A Devil’s Weaving

Art by StarTwo

Stick to your principles, just in case a weaving devil looks your way.

For the notion of Heaven there’s an inherent reverse that there is a Hell and to go with it, a Devil with a web of temptation, enticing people to ultimately choose to be mischievous in their sometimes volatile free will. As a cautionary tale there are many expressions in Portuguese that allude to this evil character, even if this popular wisdom has gotten far from the religious weight it implies.

One of such sayings in Portuguese is “Não vá o Diabo tecê-las.”, which translates to “In case the Devil weaves” in the way that a spider weaves its web, catching any unfortunate (or mischievous) fly in its trap.

A good usage of this saying would be to include it as “Just in case” or “To be on the safe side”.

From all the interpretations we could take from this saying, of course a busy devil (not “the Devil”, just “a devil”) a tailoring hobby, an aficionado easily lost in the throws of the latest fashion of the era, weaving on a small loom completely won as a concept for this expression. But we hope it still leads to thinking that it’s always better to take precautions when it’s so easy to fall into a fancy and sumptuous trap of shortcomings.

Soon we’ll have the lineart version and talk more about the elements we chose for this one and what their symbols are!

★stay inspired★

Commission – Aerie and Mark’s Adventure

Art by StarTwo

Onwards to the marked “X”!

Today we’re sharing a commission we have made for PinkythePink -a wonderful Artisan Crafter with an amazing skill to make miniature bead dresses among other things!- depicting characters of her own creation used for Dungeons and Dragons: Mark Murcry and Aerie Evergreen.

This commission was wonderful to work on and relatively fast to complete. Not only for the flat colours with simple gradients type of colouring but specially thanks to the extremely well organized references for both of them, from what they’re wearing, their personalities and even a specific pose.

May their adventure begin!

★stay inspired★

A Portuguese Folktale: Story from Below the Ground

Art by StarTwo

One of the most wonderful things about folktales is how at times they become fragments of universal tales and mythology from places far from its origins, preserving old wisdom and wonder where science and logic can’t reach.
Today’s tale bares similarities in its themes with Lucius Apuleius’ Metamorphoses in which is included a story regarding the overcoming of obstacles between Psyche and Eros and their union at last in sacred marriage.
So here begins…

Story from Below the Ground

Winter Sun ~ Lines

Art by StarTwo

This time it’s the linework behind the “Sol Invictus” piece, which in Latin means “unconquered” and “undefeated”, referring to a Sun god worshipped in the late Roman Empire as a patron to soldiers.

As per usual, let us bring you deeper into the meanings of the elements!

Since he is a Sun god, we chose themes that we feel that speak for the entity: sun, victory and fire.
The halo around him represents the sun rays basking the common mortal in its warmth and light, the laurel leaves and laurel motif on his belt represent victory, as his name prompts us. The circle floating over his hand is the alchemical symbol for the sun and the symbol at the center of his belt is an adaptation of the representation of the Manipura chakra, the third primary chakra according to Vedic tradition (associated with fire).
On his chest the gemstone is a Sunstone, which instils good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine though happily.
Finally the sunflowers, known to turn to the sun are all facing him, as they represent adoration, loyalty and longevity.

If you enjoyed the lines, please check out the full coloured version, if you haven’t yet!

Click here to check the full colour version post!

★stay inspired★

Wintertime Witch Season!

Art by StarTwo

Perchta, Berchte, Berta among other names. In modern days is a totem for the righteous.
“Rewarder of the generous and punisher of the bad, particularly lying children.”

Very well, “Winter Witch Season” can be overly dramatizing but it is a fact that until the 6th of January, in various parts of the world there were celebrations related to winter witches and goddesses.

While some of these witches were nice others were very admonishing, but most did call to your best behaviour. They protected the weak -and children’s souls who passed away among other traits- and maybe more importantly for the lucky ones, deliverers of good fortune and blessings. Unless you decided to stick to bad deeds and stepping out of your way to forsaken their specific rituals of the season.

Some entities would not be as forgiving, as among the benevolent ones there would be some like Berchta or Perchta – a goddess of Alpine paganism from the upper parts of the Alps- whose punishment could be somewhat absolute, as it involved having your stomach open, your insides pulled out and replaced with straw and pebbles…

Naughty or nice had a whole different kind of pressure. Quite an incentive to do good instead!

★stay inspired★

Winter Sun ~ Full

Art by StarTwo

The Sol Invictus shining the path.

There was a Sun god in the late Roman Empire, patron to soldiers, whose ritual was celebrated on the 25th December.

With the imagery of fire and light, we decided to portray Sol Invictus (latin for unconquered/undefeated Sun) so you can feel how he shines upon you, in hopes that you find the strength to work towards your Great Work, your Magnum Opus, your better self.

Introspect as much as you can and need, find what drives you and what you can do with your current situation and try to avoid being discouraged. But also, don’t blame others if they can’t support or walk with you because everyone is on their own stage of one’s path.

We wish you all the energy and drive needed to thrive and reach your better version and for those you wish well.

★StarTwo wishes you a Happy New Year 2020, everyone!★

Click here to check out the post about the linework!

 

Winter Sun

Art by StarTwo

A pagan Winter Sun

Fire and warmth pave the path for our next illustration. With rays that will reach any icy area and light it to shine brighter than ever.

You’re free to try and guess the theme!

★stay inspired★