Another Inspiring Doodler

Pavena S.

As promised, here is another inspiring doodler whose work I can’t get enough of. Thailand artist, Pavena S. (@maomee_sammy) creates magical illustrations in pen. The pages of her sketchbooks are filled with these wonderfully detailed and often times whimsical illustrations of my favorite subject matter… animals. In particular, animals done in black and white. Is it any wonder that I’m so drawn to her work? (Yes, pun was kinda sorta intended!)

Artist Pavena S.

Artist Pavena S.

I’ll cut right to the chase and show you just why she made my list as another inspiring doodler. One of the first illustrations that caught my eye was a little hedgehog who literally seems to be a part of his woodland environment, with leaves and flowers interspersed amongst his quills. Another was a collage of animals, birds, fish, and a fairy princess, which seem to emerge from leaves and waves, which in turn seem to surround a black star-filled sky.

Artist Pavena S.

I was completely blown away by one which showed a human figure suspended by what appears to be vines reaching towards him from all directions. He is surrounded by these vines and what appears to be an endless backdrop of more vines, so delicate that it boggles the mind. There are hands, reaching fingers, flowers, and celestial symbols all set against a black background filled with stars. It is a play of incredible detail, black and white, negative versus positive space, and despite the lack of any animals in this piece, I find myself fascinated and captivated by it.

Her illustrations are a balance of delicate line work juxtaposed with areas of heavy black ink. It flows harmoniously, leading your eye from one detail to the next. You can look at it today and think you’ve seen it in its entirety. But I can almost guarantee that you’ll come back tomorrow and notice something you missed the day before. And joy of joys, she has a YouTube channel with time lapse videos!

Artist Pavena S.

Artist Pavena S.

She isn’t just another inspiring doodler for no reason. Her work is completely worthy of some of the best children’s books I’ve ever read. They would fit right in with the likes of Mr. Toad, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Peter Rabbit, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and The Wind in the Willows. Pavena S., aka @maomee_sammy is definitely worth a look. Or two, or three…