The story behind 'Step into Spring' - Brigid and Imbolc

I've been testing a print which I think is ready to go, so in the next week I'll be producing a number of prints to go up in the shop.

It's been a longer and more progressive process than my previous print, which bodes well for developing my skill. 

I sketched the image onto a soft cut block. The cutting stage was carried out in short, intermittent bursts whenever I found a minute inbetween the busy hours of being a working mum.

I was inspired by the story of Brigid, and the first signs of spring, which are celebrated at Imbolic, a special time and celtic celebration from the wheel of the year that occurs around the 31st-1st February. The festival takes its name from the old Celtic word 'imbolg' which means in the belly and reflects the growing life in earth. It was a time where ewes came into milk, and the first sign of spring start to show after a long cold winter. This was an important time when people had to prepare to survive a winter and keep faith the spring would return.

The story is deeply rooted in Celtic mythology and centres around Brigid.

"Brigid is one of the most revered goddesses in Celtic mythology, embodying a triad of powerful aspects: fertility, healing, and inspiration. As a goddess of fertility, she represents the earth’s ability to nurture and sustain life, making her a central figure in the Imbolc celebrations" - Celtic Mythology Worldwide

There are of course variations on the story, but for the most part, it begins with the Cailleach, otherwise known as the winter crone. Who walks the land, making snow and ice every time her staff hits the ground. She captured Brigid (as know in Ireland, Bridge in Scotland and kept her prisoner. Brigid was able to escape in spring and as she returns to the land she melts the snow and ice where she steps and flowers bloom.

On the night of the 31st Jan moving into the 1st Feb, Brigid is said to walk and bring the return to spring. And the for those paying attention, we start to see the signs, small shoots pushing through, green budding on plants. Spring is not yet here, but we see the signs of it's return.

It's such a poignant reminder of the cycles of nature that we often miss in these busy modern times. Remember them and spending time with them reconnects us with the earth and living with these cycles has proved really beneficial for my mind and mental health.

So, there is a little backstory on the piece. I'm still making some decisions on it. I think I am going to aim for 40 or 50 as a numbered first edition. I have some 300 gsm paper that will hold the ink beautifully. I am also working on a poem to go with it, as I intend to do with all my prints.

I'm hoping to have the ready to go in the next week or two, If you are keen on this then I'd advise you sign up for my mailing list as they will get early access to the listing when it goes live. You can sign up for that here. Don't worry, I don't have time to spam people so you won't get emails very often.