Shaun Tan Discusses His New Book 'Hometown' and Creative Inspirations

Tan reflected on his long-standing interests in science fiction, fantasy, and fables. He characterized these genres as essential components of human storytelling, recalling his fascination with dreams and the imaginative tales of his childhood. Influenced by classics like Star Wars and E.T., he fondly remembered viewing old monster movies with his father as a young boy.

His mother, although not an avid reader, introduced him to storytelling through various books, including George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which he described as thought-provoking, contrasting it with more conventional stories that often ended on a positive note. This early exposure helped shape his understanding that narratives can evoke a wider range of emotions.

In exploring why genres like science fiction and fantasy can illuminate social issues, Tan emphasized that such settings provide a degree of distance that facilitates objectivity. Drawing parallels between painting and storytelling, he noted that both require stepping back to gain a clearer perspective. Creativity often begins with fun and playful experimentation, which gradually leads to addressing deeper themes.

The concept for Hometown emerged while Tan was traveling in Spain, where he found inspiration from a children's show featuring peculiar puppets alongside a live actor. This prompted him to ponder the psychological implications of growing up in an environment devoid of human beings, leading to ideas about acceptance and understanding diversity.

Tan's fascination with interlopers stems from personal experiences, particularly with his Chinese grandfather, who struggled with language barriers. His memories of family members with unique perspectives informed his work, including past stories like Eric, which represents friendship amid silent observation.

Creativity was nurtured through community art classes in his youth, where he learned from the work of others. The visual style of Hometown reflects his influences from 19th and early 20th-century illustrations, aiming to recreate a dreamlike atmosphere through innovative techniques.

In considering his audience, Tan mentioned that while initial creativity may be inwardly focused, he later contemplates broader interpretations to ensure accessibility. He seeks to challenge conventional definitions and encourage diverse interpretations of concepts within his work.

Tan appreciated collaborations with fellow creatives, noting the advantages of immediate feedback and shared enthusiasm during the production process, although he acknowledged the limitations of working within a committee. He values the freedom to explore and even fail when working on personal projects, allowing for more adventurous creative expression.