So, I often think that I don't actually see something until I try to draw it. I found that to be the case with giraffes. I have only drawn one other giraffe and that was in profile. Observing one straight on and trying to duplicate him/her (I can't tell) I was struck by a certain resemblance to E.T. of cinematic fame. See below.
Note the long neck and the gigantic eyes. Yes, I know that aliens traditionally have gigantic eyes, but there is just something similar between these two. I have always noticed giraffes' huge eyes with long, mascaraed eyelashes, but it wasn't until I had the shape of the head sketched in with the eyes, that I noticed the resemblance to E.T.. I do think that when people are creating creatures that they must be inspired by nature. Obviously we have these images floating around in our heads and when we are creating something, we are going to draw from that inner library, but I do feel that it's often conscious. I don't create creatures for a living nor have I ever really listened to people talk about creating creatures, but I just have a feeling that maybe the person or people creating E.T. could have possibly had a giraffe photo tagged up on their bulletin board. And I could be totally wrong...
On a related note, I do think that the person/people creating Shrek were partially inspired by rhinos. I mean, just look at these ears and compare.
3 comments:
I heart this post! It is so clever, fun, smart and insightful. I love too your giraffe drawing.
Speaking of those concepts floating in one's head, well, that would be a SCHEMA which is, yes, exactly what I am writing my paper about and so well, geeeeeepers, thanks for providing me with a great example of how schemas might affect people---with or without their knowledge (you know I believe we are not always in charge of our own brains!)
Have a great Monday, enjoy the rain, I enjoyed your Creature Feature very much! Now off to work for you and back to work for me!
Hey, did you change comment settings to require log in? Or is it me and I was just not logged in and having to do so prior to commenting? No problem either way, I can log in to comment, I am just lazy.
Gee, I wonder what is floating around in my head when I try to draw as what comes out on paper is similar to stick figures....this is not a good thing.
I agree with you though about having something to inspire you while creating a piece of artwork whatever it may be....just don't understand what is in my head.
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