[Hidden Artworks] Inspiration from Studio Ghibli's "Howl's Moving Castle"
This was the first abstract work I made on a small 15 x 15 cm canvas, “Moving Castle of Shadows,” inspired by one of my favorite anime films from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. This is just a small tribute filled with admiration for a masterpiece of animated cinema. Through this painting, I wanted to capture the magical, mysterious, and deeply human essence that characterizes both the film and the castle that gives it its name.
This work is not open for sale to the general public, but if you are interested, you can contact me privately.
The Magic of Howl's Moving Castle: Extracting Something from Its Essence
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 2004, this film is a brilliant example of Studio Ghibli's artisanal approach. Animated primarily by hand, each frame is brimming with meticulous detail and a unique atmosphere. The story is based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, but Miyazaki gave it his own narrative twist, infusing it with his unmistakable style. The film deals with profound themes such as identity, the impact of war, inner beauty, and the importance of finding harmony in a chaotic world.
What struck me most was the design of Howl's Moving Castle, and that's why I decided to bring it down to a smaller scale in this work. Built as a collage of uneven mechanical and architectural pieces, the castle seems to reflect the complex personality of its owner, Howl, which also draws my attention. I love the crazy combination of life and colors inside the castle, and I decided to translate that to its façade, which is originally a bit more sober, although still colorful. I can hardly capture the essence of that brilliant architectural work, but I have extracted a bit of its essence to bring it to my own level, for example, through those gears and chimneys that each seem to tell a story... these are details I tried to incorporate into my own work. And above all, that sense of a magical, fantasy world that is always present in the background of Studio Ghibli films.
What makes the film special?
One of the highlights of Howl's Moving Castle is its ability to convey deep emotions through animation and music. The soundtrack, composed by Joe Hisaishi, uses melancholic and grand melodies to create a lasting emotional connection with the audience. In fact, the centerpiece of the soundtrack, The Merry-Go-Round of Life, is so iconic that it can likely evoke memories of the film just by listening to the first few notes. I was listening to its soundtrack, of course, during the making of the artwork, as well as watching excerpts from it to draw direct inspiration, drinking from the idea of the film being treasured as a nostalgic memory of previous viewings, both as a child and as an adult.
Another fascinating technical detail is how the Ghibli team used shifting color palettes to reflect the emotional states of the characters and the environment. The war-related scenes are dominated by dark and gray tones, while the more intimate and magical interactions are filled with warm and vibrant colors. This chromatic influence was key in my work, as I played with strong contrasts and dynamic brushstrokes to capture both the movement and drama of the castle, but I wanted to focus less on dark tones and more on joyful, intense colors with energetic hues.
My Artistic Vision: From Screen to Canvas
In "Moving Castle of Shadows," I wanted to reimagine Miyazaki's castle from an abstract and emotional perspective. Rather than focusing on a literal design, I opted for fluid, geometric shapes that symbolize the constant movement and mystery emanating from the castle. For the colors, I used a palette dominated by metallic tones (copper, bronze, and some black), combined with blue and red brushstrokes that represent the magic and energy of the story, with that intense blue sky evoking the constantly moving castle beneath its cloak. I wanted to capture the castle as a home that is a refuge, but also a place in constant evolution, like the characters who inhabit it; and one that is surprisingly full of life.
When watching "Moving Castle of Shadows," I would like to briefly transport the viewer to those worlds where reality and imagination dissolve, just as Studio Ghibli does so masterfully in their films. It's a film that left its mark on me as a child, as did some of their other works, and of course, I couldn't miss this small tribute to it. Despite not having too many details, it somehow also allowed me, during its creation, to be transported to that magical dream world. In fact, it reinvigorated my desire to revisit some of their films and those I haven't seen yet.
