Bibliography

Bibliography:

Fig1:

Fig2:Hellblazer, John Constantine, Bradstreet, 2009

Fig3: LUNA PARK: written by Kevin Baker > 160 pages > DC Vertigo > USA > 2009 > Magic Press > Italy > 2010 - See more at: http://www.dzezelj.com/work/graphic+novels#sthash.goOuVMTj.dpuf

Fig4: After Hours > Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum > Boston > 2008 - See     more at: http://www.dzezelj.com/work/posters#sthash.KtWcUvUs.dpuf

http://anotame.com/bathroom-collection-from-kohler-stillness/kohler-sink-stillness-2/

http://coolspotters.com/actors/michael-raymond-james/and/tv-shows/once-upon-a-time/media/2701910#medium-2701910

http://www.dzezelj.com

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-bank-vault-image841880

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/150354-75-of-a-human-skull-replaced-with-3d-printed-material

http://firstrung.co.uk/articles.asp?pageid=NEWS&articlekey=7379&cat=2-0-0

http://www.georgebutler.org

http://kirahagen.photoshelter.com/image/I0000wmoZWc1iPJ4

http://www.olivierkugler.com

http://www.patrickwilson.com/goggles_plans.htm

http://rogarinprincess.deviantart.com/art/cloaked-princess-109942470

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sydney_bromley/

http://scientopia.org/blogs/scicurious/2013/01/04/friday-weird-science-the-good-old-book-smell/

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-103514921/stock-photo-young-girl-holding-a-kerosene-lantern-on-seashore.html

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/candleholders-candelabra/single-candelabra/id-f_749290/

http://www.thehighwaymanmovie.com/highwaymancostumetests.html

http://timbradstreet.typepad.com

http://tribes.tribe.net/ethnicjewelry/photos/5453081b-b787-4da3-9c41-0ac799c995ab

http://www.turbosquid.com/3d-models/medieval-iron-torch-light-3d-max/415654

http://www.veilep.com/theme-store/halloween/puritan-hat-adult-black-x-large-0

http://www.voont.com/random_reviews_2

http://www.wallpapergang.com/Interior-design/Creative-House-Design-Library-HD-wallpaper_17194.html

Overview

26/04/2014

I feel it is appropriate to log down how I feel this semester has gone for me on the MDes Illustration course.

It was a good, inspiring start for myself. I felt I achieved quite a lot of work in the first weeks, and more importantly I was enjoying the work too.

After we were given the second task I didn't enjoy it so much. Fortunately for us though, the tutors were merely telling us what we needed to hear.

Looking at the work I have done recently and comparing it to the work at the beginning of the semester, I can see now that the first lot of work, wasn't (concept wise) up to scratch for a Masters project. It required more thought and originality on my part and it has been a refreshing break to get away from drawing characters.

My final piece is so far removed to what I expected I may do. Which is a good thing, as it shows I have thought outside of the box. The thought process to get where I did was rewarding too, and I'm hoping the transition into my final year will be just as productive.

Hopefully I'll be able to show this diversity in my self-directed project next semester. This term has definitely proved to me that with effort, you should be able to bring something to the platform of illustration that may still break new ground.

I can't say that I would do anything different either. Although I feel I came to my final decision for my project later than I would have liked, I needed to go through the thought process and guidance of the tutors at the time, and it did spur me on to get to a certain level of work, in a smaller amount of time.

All in all, this has been a most valuable and necessary few months for me at university and has given me the tools that are required at Masters level, to produce a unique body of work for next semester.

George Butler

26/04/2014

Another reportage illustrator I admire is George Butler. His work in Syria is particularly interesting, capturing the horror of civil war which affects the civilian population, this work is a vital source of information for the world. No matter which side you believe is right or wrong, you cannot deny the visual impact Butler's work has over his audience.

Taftanaz, Butler, 2013

The work depicts an environment alien to us in the UK. It is most likely I will never experience illustrating images such as these. If I'm honest I am relieved and jealous at the same time. I would relish the opportunity to attempt something like this, where it is actually happening, but personal circumstances do not allow this for me.

