#238 of 1001 · March 26, 2021

Where does creativity come from? Is it a conscious practice, an instinct that can be refined and mastered, or simply an innate gift? In his fantastical tale The Ink House, @rorydobner posits an explanation altogether more concrete. In the eponymous homestead, a long succession of artists, writers, poets, and composers have received miraculous inspiration from the enigmatic well of ink in a vaulted cistern below the floor. Once a year, the current owner of the house departs in a hot air balloon, off on a quest for marvelous treasures. Taking advantage of the empty space, a diverse group of anthropomorphic animals holds an annual gathering of raucous activity and entertainment. Dobner gifts his characters with alliterative names and over-the-top quirks and proclivities. The formality of his elegant line art, executed in black and white with occasional accents of powder blue, belies the mischievous tone of the merry festivities. #ink #house #animal #animals #creativity #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks