Spirits & Demons
I would like to invite Asian people and others to comment on my latest piece of work. Most of the elements I have included are of Japanese Yokai influence. That was the main idea behind the image.
The imagery I’ve used is somewhat uncertain to me, because I don’t know all the stories behind them as they’re influenced by imagery from other artists and anime. Which I think wasn’t such a good idea on my part, as I created the artwork using elements that I don’t really understand completely. (my bad)
The basic idea behind it was only to illustrate the link between the spirit world and our reality…in a Japanese setting. A very simple idea, but I realize some of the elements might have more in-depth meanings or stories behind them.
Evangeline Than, has pointed out the inclusion of the centipede in the piece.
Evangeline, could you elaborate on it further?
So if you’ve got any stories, ghost stories, folk tales etc. please comment below. I’d like to learn more.
Evangeline Than
Hmm, put on the spot, eh? :)
Truthfully, without checking Wikipedia or Google, I can honestly say that all I remember are stories from ancient China, where centipede spirits were portrayed as tricksy and malicious, often changing into human form to lure unsuspecting victims to dark and lonely places (where they would probably devour them).
Heroic ghost-hunters or priests would then turn up in the nick of time and either mutter magic words of command, or fling holy papers at them, and they would revert into their true form and be imprisoned in a cup or a bottle.
Nicolas Rix
Ahhh! thats so rad!
This is great. I’d love to find a book or even better an illustrated book on oriental myths and legends, that include ghosts and spirits. I’d treasure it.
Thanks so much Evangeline. Good ol’ Wikipedia. hehe :)