The Dutchman from The Mask Series

"The Dutchman No. 1" from The Mask Series

Before there was an onslaught of Lumbersexuals, there was The Dutchman. This seafaring Captain was a figment of my friend Tommy!'s imagination. Tommy!'s alter ego became transformed by a mystical amulet that bestowed upon him "the powers of the sea". With these magical powers The Dutchman saved unsuspecting children from harm and helped them to make the right choices in life.

The nautical folklore of the Flying Dutchman of course dates back to the 17th century, and is filled with superstitions dreamed up by sailors who, in my opinion, couldn't explain natural occurrences. The oceanic lore told of a phantom ghost ship sailed by the nefarious Captain was a harbinger of doom. Sir Walter Scott declared that the apparition of the Flying Dutchman "is considered by the mariners as the worst of all possible omens." But I think the sightings of a ghost ship was due to looming. Looming is an atmospheric optical illusion created by refracted light elevating an object just over the horizon, creating a mirage of the object. 

Besides creating television sitcoms featuring The Dutchman, Tommy! envisioned his alter ego rapping and performing in a band called Lifeseeker. Tommy! and Marc Lariviere started the band back in 1996 with a few of their songs revolving around this fictitious character such as Tour de Force, High Seas and Defrosted.

The Dutchman is the 12th set of images from The Mask Series. As always, two limited edition prints are available to purchase through my Etsy store. 

By the power of poseidon and in memory of The Dutchman, I reflect on the genius that was Tommy!

Julie Green
April 18, 2015

Subscribe to our mailing list

"The Dutchman No. 2" from The Mask Series

"The Dutchman No. 3" from The Mask Series

"The Dutchman No. 4" from The Mask Series

"The Dutchman No. 5" from The Mask Series

"The Dutchman No. 6" from The Mask Series