Stormcrow (The Wanderer)
Pencil on bristol 8.5 x 11"
Gandalf has always been a fascinating character in Tolkien's work. At one point in the Rings trilogy (I believe it's The Two Towers) he is referred to as "Gandalf Stormcrow". It's meant as a derogatory term, suggesting that ill winds and bad tidings blow him to Rohan like a crow, croaking out warnings that Mordor is on the move. In Silmarillion we learn that Gandalf is an angelic being who has taken on the form of a man to help to fight for good in Middle Earth. While I don't always agree with Tolkien's world-view, I have found many excellent truths to surface while reading his books. In this case, my mind goes to this passage from the Holy Bible, Hebrews 13:2 -
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares."
The ones who mocked Gandalf with this nick-name were soon shown their foolishness by the great wisdom and influence he could offer in time of trouble. The idea for this piece was to show Gandalf in his lonely wanderings, his only friends the crows who seem to mock his steps. But underneath we know that he is ready to bring help and hope to the people of Middle Earth, a true hero who will be influential in the War of the Ring.
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The original pencil drawing will be one of the first pieces to be available on my Etsy store when it launches, and I am considering making prints available as well. Stay tuned, I am aiming for a September launch of the store. At least that is the tentative goal. I'll be adding this to the gallery as well.
-Will
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