Don’t judge a ghost by its “covers”… Watch for the sheep in werewolf’s clothing… Little boos grow into mighty scares…
Whatever meaning you want to attribute to today’s illustration, the most important message of the week is this:
“Have a Safe and Happy Hallo-Scream!”
“The Little Boo Scares a Werewolf” by Kristy Fae
Just a reminder, if you’ve also been drawing for Inktober this year, or have been following your own custom prompts like we have here at Art of Nonsense, hashtag your work with #inktober2023 or #artofnonsense on your preferred social media platforms!
Sometimes there’s rhyme but no reason…here’s a bit of fun for you this Monster Monday in honour of Art of Nonsense’s favourite upcoming celebration— Halloween!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” By Kristy Fae
The Choc-o-lot Sneak, Such a sneaker of treats, Is a marvellous master— A sneak who sneaks sweets!
He sniffs out the goods, A most terrible feat, And when candy’s around, Well, he won’t miss a beat!
He snatches the loot With his three massive beaks, Then he stashes the stuff In his gigantic cheeks!
Yes, caramel and fudge Are the eats that he seeks And it’s Halloween Night That his food-snatching peaks!
So hide all your bars, All your lollies and gummies— But the only safe spot, Is inside your tummies!
“The Choc-o-lot Sneak” by Kristy Fae
We hope you’re having fun getting your costumes and candies and jack-o-lanterns ready this October. Just beware that mighty Sneak, as we heard him sniffing around here in the chocolate cupboard already 😉 If you’re celebrating Hallow’s Eve this year, tell us how in the comments below…
Have a joyful, creative and safe Halloween season everyone!
What makes a monster a monster? Is a monster simply a made-up creature? Is it defined by its unique and weird attributes? Does it need special powers or to partake in particular activities? Oxford Languages states that a monster is “an imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening” while Myriam-Webster defines a monster as “an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure.” A simple search on Google will turn up multiple interpretations of this ancient word that is believed to have “derived from the French term ‘monstre’ [which] has roots in the Latin word meaning ‘monstrum’ [or] ‘evil omen’ ” according to Word Monster. Despite the many opinions about what a monster actually is, what seems to be agreed upon is that monsters are creatures of great awe and wonder!
Here at Art of Nonsense, we love monsters of all kinds. No monster is too big or too small; too scaly or too furry; too winged or too finned. We love them all. And we love creating them. A lot of my creature inspiration started in childhood, through finding awe and wonder in the natural world, whether in real life or through wonderful resources like Owl Magazine. From sting rays to blue-footed boobies, to bats, wild cats, and even pet rats— I was fascinated by them all!
Now, even as the majority of my pencil tips end up forming creatures that didn’t exist before the drawing took place, I very much like to revisit, honour, and “play” with the beloved animals that so captured my heart and sense of wonder (and still do!). One of such favourites has always been the Platypus. In fact, my favourite stuffed animal as a child was a green Platypus, who still sits near my bed (lovingly as ever, though with significantly less “fluff” than before). Platypuses really are one of those “real-life monsters”. Firstly, because… look at them. So strange, unique, and adorable right!? I get giddy just picturing them! Also, the more I know about platypuses, the more fascinating they are to me. Here’s a few reasons why:
A Platypus somehow has what appears to be a duck’s bill, a beaver’s tail, and the feet of an otter— oh my!
Platypuses are the only group of mammals to lay eggs.
Male platypuses are one of the few mammals today that produce venom, and they do so through a hollow spur in their hind legs, which is sometimes referred to as a poisonous claw (or in my case, “a poison toe”!)… as show by my illustration below:
“Platy-Pirate” Illustration & Poem by Kristy Fae
We very much enjoyed our playtime with this special Platy-Guy today. If you’re so inspired, we challenge you to look up 3 interesting facts about your favourite animal and see if you can create an artwork based on what you find!
*A special credit and thanks goes out to TrentT for sparking the idea of a Platypus Pirate!
Have you ever arrived at the table, Preparing for something palatable? When what could be seen, Was just SO obscene, That it looked like it came from a fable?!
Potatoes with paws and meatball-ish dogs, And critters resembling your drain clogs, Are some of the beasts That faced my defeats, Along with the spork-headed bullfrogs!
Have you ever run scared from the table, Escaping from things unpalatable? For what had been seen, Was so AWfully mean, It seemed better belonged in a stable?!
But next time you are given a big slew, Of foul-food that you turn your nose up to, Remember one fact, And be grateful that— Though it’s nasty, at least it can’t bite you!
“Palatable Monsters” Sketch by Kristy Fae
Just a fun little poem today, perhaps reminding us hooman-folk to look for gratitude in unusual places (and perhaps inspiring our fussy eaters at the same time?). In all seriousness though, I know from my own experience that during hard times or periods of struggle, it can be extremely difficult to find “the bright side” or the “non-biting side” of things. And while I definitely don’t advocate for ignoring our feelings, even the difficult ones, I do recognize the power in trying to see at least a bit of the other side, if and when we can. For example: I had a tough week. I was incapacitated by an injury and being stuck in bed hurting sucked. Yet at the same time, fun and silly phone conversations with good friends and family came of it, including the inspiration for this poem! I have so much gratitude for my tribe and the goofy moments we share: it fills my heart up and casts light even in the darkest nights. Surprises and joy can come from unexpected places, if we look for it and appreciate it. So let’s keep our hearts open, our creativity flowing… and our eyes peeled…especially if something moves on our dinner plates!
