"Rama Rocky & Brahma Bullwinkle": The Creative Process

"Rama Rocky & Brahma Bullwinkle In The Chant For World Peas" Oil on Canvas, Mixed Media Frame 24" x 24"

The Assignment
Curator Phillip Graffham invited me to create a piece for "Moosylvania: A Group Show Tribute To Jay Ward".
The exhibit opened March 1, 2014 at Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks CA, closed on March 15.

Research and Inspiration
Jay Ward was one of the creators of Rocky and Bullwinkle and other memorable characters.  I had not seen a "Rocky and Bullwinkle" cartoon in decades so researching this project was very nostalgic. The dialog was oft times far from childish babble, it was sprinkled with subtle wit and wry observations of the times.  I found lots of inspiration, here are some of the highlights:

Rocky and Bullwinkle Opening Theme

Hokey Smoke! Rocky and Bullwinkle

Mr. Know it All - How to Be A Beatnik

Intermezzo #1 Pushing Up Daisies

The Ah Ha Moment!
I have never been able to force an idea; the more intense the search for ideas, the more fleeting they become. The idea for "Rama Rocky & Brahma Bullwinkle"  flowed into my reality as I woke from a dream.  I woke up chanting Brahma Bull...Brahma Bull...Brahma Bullwinkle!  Ah Ha!  The concept took off from there. The characters became divine reincarnations of themselves, doing yoga, practicing mudras, meditating and chanting for world peace.