Archangels Feathers, a "True Story" or "Fake News"?

Fargo Movie based on facts; the Fargo Series was all fake. 

In an era of "Fake News" and "Alternative Facts," it seems appropriate to talk about what is a factually true story and what is imaginative storytelling.  When a person reads a novel or watches a movie, they often are drawn into the story so completely that they can't tell fact from fiction. Producers use the vague line between reality and imagination to trick viewers into believing they are watching or reading something based on fact. Often television "documentary" programs are pure fabrication, offering speculations and ambiguous theories as facts. History Channel once used only factual documentaries, now they feature Ancient Aliens, Big Foot, and Egyptian fantasy. 

Some television series base their programs on supposed "true events". The perfect example is "Fargo". The 1996 movie was loosely based on actual events however the TV series is 100% fictional, yet they have the disclaimer that all events are based on actual events. It is all "make-believe" and people get angry when they find out they believe in fiction. Films, novels, and artworks are products of creative minds, they are not meant to be a history class. The screenwriters for "Fargo" actually said, laughingly "You don't have to have a true story to make a true story movie!" People take the "true Story" label literally.

just because this appears on the screen, doesn't make it true

  When I was in Alaska, I created my very own "True Story" I created an elaborate mythology revolving around a fictional character, Richard Handley. (the name of a grade school friend)

Richard Handley (left) with his perpetual motion machine

I wove an intricate tale about Handley. He was a prospector, inventor, writer, and artist who lived along the Yukon River and mysteriously vanished in the early 20^th century. I concocted an extensive story about this man’s life and backed it up with dozens of very believable artifacts. I exhibited these in an art exhibition titled "The Enigma of Richard Handley" I was invited to participate in a sculpture show in San Diego. Along with my sculptures were detailed narrations as well as a handwritten diary.

the fictional Richard Handley's enigmatic weekly calendar

I received a phone call from a history professor from the University of San Diego.  He was so excited by the artifacts but was confused because he had never heard of this man, nor had he heard of my "discovery". I explained that these were sculptures and that the whole story was an invention of mine, the stories and sculptures were all part of the artwork. At first, he was very angry and embarrassed, and then he started to laugh and said, "Well done, you had me fooled!" Yes, I fooled a history professor!!

 Inspirations for Archangel Feathers:
 I am a history nerd. I enjoy researching ancient peoples and religious belief systems. Body preservation tells us a lot about the religions and technology of various groups. I often try to use some of this in my own narration stories. One story that really captured my imagination was the discovery of a perfectly preserved 2200-year-old body in China.   The body was found within four rectangular pine constructs that sat inside one another which were buried beneath layers of charcoal and white clay. The corpse was wrapped in twenty layers of clothing bound with silk ribbons. Scientists believe the carbon plays a vital role in the near-perfect preservation. 

multi layered coffins with carbon and clay

I had been reading books about Grail Quests of the middle ages as well as the Hoax Relic Market which the Medieval Church profited from. One story I found was about swan feathers being sold as Angel feathers. Another story that I found involved a crucifixion nail being found in its own coffin. It was believed to be a fake relic destined to the Vatican, but it never made it. https://badarchaeology.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/did-the-knights-templar-leave-a-nail-from-the-crucifixion-in-madeira/

Archangel Feathers of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael:  

Narration

Remarkable Templar Relic Discovery! A relic hoard by the Templar Knights was discovered in a Syrian cave. Three Feathers believed to be from Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael were recovered in a Knights Templar stronghold. Next to the feathers were three skeletons and three swords with the religious order's cross on the blades. The feathers are remarkably reserved due to the carbon-lined miniature coffin they were buried in.  They were destined for the Pope but only made it as far as Northern Syria. According to Grail Lore, these Knights were believed to have hidden a holy cup for the last supper in this cave complex. No Holy Grail was found but Archaeologists did find a Holy Nail, a four-inch Roman relic, stored in an ornate box. Archaeologist Henry Jones Jr. said: "It dates from the 1st centuries. You'd expect the surface to be pitted and rough after so long, but this was smooth! Nothing shocks me. I'm a scientist."

   

My narration and artwork are fictional. To add to the illusion, I used Indiana Jones as the fictional archaeologist.  Despite this obvious clue, I did get inquisitions about the story and anger when they learned it wasn't true. 

Archangel Feathers of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 

I later added a forth feather.. Lucifer's!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/79066087/angel-feather-raven-artwork-raven-crow?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1

$138.50

the feather Lucifer cut away

ARCHANGEL FEATHER - LUCIFER
New Remarkable Templar Relic Discovered - This may be a wing feather from Archangel Lucifer!
A relic hoard of the Templar Knights was discovered in a Syrian cave in 2011. Initially Three Feathers believed to be from Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael were recovered in a Knights Templar stronghold. The feathers are remarkable reserved due to the carbon lined miniature coffin they were buried in. After months of excavation this fourth feather was discovered. This is now believed to be a feather from the archangel Lucifer!

Contrary to popular belief, Satan and Lucifer are two separate fallen angels. Lucifer was banished because of his ego -- his sin, pride. Lucifer, not Satan was the first angel to have sinned. Lucifer has been equated to Satan due to the misreading of the passage Isaiah 14:12. The actual name "Devil" was applied to Lucifer when early theologians identified him with the falling star in the passage from Isaiah, Satan and Lucifer started to become interchangeable. The feather relic shows clear signs that it was cut from a wing!! After falling from heaven both archangels cut away their feathered wings and replaced them with snake skin.

Archaeologist Henry Jones Jr. said: "snakes, why did it have to be snakes" Excavations are ongoing. 

Again, another obvious clue that this is fake..Indiana Jones hated snakes!

Three Archangel feathers with Lucifer's feather, which shows how it was cut from his wing.

The print plate is a soft ground etching, with acid etched lines, dry point lines and engraving lines on a zinc plate. It is hand printed onto archival printmaking paper.

to learn more about the process visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNKn4PORGBI

My Archangel Prints are used in a printmaking blog as an example of soft ground etching
http://e-gosney1215-dc.blogspot.com/2013/11/design-for-print-reseach.html

RAVEN STEALS THE LIGHT

"Raven Steals the Sun" by X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchel

One of the most popular stories among the Native Peoples of the Pacific Northwest is the story of how light came to the world. It is know by several names : Raven Steal the Sun, Raven Steals the Light, Origin of Daylight, Raven and the Box of Light, The Old Man and the Box of Light.....
Each story is slightly different and each culture has it's own variations. 

A brief synopsis of the story:
Long ago the universe was dark. The reason was an old man hoarded all the light in the universe. This treasure he selfishly kept in a hidden box.
Raven was unhappy about the state of the world.  He decided to steal the light. He transformed himself into a young child and the old man let him play with the box. 
Raven snatched the light in his beak, flew up into the sky. Light filled the sky and the world was instantly changed forever.

Illustration by Bill Reid

This is one of the first Native Alaskan stories I turned into a print. I have done several variations on this story that many of my Native friends enjoyed. In two prints I change the context to a more recognizable contemporary Alaskan version. One of the great skills of Alaskan ravens is theirs remarkable ability to "dumpster dive". 

So mine is more "tongue in cheek" humor....

"RAVEN AND THE BOX OF LIGHT",
Etching, 5" x 7" 2011 

Original version of "Raven and the Box of Light" 

The Moon and Sun had been held captive by an old Chief. Raven disguised himself as his grandson and grandfather adored him, even though he threw tantrums. When he screamed, his grandfather let him play with the Moon Box. He opened the box and the moon escaped into the sky. When Raven wailed again, his grandfather let him play with the Box of Daylight. As soon as the box was in his possession, Raven changed back into a bird and disappeared into the darkness. In the original story, Raven brought the box to the people opened it slightly, and flooded the world with light. 

