Mollusc Tree

Drawing \ Nature | 04/12/04 @162 | Wormwood | critiques (19) | views (7132)

Do not copy, modify, distribute or sell the whole or parts of the image above without permission of the creator. More.

Description

This case of sorcerous artifice is one of many of its kind which dot the hills in this area. Originally a byproduct of alchemical study, the mollusc tree is now harvested for both medicinal and culinary applications. A rare mollusc is fished, and immersed in an amniotic solution within the bulb of a specially cultivated tree. The aging process is quite long and the mollusc actually lives in a torpor until it's harvesting. Specific parts of the pickled mollusc meat are a much saught after delicacy, and the brine possesses a potent restorative effect when imbibed or applied as a salve. If the proper procedure is not followed, and the bulb split or tapped by a poacher, the mollusc will viciously attack, and soon drown, spoiling it's meat.

Animator's blue colerase pencil. Photoshop.

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Comments (19)

CityRose

04/12/04 @168

Oh, this is awesome. I love the concept! There's something about the tree that I can't put my finger on, maybe it looks a bit 2-D compared to the rock it's on? I don't know, I'm sure someone else will be more helpful. Anyway, great work! I escpecially love the way the mollusc is actually locked inside the tree. Well done.

+7

Starskin

04/12/04 @221

OH HOLY CRAP! this is fantastic, the story REALLY adds (which for me is a first time). i really like the variation on the anatomy of the octopus to emphasize how exotic it is (i. e. less webbing, more tentacles, exposed beak, decorated mantle). i'm a huge octopus fan, though (i'm working in marine biology). The whole thing reeks of alchemy, a beautiful olf blend of art, magic, and science which the mainstream abandoned long ago, *tear*. i thought you were going to say that it grew there as result of...ambient magic or something. i might have prefered that, but that's another arena, isn't it? The contrast between dry and wet and the out of place quality that the octopus takes on are hypnotic to me. the ribbon/string/rope and the lock are the perfect additions. the icing on the cake. they remind me very much of Brian Froud and the way he often throws similar little goodies into a piece. it's also very offbeat like Froud, and i'm ALWAYS attracted to that ^_^. you get all my points, and i'm sad that i can't give you more.

Starskin

Seijuro

04/12/04 @330

You rock Wormwood!

By the way, what's Animator's blue colerase pencil ? :S

Ikaa

04/12/04 @461

Absolutely wonderful. Full marks.

jawine

04/12/04 @477

The tree rocks!

The only thing that bugs me is the balance of the tree, the area holding the creature is filled with fluid and there are no branches to counterbalance this weight. The tree also looks a bit thin and not well rooted for such an amount of weight.Just my 2 cents

Wormwood

04/12/04 @773

Thanks.

Starskin, I really liked your idea of the mollusc growing as a result of ambient magic! I was originally going to draw them in a symbiotic relationship with the mollusc's tentacles going down into the trunk and into the branches. When people got too near the mollusc would whip them. Also it could grab small mammals and insects and somehow feed itself (and then it's waste matter might feed the tree).

Seijuro, this just popped up at the top of a google search- http://www.art-design.shoppingguides.org/Colerase-Colored-Pencil-Sets.html
I picked up using them as a habit while working at an animation studio during highschool. They're much cleaner than graphite and can be desaturated when scanned. It should be noted that the pencil varies noticeably with the colour (different binders I guess). I find drafter's light blue and indigo blue don't have the variance that regular blue has. I heard maroon is good too.

fanellya

04/12/04 @891

Stunning piece! and your back stories are always so interesting to read! keep it up.

Tribal-Hand

04/13/04 @687

i'm very afraid for the moment that the mulusc get's out of the tree

+7 Fantastic

CalinnVojnngat

04/14/04 @428

As always....wonderful work !

VillageIdiot

04/14/04 @639

great yet again. i hope you're not 14 or something or i will be utterly depressed. far too much skill in one person. grrrr.......

francis

04/16/04 @370

Wow, great story and visual. I like this one a lot, sorry no useful feedback.

MikeOakley

04/16/04 @704

very nicely done. It has a classical feel about it.

mindkillaz

04/23/04 @672

Just FREAKIN' Amazing!

rain79

04/28/04 @517

this is a great piece. no comments

the-hydra

04/30/04 @978

great and original as allways

love it

BrokenPhoenix

05/09/04 @966

the pics colouration and sketchyness (!) makes me think a junior researcher has seen the tree and sketched it. i wouldn't be surprised if that's what you meant , judjing by the background you always put in so well. great job =)

chain

06/02/04 @134

Very very good!!
I love your all drawing!

show me more...

Kozzie

07/06/04 @455

And I thought that my last piscture is nice... Your all works are enormous fantastic

Kalininskiy

09/14/04 @672

WOW! This is

absolutely beautiful Wonderful! +10!! my max

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