“… … … … … … … … If I was a sea gull, I would fly as far as I could! I would fly to far away places and sing for many people! …If I wish to the Wind Fish, I wonder if my dream will come true… … …” — Marin, Link’s Awakening.
Scattered throughout Link’s Awakening are little pockets of moments. Little dreams of the people of Koholint Island wondering what else their life could be. The most iconic of dreams comes from fan favorite Marin as she tells Link about her wish to become a seagull. With wings she could fly far away and sing her song to new souls beyond the island. That dream of longing for wings holds inspiration for digital artist UFOapproached and their piece “If I were a seagull…”
After completing Link’s Awakening, UFOapproached was inspired to pick up their pen and bring Marin to life. UFOapproached takes the sweet loving Marin and depicts her in a Japanese anime style complete with large and emotional eyes. The two glistening amber eyes of Marin sparkle with a wonder and curiosity ready to know what lies beyond yet that little quiver of white suggest a longing deep within. Her eyes are positioned to look beyond the page, never meeting the eyes of the viewer. Her gaze is only for whatever lies upwards.
The overall composition of the piece holds an equally mystical dreamlike quality. Marin is drawn caught in a spin. The edges of her hair and dress are blurred, catching the motion in a light and airy way. One hand reaches up. Even thought we can’t see what she reaches for, we’re caught up in her wonder and imagination. The color palette takes on pastel tones backed by an almost white glowing background. All together, Marin appears ethereal as if being carried away by her dream.
Circling around the edge of the piece are feathers. Specifically, seagull feathers, just like the ones from her dream. Keeping the feathers to the edge almost as if they’re fading away leaves all the focus on Marin and the heart of her dream deep within. UFOapproached captured the soul of a girl with a heart that wishes to explore beyond. And in this moment, even if just for a moment, there is no island, no fear, no danger, just Marin and her dream.
