Folk Year: An Almanac of Seasonal Folklore (Johnny Greenteeth)
Artwork created using DeepAI in response to a prompt using the title of this article

Folk Year: An Almanac of Seasonal Folklore (Johnny Greenteeth)

Sunday Spotlight: Championing Creativity #4


Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover that would help you in your own artistic journey and creative practice.


Ever wondered why the best stories often stem from the roots of our oldest traditions?

Imagine a world where the changing seasons dictate not only the rhythm of nature but also the very survival of its people. A time when the arrival of spring was not just about donning lighter clothes but a vital signal of life’s renewal.

Welcome to the enchanting world of "Folk Year: An Almanac of Seasonal Folklore" by Johnny Greenteeth, currently seeking support on Unbound .

Link ?? Johnny Greenteeth, Unbound , "Folk Year: An Almanac of Seasonal Folklore": https://unbound.com/books/folk-year-an-almanac-of-seasonal-folklore (92% funded, 615 supporters, publication date TBC)

"Folk Year" is an illustrated almanac that delves into the rich tapestry of folklore and mythology from Britain and Ireland. It’s a journey through the turning seasons of the Celtic Year, offering a vivid glimpse into the past when ritual and superstition were intrinsic to daily life. With over 100 vibrant illustrations, Greenteeth brings to life the rituals, old Gods, and mythical creatures that once roamed the minds and lands of our ancestors.

In an age where a good harvest could mean the difference between life and death, and the harshness of winter could be deadly, people turned to the powerful and mysterious forces beyond for survival. These were times of ritual dance, animal sacrifice, and deep reverence for the natural and supernatural elements governing their lives. Our pagan roots are not as deeply buried as one might think. Greenteeth's work is a testament to this lingering connection, inviting us to explore the magic still found in the soil, the sun, and the trees.

Front cover, "Folk Year": Unbound campaign

From Celtic Festivals to Cornish Pixies

The Magic of the Seasons

Johnny Greenteeth’s fascination with mythology and folklore shines through in "Folk Year". This almanac is not just a collection of stories; it’s an immersive experience that transports readers to a world where the lines between the natural and the supernatural blur. Each page of "Folk Year" is a vivid portrayal of the seasonal traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of these islands.

The book covers a wide array of folklore. From the grand Celtic festivals celebrating the cycles of the year to the intimate rituals of Gaelic gods and the whimsical tales of Cornish pixies, "Folk Year" offers a comprehensive look at the folklore that has influenced generations. The almanac doesn’t just recount these stories; it brings them to life with illustrations that are both enchanting and eerie, perfectly capturing the spirit of the folklore they represent.

Wassail spread, "Folk Year": Unbound campaign

A Labour of Love

Johnny Greenteeth’s Artistic Journey

Johnny Greenteeth is a name that resonates within the contemporary illustration community. Known for his bold, atmospheric works, Greenteeth’s style is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. His influences range from medieval wood engraving to contemporary street art, creating a unique visual language that is instantly recognisable.

Greenteeth’s journey as an illustrator began in his childhood, drawing monsters and reading fairy tales. This passion never waned, evolving into a career that sees him constantly exploring the themes of native folklore and myth. His work in "Folk Year" is the culmination of this lifelong fascination, meticulously crafted to reflect the depth and richness of Britain and Ireland’s mythological heritage.

“If you take myth and folklore, and these things that speak in symbols, they can be interpreted in so many ways that although the actual image is clear enough, the interpretation is infinitely blurred, a sort of enormous rainbow of every possible colour you could imagine.” – Diana Wynne Jones

Greenteeth’s illustrations embody this sentiment, offering a visual feast that invites endless interpretation. Each image in "Folk Year" is a portal to a different time, a different belief system, and a different way of understanding the world.

Beltane spread, "Folk Year": Unbound campaign

Support the Magic

Join the Unbound Campaign

Unbound is a crowdfunding publisher that allows readers to support the books they want to see published. By backing "Folk Year", supporters are not just pre-ordering a book; they are participating in the creation of a unique artistic work that preserves and celebrates a vital part of cultural history.

