Kristin Haakenson is the artist behind Hearthstone Fables. I truly gasped when I opened Kristin’s email with these Candlemas images. What a gift!

When I think of Hearthstone Fables, I think of St. Francis of Assisi. In his Canticle of the Sun, he saw all creation as family —  “Brother Sun,” Sister Moon,” Brother Wind…” The legends say that he preached sermons to birds and befriended wolves. In this way, Kristin’s art at Hearthstone Fables seems very Franciscan to me. And, with these beautiful Candlemas gifts, I think we can look to “Sister Swan” and “Brother Fox” as we carry the light in our homes.

In her lovely website, Kristin says:

“In the magical world of Hearthstone Fables, I’ve sought to express my passion for faith, nature, & mythic storytelling through art.  I aim to create simple, quiet narratives that convey a sense of wonderment at the sacred world, with the various flora and fauna of nature weaving enchanting stories together.

I’ve always been enamored with mythic storytelling, both through written narrative and the visual arts.  Humanity so often expresses a sense of displacement…a nagging feeling that we are missing something, that we are separated in some degree from an ineffable source.  I love the way in which myth and folklore can grapple so poetically with these yearnings…symbol and metaphor whisper inklings of Mysteries that remain just beyond our fingertips.  My art gravitates toward myth, fairy tale, & folklore, allowing me to use these rich languages of symbol to express ideas and stories visually.

When I was young, this love of mythic storytelling led me to the vibrant world of Greek mythology, and I eventually found myself earning my undergraduate degree in Classics (Greco-Roman Civilization and Languages), where I delved into ancient, archetypal stories that are so deliciously abundant in symbolism…

I grew up in the sweeping prairies of Montana and have settled in Western Washington – Nature has always been a potent source of inspiration and rejuvenation throughout my life.  In combining the language of myth & symbolism, the myriad wonders of Nature, and my faith, which is rooted in Christianity, I hope to create art that will offer inspiration and comfort.

She also quotes this perfect poem from A. Cunningham, that really encapsulates her work:

“There is a lesson in each flower,
A story, in each stream and bower;
On every herb which you tread, 
Are written words, which rightly read,
Will lead you from earth’s fragrant sod,
to Hope, to Holiness, and God.”

If you haven’t followed her in the past, you will love to explore her art on her site  (I’m sure you will find The Scriptorium of especial interest). Please also subscribe to her Hearthstone Post  and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Kristin’s work reminds me of this prayer from the Prayer Book, which I often remember:

“O Heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty; Open, we beseech thee, our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him by whom all things were made, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

I’m so excited to have these pieces on the candles that our family will use for Candlemas and throughout the year. Thank you so much, Kristin!

You can save the images above or you can download this pdf printable: Hearthstone_Candlemas