Yousef, Butler, 2013

The boy in the picture above is from a refugee family, holding his toy gun. The report mentions that some refugee's were to afraid to have their pictures taken or even drawn, due to the regime they live under. This caption of the report highlights to me that I want to undertake a project with some important relevant meaning and which has some 'clout' in todays society.

Ahmed in Hospital, Butler, 2013

The simple lines and muted, often limited, colour palette, add to the desolation of the images. I wasn't sure about a adopting a simpler style (To be honest, I'm still not sure), but the work of Butler has definitely proven to me that it does have impact.

Olivier Kugler

24/04/2014

For my project for next year I have been looking at a reportage illustrator named Olivier Kugler. His work is executed in simple lines, with flat, digital colour used to add depth.

Kugler, 2012

Kugler, 2012

This simple line drawn style is something I should try and adopt if I am to practice reportage.

The text that he adds is a valuable commodity to the image, it gives us a deeper insight into the people he studies and allows the viewer to continue with the thought process beyond what the image offers us.

Kugler, 2011

Kugler's work shows us the vastness of humanity, the different cultures, continents, religions. It opens our eyes to that which we only get to see on the news or read in the daily papers.

Kugler, 2011

I have to say that I do envy Kugler's freedom in being available to travel to all these places. It would be something I'd like to do myself, although having a family it wouldn't be a sensible option, especially if the destination is Syria or Afghanistan. This is one reason why I want to carefully consider what I will do a reportage on, it has to have weight, something with grit that people will also want to find out about.

The Lamp

24/04/2014

I've finally managed to complete my lamp idea. After a few adjustments switching to acetate instead of tracing paper, I'm fairly happy with the result. The tracing paper was not translucent enough and didn't let the light through from the bulb. The acetate works a little better after I dropped the opacity of the images that I printed.



The acetate looks ok on the light box too.



Building up more than one layer on the light box with the acetate.



More layers added.


With the lamp construct completed, I can now insert the hexagonal plates.

After seeing this in the flesh, I'm quite pleased at how it has turned out. It is far removed from my original idea, but this is a good thing. I feel I have grown as an illustrator this semester and hope to carry on this improvement in the next semesters.

Mira Schendel

02/04/2014

I have been looking at the works of Mira Schendel (1919-1988) recently, mainly to get inspiration for my current project.

The works I have been examining mix graphic design with illustrative/fine art qualities. Created on rice paper using cheap materials mixed with talc and brick dust to create paint, there is a delicate quality to her work which reminds me of cells under a microscope. This technique gives the viewer an almost voyeuristic gaze, whereby the letters (or cells), if only in your mind, move about in the way a microscopic environment will.

The rice paper is so diaphanous that you can see anything printed on the back, or on a separate sheet behind the first. The natural palette of colours on the paper, lend themselves to an almost clinical look.

The whole body of work has a lot of similarities with the Babel project. The words are mish-mash of the Brazilian language, yet to someone who doesn't know Portugeuse, they are just letters that form no discernible meaning, much like the books in The Library of Babel.

A New Direction

24/03/2014

Going over my previous work and talking to the tutors, I came to the decision to focus on the part of the book that describes the mysterious nature of the words MCV. They are repeated randomly, in the swathes of unintelligible writings, that fill the endless books of the library. The inhabitants have formed a pseudo religion based around these letters, in a vain hope it seems, to cling to some sense of familiarity.

After reading the book again, it came to me that it's quite illuminating. The issues it deals with, (transcendence of knowledge) are dealt with in a way that the reader can question the ideas of religion, society, power etc, and to realise that in the end, knowledge is the only true thing that we can hold dear to ourselves.

From this enlightening moment, I asked myself what else is illuminating?……….a lamp. Yes…….I'm going to make a lamp.

The idea will be to create 25 hexagonal frames, (25 is an important number in the book. How many signs there are that create the multitude of words in the Library of Babel) and attach to these, an image on tracing paper. These will be slides that can fit in to a tower frame, with a light bulb at the bottom. The idea will be that you can make out the images on the plates when you view the lamp from the top.

These are the 25 hexagon images I will be using.

Keep Calm and read Babel.

18/03/2014

Trying to come up with another idea for a library stamp, but also the colours of the library too. I may use this as a silk screen print.

I think this looks too much like a police badge. I added a little texture and colour to the background.

