The Night of Spirits
This series was born out of a desire to tell more short stories paired with artwork. Through images and text I’ve found the perfect pairing of storytelling and escapism. I hope you’ll enjoy this newest adventure.
the spark of an idea
A girl and her cat friend journey into the
spirit world on the Night of Spirits.
A story told through 8 paintings
Ita waited patiently with Hitam as Grandmother prepared the tea. "Do you remember your first Night of Spirits," she asked, scratching between Hitam's ears and wondering if she felt the exact same way Grandmother had when she ventured out on her first Spirit Walk.
The elderly woman's eyes grew distant. "That was a long time ago, child, but yes, I do. I was just about your age. There was an extraordinary and elusive spirit of the jungle I spent so much time trying to find. Perhaps you'll meet her," she added, with a twinkle in her eye.
Ita took the cup of tea Grandmother offered and sipped. It tasted of citrus and spices. Tonight she would journey out of the village, alone, to bring an invitation to each spirit she found along the way. Her walk would end on the last Night of Spirits with a celebration and feasting with her people.
Grandmother’s Tea
Ita raced down the hill, the beads along her sash tinkling with each stride through the tall grasses. Hitam bounded ahead as they passed the spirit house, a home for those wandering along the hillsides outside the village. The cat reached the sun rocks first, hopping atop one, and with a flop took to rolling around on the stone, warmed by the days' tropical heat. Grandmother called these the sun rocks because it was the perfect place to sit and enjoy a sunset or sunrise over the valley.
Ita joined her friend, careful not to snag her sash on the rough stone. She'd helped weave it for this very occasion — tonight would be the first night of many, a season of festivities, music & storytelling with her people and the spirits of their tribe, a time of joining together in celebration. She loved this season and could not wait for the sun to set and preparations for the Night of Spirits to begin.
Spirits Calling
It took all of her will not to look back as Ita crossed the canyon. Hitam led the way over the light-filled divide between their world and next. With each step, she released her fear, and in place of it, excitement grew — what spirits would they find on the other side?
Into the spirit realm
They stepped through into a world filled with color. It felt like walking through a dream, familiar and ethereal — clouds moved in dancing motions, streaks of bright light rising and fading with some unseen magical tempo.
Here at the portal, the wind whipped briskly, like a breeze before a storm, pulling at Ita's skirt and hair, drawing them out of the trees. Ita followed Hitam's lead out across the flowing grasses, barely able to contain her excitement.
Who would be the first spirit they encountered on their journey through the Spirit Realm?
Through the Portal
The two followed the landscape and found many spirits along the way — wisps barely visible to the eye, animals Ita had never seen before and ghostly visions of her own people and those departed. Even the trees were alive, their branches whispering of the seasons to come or of those long past.
Ita was curious who might be the spirit her Grandmother had met on her journey with each new encounter but none had seen the Spirit of the Jungle. With the skies shifting in color Ita knew they didn't have much time before they would have to return.
They paused to admire the most beautiful crane Ita had ever seen, with feathers of golden light.
"Do you know where the spirit of the jungle resides?"
The crane lifted it's head, unfurling it's feathers as it replied, "Follow this stream and you will find her where the light is brightest." It pointed to the streak of bright pink in the sky.
feathers of golden light
They waded through the tall grasses, weaving in and out of trees and between waterways. Ita and Hitam scanned the horizon, searching for any signs of what might be a spirit but found none.
Ita was beginning to feel a little discouraged when they came upon a path leading into the forest. The trees swayed in the breeze and light danced magically through the branches. Inside, Ita paused at the sight before them.
It was a binturong perched atop a stone wall, or what remained of one, and guarding a stairway.
"Who disturbs this peaceful realm?" the creature turned and stretched slowly.
"I've come to invite you to our celebrations, oh revered spirit." Ita's voice wavered as she bowed respectfully.
The binturong laughed, "I have feasted many times in your village, child. But no one has invited me to a celebration before."
Ita's eyes grew wide as she realized she had seen this creature before. "Do I know you?"
"I think you do," A twinkle met his eye, "You were kind to me as a pup scavenging in the scraps pile,” his chest rose with pride, “I am now the village guardian, and it is through me that you must pass to find the spirits you seek."
The village Guardian
Ita and Hitam followed the light until they found a tree and in it a foxdragon, her coat a bright glowing white that seemed to shine of it’s own accord.
“Who disturbs my slumber?” The foxdragon yawned and stretched on her branch as Ita and Hitam cautiously approached.
“I am Ita, and I come to invite you to our celebrations.” Ita bowed politely, nervous at what this beautiful creature might say.
The foxdragon opened it’s eyes to peer down at them. “Sit and rest awhile, child.” Time passed as the foxdragon told of stories from long before even Grandmother had walked the land. As they walked to the portal, the foxdragon shared of the other jungle spirits that had come before.
Foxdragon Spirit
Their evenings were filled with celebration. All of the spirits Ita and Hitam had invited arrived to join them. They feasted well into the night with singing and dance.
Ita didn't want it to end but as the sun rose, each spirit departed back into their realm. The Foxdragon was the last to leave, and Ita watched her go.
When the sun finally rose, Ita could still see some of her light through the bright morning rays.
Greeting the sun
Need to frame your prints?
Sign up to download the free framing guide to see my suggestions for where to get your prints framed.