Inspired by her love for myths, legends, and folklore, Morag Bassingthwaighte uses her printmaking practice to create stories that take the viewer on adventures. Imagining fantastical elements while walking dogs and listening to the cacophony of birdsong, Morag recently designed an etching titled Rebel for which she invented a young woman named Rheda and wrote a few words:
Rheda took a different path through the woods. Her knowledge of healing passed on by Mother, Grandmother and generations before. Hair kissed by fire and eyes dark, mysterious as black as the first Autumn sloes. This is a path many a Wise Woman has walked, gathering, foraging to heal body and mind but remain rebels as they choose an unconventional life and are greatly misunderstood.
Unable to leave her young protagonist at this point, Morag felt the desire to tell her tale and take whoever wishes to join her on a story-telling adventure and explore Rheda through lino. “I have a clear idea how I want each illustration to look and decided to work entirely in black and white with each print surrounded by a border, rather like early 20th century illustrations,” states the printmaker. Morag’s prints always include lots of detail and different things to spy on closer inspection. She used oak leaves on some of the prints (Foraging, Twilight, and Monkshood) in order to symbolise strength, purpose, and power which flows freely through Rheda’s blood.
The fourth Illustration in the series is all about the home. In the piece you catch a glimpse of young Rheda in her dwelling where she lives with her faithful hound and contrary cat. A place where decoctions and ointments are prepared for anyone who is in need of her healing expertise. Morag also surrounded this illustration with Lily of the Valley, a tiny bell shaped flower which symbolises luck, happiness, joy, and, above all, love.
Morag intends this to be an ongoing series, and Rheda may have a very long journey ahead. She envisages the whole series eventually coming together in a book so Rheda’s story can be enjoyed and embraced.
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