IMAGE CREDIT: © Huia Takau

With the overwhelming delight at our 2024 Beltane Poster, we wanted to shine a light on our wonderful Artist in Residence: Hester Aspland!

Hester is an Edinburgh-based artist (working primarily in ink), inspired by nature and wild places. As an illustrator and artist her practice is a journey into themes of storytelling, folklore, nature, environment, history and heritage through multiple mediums. She believes that nature connection is key to encouraging pro-environmental attitudes, and that we can restore our connection with nature through the exploration of storytelling and folklore, which is something that she aims to do through her work.

It’s very clear that Hester’s ethos aligns with that of Beltane Fire Society!

This year’s poster design was inspired by Art Nouveau and ’60s poster design, which Hester blended with her own personal ink etching style. It features the Green Man and May Queen – characters integral to Beltane with a nod to the narrative of this year’s festival. It’s based on Hester’s own experiences at Beltane as well as a representation of what the festival means to her; a celebration and welcoming of the warmth and joy of summer, and a springing forth of life and creativity.

If you want to find more of Hester’s beautiful artwork and designs, you can explore her website here!