This is the first of three drawings based on a poem called “Ithaka’ (or Ithaca) by C.P.Cavafy, a Greek poet of the early 20th century. Ithaka is based on the homeward journey of Odysseus in Homer’s “Odyssey” but it really is about the journey of life for each of us. In the midst of a turbulent world I just love how positive this poem is and how we need to lift our eyes from all the gloomy news.

This first part is the start of the journey and encourages us not to look for dangers ahead but to keep hopeful and courageous for the future. I’ve quoted some lines of the poem to set the theme; this one says:

“As you set out for Ithaka, Hope that your journey is a long one.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops, wild Poseidon

You won’t encounter them,

as long as you keep your thoughts raised high.”

Laistrygonians are giants, Cyclops are one eyed monsters and Poseidon rules over the stormy seas. I used a sea serpent in the drawing because it suited better but either way, they represent the fears we have that prevent us from moving forward in life.

Subject: Ithaka by C.P.Cavafy, The Journey, Odyssey

Medium: Giclée 12-colour pigment inks that carry a lightfastness of 100 years.

Paper: Archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm - Matt Smooth paper.

Image sizes: A4 (21x30cm), A3 (30x42cm)

Paper sizes: Additional 2.5cm border all round

Limited print numbers: No

Framed: No

Original: No

Certificate of Authentication: Yes

Artist: Graham McKenzie-Smith

DELIVERY TIMES - Due to limitations of storage, any print orders are printed first by a third party. These can take up to two weeks upon which I shall despatch them on a 48 hour Tracked service. Customers shall be updated on estimated delivery timescale.