In my version, the heroic but confused Raven opens the wrong box. I positioned the raven atop a familiar Waste Management trash bin with a graffiti image of a sun.

Raven Steals the Lite, Etching 5 inches x 7 inches 2023.

The original version: “Once long ago the universe was dark. The reason why the world was dark had to do with the old man who had a box that contained a box that held many other boxes. In the very last box was all the light in the universe and this was a treasure he selfishly kept to himself.
Raven existed at that time, as he always had. He was unhappy about the state of the world. His interfering nature peaked one day when he stumbled by the old man's hut and overheard him muttering about his boxes. He instantly decided to steal the light but first had to find a way to get inside the hut.
Raven transformed himself into a young child and the old made adopted him
He explores his new surroundings and soon determines that the light must be kept in the big box in the corner. When he first tried to open the box, his “father” scolded him profusely which in turn started a crying and squawking fit the likes of which the old man had never seen. After much coaxing and wailing the old man, at last, agreed to let the child play with the light for only a moment. As he tossed the ball of light the child transformed into the Raven and snatching the light in his beak, flew through the smoke-hole and up into the sky.

The world was instantly changed forever. Mountains sprang into the bright sky and reflections danced on the rivers and oceans. Light filled the world”

In my version, Raven has steals the wrong “lite.” My raven has a Lite beer label he found while dumpster diving.

RAVEN STEALS THE LIGHT, Relief, 9" x 12" 2012, $50

My final version is a relief print which is more like the traditional stories with Raven clasping the sun in his beak.

Hrafn Gin

https://www.hrafngin.com/

Raven Spirits Ltd

Hrafn Gin , Raven Spirits Ltd

https://www.hrafngin.com/

I often get requests to use my artwork for illustrations, CD covers, Tattoos, book covers etc.... In 2018 I entered into a unique business relationship. I received an email from a product designer Fortytwo Studio from Scotland. They were developing a product design and advertising campaign with a handmade Scottish micro distillery. They had started a new Company called Raven Spirits Ltd and wanted my artwork for the label. 
I sent several examples of my artwork and they were interested in variations of my existing images.  I have done a lot of design work myself and I know that a client needs many examples and choices. Fortytwo used several of my images in different configuration to give the Gin distillery a fine selections of designs. After some back and forth, Fortytwo asked for a new drawing based on one of my etchings. The drawing would eventually be used in the product.

Hrafn, Portrait, Etching, 5.5" x 6" 2020

my relief print Three legged Raven would be used on website and in promotional materials

Odin's Ravens used on Hrafn Gin Blog

As with all products, there is some evolution of concepts involved. The Gin changed its name from Raven Gin to Hrafn Gin, Hrafn is the Norse word for raven. Their labels have also had many incarnations. 

As I started working with Hrafn Distillery I got to know the men behind the Gin. It is the creation of two brothers, Callum and Peter Sim. Over the past year I have gotten to know and respect them. They have the same love for their Hrafn Gin as I do for my artwork. I have also become friends with them through social media. We do share a fascination with Viking culture and history.  
I hope to have my drawing "Hrafn Portrait" available as an etching in 2020. 

Peter and Callum Sim, founders of Raven Spirits Ltd and creators of HRAFN GIN ‘Thought & Memory’
://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/north-of-scotland/1731750/gin-market-reaching-its-peak-says-raven-spirits/

They have won many awards, here are a few of the most notable: 

International Gin Masters Gold Medal in the Ultra-Premium category and a Silver in the London Dry category.

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition:  HRAFN GIN ‘Thought & Memory’ a Silver Medal in the London Dry, Gin Category.

 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:   ‘Thought & Memory ' awarded Gold 

https://www.hrafngin.com/

“Ravens Like Shiny Things”.

“Ravens Like Shiny Things”

It has long been known that Crows and Ravens are attracted by shiny things. Once when I was young, I wandered in the woods and came upon a crow's hoard. Scattered in the branches and at the base of a pine tree were hundreds of shiny metallic objects. There were bits of tensile from an old Christmas tree, aluminum foils, Mylar wrapping, jewelry, cans and other glittering objects. 

