In case the above photo didn’t give it away, this past week was a fun one in the Monster Studio! Inspired by a special screening of The Princess Bride at the local Vic Theatre (run by the Victoria Film Festival), I jumped into one of my favourite creative pastimes— costume making! If you’re not familiar with the classic 80’s film, there is a scene in which a giant rat-like creature, known as an R.O.U.S (Rodent of Unusual Size) makes an appearance and, well, it’s kinda hysterical. Enter the opportunity to craft a somewhat creepy, awesome, furry headpiece— complete with my fleece onesie— and make an appearance at the downtown theatre. This is a good Friday night for me. This is me in my natural habitat. Goofy. Creative. Silly. FUN. What’s your idea of a good time?
“The Creative Process”
So if you’re at all inspired to make your own creature headpiece, here’s a quick behind-the-scenes look at my creative process. After-all, you never know when the whim will come to gather a gaggle of fur-clad folks for a soiree out on the town (I highly recommend it!). I first created the main shape and frame of the headpiece out of upholstery foam, using hot glue to fasten the parts together. Then I folded over felt to create the pink nose and ears and hot-glued that, as well as fake fur, onto the foam. Using acrylic paint, I added colour and detail to the lips and nose. Finally, I glued in felt teeth and added felt to some buttons for the eyes. And ta da!
“The Completed Rat Headpiece”
For those adventurous enough to try, please share your experience below!
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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!
This week is all about reconnecting with the joy of your childhood self!
Anyone who knows me well, will tell you that I am more than just a fan of stuffed animals/plushies, and the truth is, I have always been. You know how they say that nothing is permanent? EXCEPT for my love of stuffies, that will outlast us all 😉
A few days ago, I went into my favourite toy store for plushy oogling (Kaboodles in downtown Victoria BC) and perhaps some purchasing too. I was lovingly telling the staff about what a giant kid I am still at age 37, and how my bed is more critter than Kristy. To my surprise, they informed me that most of their clientele who came in for these stuffed bundles of furry joy were adults— and especially so since this whole global pandemic hit. It made sense, despite the surprise, because after all, don’t all humans need affection, physical touch, comfort and… the ability to unconditionally and uncontrollably SNUGGLE, KISS, and PET a soft and loveable cutie at any given WHIM!? Well…you get the point. I’m a sensory person, I’m an animal lover, I’m a critter admirer, and I’m a cuddle fanatic. What else can I say, these squish-able, squeezable sacks of snug-fest spell out J-O-Y for me even on the darkest of days! And turns out I’m not alone.
Kristy Fae in Her Happy Place!
So plush or other, what’s your J-O-Y bringer? Think back to some of your happiest, earliest childhood memories. Perhaps a favourite place, thing, game, food, activity etc comes to mind? Do you melt at the thought of rolling in a pile of warm, freshly dried laundry? Do that. Did hand painting let loose your inner hysterical Picasso? Hit up the dollar store for some quick art supplies. Were you a flower-crown prince or princess? Head to the park and get pickin’! If nothing comes to mind, try something you’ve always wanted to, or YouTube “fun activities for kids” for inspiration.
Whatever it is that will light up your soul, give it a whirl. And do not let anyone convince you that you are too old, or too mature, or that the thing is meant for another gender identity than yours, or any other excuse. Because it’s not true. Also, the people who refuse to play and delight in the simple and creative joys of life, are the ones who need it the most. So don’t listen to them! Just revel in the thing and let your sweet, childlike joy bubble up and remind you what living in this world can REALLY feel like!
Then share what you did with a friend or a loved one and encourage them to get in on the game…come on, let’s play!
Living in Western Canada has me feeling extra blessed lately as Spring has begun to grace us with Her beautiful presence! The Cherry Blossom trees have outdone themselves, painting the streets and parks with inspirational fragrance and colour. I couldn’t help but create something in their honour, and these playful petalled pixies proved just the thing— I call them the Cherry Blossom Bluxsoms! And fear not if Spring is not abound in your local, for nature’s inspiration is always bountiful in any season. What has provoked you to get creative, playful or otherwise inspired lately? If you’re needing a nudge, I suggest taking a peek outside of your window.
If you liked these nature-inspired creations, stay tuned for my upcoming whimsical Self-Love Oracle Deck that will feature more of such flowerlings along with other magical creatures and monsters. Subscribe here or follow @artofnonsense on Facebook, InstagramandYouTubeor visit theArt of Nonsense Shop
Until next time, keep an eye out for those impishly fleeting inspirations and, as always, Follow Your Creativity!
Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. And while we may talk a lot about creativity and how to get creative, perhaps we don’t discuss often enough what creativity and being creative actually is.
