We Shared A Bear Suit by Sophie Blackall, Illustration, Posted October 24, 2009
A few years ago, my housemate told me about Missed Connections on Craigslist. So I checked them out, I was captivated. I printed out a few of my favorite postings and sketched a few thumbnails for each that was my response to the missed connection. I stuck them in my sketchbook and continued on with my life. Around the end of August, I came across them again while packing up to move. I googled “craigslist” and “artist” to see if any fellow creatives have found inspiration from the notorious Craigslist. At the time, all I found was a group show at a gallery in D.C. called Craigslist at Civilian Art Projects. Just last week however, I came across this blog by children’s illustrator Sophie Blackall that illustrates New York’s Missed Connections. These whimsical illustrations are posted on her blog Missed Connections as well as available for purchase at etsy.com. If you love reading the Missed Connection ads on Craigslist you’ll love these illustrations.
"I Saw You...Comics Inspired by Real-Life Missed Connections," Edited by Julia Wertz,Three Rivers Press; February 3, 2009
But it’s not just Sophie Blackall or myself who have found inspiration from Craigslist’s Missed Connections. Many writers, illustrators, photographers and musicians have used these personal ads as their inspiration for their work. SF comic book artist Julia Wertz put together an anthology of Craigslist inspired comics called “I Saw You … Comics Inspired by Real-Life Missed Connections.” Musician Gabriel Kahane used Craigslist post to inspire his Craigslistlieder score. Philadelphia’s Curio Theatre Company created a play based on Philly’s Missed Connections, Missed Connections, A Craigslist Fantasia.
It’s not just the Missed Connections that are inspiring, I found myself saving other random posts that I thought were interesting. For example, someone was looking for snails and slugs for an art project; the post alone sparked an interesting visual representation. If you find yourself in a creative funk, look no further…Craig has all the answers, drama and bizarrerie. His list is endless stimulation for the left-brainer.
How about you? Have you been inspired creatively by Craigslist? Please share. K