While researchers cannot document this behavior, world renown Corvid expert John Marzluff has witnessed the behavior. In Seattle, Washington a young girl has made an unlikely group of friends - a group of crows who gather in her garden and regularly bring her gifts. Dr Marzluff found that the local crows were regularly leaving Gabi Mann "offerings". 

some of Gabi's Gifts

Gabi has more than 100 items left by her crow friends

It began when she was a toddler when she would leave bits of food for the birds. Professor Marzluff did a study of crows and the people who feed them. They found that crows and people form a very personal relationship. "There's definitely a two-way communication going on there," Marzluff says. "They understand each other's signals."

The birds communicate by how they fly, how they walk, and where they sit. The human learns their language and the crows learn their feeder's patterns and posture. They start to know and trust each other. Sometimes a crow leaves a gift for no apparent reason.

Canuck with knife

Sometimes it is just mischief. Canuck, a hand-raised crow from Vancouver, Canada, became an internet sensation when he was caught making off with a knife from an active crime scene. Canuck, his mate, and his offspring often get spotted with odd items in their beaks, such as pens, credit cards, etc...

So with my experience and with those accounts from others about this behavior, I thought, how would a crow or raven react to seeing a huge shiny object? Ravens and crows have always been blamed for human misfortunes. In my story, Raven will be blamed for the most famous air disasters.

German Zeppelin Hindenburg 

my fictional explanation of the Hindenburg disaster 

My fictional account of the Hindenburg Disaster:

Thursday, May 6, 1937

As Raven flew east over the New Jersey airfield he noticed a bright glint in the western sky.

The German airship Hindenburg had just completed a transatlantic flight but was running late because it was buffeted by head winds.

Raven was excited as he flew beside the vast shimmering hulk. He landed near the rear by one of the three air fins.

The airship struggles against strong gusts and made a sweeping sharp turn, then settled as the mooring lines were dropped.

Raven looked around and saw nothing but a glistening field of silvery gray. “Surely they won’t miss one small piece” thought Raven. He tore one tattered ribbon of material and flew away, releasing the gases within.

A sudden clap of thunder (an explosion) made Raven believe he had to hastened his flight, he thought he would return for more after it had finished raining.

Raven likes shiny things

"Ravens Like Shiny Things." 
(Raven (bird, crow) Series) Etching 5 x 7 inch 2010, 2023

Mezzotints and the World's Largest Song Bird

MEZZOTINTS

The Process: 
The mezzotint was invented in the 1700’s, and it  is a laborious process which creates exquisite results. Rather than using acids to work the plate, Mezzotint is entirely done with hand tools.  The whole surface of a metal plate is roughened evenly, with a mezzotint rocker (hours of work!!).

the mezzotint rocker has a series of lines that will create microdots  

vintage Mezzotint rocker in use

If the plate were printed at this point it would show as solid black. The image is then created by selectively burnishing areas of the surface of the metal plate with metal tools, called the Scraper and Burnisher.  The smooth parts will print lighter than those areas not smoothed by the burnishing tool. The Burnisher has a smooth, polished, round end, which flattens the minutely protruding points of roughened surface of the metal printing plate. 

a great example of Mezzotint burnishing www.nancyfarmer.net

Areas smoothed completely flat will not hold ink at all and areas will print as the white. By varying the degree of smoothing, mid-tones between black and white can be created. This is called working from "dark to light", or the "subtractive" method. I also add engraving lines as needed.

My Mezzotint prints
I have not done many Mezzotints. I did a couple in school but didn't do anymore because the cost of the Mezzotint Rockers was so high (several hundred each $$$). However, I found a couple rockers mislabeled on eBay and I won the auction. My inspiration for these two small prints was the distant calls of ravens. I had always loved the sound of ravens in the deep forests of Alaska.  I envisioned two fighters sparring in a boxing ring, each using calls as vocal jabs. Ravens are the world's largest songbirds!!

