Comics are not only about messages that almighty superheroes saving the day and Hello Kitty convey through the images. Self-discovery, empathy, kindness, and coping with anxiety are just a few topics to mention reflected in the comics of Slimy Oddity. Their light-hearted and colorful illustrations explain Carl Jung’s terms such as ‘shadow’ and ‘what you resist persist' and how to work with them, how to practice self-love, compassion, and inner peace. The world of drawing is just as unlimited as the boundaries of imagination and so is the philosophy within it.
Bored Panda had a chance to talk to Cherie, the artist who draws Slimy Oddity, about its characters, inspiring gurus, hard days we all have, and spirituality behind the comics.
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When you are exhausted, when you feel like you cannot do anything more... it is because you have already done much, even if you cannot see it, and even if it looks easier for others. Blaming yourself is easy, but it is unfair and toxic.
Slimy Oddity is a collaboration between illustrator Cherie and her partner Tim, the wordsmith in charge of all the accompanying words, that are usually shared in the captions. “I started drawing about 3 years ago, on my bedroom floor, armed with a box of Colleen color pencils and some rough bits of paper I had laying around. That’s when the blobs were created, which then became the central characters in my work. It all happened in such a random and sporadic manner, but I haven’t stopped drawing ever since!”
And I’m crying. My husbands stepdad is dying and it’s been a few emotional weeks. This made it a little better.
Hoo boy this one hit me hard. As we head into May we get closer and closer to my dad's birthday. some years are harder than others and this year promises to be one of those harder years for me. It'll be 35 years this year since he passed away, 20years since my grandmother passed and 10 since my mom passed. I also lost 1 brother 37 years ago and another 22. This is a beautiful reminder that they're all still with me even if it's not how I want them to be.
The two main characters are blobs: the red one is Slimy, and the purple one is Oddity. These 2 characters actually represent Cherie and her partner Tim respectively. “In some comics, you will see that Oddity is the one constantly dropping truth bombs on Slimy all the time. These are actually true stories of all the times my partner helped me along on my journey. I see him as my teacher and my mirror. He was a huge catalyst in my growth as a person, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him! I chose these 2 blobs to represent us because I wanted them to be amorphous and non-binary, so that everyone would be able to relate and see themselves in them.”
that moment you realise you have a cactus brain...:I I feel you man
Load More Replies...THIS. It's so important! Even if it means just simply taking a break from what stresses you, to even lengths of getting therapy - Look after your mind. You'll thank yourself.
hard to be kind to your mind when you don't have time for that. As myself i work from home and my three kids as well have school from home. and while i work i have to trying to support them. when my day is over i have to rush to help with some homework, make the supper. when it's finish it's homework again. if i'm lucky i have some 20-30 min before going to sleep. that shitty homeschooling drive me nuts
How to kind to your mind - and I say this rather hypocritically, but: sleep, healthy food, plenty of water, time in nature, get some sunshine, practice gratitude, volunteer for a good cause, and spend time with good people that treat you well. Probably not all of these are always possible, but maybe target 3 of these per day.
If you let others pressure you, and you force yourself to grow harder or faster than you naturally can, it will work, but you will be exhausted and miserable. Live your life, love yourself, and don't let toxic people judge you, even if they think they mean well.
Sometimes, the worst judge is yourself. That's harder than most toxic people. But the exact same rules apply. :)
Load More Replies...Most of the topics that are on Slimy Oddity are based on Cherie’s personal experiences and the lessons that were learnt from them. She admitted that sometimes they even serve as messages of encouragement to herself on days where she is not feeling so great. “I am also deeply inspired by my favorite gurus and teachers—Ram Dass, Adyashanti, Alan Watts, just to name a few. I love sharing their quotes in my artwork, because their words have helped me so much, and I just want to pass on that wisdom to anyone else out there who might need it,” told Cherie.
The creative universe of Slimy Oddity is largely set on this black backdrop with colorful, dazzling stars. This backdrop symbolizes the infinite space that exists within us, and a lot of the lessons that Slimy Oddity is sharing reside in this space—that which is unseen but can be felt. It serves as an invitation for people to discover the universe that exists within themselves. “I want to show people that going within is not as scary or daunting as it seems! In fact, it’s the gateway towards understanding your true authentic self, and gaining a deeper love for Life and all that it can offer.”
