This is the tale of Stephen, the only one of my monsters to ever give me nightmares. Once I had coaxed him out of the darkness and onto paper, it became clear that this one is special. He gets a real emotional response from people and I created a file for him showing people where he came from, through specially created artefacts. Clues within the contents give a timeline for Stephen’s transformation and show glimpses into his life.
Such was the response that I went another step further and started Stephen’s suitcase, a real suitcase that sits in a cupboard, holding his most precious things. Some of which have been bought for him by his friends, people who have made their own very personal connection with him over the years and have become part of the story too. Where it will take us next I don’t know, but I am looking forward to exploring…
More info: drawingindark.co.uk
Stephen himself. This was the first complete drawing I did of him, the most personal and important work I have ever done. Charcoal pencil on watercolour paper.
Stephen Under The Bed. Yes, monsters really do hide under there but in Stephen’s case it’s more shyness. Bless him. Charcoal pencil and carbon.
Prep drawing working out Stephen’s face. This was the last part of him to be seen and went through several variations.
Stephen was a person once, but just got left behind. Or chose to stay. This is a map of the asylum where he lives.
Although Stephen’s story begins a long time ago, he is still roaming the corridors and so modern urbex photos are part of the file.
Some of the file contents are very personal, such as these patient notes from the asylum.
Told you he had a suitcase 😀
One of the most poignant questions I ever got asked about Stephen was ‘is he lonely?’ I don’t think so but he does like to keep things that people have obviously cherished.
He has a special fondness for spectacles, I have sometimes wondered what he sees ?
More of Stephen’s file, including some of the specially designed Rorschach cards. To see more, visit Drawing In Dark.
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Stephen's great! Though I'm not watching that video til you tell me if it's scary or not Karen! Karen does some gorgeous work too, that's well, not likely to be giving me nightmares. I have a tryptych of Crow drawings - which I adore. And a young Hare also (which still isn't framed and up. oops!) I've also really enjoyed seeing the progress of the enormous charcoal drawing of a shipwreck local to her at low tide.
I love when an artist has a whole life history behind a character! Even if Stephen is a little less ordinary than usual. :)
I'm in the very privileged position of actually "knowing" Stephen, and of having been personally "involved" with him. Believe me when I tell you that Stephen is every bit as special as Karen says he is.
this is so cool! Stephen is really awesome and crepy looking i like his story and everything very cool
Stephen's great! Though I'm not watching that video til you tell me if it's scary or not Karen! Karen does some gorgeous work too, that's well, not likely to be giving me nightmares. I have a tryptych of Crow drawings - which I adore. And a young Hare also (which still isn't framed and up. oops!) I've also really enjoyed seeing the progress of the enormous charcoal drawing of a shipwreck local to her at low tide.
I love when an artist has a whole life history behind a character! Even if Stephen is a little less ordinary than usual. :)
I'm in the very privileged position of actually "knowing" Stephen, and of having been personally "involved" with him. Believe me when I tell you that Stephen is every bit as special as Karen says he is.
this is so cool! Stephen is really awesome and crepy looking i like his story and everything very cool
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