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

Peter Mohrbacher

A young man with white hair and a large sword is bathed in golden light. A tall figure with a surrealistic head gestures grandly. A skeletal figure wrapped in green stares with cold, pale eyes.

Brenda Lyons

A young woman with long blond hair is flanked by birds of prey. A gryphon-eqsue mythological mix plays the pipes. A winged woman with long dark hair clasps a necklace.

Carlos Ortega Elizalde

Two dark-haired mermaids prepare for tea. A slender centaur with red hair and a bow stands. A large bull with a fedora, cigar and tommy guns fires. A pink bunny woman in a purple top coyly gazes.

Shu’s Little Bit

A blue-haired woman wearing a gauzy dress floats in deep blue water. A beautiful girl welcomes a snowy owl. A white-haired woman plays a magical glowing violin.

Sarah Mensinga

A green-skinned little girl with big hair and a white dress looks up. A woman with long pale hair and a green billowy dress stands ominously. A langy, hairy brute contemplates his fist. A white-haired girl in a black dress and gloves is accompanied by a surly winged rabbit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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