Ravens Are Big In Hollywood Right Now (In Case You Hadn't Noticed)

We have raven-like wings looming everywhere in LA at the moment and yes, it's supposed to be ominous and an ill omen. Not a big brain twister since crows, and particularly ravens, are fairly large carrion birds. They're big, noticeable and generally where they are, there are dead things. Put a human form in the middle and you have something very akin to an angel of death...

It's very interesting that suddenly three prominent marketing campaigns are using almost identical imagery in the same period of time - like there's a "conspiracy of ravens" (pun intended) descending on LA.

But there's more to it, as any good symbolist will be aware. Crows and ravens are uber-smart, and thought of as a trickster form (you saw the recent article about crows proving the Aesop's Tales correct, right?) and have that uncanny ability to know stuff we don't, meaning they're the keepers of mysteries (both light and dark by the way).

Odin was known as the Raven God and he had many daughters, called valkyries (often depicted just as Maleficent is when she has her wings, before turning to the dark side), who could take raven forms, while in Greek culture the raven was associated with Athena and Apollo. That's right, the raven was as solar-symboled animal! It was associated with illumination and wisdom, but, being rather conversational was punished for getting a little too chatty about things it shouldn't and Apollo burned its feathers black. (There's a great article HERE that details a lot of how the raven was seen in different cultures - definitely worth a look if you love corvids!)

Since one of these prominent ads is for the soon-to-be-released, Sleeping Beauty re-visioning, Maleficent, I thought I'd share a couple of raven-associated tidbits from behind-the-scenes of the movie I've come across in the past (and kept my links for) that I never figured out a good reason to post before:

First, from Sam Reilly, who plays Maleficent's right-hand raven:

Says Riley, “I play a raven – I’m Angelina’s lackey, basically. No, there are worse jobs. She’s not Method. She’s very nice. She took me under her wing, so to speak. We had a great time.” He refers to his character as a “mird,” which is part man, part bird.

And a brief story from a UK net maker who was called, out of the blue, to construct some raven-catching nets for the film:

Briar Rose Productions, the UK company handling the British filming at Pinewood, wanted Mr Leadley’s firm Caedmon Nets to make four lightweight nets which are used in the movie to catch ravens. “I took the call and really thought it was a wind-up from one of my mates,” said Mr Leadley, the managing director. "Then they followed it up with an email, and we realised it was genuine. They said it’s for an actress to catch a pair of ravens – I didn’t think much about it. I didn’t realise the ravens, and catching the ravens, was an integral part of the film and where the characters stem from. I think she’s throwing the net.” Mr Leadley, 48, who runs the business with his wife Diane, got to work straight away but the nets were too heavy. “We made the first versions from sisal (natural fibre rope), but they were just too heavy for the actress to handle so we sourced some lighter-weight spun flax from Egypt,” he said. “The four nets are all eight feet square, two with a two-inch, and two with a three-inch mesh. “We had to be careful about things like the colouring of the flax – the nets had to look authentic in the movie’s medieval setting. We can’t wait to see them in action.”

While crows and ravens will always be popular with filmmakers and ad designers, whether it's the basic pop culture surface association and familiar ominous symbol it's generally taken to be, or whether they're looking to layer their meanings a little more, it's still pretty weird to turn around and see different incarnations of the same symbol everywhere you look.

What do you think it might mean?

(That is, apart from the distinct possibility that a single agency pitched the same concept to multiple companies, who all coincidentally decided to use it at the same time...)

Note: aren't the wallpapers awesome? You can find out more information about the line and the designer HERE.

Disneyland Paris: The raven hidden in the wings of La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant 

Lacombe's Brushes Transform Madame Butterfly Into A Fairy Tale

One of my favorite contemporary fairy tale illustrators is the prolific French artist Benjamin Lacombe, one of the reasons being that in his artistic hands, almost every subject becomes imbued with the essence of fairy tale.

A few years back he created a(nother) visually stunning book based on the story of Madame Butterfly. While this story, best known via its operatic form, is not a fairy tale, through his eyes, the main character took on other worldly aspects and the illustrations were richly filled with fairy tale motifs.

The book has recently been re-published with some new, additional art and an entirely new - and very magical - presentation. Though the tragedy of her story remains intact, the motifs of butterflies - and all they represent - suggest new ways to consider her story.

Butterflies as symbols of soul, silence, rebirth, beauty, fragility and breath are woven throughout the book, making the images tell a story all their own.

The best way to show you the uniqueness of this edition, however, is in the trailer just released a week and a half ago. Take a look:

What you may have seen a glimpse of in the trailer, is the fact that the book unfolds into a gorgeous fresco. That is, an incredible 10 meter long fresco!

The special - and limited - edition was published in France by Albin Michel. To date, I haven't seen any indication that an English version will be created and made available. (What a great excuse to brush up on my French!)

Sigh. One day I will own a Lacombe fairy tale of my very own.

And if I'm REALLY lucky he will sign it for me...

