A Devon teenager has recently been commissioned to create and illustrate a graphic novel based on the county. His talent for drawing was first discovered during work experience with Beaford Arts’ photographic archive, who have now paid him to create the first chapter of his story: ‘The Widening Gyre.’ Devon has often been home to literary greats and the setting of stories, but what draws creatives to this area?
The teenager in question is 17-year-old Aaban Aslam, whose story is inspired by the north Devon landscape and folklore. He has also said he is inspired by the work of James Ravillious and Sir Roger Deakins. The book is still in the production stages but you can now read the first chapter on his website for free and the school is currently looking for a publisher to work with when the book is complete.
This book comes in a long line of creative works inspired by the county, but what makes Devon so special? There are so many examples of Devon being used as inspiration for popular stories. For example, Dartmoor was used as the backdrop of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of Baskervilles and is thought to be based of the legend of Richard Cabell. Also, Agatha Christie used the setting of Torquay in many of her books, which is where she was from. The poet Samuel Coleridge wrote fondly about his childhood in Devon and Charles Dickens said his inspiration for a character came from meeting someone in The Turks Head pub in Exeter!
This book comes in a long line of creative works inspired by the county.
However, literature is not the only art that has come out of Devon. Just recently the RAMM museum put on an entire exhibition about art inspired by the Dartmoor area. This exhibition featured work from the last sixty years from artists like: Alex Hartley, Richard Long and Susan Derges.
In my opinion, it is clear why Devon attracts so many artists. The landscapes that Devon offers are unlike anywhere else. You can incredible massive cliffs up north, magical looking forests throughout Dartmoor, and beautiful villages and towns scattered throughout. There is such a great variety of places in Devon you could never get bored. Not only that, Devon is filled with rich history and folklore. You might have heard a mention of the headless horsemen in Dartmoor but there are so many tales throughout the whole county.
The landscapes that Devon offers are unlike anywhere else … Not only that, Devon is filled with rich history and folklore.
Whether you are a creative person or not, I would still recommend going out and exploring Devon while you have the chance. There is always something new and exciting to find, and who knows, you might just get inspired for your next great work.
