This blog post is about a Lovecraft themed junk journal layout created by Ashina the Werewolf.
(If you don’t know who Ashina or the rest of the Monsters are, check out the introductory post here!)
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A Unique Perspective
Ashina is a fan of Lovecraft, as are most of the monsters. Its a unique perspective when you talk with them about it, as they are speaking as the voice of the thing that, to humans, goes bump in the night. They each have their own Lovecraftian perspective on the things in the universe that make them feel small or challenge what they know about their existence.
All Eyes On This Junk Journal Layout
Haha! Get it? All eyes? Ok Ok, enough dad jokes. We actually love how this layout came together, even though at first the other monsters had no idea where it was going. Ashina knew, though! She was gleefully cutting out all these seemingly random assortment of things, but she knew exactly what the plan was for this junk journal layout.
We can’t always say that this is the case. Sometimes (most times), a journal page starts with just a vague idea or inspiration and then comes together as the junk journal page is being put together. For all you junk journalers or scrapbookers out there, I’m sure you can relate.
Supply Corner for Ashina’s Lovecraft Junk Journal Layout
The cut out and collage books are so freaking awesome, the monsters use them all the time, so we thought we would feature one here. We also love the way Ashina used bubble-looking stamps with different ink colors for the base of this layout. It adds dimension and depth to the white spaces and goes so well with the rest of the page. The paper elements are definitely not from a matching set, but they absolutely work so well together here! Check out our storefront for everything junk journal related. Below is a list of links for the junk journal supplies, or similar products, to those used in Ashina’s Lovecraft junk journal layout:
Unraveling the Enigma: H.P. Lovecraft and the Cosmic Horror
Let’s talk a little bit about the inspiration for this junk journal layout – H.P. Lovecraft.
H.P. Lovecraft, born in 1890, was an American writer whose legacy lies in the realm of cosmic horror. He tapped into the feeling of dread that we are insignificant and small in the grand scheme of the universe. Not only that, but also that there are huge, powerful, and dangerous creatures lurking out there who would think nothing of devouring us for a snack.
Lovecraft’s writing is characterized by its cosmic dread and the insignificance of humanity with ancient, powerful creatures or entities that, if we were to acknowledge their existence, would destroy our understanding of reality. Lovecraft’s work includes iconic stories such as “The Call of Cthulhu,” “At the Mountains of Madness,” and “The Shadow over Innsmouth.”
Like many artists before their time, Lovecraft faced relative obscurity during his lifetime. It wasn’t until after his death that his work was really discovered, and its impact and influence have been profound. His work has inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and artists across various mediums.
A story that popped into mind right away when thinking about this influence was Stephen King’s The Mist. You may have seen the show, which is decent, but the book is fantastic. The images that come to mind are great, sweeping tentacles that can be seen in the mist. Lovecraftian for sure.
Images of the Unseen: Lovecraftian Art
Lovecraft’s creations have not only flourished in literature but also in the visual arts. Like the image on the cover of the book above, any image with tentacles somewhere in the background is going to be Lovecraft-inspired. Artists worldwide have sought to capture the essence of his cosmic horror, bringing to life the creatures that lurked in the recesses of Lovecraft’s imagination. From eerie landscapes to nightmarish depictions of otherworldly beings, Lovecraftian art serves as a visual companion to the author’s unsettling stories.
The Unfathomable Cthulhu
Central to Lovecraft’s lore is the iconic creature known as Cthulhu. Described as a colossal, tentacled entity with an octopoid head, Cthulhu lies dormant beneath the sea in the sunken city of R’lyeh. The story goes that even thinking about him will drive you mad. It is the symbol of everything we can’t understand and everything that terrifies us.
The allure of Cthulhu has expanded beyond literature to become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in various forms in art, merchandise, and even tabletop games. Those tentacles again! That’s Cthulhu. There is some truly amazing artwork depicting Cthulhu out there. Artists are able to create what they think he looks like, as he wasn’t completely described by Lovecraft. The general description was given so artists can elaborate on that general concept. It results in some amazing looking creatures. Look at these super cool t-shirts with Cthulhu renderings on them.
Legacy and Continued Influence
In exploring the works of H.P. Lovecraft, it takes you into a universe where the boundaries of reality blur and the primal fear of the unseen takes root. It’s the fear of the dark x 1000000. His legacy persists, with Lovecraftian themes continuing to shape horror storytelling, emphasizing how frail the human psyche can be in the face of the unknown.
One of the most recent examples of this influence can be found in the HBO show Lovecraft Country.
Lovecraft Country
“Lovecraft Country” is a television series that premiered on HBO in August 2020. Created by Misha Green and developed by Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrams, the show is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Matt Ruff. The series is a unique blend of horror, drama, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of the 1950s Jim Crow America. The show uses Lovecraftian themes while addressing the racism prevalent in Lovecraft’s own writings.
So, when you dive into Lovecraft’s stuff, you’re diving into a world where reality is blurry, and the fear of what you can’t see messes with your head. His legacy is like a spooky trail, or tentacle, through horror literature, making us think about things that go bump in the cosmic night.
You can understand why the Monsters relate to that.
We hope you were entertained and that you got junk journal ideas inspiration from this junk journal layout post with a Lovecraft twist.
Slowestuff
Thank you for sharing.
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