Flower power

One of my favourite parts of re-drafting is the chance to explore/expand sections of the book, its characters and scenery more fully. One such place was the development of one minor characters to make a particular section more believable and engaging. Enter Izi!

She has a small role to play but one of her most striking features (besides the purple hair) is her faeli tattoo. It is a faeli floral design. The flower pattern is a common motif in faeli art because it is believed that the faeli are spirits of nature and the particular design (below) is representative of the core of their beliefs.

The flower combines elements of the faeli age of mythology and iconography. The seven large orbs represent the seven chief elements. The flower itself is an amalgamation of the seven elements' symbols.

7 Elements of Arbean mythology

Which symbols stand for which element? I haven't thought that far ahead yet!!

The actual flower then pays homage to the individual elements by highlighting 7 larger orbs within the pattern (left).

The imagery of the faeli art is inspired by both Pictish (Scotland) and Mehndi (Indian henna) art. I find the detailed simplicity of both art styles to be enchanting (the Pictish stones in Scotland are some of my favourite ancient artefacts). I like the glyphic style which I've adopted for many of my own tattoos anyway. And the world of Arbea is already rich with ancient hieroglyphics? (See more about Arbean glyphs)

I can't wait to spend more time with faeli art as it will be an integral part of the series to come. Already it's been fun crafting this one image and discovering its possibilities. I think the plain outline version of the flower would make a great floral wallpaper. Or maybe a new tattoo for myself!

So, look out for Izi in book two. There will be some character designs for her coming through soon. And thanks Katie Chalmers for the great name idea! I hope you like her.

Enjoy!
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