The Shark Man

Months and months ago -- maybe back in March?-- I asked a graphic designer co-worker of mine, Dave, if he would like to do a trade. I could make him something and he could design a logo for me. He agreed, he wanted a shark. One with sunglasses.

I toiled for a while, like four months, on how to make him a realistic shark. He loves great whites, so I doodled and sketched but nothing I drew looked realistic to me. And of course, that's what he wanted, something that looks like a, well like a shark. I couldn't push it through my head, it gave me creative constipation. So, I started looking in another direction.

Since I've been studying doll-making and pattern-making, I thought why not create something new? I've always wanted to make demons/monsters, scary things that can't be scary in toy form. Why not? Because toys are not scary if you can cuddle them. What monster lets you hug it?

Therefore, the shark became Shark Man in my head. I sketched it up, drew up the pattern, and was on my way to fulfilling a promise. However, he was not thrilled with my Shark Man proposition. Dave is an artist himself, and I'm pretty sure he enjoys the realistic aspect of thins, how one can take something that exists in the world and re-create using different materials. Okay, that is not me. If something already exists, it exists in one form of perfection. I don't believe in perfection, at least not the type that I can create on my own -- wool felting taught me that.

But, I had already started the Shark Man, so I tried my best to sell Dave on the idea, then decided that I was really creating something for me that I could easily hand over to someone else. I really can't look at my creations for too long, it lets me believe I've accomplished something already, so why make something new?

Now, since I procrastinate, it took me all summer to complete him, but I have to say he's the most awesome "soft sculpture" I've made so far. He's my favorite.

Thankfully, at least I think, Dave likes the Shark Man. He wasn't as enthusiastic as the other people I showed him to, but that's Dave for you. He doesn't really praise openly, he's more subtle. Plus, I think he feels more pressured than ever to get my logo done, which may make him uncomfortable since he has no time. He is a very busy man, since he is quite literally the "Graphics Department" for the station I work for.

In the end though, I'm not sure I care what others think of the Shark Man. I don't do commissions because they constipate my entire creative process -- but a trade, well, I feel like I can get away with more. Anyway, I feel pretty relieved to have this project done, and now I'm planning to move on to making a dress. Sweet.

(Let me add, I sewed a magnet in his mouth so I can eventually make a limb he can dangle from his teeth, to make him look really fierce. And hilarious.)