Just say your comment without drawing attention to some other negative comment. How is that not obvious?
Load More Replies...I'm just pushing a negative, RUDE, asininely-made comment down. You don't get it? We're just walking each other home, as in, we are going home to ourselves and going toward a better life.
I don't get the point of this. Even I'm a better person. Please stop.
Load More Replies...This is so true. I told my mom to stop buying me clothes in second grade because I wanted to be "popular" and wear the stupid athletic clothing every day. Now that I look back, the clothes I used to wear was the best. If I didn't realize I didn't like athletic clothing in 4th grade, I would never have found my love for boots.
Turn off the TV. Get off Social networks. Meet ppl irl. Technology is just a crutch. Don't overrely on it.
Cherie also shared that “I see Slimy Oddity as a fun, inviting bridge that serves as a guide to help awaken people to their true selves. We are currently in the process of writing a children's book, and we hope for it to touch the hearts of all kids and adults universally! There isn’t an end goal for Slimy Oddity, I just want to keep expanding our universe into all kinds of mediums, experiences, and expressions. I would say that a dream project of mine would be to have a Netflix series, though. It seems far-fetched right now but I’m manifesting it right now.”
WHY IS EVERYONE IN THE COMMENTS BEING SO SALTY JUST APPRECIATE THE ART
From things and people which drain it from you and which are not worth it. For example, the very positive, outgoing, extroverted, optimist, confident people, the ones which are basically emotional vampires.
Load More Replies...Ryan, please stop with the toxic comments!
Load More Replies...For everybody saying 'I hate this person' and 'I can do better', stop reading and go away. Like you said, you don't even know this person. So you have no reason to be so cruel as to say you hate them. A good tip that may not be mentioned here- you don't have anything nice to type/say, don't type/say it.
You're right, even if it's online same concept. this is supposed to be inspiring and people are just sitting here hating on it.
Load More Replies...i know i'm a bit late, but i hate how negative people are being in the comments! these comics are meant to make you feel good, and if they don't, you should leave instead of letting these things get to you.
everything you seek lies within you?? maybe I just don't understand this one, but a lot of this world and the good things in it depends on things outside yourself - like loving others and being loved, living life, making and strengthening relationships. y'know - things that don't mean just living in your own mind. it can be kind of lonely in there.
Yeah that guy sounds like a troll so if your hating on somebody you don’t even know just go away
Well... technically everything you'll ever experience is merly "inside". Dang Extroverts and their energy spurts 😉
Alas, what I seek is a bag of bbq chips, so there appear to be exceptions to this statement.
I am actually rolling in laughter at Ryan's comment-dont know why and it probably was not the intention. That *is* the fear...to overcome it and fail. Why bother trying? That is how some feel, including myself. The whole nothing to fear but fear itself. You have a chance of something terrible happening and regret it, and you also have a chance it won't. That is how I see the comment and the truth behind it.
Ok Ryan we don’t need to destroy all of our fears like Abigail said but we need to face som of them and that might not be a regret that we have.
people should stop trying to be perfect it affects your health and thoughts, just try to be you
the first 2 boxes are me. the last two boxes..... no one except my best friend Natalie does that.....
Well, @Ryan Deschanel, this isn't about overcoming ALL of your fears. You're right, we do have fear for a reason. But there are fears that we all can get over, fears that, when we get over them, won't hurt us.
People are too insecure about it : they always tend to question themselves, to blame themselves, to assume they are the problem... but they are usually wrong. You all should question other people and the world around you more, start trusting yourself.
It’s hard for people who only ever heard how worthless they are
Load More Replies...especially yourself (beliefs, habits, customs, conventions, duties, traditions, religions, etc...)
Yes, it would, but please do not write that in the comments. There are search engines looking for phrases like this and sometimes the (idea of the) artwork gets stolen from the artist and is, in fact, used for shirts... Thank you!
Load More Replies...The good ol "You're just a short wave between two incredible long silences" *Cue OptimisticNihilism by Kurzgesagt*
Then try harder to understand those who don't like some of these statements, instead of telling them to get stop reading the page.