This looks better, but reminds of the 'Keep calm and carry on' logos.

1st Concept Panel

18/03/2014

It's been a while since my last blog, so I thought I'd kick things off again and write about the 1st concept panel we attended on our Mdes course.

For this we had to sit through the presentations of the students who have progressed into the stages, further along in the masters course.

If I'm totally honest I was a bit disappointed. I can count on one hand the students that I was impressed with, although the whole experience was worth it, if only to see how the more experienced students have tackled their self-directed projects.

The students that stood out for me, although few, were good examples of how much work we will need to do and the thought process behind these ideas.

It's made me realise the concept is just as important as the aesthetic value.

It made me really think about what I would like to investigate for my self-directed project.

It made me realise what avenues I don't want to go down.

It made me realise what makes a good concept panel.

Religion and Babel

13/02/2014

Trying to pin down a solid theme for my project, so I tried tackling a bit of religion in The Library of Babel. I'm happy with the image but still not sure how to tie all these themes together regarding the transcendence of knowledge.

I do feel this way of working is definitely making me think more about the subject matter of each picture, I just need to nail a particular theme to bring future images together under one heading.

You Dead?….Over The Side For You Then!

13/02/2014

Trying to relate to story of LoB a bit more with this one. They throw the dead over the railings, to fall for eternity in the shaft that runs through the centre of each hexagonal room. I thought this caption in the story was quite poignant, so decided to have a go at 'visually' realising it.

I'm happy with the image, but feel I've not got a specific idea for the project. It's just a lot of random images, with no clear theme running through.

Babel Through a Microscope.

11/02/2014

Considering the different aspect of knowledge, I began to think about science, because y'know scientists are intelligent.

It's supposed to convey a sense of looking through a microscope, at cells.

After talking to the tutors, they feel this piece directly relates to The Library of Babel more so than the other pieces. I think this is a step forward.

Library Stamp

11/02/2014

After doing the occult symbol, the whole shape reminded me of a library stamp, so I thought I'd have a go at that. Nothing more to say really.

The Lost Books of Tacitus have a brief mention in the short story and I wanted to try and convey a sense that (a), they have been found and (b), you can loan them out to have a read. I found it quite humorous that an ancient book could be stamped and put out on loan.

I may look into the The books of Tacitus, to see if there is anything that can be used to further the project.

Occult Signs

11/02/2014

After looking through reference material for my first picture of the new direction I am taking for the Babel project, I stumbled across images of occult signs and symbols. Curious as to what these symbols would look like with a Library of Babel influence I had a go at creating one.

Again I'm happy with the image, yet I need a definite direction as to where this project is going. Used the Adinkra symbol again, but I also investigated animals that are associated with knowledge and the snake appeared time and again.

No Characters Allowed.

11/02/2014

So after a rather confusing crit last week, I had to re-evaluate the work I was doing. After being told there are no characters in The Library of Babel, in fact there is no library, it is all to do with the transcendence of knowledge, I've had to go back to the drawing board. Needless to say I am a little confused.

I've decided to go with some more surreal, abstract type images to see where this takes me and to test if I can actually illustrate the transcendence of knowledge.

I'm happy with the image, but I'm not sure the whole idea of knowledge has the legs for a major, self-directed project. The symbol in the top left is the Adinkra sign for knowledge. This type of symbolism might have to play a major part in the progression of this project, purely as means to visually represent knowledge. I want to stay away from the more obvious ideas, such as a light bulb to signify an idea for example.

Who Inspires the Illustrator, Whom Inspires You?

05/02/2014

As a small exercise for our MDes course, we had to go and find artists who inspired the artists we like. This was to see if we would find another artist/illustrator we could connect with.

I decided to go with my favourite, Timothy Bradstreet. Many of his influences are from traditional comic artists, one of whom is Bernie Wrightson. Wrightson worked on many of the horror/pulp comics that became popular in the 60's and 70's. Mainly in black and white, (likely to do with printing costs at the time, as pulp comics were created as cheaply as possible), they capture a certain gothic feel, with heavily inked areas, similar to Bradstreet's work.

