At first the theoretical part of the thesis deals with the field of mythological paintings, especially in the west, where this genre has a very strong history that has influenced the art of much of the world. In the second part of the theoretical part I introduce illustration as a genre of painting, as this connection is important in my practical work. After that, I introduce three Slovenian artists who have inspired me with their work for many years. The last chapter of the theoretical part is devoted to the study of beliefs and mythology as a key part of the life of Native Americans and Lapps.
In the empirical part, I describe selected creatures from these mythologies, whose characteristics I then express in the Japanese poetic form of haiku, which is characterised by its emphasis on the essence. I illustrate the poetry I write after this in watercolour in two or at most three different colours, because I am striking a balance between the fact that just as the haiku sums up the essence in a few words, so does the illustration in a limited colour palette.
In my work, I look for my own individual expression, through which I can "feel" the creatures I illustrate in their world and the energy that peoples have attributed to them. The subject matter of my illustrations is mainly animals and the spiritual world.
I chose the theme because I have become very fascinated by my chosen mythology during my travels over the last two years and I wanted to take my thesis as an opportunity to delve deeper into it and bring it to life in the way I like to express myself most - by illustrating haiku.
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