Life-size cast gypsum torso with fiberglass and steel on base. 88” x 34” x 24”
Cernunnos is an old celtic deity who is known as "The Horned God". He is the lord of animals, and a special friend of the stag, whose antlers make up his headdress. Cernunnos is the Lord of the Hunt and one of the spirits familiar to warriors. He appears whenever a person acts with wild abandonment, or burns with passionate inner fire. He has been identified with Shiva and Dionysus. Cernunnos is the consort of the Goddess of spring; one of the personalities of the Earth Mother.
A potent male fertility symbol, with respect to sexual potency as well as life-giving potency. He is commonly shown holding a torque (a symbol of power and success) and a ram headed snake (an obvious phallic symbol).
Cernunnos, The Horned God, Lord of the Animals is portrayed as human or half human with an antler crown. Though he wears a human face, his energy and his concerns are non-human. He is protector of animals and it is Cernunnos who is the law-giver of hunting and harvest. He appears in spring as the young Son, child of the Goddess, embodiment of the budding, growing, greening world. In summer He is the Green Man, vibrant, pulsing with life essence, the consort of the Green Lady Goddess. It is in autumn, the dying time, that perhaps we see the Horned God most clearly. He is the sacrificed one, who, wounded unto death begins his journey to the Underworld, returning to the Earth from which he was born and where the seeds of light released from his decaying body will quicken Her womb with a new Sun once again. Naked, phallus erect, He wears a crown of antlers limned in green fire and twined with ivy. In his right hand the Torque of gold, testament of his nobility and his sacred pledge. In his left hand the horned serpent symbol of his sexual power.
The path to Cernunnos disappears over the horizon into the distance and moves away from the "civilized" world and into the heart of the Wild Wood. Often experienced as traveling away from the center to the perimeter, this is in actuality a return to the Center. When the seeker reaches the god's forest the track ends, and her/his pathways are found by other means. After entering the Wildwood the seeker cannot be followed, nor can s/he follow another. Whatever pathways are discovered disappear in passing, and the Wood is trackless once again, for each one's way is different.
Columbus, OH - Stonewall Columbus is proud to announce a partnership for Pride Holiday weekend with Dragonfly Neo-V. Dragonfly is bringing internationally known sculptor Philip Hitchcock to Columbus. Hitchcock was named among the "OUT 100" in 2001 by OUT Magazine, honoring gay men and women in America who are truly distinguished in their fields. The multi-faceted sculptor is based in Los Angeles and is proficient in a variety of techniques including life casting, which he will do live in the Gallery Space at Dragonfly Neo-V June 27, 8 - 11 PM. Dragonfly is located at 247 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. 43201 (614) 298-9986
Admission is $20 and this fundraising event features a hors'dourves & wine reception, a live lifecasting by Hitchcock, a performing opera singer and live DJ. "We are very fortunate to attract an artist of Philip's caliber to Columbus and are proud to offer this event as a prelude to the Pride Holiday planned by Stonewall Columbus," said Magdiale Wolmark & Cristin Austin, owners of Dragonfly. "This is a truly unique experience for Columbus. The lifecasting installation is fascinating and something that must be seen," added Wolmark.
Several pieces of Hitchcock's work will also be displayed and available for sale. A book of Hitchcock's work, Dark Impressions - The Art of Philip Hitchcock will also be sold and will be available in advance for purchase at Stonewall Columbus. Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday has been evolving to feature an entire weekend of events for everyone. "It was really our hope to diversify our weekend to feature events that will attract all types of people not just the parade and festival attendees," said Pride Co-Chair Linda Schuler. "This event will really set a tradition with the weekend and it is an element that we hope to continue every year," added Schuler.