"I've been around Viking traditions, myths, and stories since I was a child. My family is from the Outer Hebrides, and I grew up in the desolate North of Scotland."
What’s your background?
I’m a 90’s kid from Scotland, one of those early 90’s babies that remembers life before the internet. I spent most of my childhood living across different parts of Scotland, moving from place to place. At 16, I left home and became estranged from my family. Only afterwards, did I find my love for photography and graphic art.
Back then, in the early days, I didn’t believe it could be anything other more a hobby. I certainly didn’t envision myself where I am today. In 2020, I finally managed to save up for a tablet and tried my hand at drawing for the first time in years. Initially, I was frustrated and disheartened. Despite my best efforts, I never could draw what I am most passionate about: people. After weeks, months of trying out a variety of different styles, I discovered line art. I realised that I DID have a skill, I could draw.
Before, I was simply looking for my niche in all the wrong places. It was then that I travelled back to my roots. I dove back into my love of historic folklore and incorporated it into my designs. I decided to stop focusing and drawing people and start drawing FOR people. Ever since, I’ve soared. So, I suppose what you really want to know is: who am I behind the art? I’m someone who would go to war to protect the people I love.
I’m someone who stands up for what’s right, even if I’m standing alone. And I’m someone who puts the darkest parts of my life on the internet. I do this with the hope that my honesty can help someone else through those parts of their life – and realise that they can come out the other side. I’m an artist, a warrior, and a dog mom.
What sparked your interest in Norse and Viking mythology?
I've been around Viking traditions, myths, and stories since I was a child. My family is from the Outer Hebrides, and I grew up in the desolate North of Scotland. Really, I have been spoiled when it comes to ancient cultures. Our stories, myths, and folklore in Scotland, come from Celtic, Pictish and Viking roots. I’m embrace it all, but the Norse way connected with me more than Celtic or Pictish every did. The Vikings, to me, always stood out, because for the most part, their lives are still cloaked in mystery. And yet, their traditions are still etched in our everyday lives. That continues to fascinate me. Why has this ancient culture still got such a hold on us – all the time later?
Where do you go to find inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the strangest of places. I tend to journey within and try to think of some of the crazy life situations I’ve been in - and what advice I could’ve done with at the time. I look at the world and see what bit of kindness is needed. Mostly though, I try and think what someone might need to get through their day. Empathy does play a large role in my artwork.
Which themes do you pursue when creating Rune & Bind Rune art?
By nature, I’m a very eclectic person and that reflects in the themes of my art. One day can be a bind rune dedicated to Baldr, the next day, a Celtic headstone. It varies so much that I can’t pinpoint on single theme. What I do stick to, is something that is authentic and unique. Something that I am proud of and is completely me.
Who are your biggest influences?
My Mum, Anne
My Mum is still a huge influence in my life. She was an artist and died in 1999 after succumbing to a long battle with her mental health. I was 4 when she passed, and despite not knowing her for most of my life, she inspires me to be happy and content with what I have. She influences me to be a better human and to understand that everyone is fighting a battle. All I aim for, is to make her proud.
My friends
I have a very small circle of people that are essentially my adopted family. I could write pages upon pages about how wonderful these humans are and how they have changed my life. These people inspire, encourage, and influence me to be the best version of myself. They listen and love me without question. They push me to be better, to do better and they call me out if I get something wrong. What more could anyone ask for?
Ragga Ragnarsdóttir
She’s most known for playing Gunnhildr in the TV show, Vikings. But she’s much more than just the role. Her attitude towards life, health and happiness is a huge inspiration, plus the wanderlust vibes from her Instagram will make you want to get on a plane to Iceland right now.
Tell us about your favourite pieces of artwork
The most powerful pieces of art I’ve ever seen were in a museum in Belfast. Colin Davidson, the artist, painted some survivors of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Each of his subjects lost a loved one to the troubles and were asked to talk about that person while he painted them. Their faces are ingrained into my memory and serve as a reminder that powerful art rarely comes from a peaceful life.
What motivates you to create?
When someone connects with my artwork and tells me that it’s helped them, that’s what motivates me to create every day. If my artwork can make someone feel a little less alone in this crazy world, then my work on this planet has been done.
Do you ever collaborate with other artists?
I’ve had the privilege of working with some fantastic artists, creators and writers over the last few years. There is a group of ‘core artists’ who I regularly work with. It’s always a beautiful moment, when you see the collaboration come together in a stunning finished piece.
Where can people find your work?
I post every day to Instagram and try and bring something new every time. Doing this every day is a challenge, it forces you to think outside the box to create new, fresh content. and it keeps me on my toes. There’s always much more going on behind the scenes, it's more than just a daily post and my job for the day is done. I’m usually working on a ton of commissions, tattoos and or logos whilst also working on my upcoming membership site - which will be dedicated to helping other artists brand themselves and charge what they’re worth.
There are loads of plates to juggle, but I am blessed enough to wake up every day and do what I love., so it rarely feels like ‘work’.
~Blair McLeod
You can follow
@blair.anne.mcleod on Instagram to stay up to date with her latest creations!
