Gruvfrun | The Lady of the Mine

According to Nordic folklore, mines are inhabited by underground creatures, one of them being the Lady of the mine. Depending on where the mine is located and what history it has, these creatures have different origins and characters, but it is always wise to stay away from them. It is also always a good idea not to annoy them because if you do, terrible accidents can happen. Sometimes the Lady of the Mine is described as a supernatural being that has always existed in the mountain, but sometimes she is said to be the ghost of a woman who was murdered in the darkness of the mine. If she agrees to your presence in the mine lady, she may show you treasures or warn you of danger, but if you annoy her, there's a good chance you'll never see the light of day again.

I made this drawing in 2017 for an exhibition when Zinkgruvan Mining celebrated 160 years. Although folklore is something that many laugh at today, anyone who works underground knows very well the stories of the Lady of the Mine and all the other creatures that are said to live in the depths. In the pitch darkness, they feel very real. None of the staff in the mining company dared to look at this drawing for long.

Image size: 30x40cm

Technique: original drawing made with colored chalk on 220 grams art paper with a mild texture. Sold as a loose sheet.