Tiger Illustrations - BAIL301

Sarah Charlesworth

^Above from left to right: 'Tiger' (1985), ''Madonna' (1986), 'Stag' (1983-1984)

Sarah Edwards Charlesworth (1947-2013), was an American conceptual artist and photographer, concerned with how images shape our everyday lives and society as a whole. The 3 pieces above are all from her collection titled 'Objects of Desire', in which Charlesworth isolated/juxtaposed pop culture imagery taken from print sources (versus the non-existent internet at the time), and collaged and photographed them against '"lush fields of Cibachrome colour".

I chose to look at Sarah Charlesworth as I felt like her use of negative space and monochrome colour draws focus and attention to the subject so powerfully. The colours she uses compliment the objects, yet simultaneously creates a sense of visual impact too. The technique of using a single piece of collaged imagery makes her artworks have a retro or vintage feel, which is very popular in today's culture. Allowing the backgrounds to be completely blank and absent from any detail enables the viewers imagination to create the landscape that the object/animal exists in, rather than this piece of the story being told to you. I think that Charlesworth's artworks would work perfectly as cover art for an album/single, and so I'm going to take inspiration from her to influence my ideas.

References:
https://www.wmagazine.com/story/sarah-charlesworth-exhibit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Charlesworth

Aurore De La Morinerie

The source of this image was hard to trace, but I think it is by artist Aurore De La Morinerie (although it doesn't feature on her website). Morinerie is now a fashion illustrator based in Paris, and her artworks are all created using fluid ink lines and contrasting bold shapes. 

The reason for selecting this above image is because I love how simplistic and organic it is. The way that she has used the unique qualities of the ink to create the stripes of the tiger is particularly effective. Further, the way that it is composed (like Charlesworth's), is effortlessly presented on a clean, blank backdrop, which highlights the details of the image. I plan to experiment with watercolour and ink in the same way that Morinerie has, in effort to create something equally as beautiful. 

References:

http://www.auroredelamorinerie.com/

Leah Reena Goren

Leah Goren works primarily in gouache, and creates illustrations that range from surface pattern design, editorial, book covers & homeware. She has worked with clients such as Anthropologie, Penguin Random House, Kate Spade, and Vogue. 

Again, unintentionally, this particular illustration like the others, is very simplistic when it comes to the use of negative space and block colour. I love the boldness of the tigers and how they have been arranged to loosely fit a square format - perfect for cover art! As with the other two illustrators/artists, I plan to take inspiration from Goren's work to develop my own ideas. 

There are loads of interviews online with Leah Goren where she talks about her practice, so I would also like to revisit her and research her career a bit more in depth. 

References:
http://www.leahgoren.com/info/
http://www.shefolk.com/creatorinterviewsrss/2015/5/18/interview-with-illustrator-leah-goren
https://www.freelance-wisdom.com/interviews/2016/leah-goren
https://thegreatdiscontent.com/interview/leah-goren
http://thechalkboardmag.com/meet-young-artist-behind-female-forward-paintings
https://blog.spoonflower.com/2014/08/artist-interview-leah-goren/

Printmaking Artists

As I'm doing some printmaking for this project, I have chosen to conduct some research into some professional printmakers, and their practice:

Beatrice Forshall

Beatrice Forshall is a printmaker, who focuses her practice around all types of wildlife. She describes her method as 'drypoint engraving'. Although I can't find any images/videos of her process, she appears to print on top of coloured media, or works into the prints after they have dried.  

Forshall is driven by her love for animals, and concern for their future welfare, thus mainly depicting animals of endangerment in her prints. 

"Ever since I was a child I have been interested in wildlife, and my work mainly revolved around animals and conservation. I find the natural world an infinite source of inspiration".

It is clear to see that I share the same inspiration when creating prints. Although I don't plan to add full colour to my etchings, it is something to consider. Nevertheless, its her simple, effortless compositions which really bring light to her subjects, which is something that I plan to carry forward in my own printmaking journey - this is what ultimately conveys the power and importance of the animals. They always remain the primary focus, and are not overpowered or distracted by any background image. 

"We need to recognise that humans do not have overriding claims to the planet's resources... the hostile universe should be shared... I hope that my illustrations of endangered species will help to reconcile people to this... and make them realise that we are all paying a far greater price that what's printed on the label" - Beatrice Forshall

Rose Forshall

I couldn't find much information about Rose Forshall, but I learnt that she mainly focuses on collagraph printmaking (see process video above). She is a part-time lecturer at Falmouth University, and is interested not only in printmaking, but also "the presentation of illustration in unusual contexts". Her images are more playful and contemporary, than of those of Bea Forshall, who takes a more realistic and representative approach. 

I don't know how my printmaking will be inspired by her work, but I chose to look into her process to broaden my understanding of the field, and the possibilities of alternative methods. 

