Fractured Whispers /
In the heart of these ancient Celtic / Atlantic rainforest’s is where the veil between the worlds is thinnest!
I can almost hear the murmurs of bygone tales, resonating through the ages and igniting the imagination of bards and storytellers. Each branch tells a story, every leaf whispers a secret, and every shadow holds a fragment of forgotten lore. Here, in these enchanted forests, myths take root, stories come alive, and the spaces between become gateways to the imagination.
In ‘Fractured Whispers’, I explore the Celtic-Atlantic rainforests, drawing inspiration from their rich tapestry of myths, folklore, and imagination. Influenced not only by the captivating allure of the untold stories these ancient landscapes hold, I invite viewers to venture into the mystical.
As I wander through the moss-laden canopies, I become acutely aware of the subtle presence of something bigger and greater than me. Arboreal visages, appear as whispers from another realm, inviting us to explore the delicate balance between reality and myth, glimpses of the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary, hidden amongst the trees.
Through gum printing, I’ll infuse each image with the very essence of the rainforest itself. By using foraged pigments, derived from the forest floor, a symbiotic relationship emerges between art and nature.
The resulting prints become a conduit, bridging the tangible and the intangible, the seen and the unseen, offering viewers a glimpse into the ancient heart of the rainforest. ‘Fractured Whispers’ rekindles our connection to nature, urging protection of these dwindling rainforest fragments. Echoing timeless wisdom, it guides us to understand our place within the natural world.’
Discover more about the images, myths, legends, and my creative / imaginative tales by visiting this link Fractured Whispers: Unearthing the Stories & Myths of the Scottish Celtic Rainforests
The 1st 4 images below are named: 1. The Keeper of Barra Mòr 2. The Burn, Glen Nant. 3. Hound of The Forest 4. The Keeper of Barra Mòr (9 panel)
The images are gum bichromate tri colour, hand made prints, made with 8 layers of watercolour pigment and 3 CMY negatives. The 9 panel print was made with 27 negatives.
The images below are the original digital captures for this series. Gum prints and limited edition giclee prints are available to buy.
Below:
The stories & myths for each image
Welcome to a journey through my collection of Celtic Rainforest images, each one a window into their captivating stories and myths. Here, you’ll discover the enchanting tales behind the visuals, steeped in folklore, the magic of imagination and ancient worlds.
Each image is not just a picture but a gateway to a realm where legends come to life, and the whispers of the past echo through the present. Explore the myths, embrace the stories, and let your imagination wander through these mystical landscapes.
The Keeper of Barra Mòr
A mysterious silhouette, draped in a cloak of moss emerging from the depths of the ancient Scottish Celtic / Atlantic rainforest, like a figure from a forgotten legend, as if nature itself pauses to pay homage to the quiet beauty of this moss-clad guardian.
This strange creature captivates us with its otherworldly presence. Its form, a testament to nature’s boundless imagination.
The Great Pass
At the edge of this ancient shadowy rain forest, a winding path unfurls like a serpent through the undergrowth. This serpentine trail leads the eye toward distant mountains shrouded in enigmatic allure.
The forest, a living tapestry of darkened greens and haunting shadows, seems to breathe with a timeless pulse, guarding secrets within its depths. The path, both inviting and elusive, promises a journey through realms where nature’s grandeur meets the mystical unknown.
“The Great Pass” reveals a world where each step forward is a step into this silent, majestic enigma.
The Burn, Glen Nant
Time takes on a different dimension here in the Wood of Cree, amidst the ancient trees and tangled undergrowth, lies a clock unlike any other—a marvel crafted not of metal and gears, but of moss and whispers.
Time seems to stand still in its presence. A second timepiece emerges—the gentle flow of water, a timeless chronicle etched in the babbling brooks and meandering streams. Like veins coursing through the heart of the forest, these waters carry with them the stories of ages past, their murmurs echoing the passage of time with each meandering twist and turn.
As the creeks wind their way through the undergrowth, casting shimmering reflections upon the forest floor and the dappled light on moss-covered stones, time flows slowly, guided by the gentle hand of nature’s currents. The Wood of Cree reveals itself as a sanctuary outside the constraints of mortal time—a place where the past, present, and future converge in a timeless symphony of life and renewal.
The Whispering Gully
Whispering Gully is more than just a visual wonder; it’s a place of stories and legends. Locals say that if you listen closely, you can hear the whispers of ancient spirits carried on the breeze, sharing secrets from a time long forgotten. This mystical aura makes Whispering Gully not just a sight to behold, but a place to experience with all your senses.
