Musina said that he typically explores the complex relationship between humans and animals — such as by showing how animals are negatively affected by humans — often through violent imagery.
“The Moth” reflects on nature and animals, but instead of showcasing intense, violent imagery reticent of his previous work, the book takes a peaceful, reflective approach on the relationship between nature and human influence.
For example, during the moth’s journey to find the moon, it stumbles upon the drip of a faucet and the gleaming headlight of a car.
“This is not the moon,” the moth says, and it flies away.
Art from “The Moth” courtesy of Chris Musina.
This more peaceful exploration is inspired by Musina becoming a father, he said. “The Moth” is also an extension of Musina’s conception of paradise, an idea he explores frequently throughout his previous work. Musina said that his idea of paradise is a place no one can quite reach, a nostalgia for distinct memory. This manifests in “The Moth” through the moth’s pursuit of the moon, he said.
Musina said that he was also inspired by classic children’s books such as those by Dr. Seuss and P.D. Eastman.
“A lot of contemporary children’s books don’t really carry a lot of weight and they are very simplified and simplistic,” Musina said. “I think kids are capable of so much more than that.”
The project began with one digital image of a moth searching for a moon, but after working with book designer Dave Wofford, the two decided a monochromatic, hand-drawn approach would create depth and richness, Holt said.
Working collaboratively, Wofford and Musina designed the book to become a “beautiful little object,” discussing everything from the weight of the paper to its matte finish, Musina said.
Wofford said that he prefers that art be a physical object instead of being viewed through a digital screen. Although he no longer handprints books, he sees his role as that of a craftsperson.
“A book slows us down, and makes us consider the work in a more focused and deliberate manner, so that it resonates with us and soaks into our soul more deeply,” Wofford said.
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Art from “The Moth” courtesy of Chris Musina.
Wofford’s book designing studio, Horse & Buggy Press, displays Musina’s work in the studio’s gallery, and Musina works for the gallery year round, Wofford said.
In addition to showing his work in galleries, Musina sells T-shirts, hats and bags with his designs on his online store, No Masters.
During the academic year, Musina is a visiting lecturer at the University, teaching life drawing and painting. He said that working with students helps him reflect on his own thought processes and understanding of society and culture.
“As the artist, sometimes you make the thing, you put it out there and then you find out more about it,” he said. “You’re just channeling something and you didn’t necessarily mean to do it. You were a vessel or vehicle for it to happen.”
