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DanielaIvanova — Shaman
#blond #blue #christmas #deer #drum #girl #glow #light #magic #moose #music #purple #red #reindeer #saami #sacrfice #sami #shaman #sketch #snow #spirit #winter #wip #woman #woods
Published: 2017-11-18 15:20:04 +0000 UTC; Views: 20742; Favourites: 727; Downloads: 68
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Description
Photoshop CS3, Intuos3, probably 30+ hoursProgress steps on my Artstation: www.artstation.com/artwork/rNq…
I've been fascinated recently with the culture of the Saami, who are the native people of Scandinavia (not unlike the Indians for the Americas). A Saami shaman was a spiritual guide able to traverse the hidden realms, inhabited by the spirits of the dead, the spirits of nature and gods. A shaman's drum was not only used to help induce the trance-like state needed to communicate with the spirits but was also a kind of map used for predictions. Each drum is inscribed with different characters and is unique to its owner.
As with any pagan culture I find it utterly inspiring how different everyday "rituals" gain a huge spiritual significance in a certain context - such as music, or the communication and relationship with animals.
Big thanks to everyone who helped me along the process with tips and critique.
Submitting it to 's awesome Best of 2017 contest . Go and submit your own best work of 2017, too!
EDIT*: I won!
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Comments: 247
So glad you took a look at my gallery
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This is so Beautiful Fantastic art work!
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Thank you so much for the sweet compliment!
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Thank you, it was a lot of fun to make. Did it help you learn something new?
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wow this is haunting, love that. Thats a great inspiration for my new art project this year-
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Thanks for the nice words, I'm so happy it inspired you
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Wow, now this is beautiful. The shamaness giving spirit to the animal that plays a centre role in her culture. Amazing, the connection between her the land and the reindeer is captured so wonderfully here. The subtlety is glorious. And it describes everything without saying anything at all. Gorgeous.
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Thank you so much for such a beautiful comment. I'm glad the goal came across clearly. It's something I find so fascinating about shamanistic cultures - the connection to nature and earth, the cohabitation of man and nature and the collaborative connection. And it was especially interesting in the Sami culture that the drum was such an essential part of it. There are a few such primal things like music, prayer and story that seem to be so deeply connected to the human spirit that they've survived throughout thousands of years of human history and that's something absolutely amazing, don't you agree?
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It is. I absolutely agree. I always find music, prayers, and rituals fascinating, especially those with such history. I may not understand the language or the meaning, but I can't help but be moved or spellbound by them. Flute or pipe music for example, or traditional drumming using various instruments always amazes me. But that closeness to nature too, especially for people like the Sami is just humbling to see. I wish more of us appreciated life like they do. I find them and other cultures like their's with all of history, truly inspiring.
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Very well-said. I really wish at some point I can see this idea through of depicting such disappearing cultures with their myths and legends, their costumes and their rituals. It would be such a shame to forget.
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Awesome and very creative 
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What an amazing picture and I love the theme, since I am focusing on Finnish mythology in my work
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It is quite fascinating, isn't it? I'm looking forward to exploring norse culture further.
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What a great detailed concept and beautiful work. Bravo
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Thank you so much, I'm happy that you like it ^^
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Thank you, I'm glad you think so.
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Thank you so much! I loved your work, too, it's super dreamy and creative, simply captivating
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This is truly a very incredible art piece, I must say I am truly impressed by your creativity and skills in bringing this lovely art together.
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Aww, thank you so much for the sweet comment, I'm truly humbled <3
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You are welcome.
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Woah, THIS is beautiful. Very well done, I love the colours, general mood and the little details (like those glowy runes). Good job!
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Thanks so much! I have to say that this, like yours, is also my first full on illustration. It was a significant challenge even when I only had to tackle one figure.
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Thank you ! ^^ They were actually the very last thing I added to the painting.
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Sometimes those last minute details can make a painting.
If they break it you just paint over or delete the layer ;]
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so nice . To go to north skandinavia and see the polar light and meet a sami was one of the greatest experiences
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Wonderful creation! Love how you painted the light on her face
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Thank you! It was pretty challenging and fun
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