Our Bond | Contest Entry

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UPDATE - Fixed some details

My entry for the Kubo and the Two Strings contest! [Movie Spoilers below]

Piece Description: With the subject of facing an obstacle or struggle I wanted a to make something that was a little less literal but that also sort of encapsulated the movies story without giving too much away to anyone who has not seen it. For this piece I wanted there to be two Kubos, the one who is struggling with the loss of his mother as well as against the dark forces of his aunts and grandfather. I wanted him to be pushing himself out of the ocean, placing his hands upon it's surface as though he was reaching the top of a cliff, or solid ground. I felt this would show him trying not to drown in the troubles he faced. The other Kubo represents when he found a peace within himself, or a means of forgiveness. He lays down his sword and uses his shamisen to end the battle with his grandfather. I also really wanted to put the sisters and his grandfather in the ocean rather than in the sky they way they are usually depicted. I did this because I wanted to show the moon in a less evil light, hence Kubo's mother's spirit basking in it's light. She came from the heavens but she is not corrupted like her family. I also felt putting Kubo's Aunts and Grand father in the ocean would be a good way of showing how they intend to take Kubo into a realm of darkness and lack of control.


Artist Notes: For me this pieces was a struggle on it's own. As soon as I saw the contest I knew I wanted to enter but also knew I would have practically no time to work on the piece because of my class work. I managed to get this piece done over the past two days and just barely made the deadline. There are quite a few details I had to cut out for time reasons which kinda stinks. I am pretty happy with this piece though and I think it is the biggest/most complex digital painting I've ever done.

I loved Kubo and the Two Strings so much. I though the animation was gorgeous and loved watching behind the scenes on how they put everything together. I really enjoyed getting to make this piece for the contest. I've also got to see so many other beautiful submissions from other artists. I highly suggest checking them out! ^^

I hope you guys like this piece! Please let me know what you think! ^^