The Forest is pierced by the Raven’s Call
Beak extended, feathers unfurled,
They listen for the next hurled insult.
Each is armored against the onslaught,
Their hoarse-throated calls resonated with defiance.

SPARRING - Raven series, Mezzotint on Copper Plate, with  Engraving, 3 x 4 inch 2012

RAVEN’S CALL- Raven series, Mezzotint, with Drypoint and Engraving, 4 x 5 inch 2012

Fly With Me.

Raven and Eagle Mating Rituals

Birds of prey have the most famous and recognizable of flight rituals, also known as is the "cartwheel courtship flight," in which two birds will fly up high, lock talons and then get into a cartwheel spin as they fall toward the ground, breaking apart at the last minute. And in some cases they actually hit the ground, A courting pair may also engage in a chase display, where they will chase each other before locking talons and doing aerial rolls.

Eagle mating ritual called "Death Spiral"

Two entangled eagles. Sometimes "Death Spiral" results in injury and death

Birds may perform the "roller-coaster flight." During this aerial display, one of the birds will essentially act like a roller-coaster -- it will fly up high, go into a steep dive, pull up high again and dive down again.

It should be noted, however, that non-breeding bald eagles and ravens may engage in this behavior antagonistically, as a kind of ritualistic battle.

Raven’s intelligent behavior is related to mating and reproduction. Immature birds begin to court at a very early age, but may not bond for another 2-3 years. (Like our dating) Mid-air spectacular displays of acrobatics are meant to show off the raven’s fitness, skills, intelligence, and ability to provide food. A bonded pair will spend hours performing complex aerodynamic maneuvers. They test each others compatibility, strengths and weaknesses. (Dinner and dancing)  
Honestly I think they are just having fun. Once mated , raven pairs will nest together for life. 

Released	January 6, 1958
Recorded	October 1, 3, 8, 1957, Capitol Studio A, Hollywood, Los Angeles

January 6, 1958

October 1, 3, 8, 1957, Capitol Studio A, Hollywood, Los Angeles

"If you say the word, we will beat those birds
Back to Acapulco Bay
It is perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let's fly, let’s fly,
Pack up, let's fly away"

Excerpt from Frank Sinatra’s "Come Fly away with Me" Songwriters: Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn

© Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

"Come Fly With Me" - Raven Series. Intaglio etching 5 inch x 7 inch 2011

$50

https://www.etsy.com/listing/81932216/raven-artwork-raven-crow-etching-5-inch?ref=shop_home_active_81&pro=1

Peter Pan and Solomon Caw

"In this world, there are no second chances."

– Solomon Caw's warning to Peter Pan

The Little White Bird – J.M. Barrie 1902

Prequel to Peter Pan

Arthur Rackham's illustration for the White Bird

“The Little White Bird is a novel by J.M. Barrie that was published in 1902. It ranged from fantasy and whimsy to social comedy and dark aggressive undertones. It mostly achieved fame from several chapters that were written in a softer tone than the rest of the book, which introduced the character and mythology of Peter Pan . The chapters were later published as Peter Pan In Kensington Gardens as a children's book. The Peter Pan story started as a chapter of a longer work in the four years that Barrie worked on the book prior to publication that grew to an "elaborate book-within-a-book" of over a hundred pages”. Peter Pan Wiki

Solomon Caw is one of the characters the infant Peter Pan meets in Kensington Gardens. He is a wise old crow and is responsible for fulfilling the requests of ladies in London for children; he selects a bird for each women and sends them to their new homes.

