mr. tomonoshi!
The Crayon Collection
Coloring Outside the Lines: Mastering the Crayon
The majority of artists began their creative journey into the world of art with a crayon, although our destinations have varied. Crayons are often the first medium we are introduced to, allowing us to build worlds and express our ideas, thoughts, and imaginations on whatever we could find—cardboard, paper, menus, napkins, coloring books, and sometimes walls.
To me, there's no artistic tool more meaningful than the crayon. I have chosen crayons as my tools of choice because I believe that if I can master the crayon, I can master my inner child.
Each piece in the MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection is a vibrant expression of imagination, masterfully reflecting my playful spirit.
This collection is designed to ignite creativity and inspire artistic expression. Crayons, with their unfiltered and accessible nature, encourage innovation and celebrate the beauty of simplicity. Through my work, my intention is to connect with the inner child within us all, reminding us of the joy and playful freedom we experienced as children.
The MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection is a delightful explosion of color and imagination.
Each piece captures the essence of playful creativity, with bold strokes and vibrant hues that bring a sense of joy and wonder to the viewer.
My creative practice embraces the freedom to explore and experiment without the constraints of perfection.
My work in this collection is characterized by its unfiltered expression and the ability to transform everyday moments into extraordinary visual narratives.
The crayon medium allows me to convey a sense of innocence and nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood days spent drawing on any surface available—cardboard, paper, menus, napkins, and even walls.
I have spent my entire life COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES. This collection is a continuation of that journey, as I strive to master the crayon.
the crayon
Process
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The process of creating my works is akin to recess—a time of unstructured play and boundless exploration. When I pick up a crayon, I am transported to a state of pure imagination, where my hands become the conduit for the ideas flowing from my mind. I allow myself the freedom to turn, bend, twist, and scribble in any direction that my imagination takes me. This approach is about leading with my imagination, not my conscious mind.
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The essence of my creative process when working with crayons lies in spontaneity. I don't plan or premeditate my drawings; instead, I let the crayon guide me. This unstructured approach allows for a free-flowing creative process where ideas can evolve organically. It encourages me to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the unplanned.
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Creating art with crayons is a joyful experience, reminiscent of childhood recess. It's a time to play, explore, and experiment without the constraints of rules or expectations. This playful mindset is crucial for maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity in my work. It allows me to approach each drawing session with excitement and openness.
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When I draw, I enter a flow state where my imagination takes the lead. This state of being fully immersed in the creative process is both meditative and exhilarating. It allows me to connect deeply with my inner child and access a wellspring of inspiration that is often overlooked in adulthood. In this flow state, my conscious mind steps aside, and my creativity flows freely.
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The crayon, with its simplicity and accessibility, offers unparalleled freedom of expression. I am free to make bold strokes, delicate lines, or spontaneous scribbles. This freedom allows me to express my thoughts and emotions authentically, without the pressure of achieving perfection. It reinforces the idea that art is about the process, not just the final product.
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My creative process is rooted in trust—trusting my instincts, my imagination, and the crayon itself. By letting go of control and allowing the crayon to lead, I open myself up to new possibilities and discoveries. This trust is essential for the confidence and authenticity that is always present in my work.
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Every drawing session is an opportunity to practice and refine my skills. The act of creating with crayons is a continuous learning process, where each stroke and scribble contributes to my growth as an artist, bringing me closer to mastering the crayon and my inner child.
The Canvas
as a Playground
Viewing the canvas as a playground transforms the act of drawing into a form of play. Every drawing session becomes an opportunity to explore, experiment, and have fun. This mindset encourages a free-flowing creative process where my ideas can evolve organically. It also reduces the pressure to produce “perfect” work, allowing for more authentic and expressive creations.
When I approach the canvas as a playground, I am reminded of the carefree days of childhood, where play was an essential part of my daily life. This perspective allows me to let go of any inhibitions and embrace the joy of creating. The canvas becomes a space where I can freely express my thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or failure.
