Tag: mermaids

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Swell Obsessed Swimwear (SOS)

Swell Obsessed Swimwear (SOS) is a unique swimwear line that offers an array of styles and colors that are anything but basic. SOS is best known for their seamless and versatile designs, that are made in the USA.

These swimsuits are comfortable, yet sexy.

SOS was designed for every woman who feels a calling to the sea and a love for adventure.

Swell Obsessed Swimwear Ad campaign

To understand Swell Obsessed Swimwear more, I asked it’s designer and owner Maria a few questions about her line of unique, versatile, and sustainable swimsuits.

What inspired you to create SOS?

The very first aha moment was in Costa Rica on a surf trip- realizing I had quite specific taste for small details subtleties in other suits and being suggested I should just make my own ones.

No brainer- I had studied design and had worked in fashion for years before that “aha”
Moment. (I had the tools in my belt to start experimenting/trying things out)

How would you describe SOS?

A whimsical, premium swimwear brand based on simplicity, versatility, and sustainability.

Swell Obsessed Swimwear

What’s it’s connection in design or concept with mermaids?

1. The brand aesthetic- Caribbean life growing in PR with many historical influences of colonization and legends of sirens/pirates. I’m fascinated with the idea of balancing Male/Female. To me make is represented by the concept of a Pirate/surfer/waterman. And female is respresented by Mermaids/Sirens/Fairies.

Overall I love History and Fairytales. I’m also a space cadet and daydreamer so when I’d surf I’d just get mesmerized staring at swells come in- that’s how the name came- my friends would say I’m “Swell Obsessed”

I’d do super long road trips all around California and PR just chasing the swell..

2. The daydreamer in me- lost in time, time travel, escapist, believing in things I’ve never seen

3. The Siren- Ultimate symbol of femininity goes in hand with my design aesthetic. I’ve been told my designs are very “pretty, feminine, and clean” this matches my interpretation of the mainstream depiction of a “mermaid/siren”

4. The power of narrative, dynamics on voice losing it etc, righting some wrongs her story etc. There’s quite a lot of fluff and negative connotations (in my opinion) about what a mermaid is and what she symbolizes /represents. Legends say the siren song would bring forth storms, death for sailors. The siren song could capture the hearts of those who hear it and swallow you into the sea. The story of the little mermaid- well, she has to give up her voice to fulfill her wishes.
I started Siren Voices to help redefine/reposition the concept of voice with Sirens to connect it with a more empowering, uplifting, and overall positive tone.

Check out Siren Voices series on SOS IGTV#sirenofsos

5. My lifestyle growing up raised the water baby of the family. Water sports, (scuba, sailing, sup, swim team, surfing)

cancer is my astrological sign- I’ve always been the water baby in my family

The letters in my name: Mariamer (Maria Mercedes)

Mar: ocean in Spanish
Mer: ocean in french
Mer: beginning of mermaid, etc…

 

 

 

To check out Swell Obsessed Swimwear’s amazing line of swimsuits, check out their website!

https://swellobsessed.com 

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Review: The Cape Cali Gallery Tails

The Lindsay Rapp Mermaid GalleryTail by Cape Cali

Cape Cali is a Southern California based company that specializes in a 4-way stretch scuba knit fabric that is soft like butter and feels great on the skin. Every tail by Cape Cali doesn’t have a casing, which makes the swim tails, lightweight and durable.

Cape Cali’s GalleryTail is their luxury swim tails that were inspired by art and fantasy. The GalleryTail was designed to fit the Mahina MerFin as well as the Linden monofin.

Hannah Mermaid Golden Wave GalleryTail by Cape Cali

And the best part, is that the GalleryTail is easy to clean and maintain. Hand wash, lay flat or hang to dry (just like you would for your swimsuits).

What is even more impressive about Cape Cali is that their swimtail’s, have the highest ratings by scuba divers and oceanographers for safety and durability. 

