Think Kit Dec. 26th - My Self-Portrait: Channeling Calvin and Hobbes' Dad

Watterson family, please don't sue me.

I'm not really a big fan of these visual Think Kit prompts as I am not an artist.  So, don't expect much in the way of originality. If you recognize this self-portrait as Calvin's dad, you'd be correct.  I found a favorite Calvin and Hobbes strip with Calvin's dad and intentionally copied it, adding a little more hair and a beard to make it resemble a self-portrait.

I deliberately chose to copy Calvin's dad as my self-portrait for a number of reasons.  First, I grew up reading the strip and it left a lasting impression.  Bill Watterson's comic was a favorite of my grandfather Ford.  I remember the collected books and newspaper clippings around my grandparents house.  I'm really lucky to have this strong association.

I also chose to copy Calvin's dad because I want my kids to have the life of Calvin and Hobbes.  I'm going to ensure there's uncontrollable imagination and years-ahead-of-its-time awareness and wit.  I'm going to nurture yet be a gentle disciplinarian, like Calvin's dad.  My children are going to need cleverness and intellect to keep them engaged and ensure their success.  This is who I am consciously visualizing myself to be, Calvin's dad.