Skyward Sword is such an underrated game. I know, it’s not a hot take, but it’s true. I think it got a lot of hate because of the motion controls which, in my opinion, is a weak excuse (except from an accessibility standpoint of course). It’s a really great game that deserved the remaster it got in 2021. Plus, the art direction is incredible and I refuse to be told otherwise.
I first played this game in 2011 when it came out originally and I only have one pure, unfiltered memory of it. That was entering the Lanayru Desert and looking at the gorgeous, empty expanse ahead of me.
Lanayru is an incredible area and, honestly, the only one that I was totally okay with coming back to. I think that’s why this piece is called “Emptiness” by Nozomichan26, which was submitted to our fantastic Zelda Universe DeviantArt group.
This is almost an exact replica of my first experience with the Sand Sea. I distinctly remember how this all felt to me. It was a bit overwhelming, so much space and nothing in it. But there was also a huge feeling of excitement. I was a pirate about to sail the seas of sands!
The composition of the piece really speaks to the emptiness of the Sand Sea. Link stands alone, the only human in this vast desert, maybe even on the surface, gazing at a neverending land of sand and dust. The aforementioned dust creates layers, adding a great sense of dimension. Even the dust clouds in the sky have tons of depth, it looks like there are multiple layers of them. You can also tell by Link’s hat that the wind is blowing slightly, adding yet another layer. It’s layers for days!
Nozomi’s use of color is excellent. It’s really easy to make a piece like this very drab and vacant, considering that is kind of the point of the piece, to convey emptiness. However, the different shades of yellow and brown in the sand and Link’s green tunic make the work feel alive. The splash of purple from the Sacred Shield is such a nice addition to the piece.
Thank you to Nozomichan26 for “Emptiness“, even though it doesn’t live up to its name. It makes me feel so much that I am far from empty. It makes me feel hopeful, powerful, strong.
If you want to see more from Nozomi, you can check out her work on her Carrd. If you want a chance to be featured in our Art Gallery, submit your work to our amazing DeviantArt group! Also, keep your eye on the site for a contest announcement coming soon. You’re not going to want to miss this!