Load More Replies...these days, that can be a scary thing. I don't want the point of view of the anti-masker, anti-vaxxer, or the mass shooter, or the people screaming out their hate upon the world.
You can choose which kind off person's world you step in ^_^
Load More Replies...True. Sometimes all it takes is someone elses take on a situation. We're too confined within ourselves sometimes...
I like the stress-free mindset, but not really the 'energy' or new age spiritual awakening. I love the art regardless of my disagreements and opinions! Keep being colorful and amazing!
Would like to point out what westerners call "new age" is literally thousands plus years of hinduism/Eastern religion theory written in English.
Load More Replies...Ryan Deschanel need a Snickers? you are not yourself today....so negative!
I feel bad but I laughed at that, I feel like dark humor is the best.
Load More Replies...Most people's dreams never come true, most people never achieve anything noticeable... and that's ok. You don't have to become a famous actor or a great surgeon, just try to be happy. It is already a very difficult thing.
And even if you did do something noticeable, would anyone even remember that in a few generations? And what if humanity destroys itself? No one will likely be remembered. And that's ok. That is just the way it is. So, yes, try to make yourself and your loved ones as happy as possible while you have time on this finite earth.
Load More Replies...*me thinking why i am living* * hears crash* turns around*sees moon had just jumped in to my room* younger me will just hug it till it dies
I think the purposes of life is to leave the world better then you found it. Dosent matter what scale you did it on. As long as you loved someone, and someone loved you, you made the world a better place.
I love the moon just randomly stepping through the window and providing the answer to this person's deepest question
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Load More Replies...i'm gonna assume this doesn't mean "everything you think is real" because depression and anxiety would have you think that - but that only leads to dark places. does this mean "cultivating positive thoughts can make you more positive in reality"?
Butttt my (and maybe many others) ego makes me selfish then I would lose friends and I would probably fall into depression because of that so I’m on the “kill your ego” team.
Balance is everything. If your ego is too big, tone it down. If your ego is too small, let it grow to a good point.
Load More Replies...What I mean is, don't kill your ego, protect it as well as it has always been protecting you.
Load More Replies...See the reality. Magic in the supernatural sense is not real. Also how to be happy, do things that make you happy as long as you are not hurting others.
You can have your opinions, but don't share the ones like this
Load More Replies...Can you imagine having the time and energy to refute and debate every one of these like Ryan here
Imagine saying this to someone in a concentration camp in the holocaust. Maybe we shouldn't allow life to be the way it is in certain aspects. Climate change? No; we have to fight climate change. Everything is not in perfect order because of humans.
yeah, if you hate this post so much, why are you still here?
Load More Replies...Hey Ryan, are you ok?? Serious question. I feel like one of these might be useful for you. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline Please take care of yourself.
Ryan that is not what they’re teaching here. Did someone recently murder your dog or something? Geez Debbie downer
“Hello i am here to do something and the fairy that sent me here just said because”
Load More Replies...but stepping out of your comfort zone is key for bigger and better improvements in your skills and everyday life
Load More Replies...While it's a lovely thought to find that perfect partner to journey through life with, one must start by working on their self. You will encounter people who are at the same level of being, or slightly above or below.
Technically speaking 'we' have always been here from the start. Energy and all... Blubb
Well... People 'love' others how they love em emselves. It'll flow back to the source eitherhow. Possessiveness has no part in there.
Well I’m living so have fun staying at home and doing nothing
Load More Replies...just some out-of-body voice saying "You and I are the same"... may be a little creepy
I don't know, man. Netflix, food, and traveling usually make me pretty happy.
I think what the artist was trying to say was that you can never find true happiness unless you find love and joy for yourself. happiness that comes from things like traveling and food is temporary, but true love for yourself and the universe is forever :D
Load More Replies...like...what does this even mean? everything you seek lies within you? - then why do you need so many other people to grow? this implies that the only person you need in this world is yourself - which is clearly not true, because people are made for community. to have friends and family and love pouring into and out of them. no one can become their own world - that's extremely unhealthy
What kind of cruel, cynical, utterly negative troll would downvote that?
