Wednesday, April 25, 2007

S.T. Lewis Arch

Unlike the boastfully extravagant St. Louis Arch, which is 630 feet tall and a predictably boring 630 feet wide, the S.T. Lewis Arch stands a reasonable eight-feet tall and is roughly three manatees wide. No one likes a "show-off" arch, and I'm guessing that's why so many people Google "St. Lewis Arch" instead of Googling the more popular, similarly named "St. Louis Arch." It was those Google-using, spelling bee champions who inspired me to create my very own arch. But unlike the one in Missouri with its cold, stainless steel, my arch is made out of the animals I most like to draw... and a cardinal. You like that, St. Louis? Bring it.

If you're familiar with my blog, you know that I make fun of Google searches from
time to time. Here are some recent Googlings I've enjoyed:
  • How did cheetahs get endangered?
  • How to bread chipmunks
  • Sharks or pigs which tastes better when flying
  • What does a boxing kangaroo stand for?
  • Show me the ocean sharks and things

I love that last one. Google's a magic mirror now? I guess you could just search for "shark" and then click on "images," but where's the feeling of a royal decree in that? And you just want to see the ocean sharks? So no "non-ocean-going" sharks, then. I guess that's pretty specific. "Things," on the other hand... maybe a little vague. As for the rest of the list... cheetahs got endangered when lots of them died. To bread a chipmunk, dip it in milk and then roll it in flour and bread crumbs. Flying pigs don't exist, so based purely on that fundamental logic, I would guess that a flying shark is going to taste better. However, managing to get a taste of a shark while it's flying may prove to be difficult. Good luck with all that. And lastly, a boxing kangaroo stands for truth and justice... maybe some other stuff. It's hard to say because they don't speak, but I like to think they're not just boxing without a purpose.

20 comments:

Nathan Lindsay said...

I weep with joy. the drawing is beeeeee-yoootiful. I keep re-reading your commentary. One of your finest. I think we're having chipmunk for dinner later this week so I'll be sure to use your recipie.

Love it. Please make the t-shirt version.

John Nunnemacher said...

Hahaha ... that is an awesome drawing. The cardinal just tops it all off.

At this moment, a Google search on "St. Lewis Arch" turned up this blog enry as #5. It'd be funny if you set up a little St. Lewis Arch Tourism web page with that image and got it up to Google #1. :D

Adrian Ropp said...

There is more comedy packed into this one post than I have on my whole blog. You don't even need the picture, though it is a work of art! I'm still wiping away tears of laughter.

And I totally get the hidden story you've got going here! Flying pig and monkey are helping fox make a love connection with the bewildered bear, with the help a puppy. However, bear's ex-girlfriend manatee is none too happy about it, but knows that you have to set something free if you love it.

This drawing should be your new logo. Well done!

Ken Chandler said...

I can't top Adrian's comment so I'm shutting up. Oh, and fantastic illustration. Can't wait to see your Toon Club post. You rock!

Unknown said...

Brilliant!! My mind battles for where I think i get the most entertainment out of your post the reading or the art. Im not a reader ( mainly need pictures on my menu to order ) but always easy entertaing readin here. A fantastic skill Mr Lewis. Glad they had a bridge dedicated to you

Michelle said...

This has to be one of my favorite pictures by far. The expressions on their faces are priceless.

Anonymous said...

And you say you don't love St Louis. Go Cards!

RoB said...

Awesome work! I love there expressions, so cool! The pose on the dog is just amazing!~

~!WoOtWoOT!~

Florian Satzinger said...

Wow, the bear, the pig... yeah, all of them. Absolutely great.

flaviano said...

really fun piece, love the seal expression!

Jason said...

Your wit matches your piece. Both extremely entertaining and leaving me wanting more. Say, I wondered if the following article affects you guys at all?

http://animationguildblog.blogspot.com/2007/04/monument-falls.html

Or do you guys remain the same?

S.T. Lewis said...

Thank you all for your comments... I'm glad you find my blog entertaining at times. Thanks for stopping by... I'm glad you do. I'll have to make fun of more Google searches soon... there's been some classics in the last two days.

Jason - Avalanche Software is now a part of Disney Interactive Studios instead of Buena Vista Games. That's the only thing that has changed. They decided to go with the Disney name because it's more recognizeable to the average consumer.

Again - thanks for coming to my blog and commenting. As far as people with internet access go, you all are the coolest! Later.

Sarah said...

Shane, I laughed out loud -- your commentary is hilarious, and the drawing is excellent. Your post is a bright spot in an otherwise-dreary morning at work!

flipstudios said...

oh man, so hilarious. the characters are awesome. such a great look to your finished products. always a pleasure visiting your site.

andrew

sarah said...

A very fine arch. Hopefully google searchers with poor spelling will appreciate your arch too :)

Lindsay said...

Hey seth... i had a question... i know that you know all about shark week but i need to ask you... do you per chance know when it is this year? i know, i know... i could go to the website but then i wouldn't get to make a comment on your great work and where's the fun in that?

Emmanuelle.Walker said...

Lovely characters, and great expressions you have here on your blog... which I just discovered!

Anonymous said...

Well man...you don't blog forever and then I'm gone a few days and POOF....2 new entries! ;-) I was seriously laughing out loud when I read the list of google searches. LOL! My fave is the sharks or pigs which tastes better when flying. How do you find the google searches that people type in that direct them to your blog? I can only see the search engine they used...and not the actual search they ran. Hmm....anyway....LOVE the S.T. Lewis arch! VERY COOL...and love the Cardinal touch. LOL! The Cardinals would be touched! ;-)

B Beach said...

Well this is just awesome, so clever, so cool. Great job! I really love this one! One of my new favorites.

Why does google make me re-enter word verification every single time I try to leave a comment on your blog? Even when I'm already signed in, this is the only that I've experienced that with...strange.

Again, love this post!

Tracy H said...

I nearly PIMP'd reading this one. Seriously, I could be fired for laughing so hard at work. But that's another story.

Thanks for the laughs! (reaching for my oxygen.)