Hey peeps, today I wanted to talk about my painting Ignis Fatuus. A mixed media piece inspired by folktales about the will-o-wisp featuring an Actias luna or more commonly known as the Luna Moth.
Inspiration behind Ignis Fatuus
When musing started for this piece I was in the reading folktales about Ignis Fatuus. You may know them as Will-o-Wisps. In most stories Ignis Fatuus is considered a trickster luring people astray in the woods at night. In a few they’re gentle spirits guiding the lost out of the dark woods. Like most things related to the fae they’re nuanced, often temperamental, and wary.
I drew parallels between the kinder depiction of will-o-wisps and the symbolism of the luna moth. Signifying a continuing quest to see the light. Maybe you’re struggling with upcoming exams, or you’re feeling lost in some way. I like to think that this Luna Moth (Actias luna) has revealed itself to you with the intention of guiding you through the dark.
One thing I find really interesting is that Ignis Fatuus is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by a chemical reaction between gasses in marshy or damp environments.
It’s hard to articulate but it’s fascinating that so much folklore is based on truth but a misunderstanding of it.
Details about this Luna Moth Artwork
This is a mixed media painting on paper. I used a combination of ink, coloured pencil and watercolour.
The original is set beneath double white mats in a modern pewter frame.
The original measures 3 1/4” x 5 1/4” inches.
The frame measures 8 1/4” x 10 1/4” inches.
Companion Piece
I actually have a second frame the same size and made from the same moulding so my original plan for this piece was to make a pair of paintings.
As things sometimes go, the plan changes in the most unexpected ways.
For context this happened before my partner and I moved in together. I had planned to do some work at his place so I had my backpack with me with my Laptop, tablet, and a few sketchbooks. (one of which had the original sketch of the second Luna Moth) We had a great day. On my way home I made a stop at a local Bestbuy to grab a new phone charger.
My bag was tucked behind the drivers seat where the passengers feet would go. I couldn’t have been more than three minutes but when I came back to the car my window had been smashed open and my bag gone.
They got away with a pretty good haul… unfortunately the entire experience was so unmotivating I have never attempted to make a replacement.
On a somewhat unrelated note. Your theft insurance policy on your vehicle does not cover the contents of your vehicle. I was stupefied when I found out. If this happens to you you’ll need to claim any stolen possessions through your home/renters insurance.
Anyway, In hindsight I should have put my backpack in the boot but what’s done is done. It was one of the universes hard lessons. Thankfully the original “Ignis Fatuus” was safe at home waiting for paint.
Luna Moth Artwork for Sale
I hope you liked the story behind this piece. Maybe you liked it enough to give this little Luna Moth a home.
The original is for sale and shipping is included with the price (within North America)
Thanks for reading peeps! Stay creative out there.
Justin Erickson
