After the War, Eowyn had a Child – graphite on paper – 2026

Near the beginning of this year I saw an open call for a gallery show of fantasy art. I wouldn’t consider much, if any, of my art to fall inside that genre, but the suggested topics included Lord of the Rings, and that made me immediately think of my namesake: Eowyn, princess of Rohan, shield maiden and destroyer of the Witch King. I have often wondered if after the war she decided to have a child. The books tell us that she fell in love with Faramir, despite both of their considerable losses and grief. While I struggled with the fear of the present and the future while I carried my child through the tumultuous months, then years, of the pandemic, I often drew on the strength of my namesake. I think that after the war she would have chosen to have a child if she could. And I think she may have been afraid, too, but also hopeful for the future. Because what greater act of hope and bravery is there than to carry the next generation into the world and care for them as best as we can?

This drawing is of me, Eowyn, and my child. And perhaps it can also be my namesake and her child, too—holding tight, protecting, lifting up, clinging.

I’m pleased to say that my piece did get chosen for the group show at the Compass Gallery in Provo Utah, which should open in June.