Resources:
https://www.beatriceforshall.com/about-me/
https://beaforshall.wordpress.com/page/2/
http://www.thebowiegallery.co.uk/artists/bea-forshall/
http://www.roseforshall.com/

Printmaking - BAIL202

As part of this module I set myself a challenge to try something new. Not only do I plan to develop and build upon my existing practice and techniques, but I also find it as valuable to step outside of my comfort zone experiment with an entirely new process.

Therefore, I have chosen printmaking to enrich my learning and give myself plenty of opportunities to reflect on something unfamiliar. I have tried some versions of printmaking before, but that was years before I even started university, so my skills and preferences have dramatically changed since then. I wish to revisit these processes with a fresh outlook and new inspiration.

Given the time constraint, I will only have time to fully concentrate on one type of printmaking. In order to make a justified and well informed decision about which process to pursue, I have conducted some research:

Lino

Materials/Equipment: lino sheet, cutting tools, ink, paper, roll, cutting plate.
Effect: Block colours, fine detail is difficult to achieve, especially at a beginners level.

Intaglio/Dry-Point Etching

Materials/Equipment: Etching plate (can be a piece of copper, or perspex), etching tools (any sharp pointed utensil), ink, cheesecloth/tarlatan/scrim, absorbent paper.

Effect: Fine detail can easily be achieved. Delicate, fine lines rather than blocks of solid colour. 

Collagraph 

Materials/Equipment: Anything! Any material which creates a relief/interesting texture can be glued to a board to create a print from. Ink, roller, paper and press.
Effect: More experimental. All sorts of outcomes can be achieved, but this may take some time to discover through trial and error.

Woodcut

Materials/Equipment: Wood block, specialist wood carving tools, ink, paper, press. 

Effect: Similar to lino. Bold and high contrast. No tonal values. Perhaps harder to work with than lino, due to the tougher material?

I chose the above selection of printmaking techniques to research, as I felt like they would all be accessible and easy to set up (given the time left for this module). After conducting this research, I have chosen to work with dry-point etching, given the high volume of detail that can be achieved, even at a beginners level.  I feel like the end aesthetic will compliment my existing work, as well as showcasing a new set of skills to enrich my portfolio.

Inspirational Artists - BAIL202

Stage 2 of our new project has provided me an opportunity to work on a subject matter of my choice. I've decided to focus my illustrations around bears, and the environmental challenges each specie faces. To kick start my research, I have gathered a number of varying illustrators who I hope will inspire my idea development. 

 Jennifer A. Bell

Her fun tonal illustrations capture adventure and personality. Although primarily working in pencil, this particular piece is created using what appears to be acrylic or gouache. Bell's characters are beautifully stylised in a fun, lighthearted manner.

Manon Gauthier

I chose this illustrator purely based on her application, rather than her subject matter. I love her playful approach to shape and colour, which capture beautiful textures which help suggest varying surfaces and movements. 

Richard Smythe

This is another example of an illustrator who I've picked due to their application. Smythe's style is slightly more refined and detailed than Gauthier's, which is perhaps more of the direction that I want to go in. 

Christine Pym

Very characterised, but lovely cheerful illustrations which certainly appeal to a younger audience. Pym seems to have used a combination of watercolour and pencil, to achieve a flat layer of colour which she can work into. I particularly love the sense of scale she has been able to create in the above image. 

Chiaki Okada

Okada is perhaps one of my favourite illustrators that I have discovered recently. Not only are her images so beautiful, but the its the relationship between child and animal which I particularly enjoy. Her illustrations capture so much imagination, and they are drawn softly in pastels and pencils. The only downfall however, is that there isn't much information on her, and none of her books have been published into English (first editions are printed in Japanese, French and Spanish). Nevertheless, I feel like the illustrations speak for themselves, and it's not always necessary to have any accompanying text. 

Renata Liwska

I am really drawn to Liwska's soft colour palette and intricately drawn lines. Upon closer research I discovered that all of her illustrations are created only using a mechanical pencil, which is scanned in, and colour is applied underneath using the 'multiply' tool on Photoshop. This allows her to keep experimenting with colour, which is something that I'm willing to try myself. 

(Interview link: http://www.artofthepicturebook.com/-check-in-with/2015/7/19/an-interview-with-renata-liwska)

Laura Jayne Weeks

I discovered this particular illustration on Pinterest, and later found out that she too studied Illustration at Plymouth College of Art. I am particularly drawn to the use of pencil and block colour, which juxtaposes not only colour, but also surface texture. Perhaps this is something that I could experiment with during my development process.

Well-Being Competition - BAIL203

The Wellbeing Competition gave us the opportunity to create a piece/s of work in response to the topic of ‘wellbeing’. These pieces would be put forward into a selection process, where the best outcomes will be showcased in an exhibition. The aim was to promote awareness of mental health, and the help that is available to students.  

(laser cut box, metal gold leaf, LED lights, and ceramic lion painted in acrylic)

The Objects 

The box itself looks boring and mundane, however it’s the glowing gold cracks which lure you in, and make it beautiful. Inspired by the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’, the flaws and breakages of the piece are highlighted and seen as part of the history and value of the piece, rather than something to disguise and cover up.