Mermaid Elle Miami GalleryTail by Cape Cali

When I used the Cape Cali GalleryTail, I was impressed with the elasticity of the waist (which made it easy to put on and off) and the invisible zipper at the fluke of the tail.

The vibrancy and exquisite detail of each GalleryTail is incredible in person.

The entire time I wore the GalleryTail, I was comfortable and was living my childhood mermaid dreams. Flipping my tail and embracing my inner mermaid.

What is even more astonishing, is that Every tail is made to order in the USA and takes about4 weeks for production. Which is faster then other tail makers such as FinFolk and MerTailor, which take longer then 2 months.

And don’t forget, when using GalleryTail,  never swim alone.

 

 

 

 

 

You can purchase your own GalleryTail by Cape Cali here:

Mermaid and Merman GalleryTails by Cape Cali

 

 

 

Categories
Disney's The Little Mermaid Hans Christian Andersen Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Who is Hans Christian Andersen?

1836 Portrait of Hans Christian Andersen by Christian Albrecht Jensen (H.C. Andersen Museum, Odense, Denmark)

Hans Christian Andersen captured the world’s attention, with his fairy tale of The Little Mermaid in 1837.

But who is Hans Christian Andersen?

Hans was born on April 2nd, 1805 in Odense, Denmark and was the only child. At an early age, Hans father exposed to literature as a child, most notably Arabian Nights. Which had a lifelong impact on him, considering Hans father had an elementary school education, while his mother was illiterate washerwoman.

His father passed away in 1816, when he was 11 years old. His mother, remarried in 1818 and sent Hans to the local elementary school, so he could receive a basic education and have a career.

Before he became an author, he was an weaver’s apprentice, and even became a tailor.

Portrait of Hans Christian Andersen (1869)

When Hans was fourteen years old, he moved to Copenhagen to become an actor. He was enrolled in the Royal Danish Theatre as a soprano, but had to stop, because his voice changed. A colleague at the theatre had advised Hans to become a poet. Hans took this advice seriously and started to write.

A director at the Royal Danish Theatre had sent Hans to a grammar school in Slagelse, and had persuaded King Frederick VI, to fund part of Hans education.

In 1822, Hans had published his first story titled The Ghost at Palnatoke’s Grave. 

In 1829, he would publish his first successful short story, A Journey on Foot from Holmen’s Canal to the East Point of Amager. From there, Hans Christian Andersen, began to write for the local theatre and wrote, Love on St. Nicholas Church Tower. 

Hans later went on to receive a small travel grant from the King in 1833. This allowed Hans to travel through Europe and meet some very prosperous and influential people of his day.

Illustration by Christian Birmingham for The Little Mermaid

Between 1835-1837, Hans Christian Andersen had written his collection of fairy tales, titled Fairy Tales told for Children, that were published in three installments. The first installment that was released in May 1835 contained these stories: The Tinderbox, The Princess and the Pea, Little Claus and Big Claus, and Little Ida’s Flowers. Ida Thiele, was who Hans had created these stories for, she was the daughter of an early benefactor. Her father, folklorist Just Mathias Thiele, had paid Andersen thirty rixdollars for the manuscript, and the booklet was priced at twenty-three shillings.

His second installment, that was released in December 1835, contained the following fairy tales: Thumbelina, The Traveling Companion, and  The Naughty Boy. Thumbelina was based off the story of Tom Thumb about miniature people.

The third and final booklet, which was released on April 7th, 1837, contained The Little Mermaid and The Emperor’s New Clothes. It would be The Little Mermaid that would propel Hans to stardom, cementing his career as a writer.

Illustration by Christian Birmingham for The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid was written for his homosexual lover, Edvard Collin, who was the son of his benefactor and official guardian Jonas Collin. Hans was known to flirt with both males and females, and was known to fall in love quickly. He and Edvard had formed a fast friendship and Hans was smitten.

Unfortunately, Edvard didn’t feel the same romantic sentiments as Hans. When Edvard announced he was marrying a woman, Hans was devastated and felt utterly betrayed. So, he poured his heart into his work and wrote The Little Mermaid as a love letter for unrequited love for Edvard.

