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August 6th, 2009
08:24 pm - Sword Stand
Being something of an amateur medieval historian as well as an artist and poet inspired by things medieval, I like to surround myself with bits and pieces of hands-on history. I like to collect medieval-style art, such as gargoyle and knightly statuary. I also collect replica medieval swords. I don't have any high-end reproductions, but I try to posses passable examples of the lower end of "functional swords" (although my swords aren't really sharp). A few of my earlier acquisitions are so-so at best in terms of handling , but some of my later ones are actually decently balanced.
For years, I've been mounting my swords on the wall, using large mug hooks. This made sure the swords were safely out of reach of pets and my daughter (when she was little), but it had it's problems. The hooks could come loose, and rearranging the swords wasn't really an option. I've been hoping to find a better solution. Now I have.
Not wanting to put an undue amount of holes in the walls of our new rental home, I searched for some sort of stand to mount my swords, and actually found one that looked as if it would do the job. By the Sword, Inc. sells a multiple sword display stand by Gladius, maker of decorative swords. After doing a little research, I found it works pretty well for "functional" swords, too! So, when my mother-in-law asked what I wanted for my birthday present (I have a mid-August birthday), I knew just what to ask for.
The stand came last week. I managed to get my swords cleaned-up and mounted a couple of days after the stand arrived. And my daughter managed to get a decent shot of it today.
My wife, daughter, and I all agree - it looks like a museum display. And it is a more reasonable way to display my swords than hanging them on hooks on the wall.
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February 7th, 2009
06:11 pm - Processional Sword
 © 2009 Richard H. Fay
This particular sword may look rather fanciful, but it's not a fantasy weapon. My illustration is a fairly close depiction of the two-handed processional sword of the State Guard of Duke Julius of Brunswick and Lunesburg. It may not be a functional weapon, since processional swords were usually intended for show, but it is historical. And I think it's a pretty cool design.
I hope Crystalwizard doesn't mind at least one sword amongst the various clips. I just couldn't resist the urge to draw something long, sharp, and pointy.
Current Mood: artistic
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December 30th, 2008
04:13 pm - Sword Art
It seems as if I've been very bad about posting actual examples of my art. I may post announcements about my art publications, but rarely do I post my actual artistic creations. Well, I figured that would finally change right here, right now.
The following illustrations originally appeared in Issue 11 of the print sword and sorcery magazine Flashing Swords, alongside Bill Ward's Viking sword article. I created a coloured version of the Viking era sword hilts illustration for use on my web site.
Years ago, when I worked in a health lab, I used to spend my off-time drawing swords and other medieval weapons. I'm glad I finally got to do it for publication. And I was very happy with the results. Yes, swords can be works of art, and I think my drawings capture that nicely.
 Roman Spatha
 Viking Sword
 Some Viking Era Sword Hilts
 Pattern Welding
 Norman Sword
© 2008 Richard H. Fay
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/classic/smile.gif) amused
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August 3rd, 2008
12:39 am - Sword Illustrations in Flashing Swords 11
And now, an illustration brag...
A series of my sword illustrations accompany Bill Ward's article "Serpents of Steel: The Swords of the Viking Age Arsenal" in Issue 11 of Flashing Swords. The magazine is available for purchase here:
http://www.lulu.com/content/2732155
These particular illustrations mark a move toward the technical, as opposed to my previous Flashing Swords illustrations depicting warriors in action and figures from folklore. However, I tried to capture the art inherent in the design of historic swords. I think I did an especially fine job capturing the look of pattern-welded blades in the pattern-welding illustration, if I do say so myself.
Current Mood: cool
Current Music: Notorious by Duran Duran
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