Load More Replies...But, he is very factually correct. What you seek is not seeking you. You would need to provide evidence that it is. Let's look at basic a reality, a small fish gets eaten by a big fish in a lake. The big fish was hungry and seeking food, the small fish was not seeking the big fish to be killed and eaten, the small fish was seeking its own food.
Load More Replies...And it’s a lot of pressure on people who aren’t seekers
Load More Replies...I can see his point. It kind of looks like an urn to me too.
Load More Replies...i dont know? why did they use a funerary urn? (lol)
Load More Replies...yep totally agree but what happens when you kill animals or humans or abuse them?
It's in an animals nature and just a note, we are animals. We don't just hurt other animals, we hurt ourselves. And at the same time, we are trying to fix ourselves, something most other animals don't do.
Load More Replies...this sounds weird...but i guess its trying to tell you to distance yourself from the superficial, material, stressful things of life and really tune into the life and love you can feel in your heart - until you can see the world through that lens of love and peace. its kind of cool
I love how it says to step away from the simulation, kinda puts things into perspective a little
dude why are Americans so negative sheesh i hate to live here ):
Load More Replies...no it isn't - the "universe" is impartial - and indifferent. the people around you who care about you are the ones who are listening.
Can we please get some proof of this unsubstantiated claim? Why do people make these bold a-s-s assertions with no evidence? To say the universe is listening implies that the universe is a living being with a consciousness. Stay skeptical. Use critical thinking and follow the scientific evidence.
the universe is a rowing river (metaphor) of energy, that energy comes from the people and beings that came before us, this means that the universe IS alive in a sense. its overflowing with the energy of billions and trillions of living things, so while it might not be living anymore, it once was.
Load More Replies...Sadly your true, I don't know why you're getting down voted for the truth.
Load More Replies...Okay, first of all- this message is for Ryan Deschanel and everybody else who doesn't understand. 1) Unlearning your conditionings- MOVING ON. Someone knocked your 1st grade self's sand castle over? Okay, you can get past that. 2) Think about other people, not just yourself *cough, cough, RYAN cough* 3) Figure out what you like/dislike. 4) Focus on what you REALLY like. 5) Put all of your likes into one activity 6) Do what you love to do
Gross. A bloody death cult with a holy book that endorses rape and slavery.
Load More Replies...after this im guessing this person is probably buddhist or something like that but it's not a hate comment im just saying
The person is confused and unrealistic. The likely don't study much science. They definitely need skepticism.
Load More Replies...Simple: Try thinking "Will this still affect me in a years time" OR "Aren't people around me too preoccupied with emselves to actually care to remember" Just realize /what do *you* remember about your surroundings from just yesterday. a week ago etc?/ The brain tosses info quickly. Don't fall for its 'Negativity Bias'
not to be rude but your going at this with the wrong mentality, the artist is trying to show a peaceful way to do what you just said but because of some (maybe) unresolved trauma, your attacking them, take a step back, breath, and think, is it really worth being an asshole to an artist who just wants to help people? i get that might be your fallback for when you get uncomfortable but you need to get past that so people won't want to strangle you through the comments. <3
Load More Replies...It basically just means to GO BEYOND yourself and to be better. In other words, it IS in English.
transcend: 1: Be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division). 2. surpass (a person or achievement). Please do your research before being condescending of other people. :)
Load More Replies...Let's not forget that too much of the sun's energy gives many people skin cancer.
I'm pushing down a negative comment. I think these comics are lovely.
But it is how really good mushrooms or acid works...
Load More Replies...No, yout heart is a muscle which makes your blood flow through your body.
Ryan honestly- this is getting repetitive, just say you had a rough childhood that haven't gotten over yet and move on to therapy.
Load More Replies...I've read these comics before when I was going through a really hard time in my life. They mean a lot to me and I'm sorry that Ryan Deschanel couldn't see the beautiful thing that these comics are. I hope you have a wonderful day Ryan, it just makes me sad that your spreading hate on the internet on a post that's supposed to be about love, and positivity.
He isn't entirely spreading hate, most of his comments actually made extremely good points and were a bit more realistic. But sadly real life doesn't work this way.
Load More Replies...These are really cute!! I love the art style and some of these are really good for me to remember :) Sorry some people were being nasty on this lovely post :(
I don't know why you got downvoted. I love the artstyle too! It was nice too see some positivity with all the negative things going on right now.
