WHAT IS ILLUSTRATION?

We had a general discussion, which piqued my interest. Whenever I think about illustration, I would always think of images or drawings on various platforms (books, magazines, signs, advertisement etc) that would convey or advertise certain messages. 

Notes on the discussion

Though I particularly think that illustration isn't just simply about drawing and this discussion had further broaden my opinion on this subject. There is a definition given from a dictionary and in it a phrase caught my attention: "-act of making clear in the mind..."

I think that particular definition sits well with me, though this subject is very open to interpretation. I do think illustrations tend to give vivid representations or a subject or narrative. Although I think that illustration involves not only image making, shapes, colours but also the context and purpose. It's fascinating when sometimes illustration can evoke feelings from the audience.

TRIP TO YORK!

York Fine Arts

Last weekend, my parents took me to York for sightseeing and I saw a small Fine Art store.

York Fine Arts Gallery/Shop
(Online shop/catalog: https://www.yorkfineartsonline.co.uk/)

I have always liked looking at paintings and I think that it is good to know other disciplines in art and design. Whenever I visit galleries I tend to gravitate towards satirical paintings or ones that would make me question and think (which I think is something I'd like to incorporate into my works). 

The Lumber Room

I also decided to take a look at the York Art Gallery. I remember one room (The Lumber Room) caught my attention. It was probably because of the odd combination of works displayed: ceramic bowls, portraits, a wall dedicated to fishes, costumes and other artefacts.

Mark Hearld's Scrapbooks

I came across Mark Hearld's scrapbooks. I actually never heard of his name or seen any of his works. It was quite interesting to see his process and journey instead of his final work. 

I think that the perks of actually going to a gallery, is to be able to see all the mark making and materials used. When I saw his work, it reminded me of a sketchbook, filled with tests and experiments on colours, composition and texture. It made me think that I shouldn't feel restricted with simply drawing in my sketchbook. I should explore more and try not to be afraid of making mistakes/taking risks.

MEET & GREET LEVELS 5 AND 6

Summer Sketchbooks

 Today we had the opportunity to look at our senior's sketchbooks. All I have to say was that I am very impressed, awed and inspired. There were several sketchbook pages that I particularly liked:

 Though there was one sketchbook which caught my attention. I thought that his/her sketches were very aesthetically pleasing. 

I feel that the simplicity in shapes and fluidity of the lines made it aesthetically pleasing. The image on the right seems to be a rather obscure character, in comparison to the detailed, line drawing of an oriental city.

Throughout his/her sketchbook, I could see a recurring style or method of drawing. This particular sketchbook was filled with simple, clean line drawings of oriental food, places and other abstract subjects. Similarly, I noticed from other sketchbooks that I could see each individual has their own specific style or preference in drawing. Though what personally piqued my interest were the developments or the rough sketches, building up to well made illustrations.

STUDY TASK I - IMAGE  IDEA  CONTEXT 

The Night Circus is a fantastical novel that I am currently reading. 

Shamefully, I have to admit that I am initially drawn to reading this novel due to the cover. Morgenstern's whimsical writing is intensely visual and lucid. Her construction of the circus is so vivid that I could somewhat understand why Helen Musslewhite would illustrate the cover in such a way.

Book cover illustrated by Helen Musslewhite
(http://www.helenmusselwhite.co.uk/projects/book-covers/)

Image

• I think that the illustrator successfully managed to convey the alluring atmosphere through the monochromatic shapes and accented red spirals. Perhaps the composition of how the night circus sits on an open hand suggests a welcome -carpets and banners rolled out.  

• This cover is rather minimalistic with simple block colours and clear-cut lines. I think that the stiffness is balanced out with the swirls and circles, making the image more fluid.

•  Even though it's digital based, the illustration somehow creates the illusion that it is made out of cut-out paper. 

Idea & Context

• I think that Musslewhite had chosen to illustrate the circus because it's the main subject of the novel. Perhaps not only does it serves to advertise the content of the book, it also gives the readers a visual representation of the subject.

•  Though when it comes to illustrating based on narratives, it is very subjective and it would all depend on the illustrator's imagination. There are times where I do not particularly fancy illustrated covers. This is because my mind would be set on that specific visual representation and it is often difficult for me to picture certain descriptions (characters, places etc) with my own interpretation.