It is also known, that Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid was loosely based and inspired by De la Motte Fouqué‘s novella Undine that was released in 1811. Undine and The Little Mermaid have very similar themes. Most notably,  a mermaid who must marry a human prince (knight) to retain a human soul.

The Little Mermaid wouldn’t be the only story, that Hans would write for an unrequited love. In 1843, he wrote The Nightingale for Jenny Lind, a famous singer, who was nicknamed ‘Swedish Nightingale’ to express his love for her.

In 1849, Thomas Vilhelm Pedersen was the first illustrator to illustrate Hans Christian Andersen’s legendary fairy tales

In 1845, his folklores and fairy tales, were translated in English and his audience grew worldwide.

An interesting fact about Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, is that they were originally published without any illustrations.  That is until 1849, when Thomas Vilhelm Pedersen, a Danish artist became the first artist to illustrate the fairy tales.

In 1872, Hans Christian Andersen, would pass away, a lifelong bachelor, who yearned for nothing more in life than to be love and to be loved in return. In his lifetime, he had written over 100 children’s stories.

Over a century has passed, since the death of Hans Christian Andersen, and his life and his beloved fairy tales are immortalized in our culture. His classic children’s fairy tales have been adapted to films, ballets, operas, tv series, songs, etc.

His stories have withstood the test of time and will for centuries to come. We shall always remember the man who captured our hearts with The Little Mermaid.

“But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more.” – Hans Christian Andersen

Categories
Disney's The Little Mermaid Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Fernl2606

Digital Illustration by Fernl2606 of a comfy Prince Eric, Ariel, and Max

Fernl2606 is a very popular digital artist on Instagram, whose is best known for his digital illustrations of all things Disney. Most notably, The Little Mermaid.

His passion for Disney, mermaids, and digital art is prevalent in his work.

Fernl2606 describes himself as an amateur artist, but you would never know it, by looking at his work. His work is the epitome of professional and captures your heart and imagination instantaneously.

Digital Illustration of Ariel rescuing Prince Eric by Fernl2606

Fernl2606 use of color, contrast, saturation, and lighting brings his drawings to life. What is most impressive about his work, is without a doubt, his details. Fernl2606 use of details is exquisite, making sure that no detail is too small.

Neverland Mermaids digital illustration by Fernl2606

I highly recommend, that if you aren’t following Fernl2606 on Instagram or Facebook, that you should.

You won’t shell-regretic!

 

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Feast of Li Ban Muirgen, The Irish Mermaid Saint

Saint Li Ban Muirgen of Ireland

January 27th is the feast day of Saint Li Ban Muirgen of Ireland. She is a lesser-known mermaid Saint of Ireland and her story is miraculous and mystifying.

Saint Li Ban Muirgen’s story dates back to the 6th century and passed down generation to generation with the oral tradition of scéalaíocht or storytelling. It was also was preserved in the medieval manuscript of Annals of the Four Masters, which isa compilation of medieval Irish legends written by Irish monks in the 17th century.

So, who was this mermaid Saint?

Our story begins in the year 558. Li Ban (meaning beautiful woman in old Irish) was the daughter of Eochaidh, King of Ulster.  When her father’s kingdom flooded, drowning all its inhabitants except for Li Ban and her dog, forming the Lough Neagh Lake.

Li Ban spent the next year, living under the lough with her dog. She would pray to the goddess Danu, asking to be turned into a salmon, so she could swim with the fish for company. Danu, did grant Li Ban’s wish, but only half of it. Li Ban’s dog became an otter and she was transformed into a mermaid.

Li Ban swam out of the lough and out into the sea. She lived in an underwater cave and like most mermaids, had the most beautiful singing voice. Li Ban drifted for three-hundred years, fulfilling a prophecy:

Liban will swim eastwards, westwards, hither, thither, over each sea.

300 years had passed, when Comgall had founded the monastery  in Bangor, that is known as the Bangor Mor. The Bangor Mor was revered throughout all of Ireland and became a place, where many young men came to study.

