On the ninth day of Splintered, we return to the library for the unveiling of two secrets. We’re ushered into a hidden room where the evolution of Lewis Carroll’s original artwork and Splintered’s cover art are on display. I have to admit, it felt like Christmas to me when I received that first mockup (far right easel):
The title was spelled wrong and the font hard to read, but the picture was stunning. Choosing vivid colors lent a whimsical feel which is important so the reader goes in knowing to expect some strange silliness along with the creepiness. The model is beautiful, but also looks very innocent, like my MC. I loved the fact that her face is partially covered by her hair (speaking of her hair, the model’s is exactly how I pictured it!). I liked Alyssa being front and center, and how subtle details were woven in (the bugs and flowers who talk to her, the snaky vines). The only problem? There needed to be more darkness … shadows and a disturbing mood. This was a bit too angelic / Garden of Eden. So with a few creative details, the artist and designer settled on the final version (middle easel).
With the addition of the key around her neck, and tarnishing her innocent doe-eyed expression to the wild and haggard version (because believe me, she goes through some crazy stuff), the artwork and mood was perfect. Much darker, while still retaining the whimsy. And the vine-like font for the title sealed the deal.
As for the original Wonderland secret? Lewis Carroll (aka Charles Dodgson) actually went through an interesting evolution with the illustrations of his manuscript. In the beginning, it was illustrated by Dodgson himself. He had 37 sketches (which can be found in an 1887 facsimile edition). John Tenniel provided the wood engraved illustrations that are in today’s published version of the book. His illustrations of Alice don’t portray the real Alice Liddell, who had dark hair (see the portrait hanging on the wall). But Carroll’s did, as demonstrated by the sketch on the far left easel. Contrary to the author’s original vision, John Tenniel’s artwork immortalized Alice as a blonde, blue-eyed sprite.
Speaking of sprites, they will be our next visit over at Pages From My Thoughts tomorrow! Sprites have a very unique way of lighting up a Christmas tree; maybe, if you’re lucky, you can capture some of that magic.
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