A House in a Forest - the drawings
One of the things we discussed in the beginning was that we didn’t want was to show anything fully, especially humans. We spoke about windows and glimpses, and the feeling of observing something unfold. We had these types of brief conversations and shared some reference images of houses in forests…then Messymsxi worked her magic!
I asked her these questions recently:
Q1) You developed a new “technique” for yourself in the process - why?
“The chosen technique gradually took shape through a series of trial and error sketches. My intention was for the drawings to evoke a mood reminiscent of memories, akin to flashbacks rendered in the black-and-white alike old photographs. I thought it was very important that the style of the drawings not only compliments the story but also enhance the reader's imagination.”
Q2) Was there anything you wanted particularly to express or bring across to the reader?
“A significant portion of my efforts was spent trying to capture interesting perspective of the different scenes without showing too much details, to preserve an element of suspense about the house and the characters within the story. Executed in charcoal, the drawings omit details like time of the day, season, and age as colours were removed. Hence the reader has to rely on the interplay of lighting and included elements to construct their own interpretations of the story.”
3) What’s your favorite image or moment in the story?
“My favourite image depicts the couple seated on the porch, viewed through the window. In my perspective, the house transcends being a mere setting—it assumes the role of a character in the story with a sentient presence, as if discreetly observing the couple.”
Email me at ampulets@yahoo.com.sg if you would like a copy. Each book comes with a free sticker sheet (whilst stocks last). $35 inc. postage.
Comments