Fists of the Forest Green
As first of the green team,
and also the first that i worked on, the creation of this character
raised the starting issues of how to go about designing a convincing
strength-based, nature-related figure.
In our minds, the image of Nature can be linked to a great
many things, from animals to celestial bodies. But if we approach the
connection from the other end, anything space-related might sooner suggest
technology or a science-fiction setting rather than nature, and animals could
suggest any number of things given the traits we traditionally attribute them.
One visual element that is less likely to be associated with other things,
however, is that of plants (especially trees) - so that I decided to portray
the first character as a humanoid plant.
The idea already exists in Concept Art, and as a starting
point, I chose to draw inspiration from the "Ents" featured in "The
Lord of the Rings" films (New Line Cinema, directed by Peter Jackson)[16]
based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, with art by illustrators Alan Lee and John
Howe. This can be seen on the personal website of artist John Howe[17],
and in publications such as The Art of The Lord of the Rings[18].
Here the "Ents" are shown as wizened and relatively-kind, old
tree-people, whereas I chose to take my character in a different direction,
opting - in light of the representing physical attribute - for a more athletic,
warrior-like figure.