Thanks so much for getting in touch! I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.
I assume I'm too late to help you for your current project, but if you do this every year, hopefully this will be useful eventually...
My Life of Pi illustration was originally created for a contest held by the book's publisher. The winner was chosen for a new illustrated edition of the book. I did not win, but I did enjoy working on the illustration.
I tried to strike a balance between creating a conceptual and a realistic image. The illustration describes Pi's experience growing up in a zoo, and although it's a literal depiction to a degree, the compressed space and mishmash of animals emphasizes the wonder and magic of young Pi's experience. In general, when I illustrate animals, I like to show something of their realistic appearance, but their personality and energy as well.
Technically, my work is executed in a combination of watercolor, acrylic, graphite, and pen and ink. I like the expressive potential of watercolor. Even when its dry, it shows movement, and often little "mistakes" happen unexpectedly that work out really well.
What I like about The Life of Pi is that it takes place in the real world, and is something that could theoretically happen, but it's also totally surreal and unexpected. It's quite original and filled with intriguing imagery.
Matt, let me know if there's anything else I can do for you, and again, my apologies for not replying sooner.
It always makes me quite happy when one of my illustrations touches someone in some way, especially when it's one that I haven't been able to publish off the web. Sometimes it's hard to tell who's out there paying attention!
2 comments:
Would you please tell us about your decisions or processes in creating the _Life of Pi_ and other animal images? We'd also delight in knowing your criticisms and compliments of the novel.Hi Matt-
Thanks so much for getting in touch! I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.
I assume I'm too late to help you for your current project, but if you do this every year, hopefully this will be useful eventually...
My Life of Pi illustration was originally created for a contest held by the book's publisher. The winner was chosen for a new illustrated edition of the book. I did not win, but I did enjoy working on the illustration.
I tried to strike a balance between creating a conceptual and a realistic image. The illustration describes Pi's experience growing up in a zoo, and although it's a literal depiction to a degree, the compressed space and mishmash of animals emphasizes the wonder and magic of young Pi's experience. In general, when I illustrate animals, I like to show something of their realistic appearance, but their personality and energy as well.
Technically, my work is executed in a combination of watercolor, acrylic, graphite, and pen and ink. I like the expressive potential of watercolor. Even when its dry, it shows movement, and often little "mistakes" happen unexpectedly that work out really well.
What I like about The Life of Pi is that it takes place in the real world, and is something that could theoretically happen, but it's also totally surreal and unexpected. It's quite original and filled with intriguing imagery.
Matt, let me know if there's anything else I can do for you, and again, my apologies for not replying sooner.
Joanna
It always makes me quite happy when one of my illustrations touches someone in some way, especially when it's one that I haven't been able to publish off the web. Sometimes it's hard to tell who's out there paying attention!
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