Maurice Sendak’s book Where the Wild Things Are started my love and fascination with monsters. This book has only 330 words, yet it is so complex in its ideas. It is takes us into and through the realm of anger, loneliness and fear. Max shows us how to use imaginations to confront fear and combat loneliness, and the book’s conclusion teaches emotional self regulation when Max decides to come home. These are deep emotions to cover in 330 words, so Maurice conveys another layer through his illustrations.

His illustration choices are subtle yet convey a deeper subtext. For example see above, how Max’s posture and his eyes closed show his ecstasy and abandonment and how  Wild Thing One’s posture mimics his. This picture shows W.T. One at the head of this “merry” band; however, W.T. One’s glance back to Max reminding us that Max is the true leader, for he has conjured up this world.  And you can see all the monsters show a facet of Max’s emotions.

Below are more illustrations of Mr. Sendak from Tolstoy, the Hobbit, Brothers Grimm etc… I challenge you to examine his illustrations –  find the complexity of emotion he conjures up with the subtleness of his illustration choices.  I think you will find just like in Max’s world, they show us parts of ourselves.

P.S. Please support your local artists this holiday season. Remember, signs with * it’s a big week for you.  Funny interview with Stephen Colbert and Maurice Sendak

Aries – Ace of Pentacles – Last week, you got the Magician who said you have things under control. The Ace of Pentacles continues this theme. Though the challenged has changed slightly from watching your step around people to actually working with others. Take the help that is offered this week.

Taurus – Seven of Cups – The Seven of Cups’ lessons are about hope and illusions. This week the challenge is disregarding or correct illusionary thinking without losing or crushing hope.
Continue reading Tarotcast for Week of October 15, 2017 →