Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism

Fig 1 Water Colour of taxidermy Turtle

Fig 2. Pencil Sketches

Fig 3. Line drawing of Winston Turtle

Fig 4. Woodcut print of Winston Turtle

There are three main approaches to anthropomorphism; adding human traits to an object, taking a human and adding animal qualities to them or taking an animal and adding human qualities and characteristic to them. In my approach I went with the latter. After drawing a turtle for some time I understood its shape and form well enough to feel confident in using its characteristics and traits to morph them into human attributes. I looked to the taxidermy turtle trying to see what human qualities I felt were already there, and after some brainstorming I felt he had similar qualities to Winston Churchill. I had to be careful with my designs not to over exaggerate attributes as I wanted it to be an endearing tribute to Churchill and not to ridicule; an illustration not satire. By keeping the features simple and refined I felt that this kept the final image endearing yet dignified.

This endearing and charming approach is often seen throughout illustrations, particularly ones “intended” for children. This can best be seen in classic children’s illustrations, such as; Beatrix Potter’s work (Fig 5) and E. H. Shepard’s illustrations in ‘Wind in the Willows’ (Fig 6). Looking through these books I realised what made them so charming was how they selected animals that would match well with human traits and successfully portray personalities. The animals were also likable and at times cute. A good example of matching animal and human characiteristics  would be the weasels in ‘Wind in the Willows who are of course are scoundrels and villains. However sometimes unexpected animals are matched with opposite traits. Dualism was used in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, in the form of a scared lion. 

Fig 5. Beatrix Potter. The Tailor of Gloucester

Fig 6. E. H. Shepard. Wind in the Willows.

There are different ways to anthropomorphise an animal:

•  Adding an animal head to a human body and vis versa
• Animals acting like humans; walking on two legs, wearing clothes, language (Fig 4, Fig 5, Fig 6, Fig 7, Fig 8, Fig 9)

Fig 7. Pauline Baynes. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Fig 8. Stephen Collins

Fig 9. Stephen Collins

However anthropomorphism isn't just restricted to animals. Objects and the environment can also reflect human traits and characteristics. Take some of Disney’s early cartoons ‘Micky Mouse through the Mirror’ (Fig 11) made in 1936 brings to life all sorts of characters from armchairs to telephones. And in ‘Silly Symphony; Flowers and Trees’ (Fig 10) a good number of flowers and trees are brought to life and given personalities. 

Fig 10. Walt Disney. Silly Symphony; Flowers and Trees

Fig 11. Walt Design. Micky Mouse through the Mirror 

The purpose of anthropomorphism is to entertain. Whether that be through children’s books, animations, cartoons or satire. It is never intended to be taken seriously; a reflection of the real world and a reflection of the artist’s imagination.

Bibliography

Collins, Stephen. Some Comics by. London: Jonathan Cape, 2014. Print.

Grahame, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. London: Methuen Children's Books Ltd, 1908. Print.

Lewis, C. S. The Complete Chronicles of Narnia. London: Geoffrey Bles, 1954. Print.

Potter, Beatrix. The Tailor of Gloucester. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: F. Warne, 1987. Print.

YouTube. 'Mickey Mouse Thru The Mirror 1936 Toon'. N.p., 2015. Web. 28 Mar. 2015.

YouTube. 'Silly Symphony - Flowers And Trees'. N.p., 2015. Web. 28 Mar. 2015.