I’m a Modern Medieval Monk

Some time in the spring of 2025, I became obsessed with medieval manuscripts. Specifically medieval bestiaries. I loved the uncanny expressions, the weird speculations about their characteristics, and the odd mythical hybrid creations. I started recreating these images using watercolor, guache, ink, and pen. Instead of traditional illumination techniques, I used shimmery gold inks to light up my paintings; that was hands down my favorite part of the process.

Over six months I created a collection of 24 images

All of these are studies based on existing images, a large number of which were found in this book that I bought at the Caumont Centre D’arts in Aix-en-Provence while seeing an exhibition from Niki de Saint Phalle. Other reference images come from the Medieval Bestiary website.

My mother recently sent me this clipping she found from my first feature in the local newspaper at age 6. I dare say my bat was better then than my more recent rendering!

Yikes!