The interior of the box has been gilded with gold, showing that one’s value comes from within. The lion that sits inside shows how even the ‘strongest’ of animals can feel scared, afraid and anxious, (all of which are unexpected emotions to be traditionally associated with a lion). This can be compared to the world that we live in, as society expects certain people to be strong and resilient (e.g men), but actually they are as susceptible to feelings of the opposite.

The lion is inside an enclosure to represent a barrier/comfort zone; anxious and afraid of life beyond the box. However the box is showing signs of deterioration, symbolising that this barrier is being overcome slowly - a sign of progress and hope. These small indications of progress are showcased in gold, conveying their importance and significance.

The Experience

Another element to this piece is the emotions that it makes you feel. Firstly, animals are scientifically proven to lower stress and blood pressure levels, and improves your general feelings of happiness.

Furthermore, the surprise of finding something unexpected inside an ‘average looking’ box makes you feel happy too. The act of peering inside something small, to find things smaller than life resonates with things from our childhood (dolls houses etc), this again fills us with joy and nostalgia.

Therefore, not only does this piece convey topics of wellbeing through symbolism, but the emotions you feel in response to it actively improves your wellbeing too.

Art in the Experience - BAIL203

For my outcome for the Well-Being project, I really want the experience that you get from the piece to be part of the focus. I want the emotions that you feel in response to my art to actually have a positive effect on your well-being.

I have found several examples of artists who make art to brighten up people's days: Jan Vormann, Paige Smith, and Jim Bachor. These all however use the experience as a 'secondary meaning', and the main motivation for these artists are bigger world issues - the experience isn't always the sole focus.

I've been trying to source a piece of art where the experience itself is the art. I've managed to come across the work of James Turell, specifically his exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum: Aten Reign.

The exhibition piece itself deals with such simple and ordinary things: light, space and perception. His work encourages you to reconnect you with your senses, and it's the experience itself which is the art form. A request was put forward for visitors not to photograph the exhibits, as Turell really wanted to put emphasis on the experience - and that it is an essential and vital part of the art (which cannot be replicated on any level through photos).

Happiness - BAIL203

For my wellbeing project I want my piece itself to improve your wellbeing. I want people to walk away smiling, feeling inspired, uplifted, positive, and ultimately happy.

To give me the best judgement and understanding, I conducted some research into happiness itself, and what factors cause people to be happy.

Happiness is defined as, "the state of being happy" [1], of which is "feeling or showing pleasure contentment". [2]

During the 2011 UN General Assembly, the importance of happiness was discussed. It was not highlighted just as a priority for global health, but it was also acknowledged as a 'fundamental human goal', in which even economic growth can benefit from [3].

The study of happiness has been a global focus for scientists, psychologists and Buddhists. The exact formula of which still hasn't been pin-pointed. However, there are a handful of things that we can surround ourselves with, and do, in order to make ourselves happier people:

1) Caring about other people
Within all of us we have something called the 'moral molecule', which is associated with love and pain relief. This molecule releases oxytocin when we think about the ones that we love and care for. Looking at photos of your friends and family can raise oxytocin levels - making people happier. Ultimately personal relationships are a vital component to happiness.

2) Old Age
Studies have shown that elderly people are happier in their later years, than they were when they were teenagers. This might be because they had more knowledge and life experience, so they can consequently enjoy life more.

3) Positive Thinking 
Thinking positively vastly contributes to happiness. There are 5 ways of thinking that can help you to adopt a positive mindset:
- Be grateful
- Be optimistic
- Count your blessings
- Use your strengths
- Commit acts of kindness [4]
Being aware of your strengths and noting all of the positivity in your life will encourage better well-being and overall joy.

4) Exercise
When you exercise, endorphins are released. These are natural painkillers and create feelings of euphoria

5) Enjoying Culture
Immersing yourself in the outside world and the different aspects of culture has been proven to boost your happiness. Going to an art museum, a ballet show, seeing a play, or even attending church are a few ways this can be achieved.

6) Having Pets
Studies have found that some of the happiest people around are the ones that have a pet. Pets not only increase our self-esteem, but they also give us a sense of belonging and meaning to our lives. Being around animals can also reduce blood pressure, and reduces stress too.

Other things that can boost your happiness:
- Nature (being surrounded by plants)
- The outdoors
- Music
- Looking back on memories, reminiscing
- Doing a hobby, e.g gardening, dancing, drawing/painting
- Meditating

[1] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/happiness
[2] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/happy
[3] https://www.bustle.com/articles/70762-what-really-makes-a-person-happy-9-things-science-knows-about-what-really-keeps-us-content
[4] https://www.livescience.com/9824-5-happier.html
[5] http://changingminds.org/explanations/emotions/happiness/what_makes_people_happy.htm
[6] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/15/the-33-things-that-will-make-you-happyand-the-seven-that-definit/