Months ago I was approached by my friend Peter to be in a show he was putting together called The Astromonger’s Monster Challenge. Here’s the idea behind the show:
What arises when an artist is forced to follow instructions? How does an artist translate verbal description into visual images? This show challenges artists to create works based solely on brief descriptions of historical monsters, creatures, cryptids, and yokai. Each artist works from the imagination and in any medium s/he chooses to render the assigned monster. The artist agree not to engage in external research; they are barred from viewing existent renditions of these creatures whether online or in print. They work in a visual vacuum. The result is an archive of contemporary representations of the many bizarre and wonderful monsters of the world.
This was my creature description:
Airavat ( India )- They were known as the multi-headed white elephants that were usually the steeds of the Vedic gods. The white elephants not only had muti-heads but numerous extra limbs, trunks, tusks , etc depending on the artistic renditions. They were known as immensely powerful creatures ( near unstoppable to their destinations) and were always a symbol of royalty. there image has spread to other cultures as well including Thailand.
And this was the result:
There are 4 heads, each with a different expression. there are 8 limbs in total and it stands on a sort of point giving it an almost weightless look. I wanted to portray this creature as an idol, an object you would put on an altar. Airavat is a needle felted sculpture that took approximately 2 days to complete. It was sold at the show. May it bring luck and swift and unwaivering journeys to it’s new owner. Perhaps someday I can adapt this sculpture into a ceramic piece. I think that would look lovely.
