What kind of meaning am I searching for here? When this idea first began to take shape, it came from pure excitement—the awe I felt seeing the carved wooden art of the old Norse longships. Their beautiful, deliberate handiwork meeting the fury of rough seas—a stunning contrast of art and purpose.

Norse culture is rich with tradition and legend. As a people, they shared a collective spirit of adventure and courage. The Oseberg ship, in particular, inspired this piece. Discovered in 1903 within a burial mound at the Oseberg Farm in Norway, it was remarkably well preserved. Alongside the ship were the remains of two elite women and a wealth of grave goods, including five intricately carved animal heads.

One artifact—the Dragon Post—captured my imagination most. Its design would have looked nothing short of extraordinary adorning the bow of a ship. That carving became my direct reference, and with some creative interpretation, I brought it to life on this vessel’s prow. You could call it historical fiction—but perhaps such a ship once existed, now long lost beneath the sea. Many longships will never be found, and countless stories remain hidden beneath time’s surface. That mystery, that sense of the unknown, is what draws me in.

This artwork stands as a reflection of how culture and art continue to ripple through centuries. In my graphite drawings, I strive to honor that legacy—to preserve history through handcraft, traditional mediums, archaeological reference, and visual storytelling.

Carved dragons in Norse tradition were meant to ward off evil spirits and strike fear into the enemy. To me, they also symbolize our own strength against unseen forces—against doubt and fear. The dragon reminds us of the courage it takes to face the unknown sea of life. You can be afraid and still move forward—that is the very essence of courage. Preparation has its place, but you will never fully know what lies ahead. You learn, adapt, and keep your vessel afloat. Through that journey, your character is shaped—and that character becomes your legacy.