Home

Dangerous Spirituality

image by Veronica V. Jones

Alice Duke

The fairy tales we tell our children to calm their fears at night and ease them into gentle slumber still retain a hint of their original purpose: to warn us of the dangers of the unseen monsters around us. The original tellings of these tales reveal a far more visceral and dangerous world — a world Alice Duke illustrates in her works.

Subtly sinister, yet oddly comforting — like the warm light of a summer sun slowly fading into twilight — guarded idealists and jaded rouges encounter mischievous imps and unspeakable horrors in her colorful portfolio.

Taking inspiration from centuries of world mythology and adapting the symbols of spiritual art, Ms. Duke creates complex, organic tableaus rich in technical detail and deeper meaning. Through her art, we explore the burdens and obligations of a magical universe that modern beliefs so casually and fearfully deny.

When you are ready to relearn the exciting novelty and hidden dangers of life, Alice will help you remember.

Written by in September of 2011. Last edited September 2014.

Related Features

Doug Kovacs

A goatish man with large horns plays the pipes. A female form composed of frost, bark and leaves stands in a winter scene. A woman dressed in black is deep in thought, surrounded by strange, spectral figures.

Dan Dos Santos

A blond woman holds a magical tome from which long blue tentacles emerge. A black-and-red-striped salamander curls around a pale contented woman's neck. A handsome officer wields a gleaming, bloody blade.

Michele-lee Phelan

A white haired and bearded man in a blue toga, surrounded by lightning. A majestic winged woman surounded by earth, wind, water and fire. A well-muscled man with a black beard wearing a lion's pelt.

Colossal Tackles Issues Large and Small

Anne Hathaway as a very stressed out Gloria. Jason Sudeikis as a slightly manic Oscar. The Monster.

Meg Lyman

A small winged cuttlefish floats in front of a large octopus. A green tree frog with bright red and yellow spots sporting a party hat. A cow-colored cuttlefish with horns and an udder, a.k.a. Cowthulu.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *