I’ve created The Penguin almost accidentally while trying to make an illustration for a children’s book. But the character turned out to be a little sad, lonely and not at all childish, so I decided he needed a friend – one who would always be by his side. I love wine, so a red bottle appeared almost unconsciously.
After the first illustration was made, I showed it to my then girlfriend (now wife) and she suggested we could make a whole story of how the two friends met and how their relationship developed. It went on to live first as a series of postcards and then as full-sized art prints. I sometimes create new pictures, inspired by different events and popular culture, so their story continues.
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The Story Of A Sad Penguin And His Friend – A Bottle Of Wine