Artwork by Johanna Uribes

As an ancient symbol whose meaning is all but lost, the Green Man is still strangely compelling to those who choose to let him enter their lives. He is a medieval icon of fertility and nature from a time long past. If you’ve visited the Gothic churches of Europe, you will have seen the intriguing carvings known as foliate heads. These faces seem human, but when examined more closely, appear to be made of leaves and tree branches.

I first encountered the Green man at Heathrow Airport, while waiting for my flight back to America. Devouring the quaint little booklet I purchased from the wire kiosk at the front of the airport bookstore, I was filled with a desire to know more about this mysterious figure from Celtic myth during my return flight. Once home I began extensive research. Information was not forthcoming at first, yet I was driven to understand this fascinating mythological character. I wanted to include him in my artwork.

I began by painting the Green man depicting the seasons. Then I went on to show the Green Man through the use of the Native American focus on the four directions. Coupled with the Green Woman, this suite of eight pieces represents the origins of humankind. The directional links to the ancient, original peoples are symbolic. Yet, these images signify the cultural diversity of our planet while linking us as one united people of the Earth.

The Four Directions Series

This of a suite of eight pieces shows the Green Man through the use of the Native American focus of the Four Directions. Coupled with the Green Woman, they represent the origins of humankind. The directional links to the ancient, original peoples are symbolic. Yet, these images signify the cultural diversity of our planet while linking us as one united people of the Earth.