Making a little progress here as I bring some Halloween-inspired elements into this piece. I’m aiming to capture that spooky vibe but also incorporate themes that resonate with common cultural ideas around figures like the Grim Reaper. You’ll notice Spock, my mom’s late cat, staring directly at you—just as he used to look at people with his classic, unimpressed glare that somehow also seemed a bit dangerous. I wanted to capture the Reaper’s presence as if he’s peering through Spock, hand cupped around his face, waiting with bated breath to take him. But with cats having nine lives, there’s this endless dynamic, almost like the Reaper is holding Spock in a mix of frustrated reverence. The love-hate, satisfying-but-trying relationship of having a cat—perfectly fitting for this scene.
I've been experimenting a lot with hand shapes, trying to give them that bony, death-like quality while infusing the piece with my usual cyberpunk/steampunk feel. That means incorporating wires, alternating colors, and metallic inks that give it a 3D effect and add depth to the work, especially when the light catches it right. I’ve poured time into getting this piece just right, especially since organic forms like animals or human poses don’t come easily to me, and I want this to feel natural, not stiff.
Life’s been a balancing act lately, with more focus on physical health—stretching, cycling, and just living a healthier lifestyle. But I’m finding time for art, even if it’s just ten minutes a day. Those small steps do add up. I appreciate any feedback—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and I’d love for you to stick around as I keep refining this piece. I’m hoping to move my art sessions to YouTube soon, expanding from Facebook, so stay tuned for updates on where to catch those! Thanks for following along.
Title: Live Long & Prosper
Medium: Pencil
Dimensions: 22.9X30.5 Centimeters
Time: 30 Minutes
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