Cirrus The Artbook

 

     I have always been attracted to Japanese anime since a very young age. I remember being obsessed with them and would try to catch them whenever I could even if it meant my mom let me watch it for like 5 minutes before I left for school (I think I was in nursery). From the usual playful Disney characters to Snoopy and his crazy friends, from the lovableness of Winnie the pooh to the actions of Thunder Cats I would watch  whatever I got my hands on. Mind you this craze had not let up for me and I still would rather catch a cartoon any minute than anything “real”. My favorite moments would be when my mom would take me to the video parlor so that I could select my next viewing pleasure.

Cirrus The Artbook
Traditionally made

 

    Having a voracious appetite I devoured all kinds of cartoons they could offer me and I remember coming across this Japanese one for the first time (don’t remember the name but it was about a train journey). This was completely different than anything I had seen till then. The characters with their big beautiful eyes and lovely faces. With hearts shaded with grey’s and a story line with not a concrete happy ending to it was something which at first repelled my young mind but then somehow drew me in. I don’t remember any thing conclusive about it but there are these flashes in my mind due to which I know it had impacted me in some manner. Japanese anime have been my absolute favorite since then. 
Cirrus The Artbook
Digitally made

 

     Usually behind every great anime is an equally wonderful manga (or its foundation) and I will confess that I have not read one yet as I prefer a cinematic version. But as an art lover I’m drawn to the complexity of their drawings and have not been able to capture the true flavor in my attempts. When Poorna first showed me some of her sister’s work I was completely spell bound. Not only had she captured the essence of a Japanese character but the mere layers on the work…as an artist I understand how difficult it can be. And then to make it digitally!!! You should really see her video on it and I will guarantee that it will leave you breathless for a minute. Just the understanding of how color is to be used to create life likeness….I’m sorry if I’m not able to express myself but I really wish I had even a quarter of the talent that the young miss has. This book is a collection of her 7 years of hard work (she started when she was 13) and not only that but she also features some really amazing anime artists from India. 
     These people are so talented and deserve our recognition and support. If you too love this form of art then do order a copy of Cirrus today and help our Indian artists to gain the popularity and accolades they deserve. Especially this talented young lady who is has been courageous enough to put her work out there and publish her own book. I wish her all the best and hope to see her name among the biggies of the manga/anime artists world one day. You can order your copy of Cirrus for Rs. 499/- by sending a message out to Poorna Banerjee on her mail id – panushwari@gmail.com. I will catch you soon!