Comics are not only about messages that almighty superheroes saving the day and Hello Kitty convey through the images. Self-discovery, empathy, kindness, and coping with anxiety are just a few topics to mention reflected in the comics of Slimy Oddity. Their light-hearted and colorful illustrations explain Carl Jung’s terms such as ‘shadow’ and ‘what you resist persist' and how to work with them, how to practice self-love, compassion, and inner peace. The world of drawing is just as unlimited as the boundaries of imagination and so is the philosophy within it.
Bored Panda had a chance to talk to Cherie, the artist who draws Slimy Oddity, about its characters, inspiring gurus, hard days we all have, and spirituality behind the comics.
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When you are exhausted, when you feel like you cannot do anything more... it is because you have already done much, even if you cannot see it, and even if it looks easier for others. Blaming yourself is easy, but it is unfair and toxic.
Slimy Oddity is a collaboration between illustrator Cherie and her partner Tim, the wordsmith in charge of all the accompanying words, that are usually shared in the captions. “I started drawing about 3 years ago, on my bedroom floor, armed with a box of Colleen color pencils and some rough bits of paper I had laying around. That’s when the blobs were created, which then became the central characters in my work. It all happened in such a random and sporadic manner, but I haven’t stopped drawing ever since!”
The two main characters are blobs: the red one is Slimy, and the purple one is Oddity. These 2 characters actually represent Cherie and her partner Tim respectively. “In some comics, you will see that Oddity is the one constantly dropping truth bombs on Slimy all the time. These are actually true stories of all the times my partner helped me along on my journey. I see him as my teacher and my mirror. He was a huge catalyst in my growth as a person, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him! I chose these 2 blobs to represent us because I wanted them to be amorphous and non-binary, so that everyone would be able to relate and see themselves in them.”
If you let others pressure you, and you force yourself to grow harder or faster than you naturally can, it will work, but you will be exhausted and miserable. Live your life, love yourself, and don't let toxic people judge you, even if they think they mean well.
Most of the topics that are on Slimy Oddity are based on Cherie’s personal experiences and the lessons that were learnt from them. She admitted that sometimes they even serve as messages of encouragement to herself on days where she is not feeling so great. “I am also deeply inspired by my favorite gurus and teachers—Ram Dass, Adyashanti, Alan Watts, just to name a few. I love sharing their quotes in my artwork, because their words have helped me so much, and I just want to pass on that wisdom to anyone else out there who might need it,” told Cherie.
The creative universe of Slimy Oddity is largely set on this black backdrop with colorful, dazzling stars. This backdrop symbolizes the infinite space that exists within us, and a lot of the lessons that Slimy Oddity is sharing reside in this space—that which is unseen but can be felt. It serves as an invitation for people to discover the universe that exists within themselves. “I want to show people that going within is not as scary or daunting as it seems! In fact, it’s the gateway towards understanding your true authentic self, and gaining a deeper love for Life and all that it can offer.”
Cherie also shared that “I see Slimy Oddity as a fun, inviting bridge that serves as a guide to help awaken people to their true selves. We are currently in the process of writing a children's book, and we hope for it to touch the hearts of all kids and adults universally! There isn’t an end goal for Slimy Oddity, I just want to keep expanding our universe into all kinds of mediums, experiences, and expressions. I would say that a dream project of mine would be to have a Netflix series, though. It seems far-fetched right now but I’m manifesting it right now.”
WHY IS EVERYONE IN THE COMMENTS BEING SO SALTY JUST APPRECIATE THE ART
For everybody saying 'I hate this person' and 'I can do better', stop reading and go away. Like you said, you don't even know this person. So you have no reason to be so cruel as to say you hate them. A good tip that may not be mentioned here- you don't have anything nice to type/say, don't type/say it.
People are too insecure about it : they always tend to question themselves, to blame themselves, to assume they are the problem... but they are usually wrong. You all should question other people and the world around you more, start trusting yourself.
Yes, it would, but please do not write that in the comments. There are search engines looking for phrases like this and sometimes the (idea of the) artwork gets stolen from the artist and is, in fact, used for shirts... Thank you!
Load More Replies...I like the stress-free mindset, but not really the 'energy' or new age spiritual awakening. I love the art regardless of my disagreements and opinions! Keep being colorful and amazing!
Most people's dreams never come true, most people never achieve anything noticeable... and that's ok. You don't have to become a famous actor or a great surgeon, just try to be happy. It is already a very difficult thing.
See the reality. Magic in the supernatural sense is not real. Also how to be happy, do things that make you happy as long as you are not hurting others.
Can you imagine having the time and energy to refute and debate every one of these like Ryan here
I've read these comics before when I was going through a really hard time in my life. They mean a lot to me and I'm sorry that Ryan Deschanel couldn't see the beautiful thing that these comics are. I hope you have a wonderful day Ryan, it just makes me sad that your spreading hate on the internet on a post that's supposed to be about love, and positivity.
