Children of the Mountain God

Peering into the multiverse

2012-01-30T14:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I watched a really cool documentary on the multiverse and M-theory last week, which gave me the idea for this drawing.

I hope that in one of the alternate universes there is an evil version of me with a sinister goatee and a gold sash. Or maybe I've just watched too much Star Trek.

More deer & More Aquaman

2012-01-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

So, in my last post I talked about my love of Aquaman and it sort of inspired me to draw my own version of the hero. I really liked how he looked in the 90's with the beard and the harpoon hand, but I felt having both a trident AND a harpoon hand might be a bit much (too much pointy). Also decided to add a pipe and a crustacean pincer because they are cool and it adds to the barnacle encrusted sea captain vibe I was going for. I was going to add some big boots, but who the hell swims the oceans with boots on? Totally impractical idea.

I got the idea to draw Aquaman with a pipe from the 1928 silent film , The Docks of New York. I had heard good things about the film , but only got to watching it for the first time yesterday. Such a good film! Betty Compson does more with her facial expressions alone than most modern actors can do with sound. I have every intention of watching more of her films in the future.

Wednesday

2012-01-25T17:57:00.000-05:00

Have a couple new drawings here that I did last night and this morning. I'm liking the way these turned out quite a bit. I think I'm finally getting the hang of using this tablet.

Today is also new comic book day and I feel the need to share the awesomeness of the new Aquaman series. I picked up issue #5 today and it didn't fail to disappoint once again. Geoff Johns has basically turned Aquaman into a Prince Namor type character, with a brooding personality and a no nonsense attitude. Since I'm a big Namor fan, this new and improved Aquaman works for me (not that I disliked the character before).

The new series pokes fun at the fact that Aquaman is largely a misunderstood character in the new DC universe. There is a great scene in issue #1 where he walks into a local seafood restaurant for lunch and orders the fish n' chips. The staff start saying things like "are you allowed to eat fish? Don't you talk to fish?" , to which he snaps back "I don't talk to fish!"

Couple a new and improved Arthur Curry with exceptional art and man-eating fish people and you've got one of the best new comic book series out there right now. Highly recommended to anyone who who likes a good super hero romp. Makes me wish I had my own trident.

Lurker

2012-01-24T21:17:00.000-05:00

Been trying some different techniques with the tablet and such. Seeing which brush settings work best.

Elephants and stuff

2012-01-20T17:53:00.003-05:00

More new work.

Tablet adventures

2012-01-19T22:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I decided to treat myself to something pretty. I bought myself a Wacom tablet so I could enhance my digital drawing skills. It has been an interesting experience thus far, as it's nothing like drawing with a pen on paper. I suppose it will just take some practice.

I drew this picture of The Flash for my girlfriend's sister. She's moving out in March and wanted something to hang on her wall.

Monday Monday

2012-01-16T17:09:00.001-05:00

What a dreary day today. No wonder I've been getting some much drawing done.

For this character I opted for more of a pink skin tone. I guess I just wanted to be able to use different accompanying colours that would compliment pink instead of blue this time. I've been reading a lot of Aquaman and Namor comics these past couple days (probably in the hope that they will remind me of warmer climes) and I wanted to do a sort of barnacle/crustacean shell type armour. I think it turned out alright, if not a bit flat in the end. I do like the way the wrist guards turned out though. Plus the eyes are pretty haunting, which is good.

As an afterthought ,I should have given him a harpoon hand ala 90's Aquaman . Harpoons are cool!

Deva

2012-01-15T14:47:00.002-05:00

I've been getting a lot of inspiration from comic books and classical Indian/Tibetan art of late. I'm enjoying drawing these blue deities.

Fun in 3D

2012-01-14T17:12:00.002-05:00

I downloaded a free program called Sculptris the other day. Had some fun fiddling with the program and came up with a couple weird faces.

Energy

2012-01-11T13:22:00.003-05:00

I've been doing a lot of drawing lately, messing around with photoshop and whatnot. I have been trying to decide what techniques I like and which I don't. It has all been trial and error for the most part. Which, I guess is what moving forward artistically is all about.

I'm really happy with how this drawing turned out. I used a picture of myself as the reference photo for the body (muscles were a later addition) and Sinestro as a reference for the face. Has something of a cosmic-superhero come Buddhist deity quality about it...which is, in fact what I was going for. I have a whole host of ideas related to this kicking around in my idea space.

I watched the Batman Rises trailer yesterday and I'm so excited it hurts. Tom Hardy looks like he's going to make an excellent Bane.

colour!!

