Hunting for inspirational art and creative individuals is one of the ways I keep my right brain stimulated. During a recent art hunt I discovered the mischievous playful art of Joan Krygsman. She is the creator of Striped Aardvark design.
'Roy the Crocodile' Joan Krygsman
As soon as my eyes caught a glimpse of her work, I felt my inner child light up with delight. The colour, the simplicity, the personality of each creature spoke to me immediately.
I wanted to know who this artist was, and I wanted to know where these creatures where coming from?! So I set up an interview with Joan to pick her brain.
She revealed some surprising things during our talk.
I would never have guessed that Joan was blocked for 15 years, she didn’t create any art during that time. She was a perfectionist and the pressure to make perfect art had completely closed the doors to her creativity.
It wasn’t until her daughter was born that she felt the permission to let go of the need to be perfect and just PLAY!
It was her renewed sense of play that freed Joan from her artist block and unleashed the striped aardvark.
Now Joan is flowing with inspiration and the creatures are pouring out.
'Shlomo the Snail' by Joan Krygsman
After connecting with Joan, my inner child was almost jumping through the roof with excitement, she wanted to play too. So I sat down and created this quick sketch of a bird. This is inspired by the Striped Aardvark….
'Bird' marker sketch by Laura Hollick
My creative interlude with Joan reminded me of the importance to play. Creativity is something that flows when we let it, there is nothing like playtime to unleash the joy.
To learn more about Joan Krygsman’s Striped Aardvark designs check out www.stripedaardvark.com