Regrets of a Mad Scientist

size: 18 x 25.5 cm (7 1/4 x 10 1/8 inches)
medium: cut paper on wood

Worn out by waging constant war against the laws of physics and nature, one minor miscalculation can lead a superb scientist down the paths of melancholy and madness. Not to mention artificial breathing apparatuses and a whole lot of boneless limbs. There’s a whole lot here to regret: a whole world lost and left behind in a mad dash for scientific advancement, a lifetime of breathing recycled air, a lack of opposable thumbs.

What drew me to this guy (who has been sitting in my sketchbook for ages waiting for the right moment to come to life) was the sense of weariness. It’s tough being a mad genius all the time. Not to mention the old-school Eroll Flynn mustache.

As to why there is a sentient snow globe on his noggin; well, your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps a receptacle for memories of another life? But whose footprints are those tracking through the snow?

“Regrets of a Mad Scientist”, can be seen right now in San Francisco’s Gallery 1988′s “Battle Royal” group show, until July 18, 2009.

Oh yeah, and here’s the original sketch dredged up from the depths: