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Faeriegnomes – Steven Paul Carlson

Faeriegnome

Concerning Faeriegnomes

Fa’er•ie gnomé or fa’er•y gnomé n
Pronounced fair-ee nohm

May the reader bear in mind, the information offered here regarding these very shy and illusive creatures, is based on only a small number of sightings since the history of the “big folk” began to be documented. Sightings of Faeriegnome dwellings are fortunately a little more common. Both these sources and recent archaeological discoveries help to provide us with our current knowledge of the Faeriegnome folk, their temperament, attributes and customs.

Faeriegnomes are ancient creatures, tiny, quiet and shy by nature. They were believed to be of simple gnome ancestry but they predate even the earliest gnomish records. They are much smaller than a gnome, but larger than the leaf faerie.

Faeriegnome architecture is known for its clever construction and unique creativity.

The unique coalescence of both the Fae and Gnome bloodlines seems to account for their vast magical abilities, their immeasurable ingenuity and ancient wisdom. It also explains their extreme diminutive size. The size of the average adult male, by their standard of measurement, would be about 54 to 63 digits or fingers, which would be about 2.5 to 5 cm or 1 to 2 inches tall.

Writings predating antiquity indicate Faeriegnomes were a part of the Great Earth Caretakers. Their ability to travel extremely long distances enabled them to keep a watchful eye on the delicate balances of nature. Assisting them in these earthly stewardship responsibilities were their ever present, always faithful walking sticks, ‘Astar’, as they call them. The wood of the astar was from a tree, bush or plant of unknown origin. Interestingly, the astar continued its growth despite being separated from the root. In fact, it had to be regularly pruned or it would quickly outgrow its owner! Ordinarily the astar was quite plain, but on occasion a particularly creative and fastidious Faeriegnome might adorn it with a little silver, gold, gems or even seashells.

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Faerie III, Woodland Opus – Steven Paul Carlson

Steven-Carlson-Faerie-III
The Harp Faerie, as she has been affectionately nicknamed, and like its pair Faerie I, feature the Matrifaerie, a mature, dignified and sophisticated faerie captured here while creating upon the woodland harp. The woodland harp, unlike any other musical instrument, is a living entity. It grows from out of the ground, blossoming and even bearing fruit. Its gossamer, web-like strings produce a sound that few are able to hear. Only the truly ingenuous spirit can perceive its atmospheric musical air. Sylvan dwellers are drawn to the magical recital and a rare, ethereal appearance from a musical muse can be seen if you look quickly.

Prints available at: http://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

The artistic and musical collaboration of Steven & Patricia inspired this beautiful title song which appears on Mrs. Carlson’s Creative Harp CD ‘Woodland Opus’.  

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Summer Girl – Portrait by Steven Paul Carlson

Steven-Carlson-SummerGirl
Minneapolis, Minnesota portrait artist, Steven Paul Carlson – Summer Girl – pastel 16” x 20”

Flyaway blond hair, freckles, and that faint smile easily makes this one of my favorite portraits.

It’s mid February and I have spring fever! I was hoping this beautiful summer image might hasten the coming of warmer weather.

But then…
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck,

Original art available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com  https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

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India – Portrait by Steven Paul Carlson

Minneapolis, Minnesota portrait artist, Steven Paul Carlson – India – pastel 16” x 20”

This stunning face still captivates me; it was an absolutely wonderful portrait to paint. It is one of those rare pieces of my own art that actually hangs in my house. 😉

The textures here also intrigued me: the necklace, the embroidery on her clothing, and the sheer effect of the veil.

Like the Viking portrait, this is rendered in pastels as well. It’s an intricate layering technique using different pastels with a final detail finish of pastel pencil. This layering process gives the portrait an oil-painting, oil-glaze look.

The original is available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com  https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

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Dancing with the Queen of Hearts – Steven Carlson

The Queen of Hearts, with her charismatic charm, completely enthralls her eight suitors.

Originally I wrote a little story, about a princess, to fit the magical effect of this card trick.

Personally, I loved the story, but after years of performing and testing I found music to be the best accompaniment. I truly hope you enjoy!

 

Kevin MacLeod created the wonderful music!  Let me tell you, Kevin’s one talented guy!  Here’s his link.
“Sneaky Snitch” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

© 2015 Steven Paul Carlson.
This video is copyrighted and may not be used without the written permission of Steven Paul Carlson

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The young son of Bor – Portrait by Steven Paul Carlson

The young son of Bor - by Steven Paul Carlson

The young son of Bor, by Minneapolis, Minnesota, portrait artist, Steven Paul Carlson

He was the young son of Bor, the father of the gods.  He was a shapechanger, usually appearing as a vigorous man of fifty with long hair and braided beard, wearing the skins of animals and carrying his unfailing weapon called Gungnir.  Here he is, in the ages before he gave up one of his eyes and before sacrificing his life in exchange for greater wisdom.  Before the time when the other mighty gods would serve him as children serve their father, before he became the god most favored by the Vikings.  His name is Odin, the god of the Norsemen!

19” x 26”  Pastel.  Prints and original available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com  https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

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Close-up Coin Magic – Steven Paul Carlson

In magic we call this effect, a coin assembly. Coins magically move from one place to another as if attracted and then, in some cases, instantly return to their original locations. This version, of this classic, is particularly intriguing because this happens numerous times in different ways.  My first post of this video did not have music so that is the reason for the new posting.

I hope you enjoy!
Steven

Music by Kevin MacLeod, “Not As It Seems” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

 

 

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Summer Faerie – art by Steven Paul Carlson

Summer Faerie art, by Steven Paul Carlson – The Four Season Faeries

Herald of the summer solstice; certainly the most care-free of all her sisters, Summer Faerie maintains harmony between prolific spring and fruitful autumn with the long, warm, tranquil days of summertide.

Prints available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

Twig – The Faerie’s Secret, by Steven Paul Carlson

Twig art, by Steven Paul Carlson
The Faerie’s Secret

Steven Carlson Twig
Twig Oaklyn Flewinia Thistlebottom…
Whew! That’s quite a name.  Fortunately, her friends know her simply as Twig, the fun, whimsical, magical faerie that graces the Renaissance festivals.  The young at heart, who are fortunate enough to meet her, often find themselves sprinkled with faerie dust and presented with a magical gem!   But be aware that if you ask what the secret in her hands is, she will only answer with her flute.  I hope you are fluent in double-piped aulos.

Prints available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com  https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com

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The Peace Wizard, art by Steven Paul Carlson

The Peace Wizard

Minneapolis, Minnesota, artist Steven Paul Carlson – Wizard IV
Wandering Wiseman, Pax Consensio
Graphite on board 16”x 20”

Ancient lore tells of an old man, a wanderer who travels with his faithful gazehound (greyhound). His peregrinations take him far and wide, over mountains, through valleys, and deep into the forests. He speaks the language of the rocks and the trees and the birds of the sky. Everything about this unique wizard exudes peace and harmony; look closely, and you can see his robe is embroidered with spells and enchantments of peace and harmony–pax consensio.

Look attentively for him when you are feeling the most troubled, but keep in mind he may choose to appear as a friendly bird or affectionate four-footed critter.

Wandering still, searching for the pure of heart and those in need, he gives his peaceful invocation to all who will receive it.

Prints available at: https://www.legendarycreations.com  https://www.stevenpaulcarlsonart.com