Fear of Falling, by Neil Gaiman

nobody@vox.com(Akela Talamasca) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:56:57 -0700

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Things I Love, Part One

nobody@vox.com(Akela Talamasca) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:19:43 -0700

I think it's time I revealed a little more about myself. Time to display a little more openly what drives me, what moves me, and what fascinates me. Me, me, me, it's all about me! Well, you knew that, didn't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't be here. Something must keep you coming back for more. Perhaps it's the chance to gain a glimpse into the mind of a genius, whose every utterance provokes a cascade of shimmering, rainbowed thoughts within -- what? Oh, you... you came here by accident. You were looking for Akela from the Jungle Book instead. Uh, yeah, he's down the hall, third door on the left. No, my left.

Well. I've got this place rented out for the next hour anyway, so I'll just ramble on. Try to keep the giggling to a minimum, please, this is serious stuff. Angellica, this means you! heehee... oh, damn.

Anyway! One of the best things about sharing what you love is being exposed to like-minded individuals, who will then go on to introduce you to things that you may not have known existed, but are right up your tree. Or alley, I forget which. Maybe both. A tree growing in an alley. With an alley cat sitting in it. Aww, cute! It's playing with one of the branches! Here, kitty kitty kitty...

Where was I?

Oh yes, anyway, whenever I feel like it's time to change the nature of these posts from metaphysical exploration to more Akela-based matters, I'll call it 'Things I Love'. Catchy, yes? Got a ring to it.

First, take a look at the picture I've attached to this post. It's called 'The Moon', and it's a Major Arcana card from the Particle Tarot, designed and illustrated by none other than Dave McKean, the brilliant mind behind the recent release MirrorMask. For those in the know, you'll have already been aware of his work through his cover artwork for the Sandman series of comics written by Neil Gaiman. Prior to that, he'd also illustrated DC's Arkham Asylum, written by Grant Morrison, and Black Orchid, also by Gaiman. At some point I'll write about those two worthy authors as well, but this post is a Dave McKean LoveFest, and I'll not be swayed by the likes of you! Be off, sirrah, or feel the sting of my blade!

Wait, don't cry, I was just kidding! See? Akela smiling! Yay! Happy wolfie! Okay, hush now, it's okay. Let's move on. Wipe your nose.

A great deal of McKean's artwork can be found at www.dreamline.nu; just scroll down to the links at the bottom of the page.

I don't think I'm writer enough to be able to elucidate exactly what it is in McKean's artwork that stirs me, but for the love of all that's Yummy, look at it! The color, the texture! The bold composition! His typography is wondrous. His line work is sublime. He also composes music (which can be heard in MirrorMask) and, of course, animates and creates film. He burns so brightly that it's hard to look directly at him. Anthea, you know what I mean.

He's one of those people who, while I'd love to listen to him speak, or watch him work, I'd be hard-pressed (ouch) to know what to say to him in conversation other than 'Uh. Thanks. For, y'know, the... stuff. That you did. Do. Um. Whuh -- I really... can I come live with you?" And let me tell you, that kinda thing never goes over well. Believe me, I know from experience.

So there you go. Part one of Things I Love, done and to bed. I'll try to come up with a better title for it than that, but it works well for now, dunnit? Oh, and by the way, I know I missed a day of posting, and this blog so new... there's really no excuse for it, is there? None. I shall leave it to my esteemed audience to devise my punishment. I await, trembling.

if I should be short on words
but long on things to say
could you crawl into my world
and take me worlds away?
-- "Seasons", Chris Cornell

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Howling In Your Face!

Fear of Falling, by Neil Gaiman

Things I Love, Part One