Work in Progress

Thought I'd share what I've been drawing today... this is what I have so far, I am currently developing illustrations around a story from 'the virago book of fairy tales' called ' the old woman who lived in a vinegar bottle'.

The story is a fun and bizarre one, rich with imagery - it is about an old woman who lives in a vinegar bottle until one day a fairy comes along and grants her a few wishes to live where ever she desires, however the old women gets greedy and is ungrateful for what the fairy does for her..... ending the old women up back in the vinegar bottle.

The design around this drawing is in the style of a vinegar bottle label and central to this is the character of the old women with a body shaped as a vinegar bottle

This is my rough idea so far, if you have any thoughts or suggestions then leave a comment

Thanks for looking

Kafou

Thought I'd share this exhibition that I visited at the weekend called 'Kafou' at Nottingham Contemporary.

The exhibition has a collection of paintings, sculptures and sequin flags of Haitian art. I thought this exhibition would be relevant to what I am currently researching with the imagery and visual language of folk art- the exhibition is a celebration of 'naive', 'self- taught' art, which has a link to folk.

As discussed in my previous post I also have an interest in fairy tales and the magical potential in the stories. The Kafou exhibition shows how Haitian art is inspired by vodou and spiritual beliefs; vodou has aspects of Catholicism, Islam, European folklore and freemasonary. The different pieces in the show had a story too them and had a richness and charm.

The Virgo book of Fairy Tales



After a tutorial I had yesterday I have been advised to begin to develop my illustration work around a narrative; at the moment I am studying a Masters in Design at Lincoln University and I am currently interesting with the idea of fairy tales.

 

Fairy tales originally had an oral tradition and were not explicitly for children, the tales were layered with meaning such as stories of warnings, others were didactic and moral absorbed by motifs from Greek and Roman myths. However, mostly the tales were about beliefs and superstitions. The tales acted as a mode of entertainment for the common people and brought communities together to listen to these great, bizarre and wondrous stories.

 

The introduction of the printing press in the 15th century brought a revolutionary change in the way tales were transmitted and they developed into a new genre of literary fairy tales that began to form its own conventions of the time of being altered for a reading public. 

 

I am currently reading a book edited by Angela Carter called 'The Virago Book of Fairy Tales', Angela Carter was an English novelist and journalist, known for her feminist, magical realism, and picaresque works.

 

The book is a collection of different short tales from around the world, which I think show a dark and light side to life.

 

There is one story in particular that stands out for me which I find witty, humours and engaging and hopfully I can make some interesting and unquie illustrations with. I will start designing and sketching and update the blog to share my thoughts as soon as I can .

 

For now, below is a picture of the book,

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Lincoln Doors

This is my A1 three coloured screen print. This print was technically difficult with the long thin physically of it, I found it difficult to get the pressure accurate. However I'm pleased with the overall look of the print and the text and imagery work well together especially in a long line.

 

The imagery I’ve used is the subject of Victorian doors; I wanted to illustrate these fantastic and unique doors to portray a personality. All these doors are drawn from existing doors round the Uphill area of Lincoln. I love the Victoria architecture and wanted to celebrate and embrace that with this piece.



These are the photos I've taken in the print room, I will scan in one of prints so you can see the detail better.

 

Thanks for looking.



 

 

 

Le Gun

Found some great illustrations here while researching

http://www.legun.co.uk/peruseandbuy.html

Draft for Screen Print

 

 



 

 

 

Lino Print- Lincoln Cathedral

 

 

 

 

 

Lino Print- Victoria Doors