In this playground, I am free to experiment with different techniques, colors, and styles. I can mix and match elements from various influences, such as Japanese manga, Saturday morning cartoons, and classic newspaper comics. This experimentation helps me to discover new ways of expressing myself and to develop my authentic artistic voice and visual language.
This playful playground approach also encourages me to take risks and push the boundaries of my imagination. Just as children invent new games and rules while playing, I can invent new artistic techniques and concepts. This freedom and willingness to take risks leads to unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs in my process.
Moreover, viewing the canvas as a playground fosters a sense of curiosity and wonder. It encourages me to ask "what if" questions and to explore new possibilities. This curiosity is a driving force behind my creative process, keeping me engaged and inspired to continue creating.
Finally, the playful playground approach helps me to stay connected with my inner child. It reminds me that art is not about the final product, it's about the joy of the creative process itself.
The Discipline
of Imagination
While crayons may seem simple, mastering them requires discipline and skill. Communicating complex ideas through a limited medium challenges me to refine my techniques and think creatively. This discipline is essential for translating my imagination into tangible art. It also highlights the importance of practice and perseverance in the artistic journey.
The Unforgiving
Nature of Crayons
Crayons are inherently unforgiving; they don't allow for erasing or undoing “mistakes”. This characteristic teaches me to accept imperfections and embrace spontaneity. When I draw with crayons, every mark I make is permanent, which encourages me to be more deliberate and thoughtful with my strokes. This permanence fosters a sense of commitment to my creative choices, pushing me to trust my instincts and be confident in my artistic decisions.
The inability to erase also means that I must learn to adapt and incorporate any "mistakes" into my work. This adaptability is a valuable skill, it teaches me to view "errors" as opportunities for creativity rather than setbacks. It reinforces the idea that there are no wrong answers in art, only personal expressions. This mindset helps me to remain open to new possibilities and to see beauty in the unexpected.
Connecting with the
Inner Child
With crayons, I can build entire worlds and narratives, developing my storytelling skills and imaginative thinking. Crayons evoke strong emotional connections for me, instantly transporting me to a more playful place. The imaginative muscle memory that occurs when I pick up a crayon opens a gateway to play and creates a profound connection to my inner child. This connection ignites the sense of wonder and curiosity that has shaped the path of my creative journey.
By staying connected to my inner child, I can access a wellspring of inspiration and creativity that is often overlooked by the tainted eyes of adulthood.
The Work
Time, Tools, and Materials
Creating the MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection has been a journey of dedication, creativity, and playful exploration. This series comprises over 500 pieces in various sizes, ranging from 8 inches x 8 inches to 8 feet x 8 feet. Each artwork is a testament to the time, tools, and materials invested in bringing these vibrant expressions of imagination to life.
Time
I spend countless hours immersed in the flow state, allowing my imagination to lead the way. The time invested in each artwork varies, with smaller pieces taking several hours to complete, while larger pieces can take days or even weeks. This commitment to the creative process ensures that each piece is an authentic reflection of my imagination.
Tools
The primary tool for this collection is the humble crayon. Crayons, with their simplicity and accessibility, offer unparalleled freedom of expression. They allow me to make bold strokes, delicate lines, and spontaneous scribbles, capturing the essence of my playful spirit. The crayon's unfiltered nature encourages innovation and celebrates the beauty of simplicity.
Materials
The materials used in this collection are as diverse as the artworks themselves. I draw on various surfaces, including cardboard, kraft paper, napkins, canvas and even walls. This versatility allows me to explore different textures and effects, adding depth and dimension to my work.
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection
The MR. TOMONOSHi! Crayon Collection is a celebration of the beauty of simplicity and imperfection.
inquire about The Crayon Collection
Add a piece of this playful and imaginative series to your personal collection, if you are looking to add a touch of whimsy and wonder to your life.
mr.tomonsohi@tomonoshi.com