In case you missed it, Nimbus Publishing released a new edition of Bluenose Ghosts by Helen Creighton. I had the honour and pleasure of not only designing it cover to cover, but also creating several original pen and ink artworks featured throughout the book.
Helen Creighton was a local legend in the folklore community, having collected over 4000 stories from around Atlantic Canada throughout her lifetime. Her original goal was to collect folk songs and did so, travelling the Atlantic provinces visiting the homes of musicians and poets, or just everyday folks passing down the songs of their forefathers. But like many a Maritimer knows, you can’t sit around a kitchen table without hearing a wild tale or two.
Over time, Creighton became known for folklore as well, and more and more people shared their own eery accounts with her. Hauntings, poltergeists, inexplicable sightings, and more. Helen eventually published a collection of those stories in her book Bluenose Ghosts in 1957, and it has since been reprinted numerous times. Having released the book in two former editions, this is the third by Nimbus Publishing.
The illustrations on the cover and throughout the interior are inspired by the section titles throughout the book. While reading it myself, some stories spooked me, others delighted me, and a few left me unmoved. The fascinating aspect of Creighton’s work was her insistence on telling the stories almost exactly as they were told to her. No pretty prose or creative flourishes, just the simple (or detailed) narratives as told by good coastal folks. She introduces the tales in a few of her own words but then records each one almost verbatim.
For a rural Maritimer, Creighton’s writing approach feels very much like home. I was transported to a tiny kitchen table without any description of it. I could hear the yarning, the whistle of a kettle, taste the tea and cookies.
Creighton was a champion of the Maritime voice. If you’ve followed my work for any amount of time, you know that’s certainly my cup of tea. To make art celebrating that voice was a joy and delight.
Spooky, but Subtle
To say I’m proud of the cover would be an understatement. It lives in prominent display on my bookcase at home. I wanted to capture that nautical eeriness that is so particular to the Atlantic region without being too cliché or obvious. Bluenose Ghosts is riddled with multiple accounts of strange lights–orbs, flames, etc.–so I had a lot of fun creating all the little glowing bits and bobs. Each and every detail is significant, right down to the decorative pattern of not what might at first glance be generic filigree, but fish.
Scratching the Inktober Itch
My approach to the drawings throughout the book was a personal choice. I could have done them digitally, but was itching for some good old gritty pen and ink. Normally I have my yearly Inktober practice, but had to skip it last year because I was too busy with my own book launch. So, I made some originals.
I worked in my usual pen and ink style, line work, dot work, etc. Each piece had its own challenges and highlights, forcing me to go slow and enjoy the process. There were plenty of opportunities to pursue my white whale: depicting fog with pen and ink. My favourite piece, Lighthouse in Fog, took several hours and I can genuinely say I enjoyed the entire process.
The best part? All thirteen pieces be available to purchase in the coming weeks on my social media. I will post each one every few days, and the first to claim it for purchase gets it. If you’ve always wanted to own an original, this might be your chance! Be sure to follow my Instagram or Facebook.
I’ve worked on several of Nimbus’ books this year, and I can easily say that Bluenose Ghosts was one of my most anticipated releases. I’m so proud to display this book in my home and share it with the world. And what a wild thought to share any printed space at all with the lovely legend that is Helen Creighton.
Be sure to grab your copy of Bluenose Ghosts, available through Nimbus Publishing or wherever you buy books. And keep an eye out for its companion edition of Bluenose Magic, coming this Fall!