As an artist, even if you are putting out something really dark and disturbing, that's good because it's opening a discussion. Always in the back of my mind is this thought that the world has to be a better place… — 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
