The norse goddess Rán in a modern style on canvas

The Norse goddess Rán is the goddess of the sea and is often described as a mysterious and unpredictable figure - yet she stands not only for the wild and devouring nature of the sea, but also for its infinite depth and the hidden possibilities that lie within it. In my painting Goddess Rán and the octopus I have emphasized precisely this aspect: instead of being gloomy and threatening, Rán appears here in an open, friendly light.

The octopus, her spirit animal, embodies intelligence, adaptability and the ability to reinvent oneself from any situation. It shows that the depths of the ocean - and of life - are full of possibilities.

The picture is part of my series Mythologyin which I paint figures from ancient legends and myths in a modern setting. I do this deliberately because I want to remind you that there are superpowers in all of us and that the heroes, gods etc. are only a symbol of this. The old legends still live on - even in you! But we can interpret them in a modern way.

Modern neon colors run through my painting and break with the traditional ideas of Rán. It is not about fear of the unknown, but about connecting with the flow of life, embracing change and recognizing what forces are waiting for you in the depths.

This painting is done on many layers with collage, acrylics and oils.

You can see the development process here: