Today’s sketch is one of my favourite animals (technically a reptile), the humble land tortoise.

The tortoise is a slow creature that lives in its shell. They are reclusive and shy creatures. I like to believe they lead long lives cos they are vegetarian by nature. In Dreamworks cartoon, Kung Fu Panda, the character Grand Master Oogway is depicted as an old sage, venerated for his wisdom, knowledge and experience. In china the tortoise symbolizes the beginning of creation, time, wisdom and longevity. In india, the tortoise is highly regarded as having a elevated spiritual state as it is believed to meditate inside its shell. In Aesop’s fable, the slow moving but patient tortoise wins the race against the flighty hare.

The tortoise has been my mascot for many years. It represents all that I want to be. Wise, vegetarian, patient, spiritual wanderer who is self sufficient within its own shell that is also home.

 

Sketch of tortoise
Sketch of tortoise