White Deer Graphic Novel

White Deer is an important piece of art in my Goddess cyanotype series. White Deer is associated with myths and lore from around the world and I wanted to bring this timeless story into the world of popular art culture.

I have written a poem that reflects life's transitions especially from childhood to adult and the White Deer's symbolic Rite of Passage. It's classical poetry with a hint of children's book prose and is becoming a very limited edition graphic novel! I intend to have the project finished in 2024.

These beautiful graphic novels will accompany the purchase of a White Deer artwork of which there are limited versions. 

Here is an excerpt from the poem, with a sketched panel from the graphic novel above.

White Deer by Greg Spalenka

In the depths of nature's core

A truth awaits, forevermore

That life's enchantment never ends

We evolve, transform, transcend


Childhood Dream


I awoke, yet still was dreaming,

Lucid but my eyes were sleeping

I see the pond, an ancient mirror

Revealing a ghostly White Deer


This rite of passage – girl to crone

Ancient wisdom, we learned to own

When this looming fate pressed near

Uncertain, this maiden fled her fears


With the blush of dawn life bloomed

Illuminating all the darkened rooms

While mushrooms rose in sodden nooks

and berries bounced by babbling brooks


Morning beckoned heartily

Paths of sun lead nature’s bounty

Fauna played, birds alighted

World’s of dark and light collided


Innocence is a mystic trance

In light of day, where shadows dance

The solar rays weave and wind

Through verdant woods of fable


Yet, to step beyond the realm of fear

and let the forest draw me near

I requested a tale untold

Of love and courage, brave and bold