“Have you ever wondered What happens to all the poems people write? The poems they never let anyone else read? Perhaps they are Too private and personal Perhaps they are just not good enough. Perhaps the prospect of such a… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
“It's as if they take all our questions and offer them straight back: Who are you? Why are you here? What do you want?” — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
I'm often wary of using the word 'inspiration' to introduce my work -- it sounds too much like a sun shower from the heavens, absorbed by a passive individual enjoying an especially receptive moment. While that may be the case on rare occasions, the reality is usually far more prosaic. Staring at a blank piece of paper, I can't think… — Shaun Tan Copy Share
“The green painted concrete out in front of the house, which at first seemed like a novel way to save money on lawn-moving, was now just plain depressing. The hot water came reluctantly to the kitchen sink as if from miles away, and even then without conviction, and sometimes a pale brownish color. Many of the windows wouldn't open properly… — Shaun Tan Copy Share
Depression is the flip side of creative inspiration but it can be useful. It's telling you to stop for a little bit. You can… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
“There is an implicit recognition here that important things in life are not always immediately visible, and can't always be named, or even fully… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
What I love about Inuit carving is that it's so narrative, but it doesn't have the temporal dimension of an illustrated picture, where it… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
I don't get really inspired the way some people do, buzzing with ideas - it feels like hard work to me... but once I… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
“Why do I always listen to your insane plans? Why aren't we at home watching TV like everyone else? What possible difference will any… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
“It's funny how these days, when every household has its own inter-continental ballistic missile, you hardly even think about them. . . . A… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
You discover how confounding the world is when you try to draw it. You look at a car, and you try to see its… — Shaun Tan Copy Share Image
