Monday, October 27, 2008

THE SHADOW AND THE FLAME

This image is for the first book in a series of four, I think, by talented author, Denise Rossetti, who is exploring afresh direction in the Fantasy genre. It is a hot book, in many ways and well-written, too! I recently was interviewed by her on her blog, http://www.deniserossetti.com/blog/, for the launching of the series by Berkley Books.
Briefly, it's a fantasy world in which certain rare people are inhabited by powers , such as Fire , Breath, Shadow, etc. The Powers are also very involved with the sexual natures of their carriers, though it seems they are incomplete without their opposite power. Denise, forgive me if I mangled this synopsis!
My challenge was to get across this intense sexuality and heat of the fire spirit within our heroine. I worked with a scene where Cenda is beginning to explore her sexual nature with the fire in her tavern room. I wanted to get across the torment she had about her, the longing and also the amazing power of fire that she was just beginning to control. My model for this was Ewa Da Cruz, who once again carried a role way beyond the usual! Photography was by Shirley Green. Inspriration was partly the work of William Blake, whose 18th century paintings transcend time.

Please leave your comments!

9 comments:

Eleni Konstantine said...

As I mentioned on Denise's blog, I love this cover. I could see why she was so thrilled. It's lovely.

James Griffin said...

Thanks Eleni! I have just heard that I'm doing her next cover in the series! Most exciting.

Eleni Konstantine said...

That's great James. I like continuity in covers. Can't wait to see that one.

Mary Connealy said...

James, I'm so in love with all these paintings. You're stunningly talented.
Thanks for being on Seekerville.

James Griffin said...

Thank you Mary, for the wonderful comment! It's a pleasure to hear such things from an accomp;ished author like you!
Good luck with your books.
JG

Mary said...

James,

I read your interview on Janet's Seekerville and absolutely love your covers. Thanks for sharing you marvelous talents.

Blessings,
Mary

Veronica Bennet said...

Hello James, I am the Friederike who wrote long ago. My real name is Veronica and now move from his blog is a habit. Congratulations they are beautiful pictures.

James Griffin said...

Hi Veronica, It's nice to have you visit my blog! Thank you for the nice comment. I will try to put up new posts more often. Best, James

Nicola O. said...

WOW! That's gorgeous. I love how the flames are not quite realistic, but have a little bit of a liquid look.