Truth-Seeker

In many of Shinkai’s films, sad endings resulting from misunderstandings and unrequited feelings are common. According to Shinkai, his stories are intended to encourage teenagers as they learn to cope with these commonplace experiences. In an interview, he admitted that he had been accustomed to being turned down by women, and felt that his stories were encouraging because his characters continue to try, despite being unsuccessful at love. The Garden of Words also illustrated how people do not mature as linearly or elegantly as we often assume. Shinkai himself could relate with Yukino in not feeling as smart or mature at age 27, stating, “We’re all still just children at age 27,”

なるかみの, すこしとよみて, A faint clap of thunder, さしくもり, Clouded skies, あめもふらぬか, Perhaps rain will come. きみをとどめむ? If so, will you stay here with me?

なるかみの, すこしとよみて, A faint clap of thunder, ふらずとも, Even if rain comes or not, わはとどまらむ, I will stay here, いもしとどめば。 Together with you.

“[I’ve been drawing] since I can remember. I was a latchkey kid and an only child so I spent a big chunk of my childhood drawing by myself. I still really dig this drawing of an island covered in reptiles and birds I did in kindergarten. I think the main influences I had were these books on urban legends and monsters I found at the library. There was also this book about Greek and Norse mythology that I got during summer camp that I loved. It was filled with these beautiful and strange illustrations of creation myths and creatures. The other big influence was the sci-fi and animated films I’d watch with my dad.”

///

Want to discover more stunning art like this? Check out Cross Connect’s blog and hit us up on Facebook!

The Creative Act of Listening to a Talking Frog