2012-01-06T23:51:00.004-05:00

Ctrl+Z

2012-01-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

I like drawing in Photoshop because it's so much easier than colouring in the real world. If I'm painting, I find I'm always cleaning my brushes and if I'm working with pencils, I'm always sharpening them. I just have to push ctrl and Z and I can remedy any mistakes I make. It's really nice.

Today is new comic book day and I felt the need to buy the entire Animal Man series (see previous post). Now I'm all caught up, although I couldn't find issue 4, so I'll have to buy that later. I really don't want this title to get cancelled.

Today's haul.

New year and new work

2012-01-01T20:08:00.004-05:00

It is the first day of the new year , so I feel it is only fitting to draw a new picture. This drawing actually turned out exactly how I envisioned in my mind. That doesn't happen too often.

I would also like to add that anyone who isn't reading the new Animal Man comic series is missing out on something magical and wonderful. Not only is the artwork loverly but the story is bizarre, slightly frightening and a bit like a superhero acid trip. I'm sold! Jeff Lemire makes the character of Buddy Baker completely relatable. There is actually a part in the first issue where he asks his wife if any of his costumes are clean before he goes out to fight crime.

The Mancer

2011-12-27T13:06:00.002-05:00

I really like the way this one turned out.

Interstellar Overdrive

2011-12-24T13:10:00.003-05:00

I don't know what it is, but I just can't stop drawing. Maybe it's the holiday season? Or maybe it's all the comic books I've been reading and all the cartoons I've been watching. Regardless of the reason, I've been feeling particularly inspired and I've got a couple more drawings to post.

F.F

2011-12-22T15:39:00.005-05:00

I've finally finished the project I've been working on steady for two days. Behold! My homage to the Fantastic Four. I stole the idea for Reed Richards wearing glasses/goggles from The Ultimate Fantastic Four series, 'cause I thought it was cool. I had a lot of difficulty deciding how I was going to manage doing Johnny's flames. I don't really draw fire very often. I actually don't recall the last time I had to draw fire.

poltergeist-coloured

2011-12-22T03:47:00.000-05:00

A Brave

2011-12-21T21:04:00.004-05:00

So, I awoke this morn to discover that the Hobbit trailer has officially been released. Hoooooooooboooy! I cannot wait. That is a nice thing to wake to , especially when it is already new comic book day. Apparently they are also making a sequel to the first Ghost Rider film. I don't really remember the first movie, but this one looks bad ass.

I picked up the 3rd issue of the new Incredible Hulk series today and it just gets better and better. Not only is the artwork stunning, but the story is most wonderful as well. It is full of Hulky goodness. What is better than the Hulk battling massive gamma monsters? Basically nothing!

2011-12-05T21:51:00.005-05:00

The end of crisp pen lines

2011-12-05T01:01:00.006-05:00

When it comes to my drawings, I've been more into the subject matter than the medium I've been working in lately. It's hard to make things come to life the way I want without using any colour whatsoever. For a lengthy period the simple pen thing was working for me, but for the past while I've found my drawings lacking.

It is time to tell my story and share my world in a different way for a while.

I have also drawn a picture of Galactus as an expression of my love for Marvel Comics. I don't usually draw things from popular culture, but it was a lot of fun. I have been reading my Silver Surfer comics relentlessly lately, so these sorts of images have been kicking around in my subconscious waiting to be thrown onto paper. I may have to do some more of these.

poltergeist

2011-11-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

NEW

2011-11-05T01:29:00.005-04:00

Getting inspired

2011-11-04T22:37:00.000-04:00

So, I've been watching lots of old 50's/60's Sci-Fi films and old episodes of Doctor Who for the past month and I feel like these things have officially slithered their way into my unconscious. It took some effort to get re-inspired but I think I have some solid ideas now for new drawings and artistic projects.

I found this creepy video by Allison Schulnik and I felt the need to share it with the masses. Weird stuff, I especially like the bit with the mushrooms.

Mound by Allison Schulnik from garaco taco on Vimeo

Hiatus Over

2011-11-02T23:44:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day I had put pen to paper in over 2 months and it felt really strange. Not sure why I haven't been drawing much , just haven't felt the need until today. I guess I was due for a break in order to fill my head with some new inspiration.

I drew the two drawings above at the end of Summer but I didn't get to throw them down proper 'til today. Hopefully I will have some new new drawings done in the soon times.

Sketchbook continued

2011-10-26T23:11:00.002-04:00

First post for August

2011-08-22T23:58:00.003-04:00

Faces

2011-07-30T00:12:00.002-04:00

The fun never stops.