One day, Comgall sent Beoan and the monks to Rome with a message for Pope Gregory. While they were out at sea, Beoan caught Li Ban in his fishing net and she promised to return to them in a year.

A year had passed, Li Ban came ashore as promised, and Comgall baptized her with the name Muirgen. Li Ban passed away not long after her baptism. Comgall had promised Li Ban a heavenly reward and she became known as the Mermaid Saint.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Saint Li Ban Muirgen’s story is that there are remnants of it today. If you journey to Bangor, there is an abbey that remembers Comgall and the mermaid with a quilt, hanging on the transept wall, depicting the story of the mermaid.

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Yasu Matsuoka

Serenity by Yasu Matsuoka

Yasu Matsuoka is a self-taught Japanese artist, who creates beautiful mermaid and mythology-themed art. He creates art for a variety of spaces varying from private collectors to art galleries to interior design installations.

Honored by Yasu Matsuoka

Yasu Matsuoka’s digital illustrations are so unique, because they tell a story of his own imagination. His passion for fantasy worlds, mermaids, and stories is apparent in his work.

You’re instantly drawn to the world he’s created with its vivid colors and exquisite details. The juxtaposition of his pieces are reminiscent of classical paintings.

Mermaid Transformation by Yasu Matsuoka

Yasu Matsouka also known as Yasu Art Studio on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter has gained a large following for his awe-inspiring fantasy art.

I highly recommend that you follow him. You won’t shell-gretic it!

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

The Sultry Starbucks Siren

Starbucks is the largest coffee chain in the world, and it’s synonymous for it’s addicting coffee and siren logo.

It’s not a coincidence that since Starbucks was founded in a port city, that it’s logo and name would be inspired by the sea.

Starbucks got it’s name from Starbuck, a character in Herman Melville Moby Dick. The company’s founders added the “s” at the end, so the name could be more conversational and easier to remember.

The medieval mermaid that inspired the original Starbucks Siren logo design

Starbucks sultry, bare breasted, two-tailed logo was risqué when it opened it’s doors in Seattle, Washington in 1971. It’s founder’s found a Nordic 15th century woodcut of a bare breasted, twin-tailed siren and they thought she was perfect! The mermaid exemplified the seductive and alluring nature of the sea.

It has also been speculated that Starbucks Siren could’ve also been inspired by a very famous medieval two-tailed mermaid…Melusine.

The medieval siren, holding up her twin-tails revealing her genitalia signifies the power of femininity and fertility.

As the years progressed, the Starbucks logo became less risqué and more refined. Overtime, the designers decided to cover the siren’s bare breasts with her long, luscious hair, another notable feature of a siren. Sirens were known to comb their luscious locks of hair to lure sailors to their untimely death.

 

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

The Mermaid of Zennor

St. Senara Church in Zennor

A popular Cornish folklore is the Mermaid of Zennor. The mermaid is beautiful, but there is one detail about this legend that is distinct from other mermaid legends. The human is the one with the enthralling singing voice, not the mermaid. 

The small town of Zennor in St. Ives, is known for two things: The Mermaid of Zennor and the Mermaid chair (located inside St. Senara’s Church). 

The legend is about a beautiful, young woman, dressed in fine clothes, who attended mass occasionally at St. Senara’s Church, located in the small coastal village of Zennor. The mermaid named Morveren never aged, which baffled the parishioners, who had seen her attend mass for years, and would watch her from Tregarthen Hill. Morveren was the daughter of the sea king Llyr and resided in Pendour Cove, which wasn’t that far from St. Senara’s Church.

After many years, Morveren became smitten with Matthew Trewella, who was “the best singer in the parish”. Matthew was known for having the most beautiful singing voice and was incredibly handsome. She was so infatuated with him, that she only attended mass to see him sing.

