FOLIO SOCIETY COMPETITION.
After reading Brave New World, very clinical, almost alien images were at the forefront of my mind. The brief was to provide three illustrations and binding.
These are some of my prelimary sketches for binding.
Like the idea of developing phoetus/baby intertwined with world/carrycot idea.
After a visit from Geoff Grandfield I feel inspired to try some chalk pastillles for finished piece.
Tried a few formats, but really like this image, bold and clear in its message. However, after a tutorial it was suggested this may be a confusing message, after all it is a society of babies created in test tubes rather than the mother baby scenario, which this baby/pramlike image suggests. So its back to the drawing board.
Tried a single image, works well, I will take to the Vinyl cutter worshop and see what happens.
After vinyl cutter has traced image, we used wooden block to transfer cut image onto. Remove the excess.
Ready for the sandblaster.
And then onto the print room.
Really happy with this block. A nice image for the front cover perhaps.?
Some other woodblock prints. Worked very well. Gives an uneasy feel, almost alien like which is fits the book well I think!.
A few loose ideas I have for the illustrations.
The first is for the text..".Like the vague torso's of fabulous athletes, huge fleshy clouds lolled on the blue air above their heads."
Want to try and show these as huge clouds against the small silohuette of helicopter. Much like the work of Geoff Granfield who's visit yesterday has left me inspired! These are just a few of his images. He is a master in perspective and playing around with its scale, his ideas are clean and bold. Love them!
Have spent a lot of time on this image, but not working as I had planned. It is not sharp enough and does not FIT with the other images. I am begginning to realise, that if I am spending too much time on something that is clearly not working, don't be afraid to bin it, which is exactly what I shall do with this!
This image is for a passage in the book.
THE CHILDREN STARTED, SCREAMED; THEIR FACES WERE DISTORTED WITH TERROR.
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BUT HOW DO YOU GO FROM A SCREAMING BABY WHO WANTS ITS BOTTLE TO A BABY WHO IS SO TERRIFIED ITS FACE IS DISTORTED?
My tutor showe me this for inspiration. Take a look.
USED CHARCOAL TO SKETCH ON IMAGE TO PLAYDOUGH. THEN ROLLED AND PULLED TO STRETCH IMAGE.
SECOND IDEA WAS TO USE DRAWING AND PROJECT ONTO SOME MIRROR SHEETING. THESE RESULTS WERE VERY EFFECTIVE. JUST WHAT I HAD IN MY MINDS EYE.
LIKE THIS IMAGE. BRINGS OUT THE TERROR ASPECT I WAS SEARCHING FOR..
These were great experiments which I think have worked really well. I would like to vinyl cut and sandblast some of these images to give the images more texture.
These distortions achieved on a mac photobooth. Would like to use this for my next idea.
Have taken a chance with this image. May be a bit too abstract.
May be better to go for single image. Will discuss with tutors.
The text for next image reads......."More and more, black snakes and brown and mottled- he flung them out.
I came across a few images which I thought were a good starting point. The book mentions outstreched hands. I like this image. Ghostly yet full of life.
First experiments.
My tutor Mark suggested having a play with the mac photo booth. Like the distortion it gives the image especially the hands. Will incorporate this idea into final image.
I wanted to use this to vinyl cut, but I think it needs simplifying. Below is another version sprayed. Think this will work better fingers crossed!
This is the woodblock for my print process. Cut vinyl and sandblasted.
My last idea is for the text......."Standing with her back to the mirror, she twisted her head. Looking over her left shoulder she could see the imprint of an open hand standing out distinct and crimson."
Definitely want to try printing this. I have learned that I need to keep the shapes simple yet bold. As my tutor has mentioned on several occasions ' TAKE A SIMPLE IDEA AND PRODUCE SOMETHING SOPHISTICATED WITH IT.' (N. Hadfield)
Rather like this woodblock. Very bold, packs a real punch! Will be interesting to see how this prints.
My finished print. Would like to have experimented more with two cols but a bold finish has been achieved.
He also showed me an artist I would like to emulate.
Mcknight Kauffer.
