Zetiology – What kind of art is that?

I recently discovered the fascinating world of Zetiology. I was curious as to what this art style really encompassed, but I had trouble coming up with a definition for myself. So I’ve been looking for some clues for you to consider.

Did I do it right, I wonder?

This is what I know for sure: zetiology is an art form based on the work of Teesha Moore. Teesha has a website that showcases her work. When I entered her site, I found myself in a different world and got lost in it for a while just marveling at her creations. What I didn’t find was a written definition of her art. It would be hard to define something that you do intuitively and naturally, so maybe that’s why there’s no writing to help the viewer understand. However, the reasons for not defining Zettiology are pure speculation on my part. There are certainly pages of examples of Teesha’s work for people to study and form their own conclusions, but she also wanted a few words that would speak to me about it.

What else is known about zetiology?

First of all, the word was coined by Teesha Moore to describe a new genre, a mix of the ordinary and the fantastic. I can see that it’s about creating new creatures made from both the familiar and the realms of fantasy. The new creatures belong together as a tribe: you could call them The Mythical Zettis.

One of the most succinct explanations I have found is that Zetiology is ‘Sustained Confusion’. When you look at Zetti-style artwork, you’ll probably notice that the animal and people parts are brought together in one shape, with outlines and scribbles all over the place so the blends aren’t as confusing. This makes for some quirky, original art that’s a bit funny or silly.

The artisans often use black and white elements mixed with bright colors for their Zetti creations.

You might also find wacky words or sayings handwritten or printed in an equally wacky font alongside a Zetti creature.

However, a Zetti work of art is more than these few items. Zetti’s work also produces an otherworldly feel. I often marvel at how people put so many different elements together and make them work so well together.

Another way to think of Zetti’s art is to start with a human or animal figure (i.e. reality), then combine it with something fantastical or mundane (i.e. fantasy), such as adding wings to a child’s body. Add other unexpected details like striped legs or cone hats to make the new Zetti creature even more incongruous.

I guess you would think that Zetti takes traditional ideas and combines them in non-traditional ways. He could take creatures you would draw, then cut and paste them on a whole new level. Use contrasting patterns and textures as you shape your new creature.

To summarize, the ways I have discovered to make your Zetti art are:

• It aims to turn the ordinary into something whimsical or from a world of fantasy.
• Use contrasting textures and patterns.
• Wear lots of bright colors, but mix in some black and white patterns, like stripes.
• Using faces and bodies that don’t match
• Adds body parts, clothing, and/or wings to a creature that doesn’t normally have them.
• Give your creatures fantastic hats and crowns.
• Combine the wacky, bizarre, and whimsical to create a new Zetti creature.
• Use lyrical, poetic, handwritten sayings or texts
• Use outlines and doodles to put together all kinds of elements

Did I capture the essence of Zettiness? Could anyone really do that except Teesha Moore? Maybe not defining Zetti’s style makes it even more fantastic and mysterious? I guess we’ll have to draw our own conclusions!