Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Hansel and Gretel: The Last Dessert


"You poor dears! Lost and Hungry? That just won't do. Come to my bakery, I'll give you some sweets."



"Hansel, it's very naughty to throw breadcrumbs at your sister. If you won't sit in the corner, You'll stand in the display case until your parents get here. Gretel, watch him while I put the kettle on."


"Pssst! Gretel, let me out."

"Why should I do that?"

"That old witch plans to eat us! She'll bake us into one of her pies."

"Hansel, you watch too many Tim Burton films." She retorts.

"Sweeny Todd is a true story!"

"No, it's a musical. I'm not listening to you."

The baker woman enters the back room. "Gretel! Would you tend the fire?"

As Gretel checks the oven she overhears the old crone; "Here you go Hansel, have some gingerbread. You're nothing but skin and bones. I'm going to fatten you up!"

Over his shoulder Hansel shoots Gretel a look of terror.

"Did you need help sweetie?"

The little girl freezes as the witch nears her and stammers; "I-I don't think the fire is hot enough, you should check." The cannibal cranes her neck into the flames.

Faced with the ultimate decision of life or death little Gretel places her bets.

Her story is never questioned.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Hansel and Gretel

The project was to illustrate the german fable of Hansel and Gretel in the dark twisted style of Tim Burton.



Rather then give her a candy house in the woods, I opted to depict her as a bakery owner. Sweeny Todd anyone?



Hansel locked up in the shop. I can't wait to put in my characters once I've settled on the final design.



Here I'm trying out this new vector style. Repeat and heart idea is not mine, It's from a postcard I've held on to since my very first heartbreak. The postcard is designed by Jessika Dorosh.
Tucked into my bed frame; it serves to remind me that love and heartbreak is a cycle. Being afraid to love someone is silly, because heartbreak is inevitable. The impermanence of relationships makes them so much more beautiful. When in love, this philosophy helps you see that problems can be fixed, bumps overcome. When heartbreak comes, this serves to remind me that it will pass and with time, a different love will come along. All purpose motivator.