He isn't entirely spreading hate, most of his comments actually made extremely good points and were a bit more realistic. But sadly real life doesn't work this way.
Load More Replies...These are really cute!! I love the art style and some of these are really good for me to remember :) Sorry some people were being nasty on this lovely post :(
I don't know why you got downvoted. I love the artstyle too! It was nice too see some positivity with all the negative things going on right now.
Load More Replies...This ia really cute. Your comics make me feel good. I am sad to see so many negative or indifferent comments. I have learned a lot about the origins of the yoga lifestyle, Buddhist teachings and mindfulness. I see a lot of these in the comics. It is probably not easy to understand or might even sometimes feel like a joke or making fun of you, if you haven't spent time to understand mindfulness, meditation etc. So please let me tell you that with the right mind set and some background info, these comics are wholesome, true and a loving reminder to love yourself, be grateful for the beauty in your life and enjoy life. ❤️
I'm with Ryan here. It feels like the author is on something. They never left the psychedelics phase of the 70s.
Yes, it's kind of a feel-good mishmosh of 70s California pop psych and hang in there kitten posters with muddled Jungian ideas thrown in. Probably well meaning, and nice graphics, though.
Load More Replies...To all the people claiming " This is from the '70s", "Where is your proof?", "They are consuming LSD/magic mushrooms!": Please note that nothing these artists say is new or their own invention. This is in fact very old wisdom that has been taught by spiritual teachers all over the world for thousands of years. These artists have just lovingly put it into colourful illustrations for us to enjoy and they are now facing the same situation as all the messengers before them: Few people are ready to understand, others at least appreciate the art and effort, some are indifferent and some are triggered - That's okay. It is just the shadows inside that feel threatened by the light and lash out. Therefore, do not be angry with those who react negatively, it is just not their time yet. Shine your own light and make it easier for everybody to see. And to all those who say "This is not how it works in real life!" Can you be perfectly sure that the life you are talking about is 'the real thing'? <3
i love this person, really good advice, and probs just a good person in general :)
I'm sorry you got downvoted. I bet you're just as lovely as the person that wrote these comics.
Load More Replies...Please change the title on this. It is not psychology, it is personal opinion. Some of these opinions are harmful and false.
I've read these comics before when I was going through a really hard time in my life. They mean a lot to me and I'm sorry that Ryan Deschanel couldn't see the beautiful thing that these comics are. I hope you have a wonderful day Ryan, it just makes me sad that your spreading hate on the internet on a post that's supposed to be about love, and positivity.
He isn't entirely spreading hate, most of his comments actually made extremely good points and were a bit more realistic. But sadly real life doesn't work this way.
Load More Replies...These are really cute!! I love the art style and some of these are really good for me to remember :) Sorry some people were being nasty on this lovely post :(
I don't know why you got downvoted. I love the artstyle too! It was nice too see some positivity with all the negative things going on right now.
Load More Replies...This ia really cute. Your comics make me feel good. I am sad to see so many negative or indifferent comments. I have learned a lot about the origins of the yoga lifestyle, Buddhist teachings and mindfulness. I see a lot of these in the comics. It is probably not easy to understand or might even sometimes feel like a joke or making fun of you, if you haven't spent time to understand mindfulness, meditation etc. So please let me tell you that with the right mind set and some background info, these comics are wholesome, true and a loving reminder to love yourself, be grateful for the beauty in your life and enjoy life. ❤️
I'm with Ryan here. It feels like the author is on something. They never left the psychedelics phase of the 70s.
Yes, it's kind of a feel-good mishmosh of 70s California pop psych and hang in there kitten posters with muddled Jungian ideas thrown in. Probably well meaning, and nice graphics, though.
Load More Replies...To all the people claiming " This is from the '70s", "Where is your proof?", "They are consuming LSD/magic mushrooms!": Please note that nothing these artists say is new or their own invention. This is in fact very old wisdom that has been taught by spiritual teachers all over the world for thousands of years. These artists have just lovingly put it into colourful illustrations for us to enjoy and they are now facing the same situation as all the messengers before them: Few people are ready to understand, others at least appreciate the art and effort, some are indifferent and some are triggered - That's okay. It is just the shadows inside that feel threatened by the light and lash out. Therefore, do not be angry with those who react negatively, it is just not their time yet. Shine your own light and make it easier for everybody to see. And to all those who say "This is not how it works in real life!" Can you be perfectly sure that the life you are talking about is 'the real thing'? <3
i love this person, really good advice, and probs just a good person in general :)
I'm sorry you got downvoted. I bet you're just as lovely as the person that wrote these comics.
Load More Replies...Please change the title on this. It is not psychology, it is personal opinion. Some of these opinions are harmful and false.