Load More Replies...This ia really cute. Your comics make me feel good. I am sad to see so many negative or indifferent comments. I have learned a lot about the origins of the yoga lifestyle, Buddhist teachings and mindfulness. I see a lot of these in the comics. It is probably not easy to understand or might even sometimes feel like a joke or making fun of you, if you haven't spent time to understand mindfulness, meditation etc. So please let me tell you that with the right mind set and some background info, these comics are wholesome, true and a loving reminder to love yourself, be grateful for the beauty in your life and enjoy life. ❤️
I'm with Ryan here. It feels like the author is on something. They never left the psychedelics phase of the 70s.
Yes, it's kind of a feel-good mishmosh of 70s California pop psych and hang in there kitten posters with muddled Jungian ideas thrown in. Probably well meaning, and nice graphics, though.
Load More Replies...To all the people claiming " This is from the '70s", "Where is your proof?", "They are consuming LSD/magic mushrooms!": Please note that nothing these artists say is new or their own invention. This is in fact very old wisdom that has been taught by spiritual teachers all over the world for thousands of years. These artists have just lovingly put it into colourful illustrations for us to enjoy and they are now facing the same situation as all the messengers before them: Few people are ready to understand, others at least appreciate the art and effort, some are indifferent and some are triggered - That's okay. It is just the shadows inside that feel threatened by the light and lash out. Therefore, do not be angry with those who react negatively, it is just not their time yet. Shine your own light and make it easier for everybody to see. And to all those who say "This is not how it works in real life!" Can you be perfectly sure that the life you are talking about is 'the real thing'? <3
i love this person, really good advice, and probs just a good person in general :)
I'm sorry you got downvoted. I bet you're just as lovely as the person that wrote these comics.
Load More Replies...I've read these comics before when I was going through a really hard time in my life. They mean a lot to me and I'm sorry that Ryan Deschanel couldn't see the beautiful thing that these comics are. I hope you have a wonderful day Ryan, it just makes me sad that your spreading hate on the internet on a post that's supposed to be about love, and positivity.
He isn't entirely spreading hate, most of his comments actually made extremely good points and were a bit more realistic. But sadly real life doesn't work this way.
Load More Replies...These are really cute!! I love the art style and some of these are really good for me to remember :) Sorry some people were being nasty on this lovely post :(
I don't know why you got downvoted. I love the artstyle too! It was nice too see some positivity with all the negative things going on right now.
Load More Replies...This ia really cute. Your comics make me feel good. I am sad to see so many negative or indifferent comments. I have learned a lot about the origins of the yoga lifestyle, Buddhist teachings and mindfulness. I see a lot of these in the comics. It is probably not easy to understand or might even sometimes feel like a joke or making fun of you, if you haven't spent time to understand mindfulness, meditation etc. So please let me tell you that with the right mind set and some background info, these comics are wholesome, true and a loving reminder to love yourself, be grateful for the beauty in your life and enjoy life. ❤️
I'm with Ryan here. It feels like the author is on something. They never left the psychedelics phase of the 70s.
Yes, it's kind of a feel-good mishmosh of 70s California pop psych and hang in there kitten posters with muddled Jungian ideas thrown in. Probably well meaning, and nice graphics, though.
Load More Replies...To all the people claiming " This is from the '70s", "Where is your proof?", "They are consuming LSD/magic mushrooms!": Please note that nothing these artists say is new or their own invention. This is in fact very old wisdom that has been taught by spiritual teachers all over the world for thousands of years. These artists have just lovingly put it into colourful illustrations for us to enjoy and they are now facing the same situation as all the messengers before them: Few people are ready to understand, others at least appreciate the art and effort, some are indifferent and some are triggered - That's okay. It is just the shadows inside that feel threatened by the light and lash out. Therefore, do not be angry with those who react negatively, it is just not their time yet. Shine your own light and make it easier for everybody to see. And to all those who say "This is not how it works in real life!" Can you be perfectly sure that the life you are talking about is 'the real thing'? <3
i love this person, really good advice, and probs just a good person in general :)
I'm sorry you got downvoted. I bet you're just as lovely as the person that wrote these comics.
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