You can see more of Benjamin Lacombe's beautiful art from this book and many others on his Facebook page HERE, on his blog HERE and at his official website HERE.

Maleficent: Behind-the-Scenes First Look

Behind-the-scene shot, filming Maleficent in the UK

You've probably all seen the image of Angelina Jolie in her Maleficent horns that's sweeping around the internet, right?

 Just in case you haven't, here she is:

Well there's more, including a couple of tidbits I find interesting:

1) looking at the behind-the-scenes photos it's not actually clear that the horns are part of the outfit Maleficent has styled to intimidate and amp her evil presence. instead they actually look as if they're part of her. If it turns out they are "hers" I must admit I have LOTS of sympathy kicking in for the character already. (And for Jolie as she fields the bazillion "horny" headlines about to explode in the media.)


Since Ms. Jolie told EW a few months back to liken the plot treatment of Maleficent to that of  Wicked (in having sympathy for the traditional villain as you learn her story and see how she got to the place we know her best), now knowing there's a possibility the horns are supposed to be as real on her as they are on the cattle, my mind immediately goes to Greek myth. She may just be the most gorgeous minotaur the world has ever seen.


You must admit, when we saw Maleficent in the Disney movie we immediately thought "demon" (despite that the horned headdress was perfectly in fashion back in the day that particular film was [vaguely] set). Even for this film you'd think "demon" (or the intention to appear rather more demonic and therefore ultra scary) would be more obvious but with the cattle at her back she gives far more of the "tragic figure" air than of the initial "must-be-put-down evil spawn" vibe.




2) These behind-the-scene shots from Dread Central show her in the British countryside in full dress, surrounded by a herd of cattle. They look like Highland Cattle specifically (a very beautiful breed with serious looking horns). Anyone up on their ancient tales should be sitting up a little straighter with the appearance of a whole herd of cows backing Maleficent as she gets her magic on.



I have to wonder at the role of the herd and what part they play in her magic. (She looks like she's busy doing something magically intimidating in the shot at the head of the post, don't you think?)


I admit I am partial to fairy tales like The Black Bull of Norroway and I never quite forgave Jack for selling Milky White for some magic beans. When you see how cattle were revered in ancient times it's no surprise they can be magical in the correct context. It's all wishful thinking that this aspect is even hinted at in the film I'm sure, but script writer Linda Woolverton can surprise with her layering and she won't have chosen the cattle by accident or whim. I'm curious to see what the significance is.

Note the Maleficent stunt double in the background

Maleficent is set for release in theaters on March 14, 2014. (2014! I'm guessing they have a lot of special effects work to do.)

Note: If you've never hugged a cow, you're missing out on an amazing life experience. Put it on your bucket list. I highly recommend it.

The Mythic, Magical and Endearing Art of Andy Kehoe

All Turns to Brilliance - Andy Kehoe

Artwork made before the world ends. Paintings also double as radiation protection for the nuclear winter and some can be eaten like beef jerky.

Onward Again My Friend by Andy Kehoe

Roamer of Reverie by Andy Kehoe

This is the introduction to Andy Kehoe's work for 2012 on his website.

For 2011 it was this:

Paintings best enjoyed with smile on face and bourbon in non-mouse hand. When possible, fill room with the smell of burnt gun powder and bacon. At least four gas lanterns recommended for lighting. Legs can either be crossed or uncrossed. Remove Shoes.Thank you.Management 

Affinity to Unfamiliar Worlds by Andy Kehoe

With such introductions to his art, along with a blog titled: Tall Tales of Depravity - The place to be for Kehoe matters and whisky fist fights, it's clear this Pittsburgh artist doesn't take himself too seriously (we approve!), despite that his work is beautiful, mythic, simply stunning and yes endearing (or should that be en-deer-ing?). I think the title of the work at the head of the post says it well: "All Turns To Brilliance".

Together at the Threshold by Andy Kehoe (created 2012 for his fiancé)

It does seem that there is something very special about Mr. Kehoe's work. Even in his earlier pieces you can see a particular style and sensibility that suggests we live with fantasy, if only we had the eyes to see it (as he apparently does).  In 2011 that sensibility blossomed even further with a richness in colors and what seemed to be additional dimensional depth in his paintings.

A Fading Farewell by Andy Kehoe

I've noticed certain trends on Pinterest among fans of fairy tales and one of those are men, women, children, creatures and other beings with antlers. Fairy tale images of woodland beings with horns and antlers of various sizes populate fairy tale themed boards consistently, as do forest with sentient looking deer. I don't think this is coincidence.

On the Banks of Broken Worlds by Andy Kehoe

There is something royal yet wild, gentle yet dangerous, commanding yet connected, natural yet "other" about deer. Fawns, doe, stags, hinds with antlers, golden-antlers, white harts, brother deer and horned gods as well as those of the Wild Hunt and all their half-breed fae brethren easily capture our attention in fairy tales and often appear in fairy tale illustrations, even when there is no specific reference to one in the corresponding text. A stag doesn't need to transform into a man to have a sense of magic, he carries it with him.