I used Gary Gianni as the second influence of Bradstreet, again a comic artist. Gianni uses lines more effectively to convey a sense of depth, rather than using large areas of black. This is something that Bradstreet uses effectively too. Thin lines in conjunction with black areas to convey weight and realism.

I wasn't really surprised to find out about Bradstreet's favourite artists. They all show the qualities that Bradstreet possesses.

My second Illustrator was David Foldvari. Unfortunately the only influences he mentions are that of 60's and 70's Eastern European artists, which was too broad a topic to find out about in the time we had. This is an area I would like to find out about for future reference.

Foldvari's work uses heavy black areas, much like Bradstreet's, although he tackles contemporary issues, often in a humorous way.

All in all, this was a productive exercise and made me think more about the type of Illustrators I should take influence from.

Sanjay Badhan is Famous!

31/01/2014

Carrying on with using photos of other students for reference, I went and drew Sanjay from uni. This one is a Vault Keeper.

He's definitely got that gangster look.

Another Facebook profile picture.

I'm pleased how the imagining of the library, structurally is coming along. I didn't really want to portray a full room with books, shelves and other paraphernalia. Focusing on certain aspects of the architecture allow me to work a little more freely and with greater speed.

Well Someone's Got To Clean The Toilets!

28/01/2014


After a good critique from the tutors, it was put to me that they'd like to see more of the library in my images. I took this on board, especially as I've been thinking of doing this myself.


I'm using myself as the model in this one.

If I look miserable, it's because I've been cleaning the bogs.

Again, I feel the colour brings the image up to a better, visual standard.

Taking on board what the tutors said, I'll be incorporating more structures in the background.

Hannah Smith is Famous!

29/01/2014

After rummaging through google images for………..images. I've finally had enough of not finding the references I really want. To solve this I asked for volunteers from uni to pose for me. This is the first of those models, Hannah Smith.

She is a diva and was very demanding during the 3 photos I took of her. She wanted all the green Skittles taking out of the sweets bowl I provided and wanted only the chicken legs from the KFC bucket I had to buy.

Had a lot of fun colouring this one in, as it really did finish the piece off.

She loves her new yellow scarf.

I really do feel that this is the best direction to take the project. Using the people I know is very rewarding for myself and the models, as they are interested to see the finished product. It also means a lot of my images are going to be peoples Facebook profiles.

20 Minutes Until Hometime!

25/01/2014

I finished the image for Friday (see earlier post) and saw I had 20 minutes or so until I had to leave. I decided to use this time wisely and knocked up another picture. I only used existing images for other work for this project and tried to do a little collage/montage, for The Library of Babel.

Trying to figure out composition by putting borders round each picture and then working on layout. It'll do.

Logo/T-Shirt Design

24/01/2014

Continuing with the image a day from The Library of Babel, I decided to go with some sort of t-shirt design come logo. Trying to use a bit of a graphic nature for this image.

First off, a skull done in charcoal.

Secondly a book. Again, charcoal.

A quick bit of photoshop. The wings I already have on my usb stick.

I enjoyed this one, it was quick and thrown together, without much fore thought.

The Cult of Tacitus

24/01/2014

In the short story there is mention that The Lost Books of Tacitus may be shelved somewhere in the Library. This then started me thinking of the type of people who would want to find these books. Different to the Seekers of Books as described in my previous post, I envisaged these people as part of a cult.

This time I'm going for a 1920s theme to see if it fits into the genre.

I'm going for another figure in this image to highlight the first.

Another hooded figure seems appropriate for something like a cult, so I'll go with that.

The colour definitely makes this character recognised. I feel that the pure black and white image wasn't recognisable as a person on first glance.

Added a bit of art nouveau design in there and I think the Arabic text adds nicely to the idea of mixed genres.

Seeker of books

24/01/2014

Thinking more about the characters that inhabit Babel, I started to come up with an idea of someone who searches for forgotten tomes of knowledge. Also the depiction of women isn't really realised in any big context in the story. This is something that should be addressed for contemporary images.

The colour will hopefully bring out some more idea of the cultures I'm trying to convey.

I'd also like to capture more of a timeless quality to general look of the characters.

I like the relationship between the text and the rest of the image and hopefully it doesn't detract from the picture. The hexagon should also be used in different ways but I'm unsure yet if it should be the main subject of the image.