Ideal Deity Portrayals

[Aisling]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

[Waldhexe]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

For me I don't think there's just one ideal image of a deity, but I go for these criteria:

- the character of the deity should be expressed well

- the picture should be specific enough by depiction of its attributes so the deity is recognizable (within some attribute overlap of related deities)

- it's good when one or two of the deity's attributes are depicted, but not so many that the image looks overcrowded and artificial - they deity should look natural while displaying, holding or standing next to its attributes

- I like modern interpretations as much as images oriented on historic depictions, but it shouldn't look like something out of a fantasy comic or manga

[Waldhexe]

- I like modern interpretations as much as images oriented on historic depictions, but it shouldn't look like something out of a fantasy comic or manga

or fashion parade or cover girl on a TV-magazine

[Carnelian]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

I don't if I've ever seen a perfect portrayal, but I do like the statue of Hathor I use. It has her important symbols like the horned solar headdress and the vulture crown of Mut that represents the queen. Her curvy voluptuous body emphasizes her womanliness and erotic and fertility associations.

[Shine]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

This is my favorite of Bast: http://s.ecrater.com/stores/2282/42f...bb47_2282n.jpg. I have one just like it, except it's gold-colored.

I prefer my images to be more traditional if they're for shrine use. In the case of Kemetic deities, I prefer the animal images. Otherwise, I'm happy just to find images that aren't pornographic, or so modern that you can't recognize who it is.

[Tana]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

In my case there's a problem, I have yet to find a statue, that represents my Lady.
Because She is not the kind of deity that has been tagged already.

But in general I would agree with what Waldhexe said.
Clear lines, not cluttered and when modern, please not born out of some fantasy/current fab/game/manga style.

I think modern depiction could be an interesting challenge for artists.

[SkySamuelle]

For me I don't think there's just one ideal image of a deity, but I go for these criteria:

- the character of the deity should be expressed well

- the picture should be specific enough by depiction of its attributes so the deity is recognizable (within some attribute overlap of related deities)

- it's good when one or two of the deity's attributes are depicted, but not so many that the image looks overcrowded and artificial - they deity should look natural while displaying, holding or standing next to its attributes

- I like modern interpretations as much as images oriented on historic depictions, but it shouldn't look like something out of a fantasy comic or manga

This is a very good analisis for me too. When I look for an altar piece, I look not necessarily for traditional representation, but for a representation that hits the right notes to make me to feel connected with that deity. Pivotal part of it tends to be the presence of attibutes of said deity and the expression of the statue/portrait.

Exemple: I have Jessica Galbreth figurines for The Morrigan and Hekate on my altar: Hekate is modernly depicted like a young woman in goth attire carrying two torches and erbs on her belt whereas The Morrigan appears in medival gown between a tombstone and raven and has raven feathers in her hair.

Now, I realize those figurines might not 'make it' for everyone, but they work for me because in my meditations with Her Hekate used to appear occasionally in a somewhat similiar attire and TM is linked to few of Her attributes.

I also like that they suggest a modern revisitation, without going too far out of theme.

The same artist has done figurines for Brighid, Cerridwen and Arianrod - of those, Brighid one is another I would find appropriate, whereas Cerridwen's one I find off the target because it just doesn't links me to who I amagine that goddess to be.

You can eye them here, if you want a term of paragon:

http://www.therealm.ca/enchanted-art-goddess-series-3/
http://www.fairykins-collectibles.co...3Fcategory%3D5
http://www.fairykins-collectibles.co...3Fcategory%3D5

More 'traditional' versions I would have loved a chance at were, for the same deities:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3145440...2202_250815501

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0...=1263239069000

And for Aphrodite, I always loved both this one: http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3145440...2202_248445803

and the Botticelli-inspired reproduction you find around so often. Because they counter both the eroticism in Aphrodite character with a certain 'softness'.


Similiarly, in looking up Apollo's statues, I found one that is a reproduction of the Belvedere's Apollo but it doesn't work for me because it lacks any attributes of the god that would make me to think of anything but a perfectly handsome fellow.

Yet I would assume that for someone else, that statue might be the perfect fit.

What I am trying to say is that often the 'suitability' of an altar statue can be personal as it would depend on how much it makes the individual to feel closer to the goddess/god in question. Sometimes it can be a matter of just 'feeling' the piece.

[Waldhexe]

This is my favorite of Bast: http://s.ecrater.com/stores/2282/42f...bb47_2282n.jpg. I have one just like it, except it's gold-colored.

I like this black-gold colored series of Kemetic deities, I have those:

http://www.sarreenahsforest.com/Anub...rm%20SA393.gif

http://www.goddessgift.net/images/Is...ni-TL-1182.jpg

(Both of them were cheap chance purchases, but I really like them, especially the Anpu one. - I'm not so much of a worshipper of Aset, that I really need a statue.)

[Aisling]

I like this black-gold colored series of Kemetic deities, I have those:

http://www.sarreenahsforest.com/Anub...rm%20SA393.gif

http://www.goddessgift.net/images/Is...ni-TL-1182.jpg

(Both of them were cheap chance purchases, but I really like them, especially the Anpu one. - I'm not so much of a worshipper of Aset, that I really need a statue.)

I've had that particular rendition of Aset/Isis on my altar for several years. It's the only statue of Her that's held any appeal to me at all.

[Lokabrenna]

The discussion of Offensive Deity Statues begs an opposing question: What images of deity do you find to be ideal or particularly well done? What makes them so?

I agree with everything Waldhexe said, that said, I still have trouble deciding between these two Freyja statues:

http://www.goddessgift.net/images/Go...Freya%20HP.jpg

http://www.goddessgift.net/images/Go...0on%20Boar.jpg

I kind of like the second one because I get a kick out of the visual pun (the boar is Hildisvini, who is also her lover Ottar, whom she is riding...the sexual connotations are not lost on anyone), but the first one's nice too.

I've already posted my favourite Aphrodite image, so here's my favourite Dionysus image (I'm such a Dionysus fangirl): http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zhHIWZ_jI3...0/Dionysus.jpg Although, I think he could think of a better use for all that wine! There's something about this statue that seems very sensual.