The Oxford Dictionary (www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com) defines “creativity” as “the use of skill and imagination to produce something new or to produce art.” I find this interesting, because I would argue that creativity extends much further than this definition…further than creating a tangible something out of nothing or finishing with something that “qualifies” as art.
Are we not using creativity when putting together our outfit in the morning or when planning an exciting outing or activity? Are we not being creative in the way we view the world when we pick out faces in trees or imagine what it would be like to fly? And is creativity not found in the most mundane moments when we tell a joke or problem solve a block in the road?
Perhaps, though, it is just my understanding of the definition that is limiting. After all, to “produce something” is pretty vague and doesn’t necessarily mean that there needs to be something physical created to qualify as a creative pursuit. Maybe what we create is a new aesthetic, a new experience, a new viewpoint, possibility, perspective or energy. I want to challenge people who don’t view themselves as “creative” because they don’t produce “art”. Meanwhile, these same people may be building literal bridges, solving mathematical problems, making scientific discoveries, or finding ways to help other people in countless ways. ALL EXTREMELY CREATIVE THINGS! Creativity is limitless, and I believe, that as humans and monsters, we are inherently all creative— just in different ways! So if you haven’t ever done so, or need a more recent update, give yourself a good pat on the back or a mental congratulations for being a creative being! Because you are.
It’s going to feel like I jumped ship here and swam to another topic, but bear with me because I promise this next part relates. I am personally someone who really loves creating new and original things, especially, as you may know, in the realm of monsters and stories and other whimsical artwork. It brings me such joy to let my imagination (literally) run wild, sometimes without a clue as to where it will lead. To me, this is fun, exciting, fulfilling and intensely pleasing to my visual senses and mental processes. I love this so much that sometimes I forget that creativity can be expressed in other ways. As a result, I end up setting very high expectations for myself to always create “new and incredible things.” But the fact is, while some healthy goals or incentives can be helpful, a pile of unachievable expectations is definitely not. What that pile creates is stress, and stress, as some of you may have realized by this point in your lives, is a creativity BUMMER. It’s usually counterproductive to creativity. So isn’t the idea of just letting yourself have some freedom over what you feel like doing, thinking, trying, creating— well, freeing? What would happen if you just let yourself DO without worrying about the outcome? After all, if you, like me, have decided to expand the definition of “creativity” altogether, it pretty much doesn’t matter what you choose to do… you will be successful in your endeavour to get creative.
With this in mind, considering I have been learning how to draw digitally after years of drawing on paper and hitting the to-be-expected learning curves, I recently decided to focus on replicating other people’s artwork rather than creating original illustrations for a little while! GASP! Now calm down, it’s not like I am claiming to be the original artist nor am I selling this work. It’s practise. It’s fun. It’s (for me) different. And guess what? Turns out it is also both educational AND creative. DOUBLE GASP! There is something about following a step-by-step tutorial or replicating an artwork that a) takes the pressure off of needing to come up with “new and incredible things” and b) allows you to play, flow, experiment and discover in new and creative ways. No more thinking up an idea for two hours before having a subject to paint. You just paint. No more worrying about perfection in each stroke because it doesn’t matter! It’s just you and a creative process, done deal.
Now I know, this is not revolutionary. People do this all the time. It’s even taught in art schools. You replicate other people in many fields other than art too, to learn and to get a feel for something that isn’t yours. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t revolutionary for me or for some others who would benefit from a nudge. Basically, all I’m saying is to get out of your own head and try something that is new and different for you. Do something in a way you normally wouldn’t and just see what happens.
Here are my four different renderings from Jess Bircham’s fox tutorial. The original image did not come from my creative mind, but I suppose the renderings did! So in the end, I created something “new” regardless, didn’t I? And moving on from this experience, I will continue to make other “new and incredible things”— maybe even in new and incredible ways…
Four Fox Renderings by Kristy Fae based on Tutorial by Jess Bircham
If you like the idea of trying an art tutorial, I highly recommend that you check out the amazing Jess Bircham’s digital fox illustration tutorial or search for a tutorial in your chosen medium or subject on YouTube! If you do, make sure to share with the hashtag #copycatcreativity and always continue to… Follow Your Creativity!
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I adore stuffed animals. I always have and I always will. I remember, when I was a kid, kissing each of the stuffies lined up in my bed before going to sleep. How could l leave even one of my cuddly buds out when I loved them THAT MUCH?! Even now in my thirties, I have to remind myself with a giggle that my stuffed friends that have received less attention than others recently, aren’t actually feeling bad about it.
Or are they? My mind knows they are not living creatures, but my heart? Welll…that’s a different story. So why fight it? Why deny our hearts the pleasure of adoring something THAT MUCH? So that’s what me and my newest addition, a Manatee by Jellycat (one of my fave plushie makers), lovingly named Rolly Manatello, have been up to lately: rolling around in blissful cuddles, savouring the soft and the squishy, visiting dreamland, and even painting pictures together— or at least side by side.
