Friday 24 June 2011

Tribute to a Sleeping Bear...




Just a few days into my recent trip to LA, i was struck with the tragic news that my Grandfather had passed away.
I was VERY close with 'Grandad' and was deeply saddened to hear this news. I came back home to England as soon as i could, so i could be with my family and be there to read at Grandad's funeral.

My Grandad was known as "The Bear" and any one who ever met him would know why. He had great big loving paws, and gave HUGE Bear hugs. He was an ex-police man, standing way over 6ft tall and had a huge appetite. Pork pies being one of his favorite 'Bear Snacks'!!
He was so special to me and a huge part of my life. I will never forget the computer classes he took, just so he could learn how to write me emails and keep up to date with my latest art work on my blog... This is why i am making this post.... So he can continue reading my stories up in Heaven and know just how much he is already missed.
He was so loving and kind and helped support me in every possible way. His dream was to see me succeed in life and with my animation career... in which I plan to continue making him proud in every way.
I know he is never far away and is always watching over me. He is very much alive in all our hearts. His body has just done what all bears do and has gone into hibernation.

I will be going back to LA in the morning to continue with my work, and pick up from where i left so suddenly just a few weeks ago.... But my main reason for heading back, is so i can continue making my Grandad proud.

Sleep well 'Old Bear'. Love you for eternity. God Bless you always. Amen.xxx

31 comments:

L Rossi said...

"Good-night! good-night! as we so oft have said
Beneath this roof at midnight, in the days
That are no more, and shall no more return.
Thou hast but taken up thy lamp and gone to bed;
I stay a little longer, as one stays
To cover up the embers that still burn."

I'm sure he's extremely proud - as all your friends and family are :)
..And that 1st bear image is AWESOME - that fur is so thick...
All the best once again!
L

Shuqi said...

Aww~♥ I nearly Cried when I read this. :'( R.I.P Big Bear :(

AWESOME pic though.

GOGOPEDRO said...

I'm really sad to hear about your loss... There is never really a good time for these things.

My best to you and your family.

P

Malgorzata Arska said...

<3
I am sure he's proud
you are not only talented but awesome person :)

DSM said...

I am sorry for your loss, Tori. He looks sweet and gregarious; bet he could sing real loud! D.

pbcbstudios said...

Sorry for your loss - beautiful drawings

Tooninator said...

Wow. You are incredibly talented. I love all the visual development work from Rio. Truly inspirational.

Sorry for your loss. But very nice tribute. Keep makin big bear proud.

wren said...

That is such a wonderful eulogy - any person would be proud to be remembered in such a touching way. Your work is really wonderful. Thanks for stopping by the WN blog.

J Lou said...

I really love your sketches and layouts... very inspiring. I appreciate the nice compliments you left on my blog :) I'm sorry for your loss. Your tribute is very nice. Best wishes to your family.

Unknown said...

Again Tori i'm sorry for your loss... But I have to agree with Rossi that 1st image is stunning. Great volume and thickness, all your hard work is sure paying off :D Jx

abhishek singh said...

your animal sketches are so full of life, and the developmental work on rio is soo soo GOOD:)
my compliments

Anonymous said...

Tori, thank you very much for the nice comments, it is very good to hear from you :)
Yes, the parsian life is treating me well and when it comes to sketching it is such an amazing place to be!
Iam very sorry to hear about your Grandfather and I’m sure all the amazing art work you’ve got on this blog is making him very very proud of you!
Take care!

Unknown said...

I love your artworks, I follow your blog!

Seema Virdi said...

thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such an encouraging comment! your development work is amazing! i'm really sorry for your loss, times like these are tough and i wish you and all your loved ones the best.

"TORI CAT" said...

To Every one who has left a comment on this post, i am incredibly grateful and thankyou all.
I will write you all individual messages on here ASAP... but for now, i just wanted to start by saying thank you to you all!!
Its been a very hard time, so all your thoughts, prayers and good wishes are much appreciated!
God Bless you all.x

Frankie Swan said...

oh Tori i am so sorry about your loss. i hope your doing ok. I am sure with all that you have achieved you made your granddad extremely proud and i have no doubts that you will continue to make him proud as you take over the animation industry.
these are such beautiful tribute drawings.

i last saw you on this blog
http://livlily.blogspot.com/2011/07/rio-2011-visual-development.html
Thank you for your comment and thank you for taking the time help me.
i hope you like my film, theres lots i want to improve but i just dont have the time now as i am already working on another (paid, yay!) project. ill get it on my blog soon.
good luck in LA i wish you all the best, keep inspiring us!

libra bear said...

Hey Tori, I'm sorry for your loss. Through your words, I feel like I know him a bit.

I admire your courage for getting back on the horse ad pursing your dreams.

He definitely would be, and is proud of you

All the best to you and your family.

Nicola Coppack said...

Wow these are incredibly beautiful! very inspiring!

Sadami said...

Dear Tori,
I found your blog from Stephan. Very sorry for the sad news... Take your time and take a rest well. God bless your precious Grandpa.

Also your amazing talent impresses me so much. After taking a rest, please keep up!
Best wishes,Sadami

Alexandre Augusto Ferreira said...

AMAZING work here!!
Really GOOD!

I'm sorry for your loss!

Louise Smythe said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandma last year and it was very hard, but we got through it. I wish you and your family all the best in healing.

Also, I just saw your message on my blog! Thank you for such kind words - it means a lot. Your work is amazing. I'm really inspired right now!

Nate Villanueva said...

Thanks so much for the kinds word on my side. Im really sorry for your loss. I love bears and he looked like a very hug-able bear.

All the best.
Nate

Shelley Whiting's art said...

Your drawings are very elegant and realistic. Sorry about your loss. Beautiful and well drawn artwork.

Loy Ashivara said...

I'm sure he is very very proud! The warmth in your images are amazing.

Btw, It's the Swedish girl from Comic-con here. I have sent letters, but haven't gotten any answers. ( My Email might be funky? ) Are your burns better? And how is the Commission coming along?

Lots of hugs
Swedish Girl, Emma.

Dan said...

Tori, what can I say? I am truly sorry for your loss, Im sure your grandfather was and is very proud of you. Your work is incredible, there's really nothing much else to say except that its really encouraging getting comments on my own work from people as talented as you. Until next time,

Bastien "Loobi" Pourchier said...

HéHé !!
Thank you very much for your compliments.
I will return the compliment, I love what you do, really really :D

later Tori

LoObI

"TORI CAT" said...

Thanks for all the wonderful comments every one!!
I am very touched to hear all your wonderful thoughts and prayers.
I have just come out of hospital after having major surgery. I'm not so well at the moment, but promise to be back online as soon as Im well enough, with lots of new goodies to share.
Best wishes to you all and thanks again for the fantastic support!!
Tori Cat.x

Tyler Stott said...

your layouts a superb

Christian Sanhueza said...

Love you art!

Gaurav khairnar said...

nice fighting, artist never give up. he's always ever shine ever green.

Gaurav khairnar said...

artist never give up. amazingly fight


love your work