Stepping Beyond the Familiar

Hi Everyone,

Here's a sneak preview of  my book 'Stepping Beyond the Familiar'.

Stepping Beyond the Familiar captures my experiences whilst studying for a Masters in Design and Illustration. The writing is set in chronological order and encompasses the changes in my development as a postgraduate student. My 'MA journey' is highlighted through various diary- like entries and vignettes, which illustrate significant moments in time when experimenting with new media and approaches with my creative work.

Front Cover 

The book offers an insight into the trials, tribulations and successes of being a postgraduate design student.  One of the document’s aims is to comfort those students who are questioning themselves, their practice and how they define what they do within the creative industry, by showing them that they are not alone in these intense thoughts. The writing therefore highlights some of my achievements whilst studying for an MA, but also emphasises the struggles of postgraduate development, by exposing those moments of uncertainty and doubt when exploring something new and unknown.

Back Cover

The book specifically takes the reader on my journey towards creating my new and experimental work, which was inspired by the act of wandering in the environment. My new work encompasses my encounters and experiences that are both seen and heard along a walk in the countryside. The work illustrates animals and objects that were seen in a variety of places such as: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Doncaster Wildlife Park and Chatsworth House. Through visiting these places it provided me with the inspiration to create rich imagery, which aims to heighten people’s own experience of the world and encourage them to explore new places for themselves.

First inner page

Inspired by my surroundings, I incorporated my encounters, overheard conversations and snatches of dialogue heard along a journey. The conversations and dialogue in the work were documented by using a Dictaphone and a note book, which I carried around at all times. Through combining the senses of sight and sound into the work, it that provides the viewer with a more engaging, insightful and stimulating experience.

Double page spread

The narrative behind my creative work is solely directed from the my own experiences whist being outside and isn’t inspired by a pre-existing text. This approach has allowed for more freedom to self-publish and promote the work independently, which also breaks the conventions of the ‘traditional’ illustrator, who has a brief or a client to work with. The work is autonomous and self- directed, which raises questions around whether it is an illustration or a piece of art. This then bares questions around whether we need to ‘label’ ourselves to define what we do in contemporary art practice.

Book exhibited in MA Design Show

The book is currently exhibited in the MA Design Show for you to look through at your leisure. If you would like more information then don't hesitate to contact me at jessicarawlings1990@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks for looking
Bye for now