Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Illustration Friday: Ghost

I figured the 'ghost' topic was chosen in honor of Halloween, and since I'm not a big fan of Halloween, I thought I'd do something connected to Dia de los Muertos. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, I grabbed this from www.diadelosmuertos.us (it explains much better than I can):

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest states, and coincides with the Christian All Souls and All Saints Days. On November 1st and 2nd people remember those who are deceased. November 1st is considered the Dia de los Angelitos—the day to remember children that have died, November 2nd is the traditional Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead). Pictures of the deceased are placed on Dia de los Muertos altars with their favorite food and drink. Candles to light their way home, and soap and water to freshen-up after their long trip back are also often placed on altars. Trinkets they were fond of, symbols they would understand, and gifts are left to communicate to them that they are always in the hearts of those they left behind, and that they are still part of the family even though they aren’t physically with us any longer.

José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913), a political cartoonist, created many art pieces of calaveras (skeletons, though the literal translation is 'skulls', I believe). This illustration is an homage to one of Posada's pieces, done in modern dress.

This is the 52nd week in a row I've put something up on Illustration Friday. It's been a wonderful experience. From the start people checked in and commented with encouragement and insightful observations. Every week the IF site hosts scores (yea, hundreds) of unique takes on a given topic. I've been inspired by the fresh creativity on a weekly basis, regretting only that time has not allowed me to check every post every week. Sort of a challenge to try to get around to some of the regular commentors before they post a comment to me... something I rarely accomplish. Seems I'm always playing 'catch up.'

Well, gotta go. Blackie needs to go out for his evening constitutional before bedtime. Peace to all, and stay safe.

11 comments:

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Nice work, Twisselman! I also enjoy your explanations. I always learn something, and that's great!

° said...

great illo and explanation seems u can almost hear em playing

Michelle Lana said...

nice work, twissleman! great job!

Larry Lee said...

Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Your's is among a few entries that I specifically look for each week. You have always had kind words to say.

Take a glass from Clean and go celebrate.

Nice work on this week's topic. Perhaps he's singing about 'Ghost Writers in the Sky' (<== shameless plug for me).

Peace.

Heartful said...

I've always thought Halloween was the ripped off, over commercialised, soul less poor relation of Dia de los Muertos too. Great post.

HARDWAX said...

There's something very sweet about 'Dia de los Muertos'. I like your thoughts, except the part on your participation in this blog, it sounds like a swan song, or a gift to ghost-the past, i'd hate that, if you never made another comment on my blog, it's fine just the the knowledge that you post.
I love your illo this week, any week, so fine!

modroom said...

Congrats for the 52nd! This looks like one ancestor who's ready for a family gathering. Keep on keeping on.

carla said...

Congratulations on your 52nd IF! I have enjoyed seeing your work throughout the year, although I know I have been MIA for a while (I have been so bogged down with school work...ugh!). I always enjoy the combination of excellent art and fascinating commentary you give us...this week is no exception!

Jaimie said...

I love this fanciful piece. Congrats for never missing a week to do something new and creative. I managed to do the same for about 7 months, then missed a few due to travelling and summer weekend beach days. But I'm trying to get back to it.

Anonymous said...

I love the thoughtfulness of your approach to illustrating each assignment. Thanks for you kind comments on my posts.

Same as you, I don't always have time to check up on everyone, but I try.

Robert

Kim de Young said...

I really love this drawing... could be the cover for a 'dead' album. Have a great day!