East of the Sun and West of the Moon

My fascination with folklore, fables and Old Fairytales just grows and grows... I love reading them, and savouring the illustrations. They can be so evocative and atmospheric, really bringing new depth to the stories. 

I couldn't resist making one of my own. This is an interpretation of one of favourite stories form the cold North, "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" ~ a Norwegian Fairytale for a book of tales collected by Peter Christen Asbjornsen, and illustrated most famously by the Danish artist Kay Nielsen, in an art nouveau style (in 1914).    I have always adored the evocative imagery in this fable full of riddles, tests and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as the Heroine encounters many set-backs in the path during her Quest...  

East of the Sun and West of the Moon 11.7" x 16.5" Watercolor / Mixed Media on paper

Prints available here: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/cat-athena-louise.html

It's also a beautiful reminder for me (and everyone else on a mission) that with the right allies and helpers, you can get there in the end! 
Catherine Athena xo