More sketchbookery

2011-07-28T01:21:00.003-04:00

I've been doing some serious work in my sketchbook today, collecting up old sketches I have lying around and pasting them inside. I expect some finished drawings will come of this in the soon times.

Sprouting!

2011-07-18T19:31:00.009-04:00

I really like gardening. I realise that sounds like something somebody's grandmother would say, but I really do enjoy it. My first foray into the magical world of gardening was about 4 years back when I planted a seed from a lemon I found in my kitchen. I was on something of a journey to find myself that summer (that was actually the summer when I started drawing again coincidentally) and I felt like planting a tree would be a cool thing to try, if for no other reason than a therapeutic one. After about a month of waiting and some issues regarding rodents burying things in my pot, my tree finally started to grow. It was an excellent feeling and I've cared for that tree ever since. It's actually starting to get bark now, which is awesome.

A few weeks ago I got some Thai food from my favourite restaurant. They always put a lemon slice in with their pad thai so you can control the amount of lemony goodness you squeeze onto your meal. As I was eating my meal I decided it would be a good idea to plant a couple new lemon trees using the seeds from said lemon slice. I'm pretty impressed that my pad thai that night resulted in two trees being planted.

When I got home today I noticed that there were tiny green sprouts. Success!

Canid Defender and Billy Childish

2011-07-14T23:58:00.003-04:00

All of my ebay goodies arrived today and yesterday, which really pleases me. There was a postal strike and subsequent lock down here in Canada and my packages were taken hostage for nearly 2 months before they arrived at my door. Although I'm happy I received my packages, I would have been perfectly OK waiting a few extra weeks so the postal workers could get what they were striking for. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a union if the government will just force you back to work anyway.

I was youtubing it up this afternoon when I found this video of Billy Childish talking about his work and whatnot. I've been a fan of all of his work for a while now and from what I can tell he seems a very genuine chap. Someday I'd like to grow a moustache like his.

Update time

2011-07-06T20:01:00.004-04:00

I know what my drawings need. More treeeeeees!

Maybe I've just been reading up on bonsai a little too much lately.

...and the forest began to sing

2011-06-29T17:07:00.003-04:00

I'm really enjoying this lovely weather. When you live in a city, it can be a little harder to truly appreciate summer to the fullest. I went for a long walk today to take in some sun and ended up sitting on a park bench for ages. I don't really frequent parks too often as they are generally full of screaming kids and unruly dogs, but this one was completely empty, save for yours truly and some squirrels. An all around lovely way to spend an afternoon I must say.

TREES

2011-06-22T17:46:00.010-04:00

Well, not a lot to report since my last post 10 days ago. I finished a couple drawings and I also sat down a couple nights ago and threw together some quick sketches that I'll try and do some more work on shortly.

I've been doing a lot of reading and video watching on the art of bonsai and it seems like it's right up my alley. I'm pretty good with plants and I actually have a lemon tree that I planted from a seed a few years ago. If I was going to try out the bonsai thing, I think I would just buy one that was already grown and work from there. I've known a few people who had bonsai and they all had difficulty keeping them for more than a year or two. I think the secret lies in finding out what sort of environment that tree comes from and trying to replicate it most effectively. I'm still undecided as to whether or not I will actually do it, but it definitely fascinates me.

Mountain song

2011-06-12T02:14:00.003-04:00

Just watched The Taste of Tea and this is my new favourite song.

Amaterasu and ghost poetry

2011-06-10T00:48:00.008-04:00

I discovered 2 things this week.

1) An old bank account of mine that I still had some money in.

2) that Mike Skinner (the streets) released an album around the same time he released his final album, Computers and Blues, called Cyberspace and Reds. It's sort of like a collaborative album with loads of guests on it and whatnot. Not bad.

Both were pretty excellent finds, though the money was definitely the better of the two. I decided to buy some new teas with a small portion of it. Wise spending methinks

One of the guests on Cyberspace and Reds is Ghostpoet, who I hadn't heard of before. He has an excellent laid back style about him. Good lyrics and all that. His style goes well with Mr. Skinner's verbal delivery too. I'm not a massive hip hop fan by any means but I know a good thing when I hear it and Ghostpoet is a good thing.

Satva vows

2011-06-04T12:57:00.004-04:00

Ok, so having an ongoing sketchbook is a good idea for me, I think. I've been carrying it nearly everywhere I go. Before now most of my artistic ideas have been fleeting and seem to escape me as quickly as they come. I found this new colour combination I like. I think you will see more of it in the future times.