Want more? Subscribe to this blog and follow me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products! And if nothing else, just remember toFollow Your Creativity!
Happy Monster Monday! Now, if you have a snake phobia, let this be your trigger warning…but I do promise, this one doesn’t bite even though he might look like he might!
When I was little, I was fascinated by creepy crawlies of all kinds. Insects, amphibians, reptiles—you name it— was of interest to my eye and my need-to-know-more curious brain. As I got older, which tends to happen to many of us “grown-ups,” I started to let my wonder be tainted by fear. My curiosity replaced by disgust. After-all, what kind of FREAKY thing sheds its entire coat of skin on a regular basis? *Shudder*… Guess what? ALL KINDS OF THINGS. And bugs aren’t MEANT to cohabitate with humans, right? Well actually, nature IS MEANT to be EVERYWHERE. It was here long before we ever were and everything came from it! There are perfectly reasonable, respectable, and remarkable reasons as to why creatures are the way they are, and if we cared enough to find out, we might appreciate them more. So why are we suddenly (or gradually) freaked out by spiders and snakes and such, and while I’m on the topic, by ANYTHING or ANYONE we don’t understand or relate to? The only explanation I can think of? Fear. And along with fear comes an even more dangerous beast: judgment.
When we judge things, we assume we know that which we don’t and thus falsely attach our belief to the thing we’re judging. If we first looked at chocolate and thought, “Ew! THAT looks gross!” and proceeded throughout our entire lives refusing to taste it, how sad would we be if we missed out on a whole lifetime of CHOCOLATE!? Yup, this theory is sound (at least for chocolate lovers such as myself). How many things do we miss out on, dismiss, push to the side, or otherwise refuse to have an experience with because of judgements we make? And yeah, we’re human, we all do it. But if we can at least be more aware of when and why we do it, we have a better chance at instigating change in ourselves that can be, well, life changing.
So maybe try saying “Hi!” to that person you see daily but don’t seem to have anything in common with and just keep an open mind. Pick up that new art medium you’ve always said “I couldn’t/wouldn’t/shouldn’t/daren’t do THAT” about. Travel to a place not on the number one travel recommendations list. Of course, caution and safety should not be thrown into the wind (yes there exist poisonous snakes that are important to be aware of), but could we use our discernment in deciding what things we may be judging that maybe we need not be?
Enter Kevin. Kevin is my cousin Zoe’s neighbourhood cat, which I didn’t know at the time when she referred to Kevin as being a menace to her own cat. Well, with two overly creative minds at work, suddenly the below scenario had been summoned up and jokes ensued about Kevin in a fit of laughter: “Watch out for Kevin!”
“Kevin the Neighbourhood Boa Constrictor” by Kristy Fae
Now this may appear to be darker humour than you’re used to from me here at Art of Nonsense, but I promise you, Kevin REALLY IS friendly and no cats were harmed metaphorically or physically in the making of this illustration. To be clear, Kevin simply pesters, not harms, this poor kitty. Now you can rest easy…
So Kevin is the reason I got thinking back to little Kristy and wondering why big Kristy is now so weirded out by snakes, like Kevin. And it got me thinking about how many other incredible and strange and wondrous creatures there are out there that I want to know all about, just like my curious mind wanted when it was carried by a younger me. Scales and skins and teeths and creepy crawly legs and all 😉 So perhaps Kevin is the first in a line-up for reclaiming “freaky” creatures with a sense of curiosity and wonder. What do you think!? If you’d like, take a moment to think about who YOUR Kevin is (a.k.a. your “freaky creature”). How could you think about it in a different light so that creatures like Kevin can get the love— or at least the respect— they so deserve? Perhaps start with a google search for a few new fun facts about your dear friend Kev…
As always friends, be sure to Follow Your Creativity (and curiosity)!
Remember to subscribe for more creative fun! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
After a playful gallivant down Creative Lane last weekend, tickled by the inspiration of Father’s Day, I wanted to share this silly poem and illustration I created for my Dad. Well, this also got me thinking about how we are (and in this case, how our creativity is) shaped by those who brought us up and by those who have been or continue to be around us. I, for example, can easily trace back certain traits I share with family members who modelled ingenuity, artistic talent, and creativity in many different forms. I recall teachers and mentors who encouraged my writing and artwork, and how much of a difference it made to have their support. I have fond memories creating unique projects with imaginative and dedicated peers in Film School. How many happy moments of play and inventive stories were created with friends, I wonder, throughout my lifetime? And this week, I am reminded of where a big part of my inner Trickster came from— my dearest Daboo. The Trickster: the one who plays lovingly and for the sake of joy; who teases and jokes to break the daily monotony; who is able to scramble reality in a way that creates hilarity; who can juggle words and ideas like an otter with smooth river stones. What fun it is to release that inner creature, and to have it embraced and appreciated! And what a big and beloved part of me that creative thing has become…
I feel endlessly thankful for all of these wonderful gifts that have shaped who I am and what and how I create today. And I share these ponderings for three reasons. One, to encourage you to take notice of what special talents and gifts you have that you may take for granted. Two, as a motivator to reflect back and appreciate— perhaps even thank— a few of your most influential influencers. And three, to urge you to really put awareness into how you encourage and influence others around you, because your words and actions can and do shape those very individuals. So there you have it, straight from the beast, so please feast on these ideas, if you like, and have yourself a wonderful and creative week! But before you go, come meet the Daboo…!
“The Daboo” By Kristy Fae
Well, have you met our dearest Daboo? If not, I say, you really ought to… With eyes of deep and emerald green hue, And song so strong it’ll make you brand-new!
Beware his cunning tricks— he’ll get you With musings of a red-hot teaspoon, Or willies wetter than a slug stew, And hugs held tighter than a corkscrew!
And when he starts the grand barbecue It’s sure to be a hullabaloo! There’s ne’er been one who can compare to, Our one true and most dearest Daboo!
“The Daboo” by Kristy Fae
Thanks for reading and remember to always Follow Your Creativity! Subscribe for more nonsensical fun and creative inspiration. Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Far-wide are known the Walrus. But have you heard of Ralwus? With tusks that arch along their spine, And scales that shimmer as they shine, The Ralwus are most friendly chaps, Who take the most substantial naps… But do not wake a sleeping Ral— For you might hear it’s mighty call, Then all will know the Ralwus, Such as they know the Walrus!
“Wake the Ralwus” by Kristy Fae
So you got that right? Do not wake this incredible sleeping beast— or wait, maybe you should? After all, wouldn’t the world benefit from knowing about such a unique, beautiful, and LOUDLY talented creature? This goes for all of us, not just the Ralwus. Don’t hide your voice, your presence, your gifts from the world. Rather shout them out to the ever-changing skies and across the wild and tumultuous seas… because you are unique, beautiful and talented. You make a difference just by being you, so don’t hide YOU in a silent slumber. Take up space. Make noise. Be seen.
Is there a passion, a talent, or another form of self-expression that you’ve been keeping to yourself? Can you let it OUT this week!? Even just a little? If so, comment below! Let us find that majestic beast and sing out our mighty Ralwus calls together…
IT’S TIME TO WAKE THE RALWUS!
Thanks for reading! Continue to Follow Your Creativity@artofnonsense on Facebook, Instagram and YouTubeor visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for adoptable monsters and other products!
Today is a very special day because today is the day that Super Max and I launch our greatly anticipated Youtube Vlog called “The Monster Playground”! We can’t tell you how much fun we had making it— spur of the moment, when the inspiration barked out to us from a heron’s beak overhead— and we hope it adds a good giggle to your day too!
This YouTube Vlog, much like Art of Nonsense, is all about adding more creativity and play to your day and joy to your life! So without further ado, we are proud to present our very first episode, “Wild Victoria”:
Get ready to venture through the wild parks of Victoria B.C. with Kristy the Pterodactyl Hunter to discover the most fascinating and unusual creatures around! While she may think she knows what she’s talking about, can you find any mistakes that Kristy makes while identifying these gorgeous birds and animals (aside from her accent)? Come on, let’s check it out!!!
If you enjoy this 5 minute whacky demonstration of ridiculousness, then please like, subscribe, and share the fun! And make sure you get outside this week to enjoy seeing the world with an extra dose of silly sauce 😉
Thanks for tuning in! If you want to be notified of future blog posts, make sure to click FOLLOW and also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop for more monsterly inspiration!
If you’re like me, and you live somewhere where the sun has been graciously showing its face more often these days, then you’ll understand this week’s illustration…Yes, I am more than ecstatic to be soaking up the warmth and light and am taking every opportunity to do so! I hope you’re all finding ways to play in, relax beneath, and otherwise enjoy, thoroughly, the sunshine. Haven’t we earned it!? Just remember to be a little safer than the overzealous critter below and use sun screen or cover up, hydrate, and don’t overdo it (as hard as that might be after waiting for what feels like SO long!).
The Sun-Monster by Kristy Biscuit
Have fun and play safe everyone!
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe for more monsterly fun! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shopfor adoptable critters…
The monsters around here have been a little confused by this whole Easter thing…but once you see their take on this Holiday below, I think you’ll understand why!
“The Eggster Bunny” by Kristy Biscuit
Whatever you’re doing this long weekend, we’re wishing you a whole lot of Nonsense! So Happy Whatever, as long as you’re finding creative ways of having fun this Spring. Now let’s see YOUR spin on a favourite Holiday character. Share the fun using #artofnonsense
Thanks for reading and be sure to subcribe to this now biweekly blog for more monsterly inspiration! Also find me @artofnonsense on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Art of Nonsense Shop
Play. Create. Discover... 