Halcyon days.........

The kingfisher has a wonderful place in Greek mythology, with the story of Alcyone [Halcyon],  who married Ceyx and was very happy until, of course, tragedy overtook them.

 It's a story of love and devotion with Alcyone commiting suicide by throwing herself into the sea  after hearing of the death of her husband who drowned on a sea voyage.

 Fortunately the gods took pity on them and turned them both into kingfishers but the actual term 'halcyon days' refers to the 7 days before and the 7 days after the winter solstice when Alcyone is reputed to have laid her eggs.  It helps to have a father [Aeolus]who is god of the winds and can calm the winds and sea so you have a bit of peace and quiet whilst incubating your eggs and that's exactly what he did.

I've always wondered where the term came from, and shall now use it more appropriately as a time of peace and tranquillity when all around is blowing up a storm!

 

First stage lino cut of Kingfisher

 

I decided to place my kingfisher among the bulrushes at Easton Walled Gardens, with the lovely stone bridge in the background

 

 

Lino cut and watercolour

 

It's interesting how different papers produce such a different effect even though you're using the same inks and block, so I tried a hand print with some Japanese  Hosho paper and rather liked the softer effect.  It is much more absorbent and soaks up the watercolour like a sponge.

 

 

lino cut  and watercolour on Hosho paper

 

I've enjoyed experimenting with this image and feel that there is a lot more potential in it which I'll be working on.  In the meantime there is a lot more to think about with regard to our Great Fen project, and Val and I have some interesting ideas ........