Elysian Field Originals » druid

Greenman-the man of Steele

Valerie Ashley — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:04:00 +0000

I first heard about Type O Negativea little over two years ago when my son introduced me to their music. He was right. I loved the sound, lyrics and most of all the voice of lead singer, Peter Steele. When listening to music there are those far and few between times when a song really touches something deep inside that you can really relate to. I’d never seen the band, never heard of them before but the music on some level really spoke to me. (Then again at my age it could be dementia but I prefer to think of it as inspiration.)

I saw them for the first time this past year and was mesmerized by the show they put on. As a group they were amazing and I became an instant fan (can I say that without sounding cheesy?). Steele puts his soul out there for all of us to hear and feel. It’s both a joy to hear and painful at the same time because you can sense that this is a guy who’s gone through some tough times, albeit self inflicted, and still is. I’m glad to hear he’s come through the fire recently and am interested to hear how it plays out in his music.

One of his songs called “Greenman“, is one I really like. This past week while it was raining I was working on some of my leaf pendants and after I heard this song decided to put a likeness of Peter’s face to an Oak leaf. I think he’d like it. Here’s the result and the lyrics to Type O Negative’s Greenman:

GREENMAN
Spring won’t come, the need of strife
To struggle to be freed from hard ground
The evening mists that creep and crawl
Will drench in the dew and so drownI’m the green man
The green man

Sol in prime sweet summertime
Cast shadows of doubt on my face
A midday sun, it’s caustic hues
Refracting within the still lake

Autumn in her flaming dress
Of orange, brown, gold fallen leaves
My mistress of the frigid night
I worship pray to on my knees

Winter’s breath of filthy snow
Befrosted paths to the unknown
Have my lips turned true purple
Life is coming to an end
So says me, me wiccan friend
Nature coming full circle

I’m the green man
The green man

October Rust, 1996

Lady of the Woods

Valerie Ashley — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Thought I’d post a few pictures of a piece I’m working on. I went for a walk yesterday and found some beautiful Birch tree and Silver Maple leaves to imprint. I have a few more tweaks to do, then I’ll create the bail and necklace pieces.
I also decided to do reversible leaf pendants, for an added option.

Update:Here is a picture of the finished piece. I listed it on Etsy Monday and it sold that night! Nature rocks!!

Nature’s Spirits

Valerie Ashley — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:38:00 +0000

I recently took a break from sculpting this past winter, when arthritis flared up and my hands wouldn’t cooperate. As weather turned warmer and the dreary colors of Winter gave way to springs bounty, I began to play with my clay again but in a limited capacity. After smushing a dozen sculpts I wasn’t happy with, I started making imprints of leaves I collected around my yard. I delight in the texture and look they have in polymer and my experiments with tinting and drawing on the clay, led me in the direction of wearable pieces of art all inspired by my love of Nature and the belief that all living things have a spirit. One thing led to another and it evolved into a line of Nature based fantasy pieces that I sell on Etsy. My shop can be seen at: ELYSIANFIELDS ON ETSY!