Map Of Sightings

Artist Statement

This work is an amalgamation of hand drawn ‘research’ pieces by “The Artist”. A character in a narrative created by myself to showcase folklore around the country. From handwritten diary entries from “1870” and a few years later to drawings of creatures, they were all created fictionally by myself. I believe in creating this, it has created a whole different perspective than just drawing creatures from fantasy and folklore.  

The Artist was a scientist who primarily worked on dissecting animals and testing samples to research and document. Originating from Scotland, he was called out to the Highlands, specifically Loch Ness. While sketching the foliage for his research, he spots something moving in the water. Suddenly, a long smooth scaled neck appears out of the water, ripples surrounding it as it breaks the surface. He was stunned, was this the famous Loch Ness monster? Everyone heard the tale, it put Loch Ness on the map forever. Fisherman from around England and even France would travel to catch the “beast”. Eventually, the excitement passed and the lake was left still. So why now? After years of a supposed sighting, why appear now? Without a second thought, he started sketching. He needed to capture this moment. A silent, brief moment. A beautiful moment. It was truly real. 

This event changed his career dreams forever. No longer did he wish to collect fish and fox specimens, he was to find and document every folklore creature known to man. Never interfere, just to observe and capture on paper. He decided to be known as “The Artist” by signing each of his works. He wanted the work to reflect the creatures, not himself. Going through as many books as he could find, he began noting locations that supposed creatures had been sighted or had been rumored to reside at. While he searched, he took notice that there were no illustrations. No man alive knew what these creatures looked like, he would be the first. He knew he had to document as many as he possibly could, people had to know their existence. Not to harm, just to inform and open eyes.  

His goal was to one day have every creature documented and portrayed in all their magnificence. A time-consuming, lifelong journey that would one day inspire others to do the same. Travelling only with a case of clothes, paper, a pen and pencil he set on his course. Before he left his residence, he started to create a map. The further he travelled the more he would add.  

After a few years, he had sighted and added to his list of creatures, some taking months of observing and camping in the dirt. He had travelled all over England, Wales and Scotland. His sightings map of England was complete. He had to share his work, so he spread the word to local newspapers, and townsfolk would gossip to anyone they could. This wasn’t for the attention of his illustrations, but in the hopes someone would see his research and help him fund his travels to other countries to continue his work.  

Someone in the world had to have the same desire as him. Someone willing to help him. Right? It took about 7 months of letters coming through his door, some calling him deranged or insane. Except two. They were important. One from America, one from the Netherlands, word had spread out of the country. He was invited to stay and live with them to continue his research. The true start of his lifelong work. The Artist and his folklore creatures.  

The map was expanding.