Today Is Tomorrow

This chalk pastel portrait is based on a character from the novel "Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins. This shaman from the Kandankero tribe has an unpronounceable name that roughly translates to "Today Is Tomorrow." What really makes this character remarkable, other than his knowledge of consciousness-expanding herbs and seeming ability to place taboos on people, is his head which is shaped like a pyramid.

I've always been fascinated with the outlandish freaks from Tom Robbins' books. Most of them, it seems, can only be imagined by the reader since their descriptions are too outlandish to actually physically create. After reading this book, five or six years ago, I felt compelled to draw this portrait, as it seemed to be a rare possibility.