Water-Paper-Sketchbook

2011-06-02T18:21:00.009-04:00

I found one of my sketchbooks yesterday at my girlfriend's place. I had no idea I even left one there. I think that's probably my biggest problem when it comes to keeping a journal/sketchbook. I always seem to lose them. I think I am going to hang onto this one and hopefully continue to draw and write in it as much as possible.

On a completely unrelated note, last weekend I went to see Tan Dun's water and paper concerto at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with my sister. I've always liked Tan Dun's work, especially the scores from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. When I heard there would be percussionists playing bits of paper and splashing around in water I was sold. The paper concerto in particular was excellent.

cottages and pu er

2011-05-26T16:57:00.005-04:00

Well, I have returned from my journey now and I'm feeling pretty good. I think I needed a few days away from everything, though I could have done without the black flies.

For once in my life I actually managed to pack everything I needed for my trip. I even went so far as to cook up 4 different meals and throw them into containers. I need to come more prepared than most people because I have a gluten allergy, which makes eating the standard cottage fare a bit difficult. Last time I went on holiday I practically starved because I only packed a loaf of gluten-free bread and a brick of cheese (didn't forget the booze though.)

Those who know me, know I wouldn't go on an overnight trip and not bring my tea. I had some difficulty deciding what tea to bring along for my journey at first. After careful consideration I decided on some loose shou pu-er I really enjoy. Shou pu-er's earthy/woodsy taste reminds me of the outdoors so I figured it would probably be the perfect tea for basking in the glory of the forest. From my experience, ripe pu-ers are typically fairly forgiving when it comes to water quality and temperature as well, so working with cottage camp stoves and such wouldn't cause too many problems. Plus it's great for multiple steeps.

I only managed to get one rough drawing done on the weekend, but I haven't really gotten to redoing it with the lightbox just yet. I did take a picture of the rough drawing today (at the very top of this post), while I was enjoying some tea (as per usual). Hopefully I will get to finishing it up this weekend.

Red cliff

2011-05-20T14:48:00.005-04:00

So, I've been watching the film "Red Cliff" by John Woo and I've got to say it's pretty awesome so far. I haven't finished it yet, but that's only because the two halves of the movie combined put it at about 4 hours in length. I'll be up at my girlfriend's cottage this weekend, so hopefully I can finish the film before I go.

This drawing is based on the legendary bearded warrior Guan Yu, who I've always thought was ultra cool.

Hermitage

2011-05-14T01:13:00.004-04:00

Catfishes

2011-05-06T19:53:00.005-04:00

I don't even know where this drawing came from. I just decided I would really like to draw a catfish, so I did. I really like those whispy tendril things that catfish have. They remind me of Asian dragons or something.

Speaking of fish, I should really bust out my fish tank again. I miss having fish.

Yojimbo

2011-05-06T02:23:00.004-04:00

Found this excellent fan-made trailer for one of my favourite films of all time and I thought I would share. There is no denying the genius of Kurosawa.

Pad Thai and a new drawing.

2011-05-03T22:21:00.007-04:00

I made Pad Thai for dinner tonight and I must say I am quite pleased with myself. There is this little Thai restaurant up the road from me I go to often and I can never seem to make anything even remotely as good as they do. I have been trying to make Pad Thai for ages now but I can never get my hands on the right ingredients (tamarind sauce is notoriously difficult to come by in these parts...same goes for kaffir lime leaves). I had all but given up on the idea of making good Thai food, when I decided to have another go at it this afternoon. I used honey to get the same sweetness that the tamarind gives it and it was a success! I'm going to have to keep playing with the recipe a bit to get the perfect mix.

I was doing some internet surfing today and I came across these awesome Russian playing cards based on Mayan motifs. These are giving me some ideas for future drawings. Officially inspired!

Mist Sentry

2011-05-01T23:31:00.007-04:00

I've had a bit of down time this weekend, so I've been watching some old episodes of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. I like travel shows a lot and I like good food even more, so his show definitely strikes a chord with me. One of the episodes I watched took place in Cambodia, which is a country I didn't really know a lot about, apart from what I had learned from the Dead Kennedy's song. Looking at their temples and statues certainly helped with the creative block I've been struck with for the past month or so.

Huzzah! A New Post!

2011-04-30T23:36:00.007-04:00

I feel like I haven't posted on here in ages. It has only been a few weeks but it feels like a long time.

I haven't really had much time to draw, what with me finishing up school and all. An office environment isn't really conducive to artistic inspiration for me as I get a lot of my inspiration from the outdoors. It doesn't help that I haven't had access to a scanner for about 3 weeks now. Hopefully I will have some more drawing time in the coming week , plus the weather has been getting progressively nicer here. So hopefully I can start doing some outdoorsy type things in the near future times.