The legends of Whispering Gully are passed down through generations in hushed tones around flickering hearths. It is said that this enchanted gully was once the meeting place of the Celtic druids, who gathered under the cover of darkness to perform sacred rituals. Their chants and invocations, carried by the wind, still linger in the air, giving the gully its name.
Visitors to Whispering Gully often recount feeling an inexplicable sense of connection to the past. Some speak of encountering fleeting shadows dancing among the trees, while others describe the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes, a gentle reminder of the forest’s ancient guardians.
On certain nights, especially during the solstices, the air thrums with an otherworldly energy, and those who are attuned might catch glimpses of ethereal figures moving gracefully through the mist
Alder-Creag Veil
Don’t be fooled by this beautiful tranquil scene. Legend has it that Alder-Creag Veil is no ordinary river. Nestled within the depths of the Celtic rainforest, this river shimmers with an otherworldly light, casting long shadows that dance upon its surface. The ancient trees that guard its banks whisper tales of a mystical passage hidden within its waters.
According to the old myths, those who dare to step into the river at the break of dawn or the fall of twilight are said to be transported to a realm beyond our own. This otherworld is a place of timeless beauty and eternal mystery, where the spirits of the forest dwell and ancient secrets are kept. However, the veil is a one-way passage, and those who cross it are never seen in our world again, forever becoming part of the legends that surround Alder-Creag Veil.
Kenneth MacAlpin’s Throne
Deep within the heart of this rainforest lies Kenneth MacAlpin’s Throne, a place of ancient power and timeless mystery. Kenneth MacAlpin, a fictional yet legendary figure, is the embodiment of the Celtic spirit—brave, wise, and deeply connected to the land. His throne, surrounded by the mist from the water fall and moss-covered trees, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
The image captures the essence of this mythical ruler, evoking a sense of reverence and awe. It is said that those who find Kenneth MacAlpin’s Throne can feel his presence and hear the whispers of his wisdom carried on the forest breeze. This enchanting scene invites you to step into a world where history and legend meld, and the spirit of Kenneth MacAlpin continues to reign supreme.
I have created this image by melding five captured moments and the essence of the woodland. Each frame, a fragment of time suspended. Shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy, casting dappled patterns of light on the forest floor.
The Fairies Knowe
The Fairies Knowe, is a captivating glimpse into a mystical stream in the Celtic rainforest. This enchanting scene is enveloped in a gentle mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere where reality and fantasy intertwine. Moss-covered trees, standing like ancient guardians, add to the allure, their green hues contrasting beautifully with the shrouding fog.
This image invites you to step into a world where the boundaries of nature and magic blur, evoking a sense of wonder and tranquility. Let The Fairies Knowe transport you to a place where the air is thick with the promise of enchantment.
Bran
At the heart of this enchanted forest, gnarled tree roots intertwine like the sinews of a mythical creature, sculpting the visage of a wolf-like beast that prowls the shadowed undergrowth. Its piercing eyes, sculpted by nature’s hand while its form merges seamlessly with the rugged landscape.
Nearby, the legendary Dog Stone in Oban, stands as a silent witness to ancient lore. The tale of Fingal, the giant who once tethered his loyal hound Bran here during his hunts in the Hebrides, the stone bears the marks of Bran’s restless circling. The colossal chain once bound to the stone has carved a deep groove into its base, and it is said that the ghostly echoes of Bran’s howls still linger in the air, a haunting reminder of the bond between giant and beast.
Amidst this natural tapestry, another figure emerges—a sentinel of the forest. With its back turned, its limbs crafted from the very essence of the woodland, a hand intricately woven from roots reaches out to touch the forest floor, bridging the divide between earth and spirit, could this be the hand of Fingal reaching out to stroke his loyal dog Bran.
The Witches Promise
The Witch’s Promise, a haunting image that captures the essence of ancient folklore and supernatural intrigue. In this scene, a fallen tree lies amidst the dense forest, its exposed roots and earth forming the unmistakable visage of a witch’s head and face. This natural formation seems tell us about the dark secrets and forgotten curses.
To the left, another tree bears a curious and unsettling detail—a piece of white rope or material that eerily resembles a noose or hangman’s knot, hanging low as if marking a place of sorrow and unfulfilled oaths. The juxtaposition of these elements invites the viewer to ponder the stories that may have unfolded in this mystical woodland.
The Witch’s Promise is a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to reflect the legends and fears that have haunted humanity for centuries. Let your imagination run wild as you delve into the mysteries of this evocative scene.
