soic

"Natural Order"

Added 2023-12-30 23:17:48 +0000 UTC

A narrative illustration of Songa and a young Alo in Keenda's Weald, created in Procreate.

Opportunities for visual symbolism and allusion in narrative illustrations far exceeded my expectations: in the earliest phases, it oddly felt like to a short-story's development, though I'm unsure if a detailed explanation should be given or if it's better left to others' interpretations, however since it's 2023's final piece, I'd like to shed insight on the most prominent themes.

A pelt taken from one's first kill is wrist-bound by the bow-string used to shoot it, a constant reminder of a hunter's debt to the forest: just as nature sustained them in life, they'll in return sustain nature in death, hence the background tree where, I imagine, Songa's mentor, the Ursine who taught him, now rests; eventually, it too will be reduced to a stump when necessary. Akin to us, Ursine lives, though temporary and oft forgotten, are inherently bound in a perpetual cycle, immortalized by heritage, knowledge and resources freely shared with subsequent generations.

I'd like to commemorate another great year and look forward to all 2024 will offer; with my deepest appreciation, thank you for your continued patience and support,

Soic