Artist of the month - John Kenn Mortensen

Born in Denmark in 1978, where he still lives and works, John Kenn Mortensen works in Children’s Television as a Writer and Director and also has a few credits as an Actor and even credits as an Animator, Editor, and Production Designer. None of these jobs are how I came to discover Mortensen’s work though. In what little spare time he has, John carves out time to create detailed illustrations in ink, of monsters and children on yellow Post-It notes. It is impossible to look at his work without seeing the strong influence Edward Gorey has on his style and creations. A dark sense of dread and even fear and sorrow that still manages to hold a powerful humor within the little illustrated terrors. Being a fan of Death Metal and dark experimental music, while still working in children’s television and being a father of fraternal twin’s (a boy and a girl), creates the perfect fodder for imagining the horrible situations his illustrated characters find themselves in. Mortensen has also worked in larger format illustrations, sculptures, and has his work in books that highlight some of his best MonsterDrawings. As usual is is difficult for me to find one piece from an artist to highlight, but I ended up picking one of his Post-It masterpieces titled There Is No Need To Stay Here. Creepy and grim with hint of humor. This also happens to be one of the few that seem to have been given a name. John’s larger illustrations are names, but It is difficult to find the name of any of his Post-It MonsterDrawings - perhaps because of the sheer number of those he has created, most end up nameless. John Kenn Mortensen is on a variety of social media, but he is the most active on Instagram (link below). Follow his work and fall in love. I am also linking his Bigcartel shop where he will post works for sale on occasion. I also suggest looking for his books for a wonderful treat!


Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/johnkennmortensen/

Purchase -
http://johnkenn.bigcartel.com/