Emerson Hayes Jermstad

a series of pen and ink illustrations inspired by Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 2023

The Hound Finds St. Roch (an Abandoned Servant), 2023, 11"x14", Acrylic on Panel

The Cowboy Priest (Saint Jose Gabriel de Rosario Brochero), 2023, 10"x8", Acrylic on Panel

Shepherdess (Madonna of the Fields), 2023, 12" x 12", Acrylic on Canvas

A sketch based on a Gibson illustration, graphite on paper, 9"x12"

Self Portrait as Bog Body, 2023, 8" x 10", Acrylic on Panel

Salomé with the head of Jokanaan (The Martyrs), 2023, 8"x10", Acrylic on Panel

Joan (Woman with Emperor Goose), 2023, 7"x7", Acrylic on Canvas Board

Fool's Spring, 2023, 12"x12", Acrylic on Canvas

"The bean-nighe, also known as the Washing Woman or Washer at the Ford, is seen in lonely places beside a stream or pool, washing the blood from the linen and grave-clothes of those who are about to die. Her characteristics vary depending on the locality, and differing traditions ascribe to her the powers of imparting knowledge or the granting of wishes if she is approached with caution. It is said that mnathan-nighe (the plural of bean-nighe) are the spirits of women who died giving birth and are doomed to perform their tasks until the day their lives would have normally ended. It was also believed that this fate could be avoided if all the clothing left by the deceased woman had been washed. Otherwise, she would have to finish this task after death." (via Wikipedia)

Mulberry (Anatolian Shepherd Dog with Coyotes), 2023, 7"x7", Acrylic on Panel

Airedale Terrier with Wood Duck, 2023, Acrylic on Paper, 4.5"x6"