The Creation of a Mythological Tapestry

This serendipitous exploration inspired the creation of four interconnected books: “Scottish Mythology,” “Celtic Mythology,” “Welsh Mythology,” and “Arthur’s Realm.” Each book is structured into ten chapters, with ten stories per chapter, forming a complex tapestry of mythology. These books invite readers to navigate the mythic landscape through intuition and curiosity, echoing the unpredictability and richness of a paper game’s folds. Rather than presenting a linear journey, each turn of the page offers new vistas and revelations.

Central to this exploration is the Arcana Index, a direct descendant of my methodical list-making and the fluid, exploratory nature of my mythological journey. In this index, characters, enchanted locales, and supernatural entities are cataloged with succinct descriptions, serving as a guide through the intricate folds of narrative and myth. This index, alongside a chapter summary designed to facilitate navigation, ensures that readers can find their way to the stories that resonate most deeply with them, fostering a personal connection to the mythic tapestry.

A Multi-Sensorial Journey

From humble beginnings pushing a broom in my father’s sign shop, I developed a deep love for art and storytelling. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant colors and meticulous craftsmanship of the sign industry, I spent countless hours learning the trade. By the age of 12, I was working full-time summers and mastering the intricate skill of pattern making. These early experiences sparked a lifelong journey of artistic exploration.
As a young man, I moved to Chicago to study art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There, I refined my skills and expanded my artistic vision. My bond with Charlie Goings, the shop artist, became a mentorship, and together we frequented smoky jazz bars, sketching logos and dreaming up new designs long before digital art came into play.
From a young age, I was captivated by myths and legends, especially the castles I first saw in an Encyclopedia Britannica. This fascination with ancient tales and mystical symbols fueled my artistic endeavors.

From Humble Beginnings:

In 1973, my father’s sign company reached a milestone by renovating the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign, marking an important moment in my early career.
Today, I am grateful to be an author and illustrator with four books: “Scottish Mythology,” “Celtic Mythology,” “Welsh Mythology,” and “Arthur’s Realm.” Each book reflects my passion for mythology, featuring 100 short stories and my own emblems. My sketchbooks, “Scottish Myth Sketches,” “Celtic Myth Sketches,” “Welsh Myth Sketches,” and “Arthur’s Realm Sketches,” serve as visual companions, bringing these narratives to life. Through my art, I hope to share the rich tapestry of ancient legends, inviting readers into a world where magic and myth converge.

Portable Creativity: The Perfect Companion

The compact 120mm x 120mm sketchbooks fit neatly into a back pocket, with images on every other page and blank backs to prevent ink bleed-through. Ideal companions for passing time in queues, on journeys, or during flights, these sketchbooks weave words and images into an enchanting, holistic experience. They form a treasure trove for Scottish culture enthusiasts, bridging the gap between ancient myth and modern storytelling through a multi-sensory exploration.

A Journey Through Self-Discovery and Mythological Exploration

My path through self-discovery, catalyzed by my Autism diagnosis, and the enchanted realms of mythology has imbued this work with a depth and texture I could scarcely have imagined. It is my hope that these volumes not only illuminate the ancient myths that have been my lifelong passion but also inspire readers to engage with these stories as one might with the paper game of our youth—eagerly anticipating each revelation, delighting in the discovery of interconnected tales, and finding within them reflections of our own journeys through life.

As you explore these pages, may you experience the wonder of unfolding myths and the joy of discovery. Each story is a fold revealing new wonders, inviting you into the vast, interconnected world of mythology that has so profoundly shaped my own life. These books are more than just a collection of stories—they are an invitation to journey alongside me, to uncover the layers of mythology, and to find within them the reflections of our own lives and experiences.

Engaging with the Mythological Landscape

In each of the four volumes—”Scottish Mythology,” “Celtic Mythology,” “Welsh Mythology,” and “Arthur’s Realm“—you will find a unique approach to storytelling that mirrors the unpredictable and interconnected nature of mythology itself. The Arcana Index and chapter summaries serve as your guide through this intricate landscape, ensuring that you can easily navigate to the stories that resonate most deeply with you.

The Scottish Myth Sketches series adds another dimension to this exploration, blending visual art with narrative to create an immersive experience. Each emblem, a semi-abstract representation of a story, invites you to engage creatively, first by outlining and then by coloring in the details. This process not only fosters a deeper connection to the mythological themes but also encourages a meditative and mindful engagement with the material

A Lifelong Passion for Mythology and Art

My fascination with mythology has been a constant throughout my life, from my earliest days to my studies at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and now, in my home in the Scottish Highlands. This region, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides a perfect backdrop for my exploration of myths and legends. The creation of these books and sketchbooks is a culmination of this lifelong passion, a way to share the wonder and depth of mythology with others.

In 2023, my artistic journey reached new heights with a solo exhibition titled “The Architecture of Time” at the Hawick Museum and an art residency at the Dundee Contemporary Art print department. These experiences further enriched my understanding of time, structure, and the interconnectedness of stories and art, influencing the creation of my mythological works.

Through these works, I aim to provide readers with a unique and enriching experience, one that goes beyond mere storytelling. I hope to inspire a sense of curiosity and wonder, to encourage you to explore the myths and legends that have shaped our world, and to find within them reflections of your own journey.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to join me on this journey through the world of mythology. Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast of myth and legend, or someone new to this rich and fascinating world, these books and sketchbooks offer something for everyone. They are designed to be accessible, engaging, and inspiring, providing a gateway to the ancient stories that have shaped our cultures and our understanding of the world.

Explore the interconnected tales, discover new perspectives, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of mythology. Let the stories and images guide you, each fold revealing new wonders, each page offering new insights. As you journey through these pages, may you find not only the myths of ancient times but also reflections of your own path, your own experiences, and your own place in the world.

Welcome to the world of mythology and self-discovery. Welcome to a journey that intertwines the past with the present, the mythical with the personal, and the stories of ancient times with the stories of our own lives. Welcome to a world where each fold reveals new wonders and each step brings new discoveries. Welcome to the world of Scottish Mythology.

From the 3rd March 2023 to 8th May 2023 Bill Zima presented his solo show at Hawick Museum

‘The Architecture of Time’.

In this exhibition, ‘The Architecture of Time’ Zima is exploring the complexities of memory, identity, myth, and language. By utilizing repetition, mark-making, and his own voice, he enters a dialogue between the physical and the spiritual, creating artwork that is both reflective and engaging.

Mark making often mimics the cycles of life, where thought and repetition has a rhythm and a cadence. In his drawings, and Zima is able to capture the beauty and complexity of linear relationships. The work suggests a metaphysical connection between the tangible and intangible.

He is also interested in exploring the power of symbols and language. By exploring these ideas with the simplest of tools – paper, pencil/pen, line, dot, number, letter, circle, square, his aim is to create artworks that are a meditation on mortality and the passing of time, and to explore the complexities of communication.

Contact Bill Zima