Fiacc the Raven Print

Collagraph print by Clare Keys

"The raven, wise in the ways of men, ate and listened with half an ear to the shouted exchanges within the hall. He heard the whispers too." 

The Inspiration:

This print was inspired by the tragic legend of Deirdre of the Sorrows; a story of a great love, betrayal and grief. Read the ancient legend here, retold through the keen eyes of the raven, Fiacc.

Ravens are renowned as the most intelligent of birds and feature across many different mythologies. In Ireland, a goddess known as the Morrigan could transform herself into a raven. In Wales, we have Bran the Raven King and the Norse god Odin had his raven familiars, Huginn and Muninn. 

The Process:

Collagraphs are created by building up layers of different textures on a flat surface and varnishing to produce a 'plate'.  This plate is then be used to create one print at a time. Ink is applied by hand, then the plate is covered by Fabriano paper and put through a press. Each print is created by hand, and therefore variations will occur which means that every one is unique. 

The plates are used for a limited edition of 25 prints and each one has been signed, titled and numbered by the artist.  

A collection of cards featuring the collagraph and the legend can be found HERE