Solomon Caw

 Peter Pan is a seven-day-old infant. All children begin life as birds until Solomon Caw sends them out to expecting mothers, where they become human children. Solomon is fond of Peter; he passes on as much wisdom to him as possible. Peter is still young enough that he's still half-bird and therefore has complete belief in his ability to fly. He escapes his home by flying out through the open window and arrives in Kensington Gardens. He realizes that he really is no longer a bird, and he lost the ability to fly because once you doubt your ability to fly, you can no longer do it. Solomon Caw tells him that he is not still a bird, but more like a human – Solomon says he is crossed between them as a "Betwixt-and-Between".

Peter Pan is loosely based on a Roman myth about a shipwrecked infant raised by crows, similar to the Romulus and Remus story.

Pan (Peter?) is the god of all wild things, nature, hunting and music, as well as the companion of the nymphs.

Pan was the God of the Wild

He is the only Greek god who actually dies whereas Peter never grows old. Solomon (Caw?) is King of Israel famous for his wisdom and his architectural projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

"Then I shan't be exactly a human?" Peter asked Solomon Caw.

"No."

"Nor exactly a bird?"

"No."

"What shall I be?"

"You will be a Betwixt-and-Between," Solomon said, and certainly he was a wise old fellow, for that is exactly how it turned out.

“Betwixt-and-Between”, by Larry Vienneau

Etching, 5 inch x 7 inch 2023 

The Raven at Agincourt

How Raven Started the Battle of Agincourt

 memorial of the Battle of Agincourt

I am an unabashed history nerd. I have always been intrigued by Medieval History. I am also an avid archer, I manage an archery blog with over 370,000 viewers. As an archer, I have always been interested in the facts and myths surrounding the importance of Longbow during the Hundred Year War. One of the most famous battles was Agincourt, England's most celebrated victory and was one of the most important English triumphs in the Hundred Years' War, along with the Battle of Crecy (1346) and Battle of Poitiers (1356). The lopsidedness of this battle is a legend, The British had an estimated 6-9,000 exhausted men, and the French had over 30,000 -35,000 men, the cream of French society. At the end of the day 7,000 French were dead of captured, while the English had perhaps 400 dead. The outcome of this battle changed the balance of power in Europe, and it forms the centerpiece of the play Henry V by William Shakespeare.

French Knights about to start their ill fated charge

The French, overconfident in their numbers and eager to slaughter the impudent English mounted a sloppy undisciplined cavalry charge. The English, aware of the sogginess of the ground, set a trap. They used 1500 unmounted armored knights as a decoy, while setting up 6000 archers and lightly armored knights on the flanks. The French became mired in the soaked ground and were easy prey for the nimble archers and knights. The vastly out numbered English were victorious and the French were decimated. 

arrows and mud were the victorious weapon 

the simple English Longbow was a devastating weapon. 

The Battle of Agincourt happened on St. Crispin's Day October 25^th 1415 and Raven helped to get the battle started!

detail showing Hungry Raven before he started the Battle of Agincourt

Raven had been following a mob of English men and horses. He had been feasting on the garbage and waste for miles.  As he flew he saw a vast host of 30,000 iron-clad Frenchmen and horses awaiting the 9,000 exhausted, filthy English. Raven flew to the ruin of an ancient castle to watch the confrontation. But the two forces made camp and the next morning both armies simply stared at each other, unwilling to make the first move. The French-mounted knights were aligned in a vast line that could easily sweep the English aside. Raven's stomach was empty, and he was impatient.  He decided to move things along. He saw an armored French horse with a gaudy black feather plume; it was the perfect hiding place.  A mounted charge was supposed to be an ordered prodding advance that would bring death to English archers. He landed atop the horse's head, hidden by the black plume. He leaned over and bit down on the unprotected ear of the horse so hard that the horse broke rank and charged. Other knights saw this and all wanted to be first to the slaughter and all raced forward. Soon the entire force began a mad dash through thick mud and a hail of arrows.

By the end of the day, 7,000 Frenchmen and 400 Englishmen lay lifeless in a sodden field of mud and blood.

England’s King Henry V had a great victory and Raven’s stomach was full.

"St. Crispin's Day, October 25th, 1415", 
etching, 5-inch x 7-inch 2012