In Marie-Luise von Franz's book, The Interpretation of Fairy Tales she discusses the primal reaction we have to the image of deer in tales and the importance of the majestic stags being able to shed their antler crowns, so as to grow new horns. She says: "The shedding of the antlers is probably the natural basis for all the mythological transformation attributes of the deer. In medieval medicine, the bone in the heart of the deer was thought to be beneficial for heart trouble."

A Moment of Respite by Andy Kehoe

Here's a larger quote from the same chapter, Shadow, Anima and Animus:

Whether or not it was his intention, these aspects - both the fascination and the dread - are definitely communicated in Mr. Kehoe's work.

When I see so many people across the web and in Pinterest - especially those who have an interest in myth and fairy tale - gathering images of deer and antlered beings it's clear this sense of wonder with such is just as strong today as it ever was. In fact there are so many comments, from very different people and many different backgrounds, that say the same thing: "I wish I had a pair of antlers!"*

Grief and Glory by Andy Kehoe

The antlered and horned creatures in Mr. Kehoe's work bring a sense of connecting us personally to something of Wonder. I don't know how he captures it but the blend of wild and familiar, of both the playful and the melancholy, of a personal magic and at the same time a vast world of wonder; all these qualities pervade his paintings.

Under the Gaze of the Glorious by Andy Kehoe

I'm glad he's sharing the pictures in his mind. Some of them look familiar, but only because I'm sure I've seen some of these beings in my dreams.

Lord of Ghouls - Arise Feral Night, Roq La Rue by Andy Kehoe

Go, enjoy, support and tell him "More, more! The end of the world gets closer every day!" ;)

Andy Kehoe's website and portfolio are HERE, his blog is HERE, he's on Twitter HERE and he also has an Etsy store HERE, where you can purchase a little magic to keep for yourself (and perhaps help fund one of his numerous wedding ideas such as having "a small rowboat full of explosives and fireworks floating in the middle of the pond to be ignited with a fiery arrow the moment we both say, "I do." I have zero clues as to why that idea was shot down... ;)

*One very interesting image collection doing the rounds on Pinterest shows a wedding party taking fun photos as they're holding antlers to their heads. Despite the fun, there is something that elicits an "Ooh!" or "Awesome!" response from so many people, including, I must admit, myself. Perhaps it's just that, for all it's simplicity it's still rather Wonder-ful.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" Featurettes

 Three brand new featurettes to get the buzz going for Snow White and the Huntsman. They're largely hosted by Charlize Theron (who plays Ravenna, the Evil Queen) but other cast members chime in too.

First up is "Setting the Stage" and discusses the approach to the visuals and the use of imagery. I like the idea that the Queen symbolizes death (more on this in the costume featurette) while Snow White is the "beating heart of life".

Next is "Reflecting on Charlize Theron's Evil Queen". I'm sure we'll hear more about the challenges Ms. Theron had in playing her when the movie is released and there's no chance of ruining the 'big' spoilers. (I love the slide into the sewer. I wonder how much rehearsal that took and how big a bruise that caused!)

Wow - the costume featurette is just amazing and is easily my favorite of the three.  The idea that The Evil's Queen's various costumes reflect death, including the wedding dress at the beginning of the movie, is fantastic. There's been so much talk of Mirror Mirror's very stylistic costumes that Colleen Atwood's work hasn't really had a spotlight until now. Based on this I'm tempted to go just to see the details of Ravenna's wardrobe. We do get to hear more about how Snow White as a character is approached and her basic arc from how the progression of her wardrobe is described. At the moment, I'm far more interested in thee Evil Queen's story which seems to me to be far more layered.

"Lips red as blood, hair black as night. Bring me your heart, my dear, dear Snow White."

 Finally here's a "sneak peek" at the coming trailer. I can't help but be reminded of Legend and The Neverending Story at various points, not in a bad way mind you (although... please don't let the horse die, please-don't-let-the-horse-die, pleasedon'tletthehorsedie!). It reminds me the director was probably influenced when he was younger by the same movies and images I was.

The costume featurette settles it though. I'm definitely going to need the "Making Of" book of this movie and I might even attempt to see it in a theater.

 In case you've lost track with all the fairy tale news going on at the moment Snow White and the Huntsman is set to open on June 1st.

B&tB 'Swamp Thing' Poster

Swamp Thing by Florian Bertmer for Mondo. This is the best poster I've seen playing up the Beauty & the Beast angle. I also love the single play of red against green which makes it feel even more fairy tale like. 


A little while back I saw what appears to be an amateur fairy tale illustration of four panels in black and white with the only color in them being the red of a hood, a rose and of blood. It really brought out how strong symbolism can be in fairy tales. After a bit of a hunt I found the illustration but not the original source to give credit to. If you know the artist, please let me know and I'll update the post.

Red In Fairy Tales - Artist Unknown