The Kraken.
The Kraken is the first of the series and is what inspired the triptychs to follow. This piece is where many hours of experimenting with mediums that allow the wood to play a role in the final piece.
Mythos:
The Kraken originates from Scandinavian folklore. Early descriptions date back to around 1180 AD in various Norwegian stories. This entity was most likely based off from real giant squids that weren’t officially documented until the 19th century. However there is still a chance that a creature far bigger than anything we could imagine is still eluding the sight of any who live to tell the tale.
Anchors:
first used in Greek and Roman cultures in 500 B.C. as a symbol for Poseidon and Neptune by way of coins and their offering to safe sea voyages.
while it was also a 1-4th Century symbol for Christians avoiding persecution. As the make of the anchor resembled a cross in hiding.
Finally we can see the Anchor tattoo gaining popularity in the “Gilded Age of Sailing“ in the 18 and 19th Century.
Other symbolism:
Nautical societies and their cultures have always used symbols of nature and their immediate surroundings to inform their art. While this may come as no surprise, these symbols act as their own record of time and hold different significance. Completely different societies can use the same symbol, and during that time each use may have a very different and specific meaning.
Flags:
Flag language can be seen first in the 1790’s and more in the 1800’s.
Flags could be used to communicate between ships on the open sea at a distance.
In this piece the Flags that border the central image spell HOLT.
Giving this piece a hidden signature.