Aaron Paquette Journal

Lightbringer
8 1/2" x 6 1/4"
Mixed Media
on Paper
2006

I have been painting a series of Red Ravens, trying to delve into the different aspects of the Raven's character, especially immediately following the theft of the Sun and his subsequent burning. In the story, he goes from having gorgeous white feathers to charred, sooty black feathers. I have imagined him in transition, the pulsing, screaming throb of his burns elevating each of his personality traits to a sublime level, be it madness, brooding or heroic in nature.

Here the Raven sits like a king or prophet, enthroned in his own dignity, fully aware of his loss and living with his pain. It actually reminded me of the look of selfessness on the face of people when they have given everything they can and are asked for more. They can either refuse or they can pull out strength from unknown sources; depending on God, or the universe, or their own spirit for the endurance to take one more step, last one more hour, or lift one last burden.


There is a rare desperation there, and a rare dignity.