Ethereal Muses
I started the 'Ethereal Muses' group in 1995 with 'Visitation'. Originally an acrylic canvas, my initial intention was to light it from behind creating a translucent effect. As shown, the image is light enough without this, though the effect was interesting. The woman in the foreground prays to be released. The descending angel is an interpretation of those seen in some of the work of Rogier van der Weyden, one of my favourites. 'Apparition' indicates a miraculous appearance or a hallucination. For many such an event is very unusual, still reported by some. 'The Glen' shows a woman progressing alongside the water of a leafy vale. The image of the woodland and stream is a digitally enhanced version of one of my photographs with the woman a superimposed composition, the two blended to form one portrayal. An acrylic canvas, 'Benedicta' depicts a young woman tranquilly gazing at the viewer. She is in front of an archway with a cathedral in the background. Modelled on an English structure the building raises issues of contemplating worship. 'Floating' is an illustration presenting aerial buoyancy, the ability to reach out, rise above and to levitate. In 'Norse Dusk' a silhouetted leader prepares in the calm before a conflict. 'Angels' portrays a haven for heavenly messengers. The angels in the backdrop are leaving on a divine quest. It is the second illustration in the group. 'Spirits Of The Glen' shows a couple of ghosts wandering through a lakeside glen. Hand in hand they obliviously gallivant. 'The Annunciation' is an interpretation of the announcement of the Incarnation rendered in a sepia-type palette.
There is a religious current evident in a number of these works. This is possibly as a result of the influence of a plenitude of church buildings, as mentioned in my commentary for 'Drawings & Other Work'. I have appreciated the gothic style for many years and try to capture a little of its spirit in some of my pictures.
Ian Macintosh, Edinburgh, 2012
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