The Mermaid of Zennor, by John Reinhard Weguelin (1900)

Matthew, eventually figured out that the beautiful woman, was a mermaid disguised as a human. It didn’t take long for Matthew and Morveren to fall in the love. Yet, one thing ached Morveren. She desperately wanted to tell Matthew, that she was a mermaid, since she couldn’t be with him on land, knowng that she had to return to the sea.

When Morveren told Matthew that she had to leave, he told her that he couldn’t live without her in his life. So, Matthew followed Morveren to Pendour Cove, where she jumped into the water and he did the same. It is said, that they lived happily in the sea.

Locals wondered what had happened to the happy couple, since they had simply disappeared.

Years later, when a mermaid appeared to sailors, asking for the anchor to be raised, since she couldn’t reach her children. The sailors kindly obliged and raised the anchor for her. It’s speculated that the mermaid they had seen was none other than Morveren, the mermaid who had lured Matthew to live with her in the sea.

Pendour Cove locals say on calm nights, Matthew’s sweet voice can be heard over the waves. That if his voice is high, the waters will be calm, but if it his voice is low, it will be rough waters. Even in the ocean’s depths, Matthew still sings his love and devotion to the Mermaid of Zennor, Morveren.

The Mermaid Chair and Alter at St. Senara’s Church in Zennor

But our story, doesn’t end there.

Inside, St. Senara’s Church at Zennor, there is a 15th century, medieval seat carved with a mermaid. The Mermaid Chair as it’s called, depicts a mermaid holding a mirror and comb. It is said, that the mermaid in the carving is the Mermaid of Zennor and that this was the very seat, that she would listen to Matthew sing at the parish.

 

 

Categories
Pop Culture

Briar Rose Winery

Briar Rose Winery is located in the picturesque  Temecula, California. Temecula Valley is the heart of Southern California  Wine Country, where there are immaculate wineries, that grow and produce Premium World Class Estate Wines. There are over 40 wineries in Temecula Valley, each with their own distinct blends and wine techniques. These wines are not widely distributed, so the only way to taste and savor the wines, is to visit the wineries themselves.

So, you might be asking yourself, what does Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty) have to do with mermaids?

The answer is simple.

Briar Rose Winery was inspired by the classic Disney fairy tales, so it makes sense, that the blog would be invited for a special fairy tale themed wine tasting.

Briar Rose Winery, located in the beautiful wine county of Temecula, California.  Photo taken by Ciska Roos

The entrance to Briar Rose Winery is something out of a fairy tale with it’s fern arches, rose bushes, and adorable cats roaming the grounds. The rose garden is the center of the winery, with a statue of Cinderella in the center and Snow White’s Cottage as the backdrop.

Upon arrival, to the quaint estate, you’re greeted by the cheerful Briar Rose Winery staff,  who are as passionate about their wines, as they are their guests. The staff, lets you choose your table and encourages you to relax, enjoy the scenery, and savor the delicious Premium World Class Estate Wines.

Briar Rose Winery photo taken by Ciska Roos

The centerpieces for each table is either a wine bottle used as a vase or an Eiffel Towel vase. We brought our favorite Lolita Wine Glasses to celebrate the day’s festivities.

You’re given a menu of the three very different and distinct wine tasting offerings: Reds, Whites, and Mixed.

During the wine tasting experience, your server tells you the story behind every wine served from how it’s made and the key notes of the wine. The rain of the season that wine was harvested and so much more.

View of the vineyards from Briar Rose Winery, located in the beautiful wine country of Temecula, California. Photo taken by Ciska Roos

After an hour or so of tasting the delicious wines that Briar Rose Winery has to offer, you’re encouraged to explore the grounds. Briar Rose Winery is filled with wonderful nooks and crannies to take photos, including a large wooden swing near the entrance.

It’s very easy to spend hours at Briar Rose Winery. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you’re experience with them is something straight out of a fairy tale!

So, the next time you’re in Temecula, California, I highly recommend that you check out Briar Rose Winery! You’ll feel like a modern-day princess…or mermaid!

