Saturday, March 25, 2006

Illustration Friday: Monster

People call Lawrence a wicked monster...
He hasn't hands, rather claws like a lobster.
People are hurtful: they choose not to see
That he has feelings deep like you and me.

He'll crouch in the dark, all hollow inside,
Trying to hide from the taunts and the chides.
Bit of a beast in each of us, it's true,
So when Lawrence weeps, it's for me and you.

Our world cries for compassion. Peace to us all.

39 comments:

V said...

I love your illustration and its message! Thank you!

Rick Lovell said...

Very poignant, and sadly, too true.

Robert McLaughlin said...

Thanks for the message.

valerie walsh said...

I feel so sad for Larry! Great work and important message too!

Willie Baronet said...

Poor Lawrence. Nice piece and nice words. True.

TheTart said...

So touching--as always! Very soulful, natch!

Yes, I am really Jocelyn. ; )
Jody was just my faux name... I was a tad bit chicken to put it all out there. So yes, Jocelyn--but I really like Jo-Jo! Thx for asking.

Peaceful smooch,
The Tart

LedaCruz said...

Thanks for your comments.
I love Lawrence!
:)

Heartful said...

A beautiful story, a beautiful illustration. I totally agree.

Katili said...

A great illo with such a desperate feeling and the story. Individuality is often seen as such a monster to many. It scares people and blinds their eyes from seing the beauty inside.

HARDWAX said...

I reckon the scariest monsters are the all too human kind, and most difficult to do battle with, hard to fight ones self.

Strong emotions Lawrence conjures.
Love your beautiful skill as usual.

The Unknown said...

Who are the monsters here? Great post. Wonderful illo.
love

Unknown said...

beautiful illo as well as message, thank you!

Alison Ashwell said...

A very interesting character - thought provoking illo

Larry Lee said...

Kinda makes you wonder who really is the monster (I don't think it's Lawrence). As always, great illustration and even better message.
8^)

Tony Sarrecchia said...

Wow. Moving piece. Great job.

Unknown said...

very unique monster design!! It's an emotional piece, and a bit sad ... nice illo!

modroom said...

Yes, and who are the real monsters it makes me wonder. Great verse and strange image. I've thrown some light on Ogden's back there for you.

Robert McLaughlin said...

Wow! Thanks for the very kind post to my blog. Looking at your work I can see that you are a qualified judge--so your "thumbs up" was a real kick for me.

OPR still needs volunteers--especially those who could spend a week on site. I talked with Dave Ellis on Friday and they are working on putting together another trip. Send an email to check it out.

Sincerely,
Robert

TXArtcGal said...

What a wonderful illo...and, message to go with it. You are a true inspiration!

georg said...

Beautiful. And touching. Thanks for the great image.

bee'nme said...

Twisselman, you have struck quite a nerve here - thanks for making us think. This is truly wonderful - I didn't think I could love your work much more, but you really moved me with this. Wonderfully heartbreaking!!

modroom said...

There is more Ogden's info in the Belgian Monster with a nearly-link too. ...::::o

Aravis said...

I love both the poem and the illustration.

carla said...

You make a strong point here. I feel sad for him all crouched alone in a corner with the teardrop coming from his eye. I see ostracism like this all the time at school...kids shunning those who are "different" in some way. That does more damage that any nightmare monster could do.

Dana S. Whitney said...

Definitely a message that needs to be heard more often. Some who look different are anything but monsters. Some who look "like us" are more monstrous.

Jaimie said...

This is beautiful, touching.

Dana S. Whitney said...

No need to apologize for such a mild rant and expressing some mature passion. One of the best things about having such a hodge podge of a blog as I do, is discovering that I'm not the ONLY one who cares about the big picture rather than American Idle. I've found it easier and easier to write elected officials and newspapers. And while things don't change very fast, at least I feel better.

albina said...

Yep, this is sadly true – we all are afraid of just about anything that is different, and what we don’t understand we seem to want to destroy… I see it in kids so very often, and then kids become adults and continue to carry that torch of hatred. And sometimes you have to force people to confront their attitudes before they realize that they are the monsters…

Anonymous said...

Your illo speaks volumes. The scariest of monsters are of human nature, when they choose judgment over love and ridicule instead of acceptance.
Great illo. Nicely done.
TwoBit

Suzan said...

Great illo. well executed. Great story.

Unknown said...

Wonderful,wonderful message! I ove reading your poems and listening to your insights.

Amy Zaleski said...

Monsters need love, too! Especially clawed ones. Wasn't this a side show/circus act at one point....the Amazing Lobster Boy? Or am I thinking Weekly World News...hmm.....anyway, fantastic illustration, it conveys a lot of emotion.

trowbridge chronicles said...

Wonderful poem and art, as always.

tiffini elektra x said...

Very moving - poor Lawrence! Fantastic color and lines. And the lighting is gorgeous. Very nicely done!

Rectite23 said...

I absolutely love this!

Paul Tuller said...

wow! the lighting is phenomonal! I always look forward to your posts

Jay Montgomery said...

Great pose to fit the mood. You are double talented by writing and art. WOW!

Janet said...

Don't know how I missed this...another great post. You always make us think!

Kelli Jensen said...

Sad but true. I luv the textures and the roughness around him. The sketchy blues and brownish reds looks great. Nice work!