Selkie Woman
2017acrylic on canvas, varnished 36x24"
View this work in Cactus Gallery's online shop
View other works in this ongoing series
2017acrylic on canvas, varnished 36x24"
View this work in Cactus Gallery's online shop
View other works in this ongoing series
The Selkie is a creature of Scottish and Irish folklore. Selkies live as seals, in the sea, but may take human form when they come ashore. Should a man happen upon a female Selkie; if he can steal her seal skin and hide it from her, she will make him an excellent, if wistful, wife. But should she ever find and reclaim her seal skin; the Selkie will return at once to the sea, her true home, leaving him to languish and die of heartbreak.
In my favorite Selkie legend; a young man happens upon a lovely Selkie, dancing on the beach. He steals her skin, hiding it away from her. And so, she becomes his wife; she bears him many fine children, and brings him great good fortune. He becomes increasingly wealthy as the years pass; he moves his family repeatedly, to larger and grander houses. But on their final move; his wife discovers an unfamiliar box hidden among his things. She opens the box, discovers her stolen seal skin, and returns immediately to the sea. The man’s luck is broken, as is his heart; he dies pining for her. As this legend comes to a close; the Selkie is said to be seen often near the shore, playing with her children in the waves.
In my favorite Selkie legend; a young man happens upon a lovely Selkie, dancing on the beach. He steals her skin, hiding it away from her. And so, she becomes his wife; she bears him many fine children, and brings him great good fortune. He becomes increasingly wealthy as the years pass; he moves his family repeatedly, to larger and grander houses. But on their final move; his wife discovers an unfamiliar box hidden among his things. She opens the box, discovers her stolen seal skin, and returns immediately to the sea. The man’s luck is broken, as is his heart; he dies pining for her. As this legend comes to a close; the Selkie is said to be seen often near the shore, playing with her children in the waves.
This work is the newest addition to my ongoing series, 'Reaching' and it will exhibit with Cactus Gallery, Los Angeles, in 'Bad Girls and Outcasts' opening April 22, 2017. Visit Cactus online to see the show before it opens!
In 2006 I wrote a poem inspired by the Selkie Legend. I've been meaning to create a painting to go with it, ever since. The theme of this exhibit, "the witchy, wicked, wanton, and weird women of fairie tales, myths and legends" is a nice match for my Selkie Woman. It feels good to finish this project.
Can't wait for the next one!
Selkie Woman
awash in the surf
I sing content
but for your shadow
on the beach.
enamored of you
I slip my skin
you take it willing
you hide it well.
now wretched am I
upon the sand!
keening, keening
for my freedom!
and rest you smug
in my defeat.
but be aware,
oh mortal one:
the longer
you hold me
the worse off
will you be
when I return
to the ocean's embrace.
~Jen Raven 2.06
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