In Greek mythology, Nyx is the Goddess of the Night. She doesn’t really have a form. She’s primordial, prima materia. She existed before matter. To me she is raw potential like the void of space, the place of empty fullness that I go to when I meditate or seek to manifest something into reality.

According to mythology Nyx is the offspring of chaos and aether and commands immense, untamed cosmic power. She’s scary and mysterious.

Cloaked in mist she draws a veil across the sky. While walking through the neighborhood I came upon a small lavender iris. The petals were like fragile veils and I chose this image as the foundation for my painting of Nyx. I thought I might see Nyx peering out from this iris.

Below is the initial sketch for my painting. It’s more of a value study to get a sense of what I would keep light and what would be dark, dividing the night from the day and going to the deepest value of black with the two ravens.

Ravens are symbols for Nyx. They are symbols of prophecy and divine communication. Also, they are messengers, bringing clarity to the meditator.

I learned of two flowers that symbolize Nyx. One is the moonflower which reflects the light of the moon and blooms at night. That seems so odd. I picture the moonflower seeking the mystery of the night, expecting that magic will bloom from it.

The other flowers I chose to express Nyx are red poppies because they represent sleep, death and the fertility of the subconscious mind.

I’m not totally sure this painting is finished. I might add some stars. I don’t know. But it’s time for me to finish packing for my move to North Carolina. I have about two weeks to finish packing. So I’ll see you on the other side, of the border between states, that is.