Inari Ōkami

Playing around with fox masks for an art piece!

Spirit fox

Was watching one of the animated Hellboy movies this evening (Sword of Storms), and was inspired by all the great references to Japanese mythology in it. I've always loved the idea of foxes being very strongly associated with the spirit world; one of the coolest places I've ever visted was the Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto, with its miles of torii gated paths and little clearings full of small fox statues and small alters.  I was there around dusk, and it was one of the most magical places I've ever been- downright spooky.

Anyway, this is my drawing for this evening; clearly foxes on the brain! (ps- my good friend Rafael worked on the animated Hellboy series as well- he's a greatly talented guy : D