Boy to North Wind 

Here we see Scott Gustafson’s painting that captures a scene brimming with folkloric resonance, most evident in the figure of the magical goat, a creature whose origins are as old as human storytelling itself. This is a depiction of the classic folk tale "Why the Sea Is Salt." The image is dominated by the goat, from whose mouth gold coins spring forth, a motif that recalls tales of cornucopias and mythical beasts capable of materializing wealth. This symbol bridges ancient pagan beliefs in animal spirits of fertility and later Christian allegories of divine provision. The motif of a wealth-generating animal can be traced through centuries. It appears in ancient Greek myths and reappears in medieval bestiaries, embodying the human desire for abundance and prosperity. But here, the lustful looks of the figures around the goat speak to the dark side of desire, and the perils of greed. Such imagery acts as a vessel for collective memories, embodying cultural anxieties and aspirations that continue to evolve. The enduring nature of the symbol reminds us of the cyclical nature of human experience.