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Aquamarine (2006)

Official Aquamarine Theatrical Poster. The film starred Sara Paxton as Aquamarine, Emma Roberts as Claire, and JoJo as Hailey.

Aquamarine is a fun, light-hearted, warm, romantic, spirited comedy for all ages. Aquamarine is based on the Young Adult best-selling novel written by Alice Hoffman.

The screenplay for Aquamarine was written by  John Quaintance and Jessica Bendinger. The film was was  directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (credited as Elizabeth Allen).

Aquamarine is about two pre-teens girls named Claire (Emma Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) whose friendship is put to the test, when Hailey is making the final preparations for her move to Australia with her marine biologist mother. 

Claire (Emma Roberts), Aquamarine (Sara Paxton), and Hailey (JoJo) in the 20th Century Fox film Aquamarine

They have a slumber party and pray to the sea god that Hailey’s mom will change her mind about the move. Seconds later, a violent storm erupts and the girls think nothing of it. The next morning, the girls go to the beach club pool, where they see the destruction from the storm. Hailey, falls into the pool and sees a mysterious blue hair and silver tail in the water. They decide to explore later that night and astonished to discover a mermaid in the beach club pool.

The mermaid, introduces herself as Aquamarine (Sara Paxton) and she becomes fast friends with Hailey and Claire. Aquamarine conveys to the girls that she must prove to her father that love exists or she’ll be forced to marry a merman that she’s never met.Aquamarine seamlessly transforms into a human girl during the day and can remain that way, as long as she doesn’t get wet. At night, she reverts back to her mermaid form.

When Aquamarine meets Raymond (Jake McDorman), he rejects her advances. Hailey and Claire see how devastated Aquamarine is and makes it their mission for Raymond to fall in love with her. But their plans are thwarted by mean girl Cecilia (Arielle Kebbel), who also has a crush on Raymond and is constantly standing in the girl’s way.

At the street fair, Raymond spends some time with Aquamarine and asks her to go to The Last Splash party with him. Aquamarine is flattered, but leaves abruptly, not giving him an answer because it’s almost sunset and her legs will transform into a tail. Claire and Hailey find a water tower for Aquamarine to spend the night in, excited for Aquamarine’s date with Raymond the following night.

Aquamarine (Sara Paxton) and Raymond (Jake McDorman) in the film Aquamarine

But Cecilia has other plans. She goes to Raymond and tells him, that Aquamarine has a boyfriend in another town and invites Cecilia to the party instead. Hailey and Claire find Raymond and tell him that Cecilia is lying about Aquamarine, so he gets back together with Aquamarine.

Aquamarine and Raymond dance at the party and they become incredibly close. Unfortunately, Aquamarine can’t stay for long, since it’s almost sunset and she’ll transform back into a mermaid. She flees the party, leaving Raymond baffled about her abrupt departures.

Cecilia follows Aquamarine to the water tower and discovers that she’s a mermaid. Cecilia seeks out the press to expose Aquamarine and her secret to the world. Aquamarine, however, is one step ahead of her, the handyman Leonard helps Aquamarine and she grants him a wish.

Aquamarine (Sara Paxton) and Raymond (Jake McDorman) in Aquamarine

Cecilia is humiliated when she takes the press to the water tower and Aquamarine isn’t there. She swears that Aquamarine is a mermaid and will prove it.

The following day, Aquamarine asks Raymond if he loves her. He tells her that he likes her, but he doesn’t her. She’s devastated by his answer, and as luck would have it, Cecilia is nearby. She pushes Aquamarine into the sea and she turns into a mermaid. It doesn’t take long, for Aquamarine’s father to call her home with a great big storm. Hailey and Claire jump into the water, not wanting Aquamarine to leave. They find her on a  buoy, clearly defying her father’s orders to return home. Aquamarine tells Claire and Hailey that she had learned that love exists from their friendship and that she’s learned so much from them. This answer, is enough to prove to Aquamarine’s father, that love in fact exists.