I find this rather funny.

Post it drawings

2011-04-11T23:35:00.003-04:00

Working hard in the office.

Breathe

2011-03-31T22:07:00.006-04:00

I haven't had much time to draw this week so I decided to dig up a drawing I was working on before and finish it.

I also found this video of artist Mike Giant drawing and talking about things, which I thought was really cool. I especially like the bit about animals.

Neighbors: Mike Giant (Full Length) from Agency Charlie on Vimeo.

In colour!

2011-03-18T19:43:00.006-04:00

Thought I'd do something a little different with this one. I actually added the colour with photoshop, then printed it, added some detail and then rescanned it. Was actually a lot more work than I anticipated. The reason I usually work in pen and marker is because I'm outrageously lazy.

My choice of colour was inspired a bit by superflat artist Tanaka Tatsuyuki's work.

Licensed to ill

2011-03-14T21:32:00.005-04:00

I have the week off, the sun was shining today and I think I'm coming down with a cold. I didn't get sick at all this winter and now suddenly, when Spring is upon me, I feel under the weather. This makes me sad. I suppose I will be getting a bit more relaxing in this week than I anticipated.

Yesterday, while I was surfing around on the internet, I discovered a couple of excellent indie bands from Beijing. Both have a post-punk/new wave quality about them, which I really like.

Riding to safety

2011-03-13T00:07:00.006-05:00

Since I've had some time off between school placements, I've taken this opportunity to get some drawing done. I assume since I have next off as well there will be more drawings to come.

Also, I would like to add that I sincerely hope all of my blog readers in Japan and their families are safe and sound after all that has gone on in the past couple days.

Kind bear spirit

2011-03-11T01:20:00.009-05:00

I feel like it has been forever since my last post. I've been all caught up in school related activities and haven't had a lot of time for artistic endeavours. I got the idea for this character's necklace from Japanese Shimenawa, which I find really fascinating.

The bear clan

2011-02-04T00:07:00.008-05:00

Seems bears are everywhere I go these days. Not literally mind you, just seem to be on television or on the internet a lot. Watched a documentary this evening about bears and humans and how they co-exist. The documentary was called The Last grizzly of paradise Valley and I found a question and answer thing with director Jeff Turner here.

The great bear

2011-01-31T01:53:00.005-05:00

I will be starting placement next week, so I don't really know if that will mean more drawings or less drawings. I have a feeling it will mean more drawing time as I will be finished earlier in the day and I wont have any essays to write in the evening.

I saw a show today about a man who keeps a massive brown bear as a pet. Now I'm all for oneness with nature and kindness to animals but I think having a cuddle with a kodiak is taking it too far. I mean, I respect the sheer power of an animal like that enough to know that it could potentially provide me with a few new orifices if it wanted. Just sayin'.

They Climb

2011-01-26T02:12:00.009-05:00

I was skimming through some old sketchbooks of mine when I found a drawing I did of a creature perched on a fence. Didn't really like the drawing itself but I did like the concept, so I thought I would rework it for this image. I'm going to have to look back at my old drawings more often.

I've been thinking of drawing some wigwam type dwellings for my world as I think wigwams are very cool and would fit in quite well. If I wasn't so lazy and had a bigger yard I would try my hand at building one. For the record, anyone who attempts to build one of these is my hero.

Perhaps something along these lines.

Perfect Imperfection

2011-01-21T02:11:00.004-05:00

I drew an assortment of leaves this evening. I'm always taken aback by how perfect nature is.

The tracker and tea

2011-01-20T01:50:00.020-05:00

This drawing was supposed to be part of a larger scene of a hunting party but I wasn't happy with the final product. Might add the other characters once I fix them up a bit. I find there is a fine line between these totem masks looking maniacal and looking silly.

I love tea and I love stop motion animation. I also love this video. My weapon of choice happens to be oolong.

Strollingwolf and dog

2011-01-10T13:56:00.005-05:00

When I was drawing this I kind of imagined him as a sort of medicine man/hermit type character. Quite pleased with the way this turned out.

Röyksopp + Mononoke hime

2011-01-09T00:03:00.004-05:00

This is stupendous. I also think the word stupendous should be used more frequently.

Kodama in 2011

2011-01-08T02:28:00.007-05:00

This is my first post of the new year. I had drawn my version of Kodama before but I think this new one is a vast improvement on the first one. Think I might do a short comic with one of these characters. I say that but don't hold me to it as I've never made a comic I've been pleased with.

Speaking of comics, the other day I stumbled upon the website of the artist Jeremyville. One thing that caught my eye was his surreal comics. Although the subject matter in some of them is deep, the panels are very basic and tell the story in a very simple manner.

