If you go in to the woods today...

Following a talk with my tutor, I decided to narrow my project down by focusing on a single tale rather than a mish mash of unrelated stories. The tale I have chosen is of course Hansel and Gretel. I felt this story lent itself to photography more than any other and I feel this aspect will be important in my work to add some diversity and an added medium. This will also allow me to put a modern spin on the tale, making it more personal and unique.

I have recently been looking at Kara Walker and intend to research Rob Ryan who are influential figures in the art world by using cutouts to make pieces representing all sorts of modern day issues. These two pieces are directly influenced by both these artists and is completely new to me, though I must admit I have thoroughly enjoyed creating them.

As I type, I am currently working on my third design and hope to finish it by tomorrow with a view to completing at least another one after that. Next week I plan to create some photograms from the cutouts I have made...

London 2010

So London has been and gone. I must say, I expected quality before beforehand in relation to the galleries etc., but was completely in awe of some of the work I saw. The TATE Modern in particular impressed me more than I could ever think a gallery would; every floor possessed at least one piece of memorising quality or renowned status. 

Others galleries and museums we visited included the TATE Britain, the Serpentine Gallery, British Museum, Science Museum, the V&A Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. 

Unfortunately, I packed my camera without taking a memory card, making it useless. I did, however, manage to get a few snaps on my phone as you can see above... 

The sheer size of the city surprised me and I would have loved to have just two more nights there in order to do everything I wished. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thanks to the places we went and the people I shared it with it was a trip I'll never forget!

The Snowman and his greatest pleasure ☾

As I continued reading Hans Christian Andersen's book, I found The Snowman tale very intriguing. It is a wonderful tale of companionship and sorrow, as the character eventually melts and breaks apart. One of the Snowman's greatest pleasures in its short life, however, was gazing upon the moon with his only friend; the family dog.

This scene shows the two sharing the Snowman's favourite moment before he vanishes forever. After the success of the Nightingale sketch on brown paper, I decided to try it again. Afterwards, I again applied a number of filters on Photoshop- Fresco being my personal favourite. (To view, click Read More).

The Nightingale ♪

Blue Version

Cutout

Neon Glow

Poster Edges

Since discovering such grim facts and historical references to modern fairy tales, I have been researching lighter stories written by Hans Christian Andersen. I love his style of writing; simple yet gripping as it makes you want to read on.

Whilst reading his book last night, I came across a story called 'The Nightingale' in which a small bird spreads joy and hope over a forest in China to whoever has the privelege to hear it sing. Sitting on its branch it effortlessly chirps its song filling the small community with sheer joy and happiness.

Anyway, as it turns out, I forgot my door key today and was left sitting in the conservatory for a good two hours unable to do anything. I noticed a box on the floor and after rummaging through it I discovered an old brown paper pad I bought last year and had misplaced. As usual I had a pen in my pocket (it's just habit) and decided to portray the tale I had read the night before. Afterwards, I decided it was too ordinary and therefore added text. Later on, I edited it through Photoshop- adding various Hues and filters to see the outcome. I am glad to say I think each one possess a unique quality!

Final Major Project: The Beginnings

So the Final Major Project has finally begun and I've spent the last two days researching heavily into fairy tales and their history/origins. What I found what shocking to say the least; tales of abuse, rape, murder and other horrific acts that proved the foundation for such modern fairy (and I emphasise the word fairy) tales today, such as Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Piped Piper.

I have kept recored of all these tales and their previous storylines in a diary, making the odd sketch along the way. This one depicts the scenario where Hansel and Gretel discover the witch's old gingerbread house. As I say, they are only diary sketches and therefore aren't as detailed or as full as what my sketchbook work will look like but I thought it worth a post anyway!
EDIT: You might of noticed my blog looks 'simpler', this is due to problems loading images etc with the old template. Therefore, I've stripped it down again so it loads a lot faster.

BOOM!

Here is my second piece for my JMU interview on Monday (well the top/ original image anyway). This depicts 'Noise' and is in the style of Roy Lichtenstein. It was drawn in pen and later edited via Photoshop with the addition of colour and then again with the addition of the 'Posterize' filter. 

Island of Hope

I should probably apologize for my severe lack of content recently, however, I have an interview next week and have been frantically trying to piece a portfolio together! One thing they asked for was 3 pieces that represented Hope, Noise and Balance. This is my Hope piece and although I acknowledge it's by far not my best piece ever I felt it worthy of an upload, especially considering my lack of activity lately.

I do, however, intend to start my final project of the year next week so there will be a lot more content being uploaded!

My Friend...

Once again Dracula provides the inspiration in this illustration. I feel the need to apologize for the lack of colour in this, the real life version is a lot more vivid and my scanner doesn't do this version much justice.

However, it represents the letter Jonathan receives at the beginning of the book as Dracula tells of his plans and arrangements. In fact, on reflection, I could make a whole project of Dracula illustrations if I wished to such is the quality content provided for inspiration!

Tales of Transylvania and Terror

This is of course the journal of one Jonathan Harker from the classic Dracula novel. Packed full of enchanting tales, bewildering events and many a terrifying reminiscence, this simply had to be included in my set.

The Tell-Tale Heart

Continuing my mini project on Gothic novels, I was recommended to read Allan Edgar Poe's book of short stories as a tool for inspiration. I must say there are endless number of illustrations that could come from this book and perhaps I will get to draw them if time proves kind to me. 

This particular illustration is from The Tell-Tale Heart, in which a deranged mad man relives the night he stalked his victim before hiding his heart under his floorboards. It probably is my favourite Poe story and can be read in 5 minutes. You can read it here for free if you're interested...