Are You a part of an organised Mari Lwyd group in Wales?
*** I WANT TO DRAW YOUR MARI’S! ***
I'm an illustrator and author working on an exciting new project and I would like you to be a part of it!
* All are Confused by a Horse’s Head?! *
I’m sure many of you have seen Mari Lwyd taking the internet by storm via memes, viral posts and videos. Known to many as ‘that spooky Dead Horse from Wales’, wandering door to door challenging people to ‘rap battles’ in order to steal their food and wine!
But who is she really and what does she represent to the people of Cymru?
As the Mari Lwyd grows in popularity around the world, I am hoping to bring her back to her roots by documenting the Mari's of Cymru today and the groups surrounding her in illustrated form.
* How can I Get Involved? *
If you represent a Mari troupe based in Wales just drop me a DM or head on over to my website (link in bio) and use the ‘contact’ form to reach out. I’ll be in touch with more information and a survey for you to complete!
* But what if I’m not part of an organised group? *
You can absolutely still get involved! I want to showcase your Mari’s too! You can tag me in your Mari photos on social media with @rowynnellis Just make sure to include where you are sharing from!
* Wait? Who are you?! *
My name is Rowynn Ellis, I’m from Gwynedd in North Wales and I’ve been a professional illustrator since 2016.
I specialise in Cymru Folklore and Fantasy Illustration. Working by hand with pencils, inks, watercolour and digital media.
I’m also the author of the book ‘Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts’ and have produced worked for Wizards of the Coast, Harper Collins, Penguin Random House and Astra Publishing.
* I want to follow this project! *
If you’d like to stay up to date on how this project is developing, release dates and more, just head on over to my website and click the link ‘Follow on BackerKit’ to stay updated: WWW.ROWYNNELLIS.COM
* How can I support you? *
If you want to support the project finically you can become a Patron and access exclusive behind the scenes content!
You could also buy me a ‘Kofi’ to help offset time and material costs.
If you can't spare money don't fret! Liking and commenting on my social media posts is an excellent way to get more eyes on the project and beat those pesky social media algorithms!
Thank you so much for reading! I’m excited to share my work with you!
- Rowynn Ellis