This week

2010-12-27T02:17:00.013-05:00

Christmas is over once again and I must say it has been a lovely week. Probably the most relaxed Christmas I've ever had. I spent the entire week eating good food, taking photographs of things, drinking tea and drawing pictures. Here are a few pictures from either Monday or Tuesday (can't recall which).

My girlfriend drawing.
Gluten-free eggs benedict avec potato.

A small doodle I did on a box.

Frames Frames Frames

2010-12-21T00:21:00.004-05:00

Finding nice frames makes me happy. Happy Winter Solstice and all that.

The Great Hare and Dreamcatcher

2010-12-16T02:03:00.014-05:00

I can't get enough of Native art at the moment. I wrote an essay on the historic interaction between European settlers and Native peoples in Canada and things have sort of taken off from there. Fascinating stuff. While researching for my paper I came across some sites related to the Ojibwe religion and Ojibwe folklore. One of the things I stumbled upon was a trickster spirit called Nanabozho, who often appears as a rabbit. I've heard of him before and I've actually been to Mazinaw Rock in Bon Echo Provincial Park a few times to see the pictographs of him.

The first drawing here is my version of Nanabozho.

Elm Spirit

2010-12-11T15:14:00.004-05:00

A curious onlooker

2010-12-10T22:50:00.008-05:00

I'm currently on a quest! I've decided to use a wooden box instead of a proper bass drum when drumming but I have no woodworking skills or tools. I might have to buy a premade box. You may be asking yourself "why wouldn't he just use a bass drum?" Well the answer is simple really, a box and a snare are a lot easier to carry around than an entire drum kit. Plus I really like the idea of busking once the weather gets a bit warmer. I used a cardboard Avon box last time I played and it didn't sound too bad. I just don't like the idea of playing on an Avon box every time. Maybe if I get a nice enough wooden box I will paint some pictures on it and post them on here.

Speaking of simplistic percussion...

Mudrunner

2010-12-09T00:07:00.011-05:00

Guten tag friends.
I sighed a sigh of relief yesterday as I secured my placement for my course. I didn't want to be one of those folks waiting til the last moment to be placed. I'm going to be working as an educational assistant in a local high school. Not sure if that's exactly what I'd like to be doing once I graduate but a reference from the schoolboard can't hurt. Hopefully all goes swimmingly and I can get something positive out of the experience.

Also I need a house like this!

Surfacing

2010-12-05T02:48:00.003-05:00

A few of my older drawings were recently featured in the newest issue of Surfacing Magazine. Here is the scan.

Anencyclopaediccatalogueofbirds

2010-12-03T02:48:00.007-05:00

I've recently purchased a ukelele (or ukulele depending on your preference). I absolutely love the thing. Just learned to roughly play the first bit of Creep by Radiohead (cue applause). Marvel at my musical prowess. Now all I need is a decent case, as the one that came with it is basically a grocery bag in the shape of a ukelele.

There is actually a decent site/blog dedicated entirely to the ukelele called Ukulele Porn. Not really pornographic at all though...which is a shame.

I think one day I'd like to get my hands on a banjolele like the one played in this video.

Stream and pool is wet and cool

2010-11-26T00:52:00.008-05:00

I've finished my practical exams early this week, so I have tomorrow off. Huzzah! Three day weekend! It really is a shame that it's so cold and rainy outside though. I could do with a bit of sunshine. By the time I get out of class each day the sun has already set and I end up feeling all droopy and sluggish. I need my vitamin D fix maaaaaaaaaan.

I'm of the opinion that having one of these would be great. They look like something straight out of a fantasy novel. The Nestrest seems perfect for the eccentric lounger. Love it!

He is bold and brave

2010-11-16T00:34:00.006-05:00

Well Christmas is sorted. I'll be making mugs for the people on my list methinks. It is surprisingly easy to do if you have the correct materials on hand. At first I wasn't really sure how I was going to get my rough sketch onto a mug but I happened to find a decent transfer paper with a waxy finish that worked rather well. My only concern is that nowhere on the paint I bought does it say whether or not it's toxic. Might have to put off drinking tea out of it for the time being.

The illuminator parts 1 and 2

2010-11-10T23:10:00.008-05:00

I've always wanted to try my hand at working with modelling clay. Unfortunately in my haste to buy a good clay, I ended up buying something called Plastilina, which doesn't solidify when it comes into contact with the air. Not really what I was going for but it did give me a chance to play around with my creation until I got it how I wanted it. Note to self: read the packaging prior to purchasing clays.

