Work in progress: pencil.
Inspiration phrase: “OFF TO A GRAND BALL”
 
Inspired by the theatrical, happy, childish imagery and stories of Tove Jansson’s Moomin. And today I discovered the 1990 animated TV Series is all on YouTube. Happy, happy, nostalgic day.
 
 

 

Like a constant summer.

“All I want is to live in peace, plant potatoes, and dream” is from Moomin. There’s this simplicity about everything.
 
Tove Jansson herself is so inspiring. Her written work reflects her existence living on a small island off the coast of Finland. You have these really cheerful hippopotamuses and this beautiful valley and you have all this fun, but then you have all these truly dark moments too, strange and unfriendly and psychologically searching.

The comics that have now been released are precious. And the TV series is just a classic.

You can’t really beat a story with names like: Hemulens, Fillyjonks, Hattifatteners, Too-Ticky, Misabel, Whomper, the Joxter, the Muddler, the Muskrat, the Mymble and the Dweller under the Sink. And they are all personalities: “the philosophical and musical nomad Snufkin, the comically selfish yet timid Sniff, the irresistable Snork maiden, the tiny mischief-maker Little My, and the terrible Groke, who turns the ground around her to ice as she walks.” (1) Perfect.

Quote:

Moominmamma’s handbag was missing. In it were dry socks, tin wire, and aspirin, as well as a pocket knife for carving ships out of tree bark. “If it is found I’ll throw a big party for everyone with food and lots of cake, and no one will have to wash up before bed or go to sleep early!” Word spread and soon all the inhabitants of Moominvalley were searching for Moominmama’s handbag.

It just taps into this vein that takes me directly back to my childhood and feeling that light again.
 
 

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OTHER INSPIRATION

This summer I’ve found it so important as an artist to constantly refresh myself with new inspiration from other people’s art…

1) ANDREW HEM
2) KY ANDERSON
3) SAM WOLFE CONNELLY
4) MATTHEW LYONS

…because it’s a good reminder of how great art can be. And I know I can contribute to that too, soon, if the want and the will is there.
 
 
It’s nice to see people succeed.