Some time ago (2 years maybe) - our kids got a book of
fairytales from around the world. Matyas fell in love with one tale – about a
liar from Ireland – and had me read it to him on countless evenings. It is a
wicked tale indeed.
An emperor promises to wed his daughter to any man who will force him to shout out: “You liar!” A boy from Ireland tells the Emperor a story in which he eventually falls from sky, gets stuck between 2 stones, cuts off his own head and sends it with a message to the Emperor. A fox finds the head on its way, which upsets our liar and so he runs after the fox to cut off his/her tail. Hence the piece…
An emperor promises to wed his daughter to any man who will force him to shout out: “You liar!” A boy from Ireland tells the Emperor a story in which he eventually falls from sky, gets stuck between 2 stones, cuts off his own head and sends it with a message to the Emperor. A fox finds the head on its way, which upsets our liar and so he runs after the fox to cut off his/her tail. Hence the piece…
Throughout and after completion I realized a couple rather
unconscious influences:
Fantastic Mr. Fox – an ingenious movie by Wes Anderson. I
love Mr. Fox!
The wolves in the walls – one of my top favourite children’s book – written by Neil Gaiman and
illustrated by Dave McKean.
Fables in general!
I love this blog, reading the posts, seeing your work but
your book, Angela, made me realize how insufficient it is in delivering the
essence and subtleties of some of the pieces. Your piece is so very gorgeous –
the detail and care - hat off!
And your book has got such a great flow!
3 comments:
Petr, thanks SO much for your kind words, for your very cool entry, and for the uploads of behind-the-scene glimpses at what fuels your imagination. I am a big fan of Anderson's Mr. Fox and of McKean, so will have to check out the Wolves in the Walls. I'm having a real funk of a week, so this positive exchange is warmly received! As for the whole book, I am speechless!! . . . I felt so grateful and just plain HAPPY when seeing the progress at the conference. You are right about the details getting a bit lost via technology; this book is lovely to hold. . . and your photos remind me! A HUGE thank you to Lydia, Jeane, Mary, Ana Maria and Petr for a book that flows so seamlessly and looks so darn fantastic!!! I can't wait to welcome it home.
You will also love: The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, also by McKean & Gaiman - will cheer you up!
What fun and beautiful entries from Mary and Petr. You do have a wonderful book!
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