The campaign offers various pledge levels, each with its own set of rewards. From signed copies of the book to exclusive prints of Greenteeth’s illustrations, backers have the opportunity to own a piece of this magical journey. Additionally, supporters will have their names included in the book, marking their contribution to bringing this project to life.

Will You Help Keep the Folklore Alive?

In a world where the past is often overshadowed by the rush of the present, "Folk Year" serves as a beautiful reminder of the richness and complexity of our cultural heritage. It’s a celebration of the stories that have shaped us and the traditions that continue to resonate.

Do you think preserving folklore and mythology is important for future generations?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts. And if you believe in the magic of "Folk Year", consider supporting the campaign on Unbound. Let’s keep the stories alive.

Link ?? For more information and to pledge your support, visit Unbound’s campaign page.


Calls to Action

  1. The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors is a place to find hang out with other like-minded members in a relaxed, supportive and informal atmosphere, to find sustainable motivation to work on long-held artistic ambitions, to participate in peer-to-peer mentoring partnerships, to make tangible progress with creative projects, and to attend events, both online and IRL. It's a place of encouragement and celebrations: to meet people, network, learn, relax, and be nice to each other. If you would like to join the community for free, please click this link ??https://community.12ronnies.com/share/0chitX5arUVS32Gj
  2. The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would like to apply to join the conversation and stay in the loop, please click this link ?? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfg7lUtWbo23cHbLgIGkSz_O_HGE7PhoNRY4KN3lG60cjdOeA/viewform
  3. Artist in Your Own Residence is a low-pressure, peer-to-peer mentoring scheme for anyone who thinks of themselves as being creative. If you would like to apply to join the scheme and take part in the program, please click this link ??https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc93v3ZXW9PJ7JLTgmWWNjghkW9N2wPSc0Dc9OZKfRJgRNg7A/viewform
  4. Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover that would help you in your own artistic journey and creative practice.

Become the artist in your own residence that changes the world!


Christopher Norris

Artist in Your Own Residence


要查看或添加评论,请登录

Christopher Norris的更多文章

  • The Age of Information Overload

    The Age of Information Overload

    The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would…

  • The Wisdom of Coffee: PayPal fundraiser

    The Wisdom of Coffee: PayPal fundraiser

    Sunday Spotlight: Championing Creativity #11 The Wisdom of Coffee: Networking Club We bring the spirit of Georgian…

  • Merry Christmas and a Creative New Year

    Merry Christmas and a Creative New Year

    Happy Jolabokaflod Watch the seasonal YouTube video, Embracing Jolabokaflod: A Icelandic Literary Tradition, to learn…

    1 条评论
  • "Stay afraid, but do it anyway."

    "Stay afraid, but do it anyway."

    Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover that would help you in…

    1 条评论
  • Celebrity Consequences: Week 39

    Celebrity Consequences: Week 39

    Artist in Your Own Residence is a low-pressure, peer-to-peer mentoring scheme for anyone who thinks of themselves as…

    4 条评论
  • Celebrity Consequences: Week 38

    Celebrity Consequences: Week 38

    The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would…

  • Celebrity Consequences: Week 37

    Celebrity Consequences: Week 37

    The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors is a place to find hang out with other like-minded…

  • As I Was Saying...

    As I Was Saying...

    Let me know in the comments if you have any suggestions for topics you would like me to cover that would help you in…

  • Unlocking Innovation

    Unlocking Innovation

    Artist in Your Own Residence is a low-pressure, peer-to-peer mentoring scheme for anyone who thinks of themselves as…

    1 条评论
  • Saronikos International Festival of Creative Arts 2024

    Saronikos International Festival of Creative Arts 2024

    The Artist in Your Own Residence community at Founders and Mentors runs an active community at WhatsApp. If you would…

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了