Bring On The Wild Things.

TREND: The beloved children's book, Where The Wild Things Are, is again massively influencing the art world.

I know I’m not alone when I say that Maurice Sendak’s 1963 childrens book, Where The Wild Things Are, is a story that I’ve loved ever since my first time reading it as a child. It is no wonder then that there has been an explosion of artistic expression inspired by the story ever since the first trailers were shown of the book’s upcoming film adaptation directed by none other than the great Spike Jonze.

Movie poster for the film Where The Wild Things Are

One project in particular that caught my attention was Cory Godbey’s TERRIBLE YELLOW EYES, “…a collection of works inspired by the beloved classic, Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. …created by invited contributing artists and myself.” As Cory says in a description of the project which perfectly sums up my own feelings, "I don’t remember when I first read Where the Wild Things Are, but I do remember the feelings I had. At the time I lacked the vocabulary to express those feelings and now, how ever many years later, I find myself in the same situation." Nonetheless, here are some examples of the wonderful pieces from the TERRIBLE YELLOW EYES project.

A Year and Two Days by Cedar Leidigh for terribleyelloweyes.com

Where Someone Loved Him Best of All by Cory Godbey for terribleyelloweyes.com

"They're Not So Terrible" by Peter deSeve for terribleyelloweyes.com

From paintings to illustrations I knew it was just a matter of time before the Wild Things hit fashion, and sure enough, I was right.

Opening Ceremony x Spike Jonze "Where The Wild Things Are" Collection courtesy of HighSnobiety.com

Needless to say I am incredibly excited about the inspirational influence this book is having on creative minds around the world. I think the story of Max and the Wild Things represents many things, but in particular an innocence and creativeness of youth that is all but lost as we grow up and face an ever more growing list of responsibilities in our lives. That innocence and creativity is something that we all had at one point as children, and is something that I believe still exists within us. So I hope that with all of the amazing work that has been inspired by Where The Wild Things Are, as well as the upcoming film adaptation, we will see even more creative responses in the form of art, music, fashion, and culture. And perhaps every once in a while we can even take a few moments to nurture that small Wild Thing in each of us.

Costumes inspired by Where The Wild Things Are by Christian Joy for Urban Outfitters at Space 15 Twenty