Manatee Plushie by Jellycat, Photo by Kristy Biscuit
Here’s a painting that came about in one of our rolling sessions. I decided to try out my new digital Procreate Watercolour brushes (from http://www.designcuts.com) in a quick ‘n’ dirty splash-digital-paint-around-a-digital-canvas sort of way. As is often the case when I sit down to do a fast, messy illustration, without an end-goal in mind, I love the outcome. And so does Rolly! We admire the movement, the imperfection, the tangibility of the work: the playfulness.
Rolly Manatello by Kristy Biscuit
So if you’re needing a spirit animal as inspiration this week, why not bring to mind Rolly Manatello and get out there and roll around in your bliss!? Savour. Admire. Create. Play. Just like the laissez-faire demeanour so often attributed to the gentle giant of a sea-cow, the manatee: don’t think too much, just go along your merry way, stumble upon inspiration, dabble in it, follow your joy…and notice how your heart feels about it. Then come back and comment if you’d like to share your experience…
Happy Rolling!
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Hi monster fans! Just dropping in with a little reminder and a touch of inspiration this Monster Monster. For those of you who have been trying to do too much, yet feeling more worn out and “less than” the more you do…this post may be for you!
If you’re anything like me, you have plenty of creative ideas as well as a never-ending list of to-do’s on multiple lists. If so, let’s just take a pause. Breathe. Seriously, just take a few deep ones as though you’re gathering up your fiery breath to roar it out at a gigantic marshmallow OR it could be a gentle subtle breath, like the breath of a fly, peaceful and easy. Do it in whatever way feels good to you right now and most importantly: enjoy it, savour it, like a delectable treat. Because it is one.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve adored dragonflies. With their enlarged, inquisitive, reflective eyes, thin bodies, and delicate wings, they truly strike me as something from out of this world. When I was young, I would take the dinghy out into the bay on the lake and rescue the dragonflies that had swooped too low for a fresh fly and gotten their winged waterlogged. I would retrieve them from the top of the lake’s surface, set them on the side of the dinghy, and watch as they would flutter their wings in the sunlight until they were dry enough to transport their bodies back into flight once more. Me, sitting in blow-up raft in the middle of the lake surrounded by bugs: and I couldn’t have been happier.
What magic comes to us when we are willing to pay attention to the small things around us? To sit still and hear our heart’s longing? To act on those gentle, shimmering impulses… like a dragonfly’s wing…?
So that’s where I’ve been and why I haven’t been keeping up with this blog lately. I haven’t been on the lake with the dragonflies, but out in the sun, at my drawing desk and craft table, with the little inspirations that come, trying to enjoy each minute of it all. And I don’t pretend that it’s easy to do less, slow down, and pay attention… but I guarantee, it is worth the effort to try.
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 Grim Bitter sneaked into my home last week, and asked me, please, to play. The Grim, you should know, is the gnarliest soul, and not in a cool ol’ way. I know not whether the Grim is more bitter than grim, or more grim than the bitterest thing, But when I denied his request, what did manifest, was nothing that I was expecting! He sat down on his rump, with a roar and a thump, atop all of my chores and to-dos, His face in a frown, he crossed his arms proud, and when I asked him to leave— he refused! “I’ve got things to do, oh why won’t you move!?” but my cries only pleased him much more, “Fine then, I’LL go—” and I tried, but oh no, where he sat, he was blocking the door! So I huffed and I puffed and I shoved and I snuffed until I felt completely enraged, Then I chased him about with a broom and a shout, until my whole house— rearranged! On this went for a week, without food, drink or sleep, to the point that I gave in and sat, And together we groaned, and we pouted and moaned, ’til at last we had no more to add. Then when we were done, he said, “Thanks for the fun!” and went off on his unpleasant way… So if the Grim Bitter calls, it may be wise not to stall— but instead to appease him and play!
The Grim Bitter
Sometimes you just have to acknowledge your frustrations, sit with those uncomfortable feelings, and let out your upset so you can move on and get back to living your life! Whether it’s throwing paint at a canvas, letting yourself cry, taking a day off for yourself, talking to a trusted loved one or a professional— or anything else than helps— well, as the old saying goes: better OUT than IN! What’s your favourite way of blowing off steam when you’re feeling grim or bitter? Let me know in the comments below!
If you’re having a bad day, I’m here to say, That you aren’t alone, and it’s ok! When you need a little pick-me-up, Remember the Down-Upper and his down-going butt, Who, no matter how much his bottom might weigh, Holds his head high, always scouting the way! Because if you go down and forget to look up, You might miss out on the most beautiful stuff!
Play. Create. Discover... 