As a form of gratitude, Aquamarine hands Hailey and Claire a starfish, so they could make a wish. Hailey changes her mind about using her wish to not move to Australia, knowing how hard her mother worked to get the new job. So instead, Claire, Hailey, and Aquamarine promise to always visit each other and to love one another forever. Aquamarine swims up to Raymond, in her mermaid form and he asks her when she’ll surface again. She tells him that she has to talk to her father about a few things and then she’ll return to him.

And finally, Aquamarine and Raymond share their happily ever after with a tender kiss.

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Kaysha Siemens: Fine Artist and Illustrator

WaveWatcher painting by Kaysha Siemens

Kaysha Siemens was born and raised in Canada, and currently resides in the state of North Carolina, USA. She is a very talented artist and illustrator, whose main mediums are graphite and oil.

Her style is unique and full of exquisite detail. Kaysha’s figures are flowing and fluid, while her backgrounds are linear and structured. This style gives Kaysha’s art balance and pulls you into her work!

Kaysha’s main source of inspiration is Greek Mythology. Her MNEMOSYNE collection is a compilation of all of her works inspired by the Greek Mythologies. MNEMOSYNE is the Greek Goddess of memory and the Mother of the Greek Muses. The Greek Muses were connected to the arts and to knowledge. 

Kaysha’s art and illustrations showcases an array of monsters, gods, goddess, NEREIDS (mermaids), and TRITONS (mermen).

According to Greek Mythology, the water nymphs were subcategorized into three kinds of species. The OCEANIDS resided in the sea, NEREIDS lived in freshwater and seawater, and the NAIADS lived in springs, lakes, and rivers.

Commissioned Mermaid Illustration by Kaysha Siemens

Kaysha’s mermaids are straight out of a fairy tale. In fact, none of   her mermaids are identical. They’re unique and have their own personality in their own little under the sea havens. Each mermaid is full of elaborate details, such as their hair and intricate tails. Her work is as compelling as a mermaid luring a sailor out at sea, singing her euphoric song!

Kaysha Siemens is definitely an artist to follow and she’s currently open for commissions!

Categories
Myths and Legends Pop Culture

Siren on FreeForm

Eline Powell as Ryn on the FreeForm show Siren

Siren premiered on FreeForm on March 29th, 2018 to rave reviews for showcasing the first polyamorous mermaid romance on the small screen.

Siren tells the story of young mermaid, Ryn (Eline Powell) who is searching for her sister Donna (Sibongile Mlambo) in the coastal town Bristol Cove. Bristol Cove is the mermaid capital of the world for its strong connections to the mythical creature.

Upon Ryn’s arrival, she meets Ben Pownall (Alex Roe) and his girlfriend Maddie Bishop (Fola Evans-Akingbola), who are marine biologists. They find Ryn enthralling and want to help Ryn find her sister.

Ben’s  friends Xander (Ian Verdum) and Calvin (Curtis Lum) tell him about how they had caught a mermaid on their fishing boat and believe that the US Government stole her from them. At first, Ben thinks their talk is gibberish and doesn’t believe their story, yet

It doesn’t take long for Ben to discover that Ryn is a mermaid and seeks the help of town historian and mermaid enthusiast Helen Hawkins (Rena Owen). Helen warns Ben that even though Ryn is very beautiful, she is also very dangerous and her instinct is to kill her prey.

Helen also takes the liberty to tell Ben that his family history in Bristol Cove is connected to mermaids and that it’s not all good. The Pownall family was responsible for a mass genocide of mermaids centuries ago and hints that she, herself, might be related to him. Ben leaves Helen’s with more questions then answers.

Ben and Maddie, soon find themselves falling for Ryn in ways that they had never imagined before.

Siren explores the dark secrets of the Pownall family and how it’s connection to mermaids. The show also pushes the envelope, when it comes to the traditional mermaid mythologies. The mermaids on Siren may look sweet, but they are dangerous, predatory creatures who are much smarter then the average human.

Siren was a compelling show that had 3 very successful seasons. The show officially marked it’s end in Spring 2020.