I have decided to approach the Okami yokai character vastly
different to how it is traditionally known.
The wolf will not have a realistic figure but more of an abstract block
shape to form the body. The features of the face shall not resemble what is
traditionally seen as a wolfs face. I want to keep only a few small attributes which
could be recognised as wolf like. These features will be its tale, the shape of
its eyes and the fur on its back. (most probably)
I found myself watching an episode of hoarders on television
on the weekend in a zombie like state. My brain was switched off and I was just
staring at the screen without thought. The screen eventually presented footage
of a baby kitten which had fallen behind a desk in this rubbish filled house so
that the owner could not reach the newly born sweetheart. As they picked up the
huddled corps of the kitten, I saw that the umbilical cord was still attached
and it had flattened and dried almost like a paper mache sculpture. The position
which the kitten took resinated with me as did the flatness which the side took
which was leaning against the floor.
I envisage the structure of the image to somewhat resemble
this with a stiffness and awkwardness of the body of the wolf. Since this type
of wolf has completely died out and what is left is the memory of it’s existence
as a yokai character, the reference of this poor little kitten in its posture
for me, go hand in hand and is a prefect representation of a spiritual entity.
I will present it as if it is leaping through the air, mid
pounce onto its victim. Though I want the image to be flat so you could also perceive
it to be dead, lying on the ground like the kitten.
Here are some more ref images which i have been looking at for inspiration:
Age of Omuktlans by Curiot
A Dog’s Treasure by John Ryrie
Girl with a Kitten by Lucian Freud
Black Cat Leaping by David Hockney
White Byrd by Rona Green
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