I am a passenger and I ride and I ride

2010-10-17T22:31:00.005-04:00

So I went into this tiny Military museum today and they were just giving away frames. Giving them away! Needless to say, I was pretty pleased with myself. I should have just taken the entire box home, but instead I only ended up with five.

Anyone who has never seen a capybara before is indeed missing out on something wondrous. Not only are they the largest rodent on the planet BUT they are also fairly lethargic creatures and have no problem being approached by people. Apparently there are people who actually keep capybara as pets too. Something tells me you can't house-train a giant rodent, but I might be wrong.

There is actually a blog I found about Capybara as pets. The madness of the internet has no limit.

I like how the name of this video is "scratching many capybaras." Not one, because that wouldn't be good enough, but many.

Thistlekin Scouts

2010-10-14T20:18:00.009-04:00

Inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places. I watched a film called "Conspirators of Pleasure" by surrealist filmmaker Jan Švankmajer the other night. All of his films are odd,as most surrealist art is, but this was extra bizarre. One of the strangest parts of the film consisted of a man in a homemade chicken mask beating a doll, which he designed to look like his neighbour. Needless to say, that scene seems to have crept into my subconcious to inspire this drawing.

Just incase you were having difficulty picturing that scene I described, here is a clip I found on Youtube. Would I be more of a man if I made a mask like this one? The answer is yes.

By the way, anyone who likes tea as much as I do should probably check out this website. Just spreading the good word.

Proud Stag of the Greenwood

2010-10-13T01:25:00.011-04:00

Alright, so first off, I'd like to share the fact that my post yesterday was my 100th post on here, but I didn't notice until now. Didn't know I'd had my blog for that long to be honest.

I've been obsessing a bit with deer today. Not in a strange beastiality way, I've just seriously been fascinated by them. They really are interesting creatures.

Found this article online today. I really hope this idea gains momentum soon, as it's brilliant.

Call of the Greenwood

2010-10-11T23:40:00.008-04:00

I cleaned my room today and decided since I was already being productive I should draw a new picture. I thought it was about time I drew a frog again.

On a side note, I wish someone would pack me lunches like these for school. I'd be the talk of the classroom, though maybe not for the right reasons.

Also just stumbled onto this. Nice to see Elvis Costello playing something a little more upbeat these days. Apparently the new album, entitled National Ransom will be released near the end of this month. I'm really digging the album artwork. I think the wolf in the top hat is reason enough to give the album a listen.

The old ones

2010-10-05T21:07:00.006-04:00

I think tortoises are really interesting animals. I saw a picture on the internet where a kid was riding a massive one and I envy anyone who has ridden a giant turtle.

Also found this documentary online last night. It's good to see music moving people and inspiring them to do their own thing.

Keeper of the leaves

2010-10-02T17:17:00.003-04:00

River Child

2010-10-01T18:53:00.003-04:00

A small character I drew today that reminds me a bit of the Japanese Kappa.

2010-10-01T13:21:00.013-04:00

Some of my work has been included in the most recent issue of Rojo & Garabato magazine. I also did a little interview with them for my spread. There are some excellent artists from around the world featured there, so have a look. If you want to download a PDF version of this issue, click here.

Here's the interview;

What attracted you to illustration?

Even when I was a child I was always more interested in the drawings in books. The words were always secondary.

How old were you when you started drawing?

I've always drawn.

What materials do you use?

I like to work in pen/ink mostly, but I have been known to use paints and make prints as well.

Who are your favourite contemporary illustrators?

Don't know many contemporary illustrators to be honest, though Hayao Miyazaki comes to mind as a major influence.

How is your workspace? Is tidy or chaotic?

My workspace isn't any one place in particular. Sometimes I draw at school, other times on the floor in my bedroom. The world is my workspace.

What do you do away from illustration?

Go to pubs, watch football (soccer), drink tea, come up with witticisms, ride transparent stallions. Rinse and repeat for good measure.

What was the last music album you loved?

Three albums come to mind. The new Gorillaz album, the newest Good Shoes album and Pete Doherty's solo album.

What work of art would you like to own?

Stonehenge

Yomitan

2010-09-28T21:18:00.005-04:00

Got the idea for this drawing from Haida totem characters. They always have an expression on their face that is hard to place.

I'm a bit sad that "This is England '86" is over now. It was a really excellent series altogether. It actually inspired me to dust off my old Dr.Martens and my crombie and listen to The Jam this evening. Now to find my shoe polish. Not really crombie weather yet though.

