Inspiration Log: The Arrival by Shaun Tan, Green Fingers, Winnie-the-Pooh, & a Say My Name cover
Inspiration Log is my weekly collection of 5 things that have touched me creatively.
1) The Arrival by Shaun Tan, a graphic novel
I'm working on illustrating a children's picture book for a friend, and so this week's Inspiration Log will include a lot of the research I've done. Shaun Tan's The Arrival is a wordless, surrealist (yet photorealistic) book about the immigration story. It's mesmerizing, evocative, timeless, and feels like it touches something true and universal.
2) Green Fingers - a creative company
I was at one of my favorite Japanese cafes in the city and asked the cashier who did their branding. He told me about Satoshi Kawamoto, a "plant artist" from Japan, and his creative company Green Fingers. I have never heard of a plant artist, but the idea is intriguing. At some point, I would love to incorporate plants into my art.
3) The original Winnie-the-Pooh illustrations
Did you know that E.H. Shepard, the illustrator of the original Winnie-the-Pooh, fought in World War I, and lived until he was 96? I have never seen the original book, but I really love these simple pencil drawings, much more than the newer version. There's something about the loose and dynamic line quality that makes the story feel so homey, cozy, and warm.
4) Niroot Puttapipat's illustrations for Russian fairytales
These illustrations are from a collection of Russian fairytales called Myths and Legends of Russia (2009) illustrated by the Thai artist Niroot Puttapipat. He did this in ink and gouche. I love the shadow effect of these highly intricate drawings, and the mysterious, mythical quality of the work.
5) Ólafur Arnalds's cover of Say My Name
I was in the mood for some neoclassical Nordic instrumental music music, and turned to Ólafur Arnalds. I was delighted the moment this turned from a normal instrumental song into something very, very vaguely resembling Destiny's Child.