As soon as I heard what the new IF prompt was, my mind leaped to cockroaches. The funny thing is-- as far as I know-- we don't have cockroaches in Hokkaido. I guess it's too cold here.
The first time I saw a cockroach in Japan was in Nagoya, when I was in my mid-twenties. Of course I've always known, from reading books and hearing stories, that humans generally consider them disgusting, filthy, sneaky, and almost impossible to get rid of. Should I risk grossing you (my darling followers) out with an etegami depicting a cockroach? Sure, why not?
On the other hand, I googled definitions for "sneaky," and one string of synonymous terms I came across was: furtive: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed; "a furtive manner"; "a sneak attack"; "stealthy footsteps"--> That sounds just like NINJA to me. Doesn't it to you?
Anyway... I solved my dilemma by combining the two mental connections I'd made. So, here it is.
Posts
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteOh my, I must tell you my cockroach story! I live in Florida, where we do have GIANT cockroaches as big as lizards! They love glue and paper. I had stored such items in an outside shed -- big mistake. When I moved and went to get the boxes, they were full of bigboy cockroaches, scary stuff to make your skin crawl!!! Needless to say, I had to leave the stuff behind and lost some of my old artwork and childhood photos to boot. I was just too grossed out and "itchy" all over to get the stuff, dump it and the roaches on the concrete. YES the are sneaky!
Kerry
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ReplyDeleteI just love this cockroache's etegami, not because I like the cockroaches, I like this little insect's ilustration!
ReplyDeleteHere in Tokyo the cockroaches have many sizes, but they are no so smart, you can finish them easily. The Mexican cockroaches give more fight.
Get fun!
I have to say, I burst out laughing when I saw this etegami! You've definitely captured sneaky with that image.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you create the best insect art! I'd love to see a Hollywood version of a "ninja - style showdown" starring these crunchy creatures! :o)
ReplyDeleteP.S.
Enjoyed the mail art, too!
cool image!
ReplyDeleteOw! That looks like it hurts! Great combo idea Debbie! I like your eastern influenced style! Very cool. Hey thanks for stopping by. God bless and happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletewow! amazing, cockroach was hit by Ninjya?! I like this.
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and image.
The only good bug is a dead bug!
ReplyDeleteI love the throwing star in it's back! Cool subject!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is really really nice, I like it a lot. Very cool style. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great illustration! I really like the mix of the old asian style cockroach with the modern look of the ninja-star.
ReplyDeleteSuperb, and completely unexpected. You mastered the challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and for sharing your own experiences with cockroaches! I'm not going to commit myself as to whether this particular cockroach is still alive or not. (You know how resilient they are.)
ReplyDeleteSome people apparently didn't like to see the cockroach get hurt. Others despise cockroaches too much to even look at the illustration. But for the most part, it seems people enjoyed this one. I'm glad. :)
That's great, and as I was drawing this week a big ugly cockroach like bug crawled into my view.. very apt choice!
ReplyDeleteNinja cockroaches now there's a terrifying thought! There were cockroaches in Malawi, where i lived for a while, thankfully not in Scotland where i am now!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me think: Crockroaches can actually be seen as truly sneaky ninja :) !
ReplyDeleteIt never happened to me to those insects in this way.
By your comments I guess I'm lucky never to have met a cockroach, but still, great illustration, especially the beaded line work.
ReplyDelete