(A detail of a painting)
I've realized that an awful lot of my work is about improved & more spectacular modes of transportation (Dream Animals is about this, in a big way.)
And I've been thinking about what my impetus is to make pictures and stories, and I never come to anything more elaborate than the simplest reason:
"I just wish this (person/place/thing/Sea Monster Carriage) was real."
But that's why we make anything, right? Besides necessity, it might be the only reason.
And even if it doesn't conjure up the wished-for thing, it's the next best consolation prize to have a picture of it, or a story about it.
The souvenir, rather than the visit.
I wish we could travel by bear rather than bus. I wish we could sail in a sea monster carriage instead of putter down the street in a station wagon.
Until we can, I'll keep stealing snapshots from the better place.