Art Rec: "At the Edge of the World" by Kennichka

[chapbook.livejournal.com]

Title: At the Edge of the World
Artist: kennichka
Pairing: Can be read as Gen or S/J
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Artist's summary: One day my sister suggested me to draw John and Sherlock at the edge of the world. They are lost and tired and devastated, and don’t know where to go… I was so fascinated the image she drew in my mind, but I’m afraid this drawing is only a pale shadow of it. Anyway, today is her birthday and I finally finished it. Hope I didn’t completely ruin the atmosphere.
Masha, I love you so much and there are never enough words and colors to describe this. You are my muse and my soulmate and I really don’t know where would I be without you. Be happy.

Reccer's comments: Kennichka is one of my favorite artists in this fandom. She is versatile, turning out wonderful steampunk as well as fanart that plays with artistic styles ranging from cave art to the post-Impressionists. It was difficult to choose just one image, but I instantly fell for this melancholy Medieval AU. Check out the high-res version on DA to enjoy the amazing textures: Sherlock's fur collar set against his curly hair, the knit and felted wool of John's clothing. I also adore the watercolor delicacy given to the sky and especially the sea.

When I saw this I immediately thought of bendingsignpost's amazing AU, Stranger at the Gate. Therefore, I was not surprised to learn that the artist was partly inspired by that work. I felt this piece faithfully captured the bittersweet atmosphere of the story. For the moment these men appear overwhelmed. John's weariness is palpable. Sherlock looks away from the viewer (excellent touch!) and John, suggesting alienation from others. Still, his body is turned towards John and the viewer's eye connects his booted foot with John's leg, hinting that perhaps their bond remains unbroken.

Comments

[the-hobbet.livejournal.com]

Fantastic! Evocative. It makes me feel things.

Though I don't understand why you tagged it psycho SH or slash jw/sh

[chapbook.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked it!

Re: tags

I'm afraid "psycho sh" was a slip of the finger that LJ refuses to let me delete. I sent a message to the mods and hopefully that tag will disappear.

The slash tag is a nod to Ben's story as inspiration, that you could therefore interpret the image through that lens, even though the figures are not engaged in romantic or sexual activity.

[saki101.livejournal.com]

Warmly second this beautiful work.

[chapbook.livejournal.com]

Hi Saki!

Thank you for the endorsement!

[archea2.livejournal.com]

What a lovely piece of art! Thank you for reccing it - I found your comment spot on, too.

[chapbook.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you enjoyed the art and my comments.

Speaking of enjoying, I've been following "Wise Child" with pleasure.

[archea2.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks very much! I'm hoping to have the final chapter posted by the end of the month...at long last.

[cookiefleck.livejournal.com]

Beautiful art. Thank you so much for reccing it or I otherwise might not have seen it. Will also check out the story. Thanks again.

[chapbook.livejournal.com]

You are most welcome! The story is definitely worth checking out. Even if you are not fond of vampire AUs, the subversion of the usual vampire tropes is wonderful and the worldbuilding is fantastic.