Wednesday, April 2, 2008

the first crocus


Homage to Tove Jansson for this weeks Illustration Friday ("homage").

Tove Jansson was the creator of the wonderful Moomin family. I love the books as an adult, but feared them as a child. My mother tried to read Moominland Midwinter to me, but it gave me nightmares, so I refused to hear it. I found it dark and scary; Moomin wakes up in the middle of winter, all alone and afraid. Everyone else is still sleeping, hibernating through winter. The furniture is covered in sheets, outside the snow lies deep, everything is very still and quiet. It's as if Moomin is all alone in the whole world.

Then after a while, he discovers that he isn't alone after all, other creatures are awake. And the story continues. And it isn't all scary – it's whimsical, warm and humourous too. But my mother never got that far. I didn't give the books a second chance until I was grownup, but now I appreciate them even more. Tove was a great artist and this is my tribute to her.

16 comments:

  1. I really like this. You've got wonderful style.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful! Love the line quality.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a very nice line work. I love the simplicity. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. It really shows the warmth of Spring! Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is just wonderful. The way you draw the character, those curves, is so expressive. Love the background too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love it, very expressive, both writing and illo. You got very unique style.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you all for your nice comments!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Admirable!!! Love this blog, lov all your illustrations with amazing cute style and also your photos here! Deep respect!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful style and so poetic concept!

    ReplyDelete
  10. so so lovely! the soft quality about the lines is so expressive and sweet.
    *

    ReplyDelete
  11. I can feel happiness of spring!

    Moomin was highly popular in Japan.

    ReplyDelete
  12. absolutely wonderful! just LOVE it, congratulations =D

    ReplyDelete
  13. very lovely piece!

    ReplyDelete
  14. love the work. love how the dotted lines swirl around the sun. and as ever, the cat looks cute and peaceful.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Älskar den här. Så fin!
    /Malin

    ReplyDelete