY THE BOOK!

festive recap

Brandywine Festival of the Arts and Art on the Green

Thanks to everyone who came out to see me at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts in Wilmingotn, DE and Art on the Green in New Castle, DE. 
I was actually born in New Castle, and lived there up until I was 11 years old, but hadn't been back since, so it was nice to revisit my old stomping grounds.
Here is a photo of myself with the talented artist Monique Kendikian-Sarkessian, whose booth was next to mine at the Brandywine Festival.

happy halloween

 

from Magnus the Cat