Lurks in Shadow

2010-09-13T22:08:00.003-04:00

I like the fact that this drawing looks like the derranged mugshot of some strange creature. I envisioned this character as something of a lurker. He prowls around, stares at people and makes them feel uncomfortable. If I could get this picture on my passport I would.

木魂

2010-09-09T23:46:00.008-04:00

Here are some drawings taken from my little notebook that I carry around. I'm really getting a lot of inspiration lately from native masks. Haida masks and totems in particular have an interesting look about them.

On a side note , I found a nice video on Shinto. Have a look. The Guy's voice reminds me a bit of Joe Strummer.

Interconnected & interwoven

2010-09-02T22:52:00.007-04:00

I find scanners unpredictable. The paper I used for these triangles was a deep salmon colour and in the scanned image they look like a weak pink. Bloody things.

I'm actually not upset, I think it turned out quite nicely, pink aside.

I love these lyrics by the way.

I see you.

2010-08-22T22:36:00.000-04:00

Landvættr

2010-08-19T23:59:00.006-04:00

Landvættr definition

I also thought this was a pretty interesting interview. Who knew the RZA was so deep?

This is cool too.

My Scott Pilgrim Avatar

2010-08-09T02:38:00.006-04:00

I'd say this is spot on. I am indeed a Kung Fu master.

2010-08-05T00:17:00.005-04:00

I found my camera. This pleases me. Huzzah!

Class has been really boring as of late, so I've had plenty of time to be creative. I spend most days playing Final Fantasy roms, reading comic books and looking at interesting things on Stumble Upon. Just don't have the attention span to sit there and hang off the teacher's every word, I'm much more relaxed when I'm fiddling on the computer. Since our class is a week ahead I'm hoping we're given a week off or something to that effect.

On a side note, I found this on Stumble Upon and thought it was funny. I'm sure relations didn't improve after what went on during world cup qualifying.

New New New

2010-07-30T00:44:00.005-04:00

It's good to get drawing again!
More to come!

Champions!

2010-05-09T17:58:00.004-04:00

What a good day!

Old Father

2010-05-05T01:05:00.005-04:00

New drawing and a new monogram. I've been reading Lord of the Rings and books on Norse folkore and both seem to have infiltrated my work. It's all about hobbits and frost giants at the moment.

So this is cool

2010-05-04T01:27:00.006-04:00

I thought this video was pretty cool and I'm fairly certain I'd like to be this guy's friend. Everyone should have a friend who can beatbox, in my humble opinion.

Ch-ch-check it out yo.

Hilldweller

2010-05-04T00:48:00.008-04:00

I'm back again.
I've recently started school and the resulting boredom has spurred my long dormant creative juices into action once more. Shazam!

I think this drawing might be a result of excessive amounts of World of Warcraft and Tolkien audiobooks on my part. What do you think?

Guardian of the North

2010-02-07T02:08:00.002-05:00

This is the first drawing of what I hope ends up being a small series. There was a Superman cartoon marathon on today, so I drew this while watching that all day. Not a massive Superman fan, but it passed the time. I've always preferred my comic book heroes to be a bit flawed, like the Hulk or Fantastic Four.

Kitsune 2

2010-02-01T18:02:00.004-05:00

I did the rough for this drawing back in 2008 to go along with my other kitsune piece and I thought I'd lost it in the depths of my room for eternity. Luckily it has resurfaced once more so all may bask in its foxy glory.

He whispers to the trees

2010-01-19T00:48:00.002-05:00

Benghis Khan returns.

myssstic

2009-11-20T21:44:00.005-05:00

I think, I too may take to the forest in search of spiritual enlightenment...that or I'll just pop in a DVD and call it a night. I'm undecided.

The Ascetic

2009-10-29T11:58:00.006-04:00

The only problem with becoming an ascetic and living in the forest is your complex hygiene goes to hell. I'll bet this character's hair is like split end central.

नंदी II

2009-10-28T01:49:00.003-04:00

I had no idea cows were so fun to draw. I threw some more definition into the face this time round and I think it looks better. I'm considering using this head for a larger project sometime in the near future.

A poem by Ben

2009-10-25T21:55:00.009-04:00

What gives you the right?
moving turf and shifting earth
like the gods themselves

नंदी

2009-10-20T21:46:00.002-04:00

Huzzah! I really like the way this turned out. I got my inspiration for this drawing from Nandi, who is the God Shiva's trusty sidekick. Hinduism is interesting stuff.

Face behind the mask

2009-10-19T17:14:00.002-04:00

I found this nice piece of cardboard and decided it would make a lovely mask. There aren't any eyeholes though, so going out for Hallowe'en with it on could bring forth imminent peril.