Nostalgia and Progress Exhibition

This week I had a look at the Nostalgia and Progress: Illustration after the Second World War exhibition which displayed work by major post-war illustrators and contemporary illustrators inspired by the era.
The exhibition explores the history of British book illustration; many of the themes revolved around the nostalgia or the war as well as technological progress and innovation. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photographs of the work due to copyright reasons etc.

Edward Ardizzone had many of his original pieces from the 1960's era on display which were absolutely stunning. The colour schemes used in these water colour and ink pieces consisted of black and either muted pink or green colour to create depth and tone. My favourite piece entitled 'child playing' captured the innocence of a child playing aimlessly in the street in the post war period. At the time the economy was in a bad state, still in rationalisation which restricted luxury in many families. I love the sense of the young boy 'making do' of playing with whatever he can find in the street and still being satisfied whilst simultaneously dismissing the troubles of the era.

Edward Bawden- Cover for 'The Listner'
1961 line drawing

I was attracted to the narrative in this piece, by replacing generic human characteristics with those of cats at a stereotypically British Christmas setting. The tree decorations of fish and birds (heavily desired by cats) and the books being read 'Puss Alice in Wonderland' etc all add to the sense of humour within the illustration. The colour scheme is pretty powerful too, the simple pink background allows the detail of the black and white line drawings to be intricately amplified.

Tom Frost- 'A is for Ant'
2014 Screen Print

I really admire this screen print by Tom Frost. The sharp lines and bold, block colours are very enticing, but I love the way that this image appeals to mature people, as its immediate purpose would be assumed to aid a young child in learning the alphabet. 

Visual Skills- End of Module Evaluation

Which practical skills and methodologies have you developed within this module and how effectively do you think you are employing them within your own practice?

In this module, I have learned that clear communication is essential in able to gain a positive reaction from the appropriate audience. My drawing skills have enhanced in the way that they are clearer to read, using more obvious gesture and expression and implying themes that are easy to relate to. I have also developed my ability to produce pieces of work that tie together well as a set by using similar techniques and processes as well as introducing colour schemes, which I have struggled with previously. I have been able to employ these within my own practice by building on the positive comments I receive  at the end of each brief via peer review, and carry them through to the next brief to build a stronger method of practice. 

Which principles/theories of image making have you found most valuable during this module and how effectively do you think you are employing these within your own practice?

In each module there has been some sort of restriction or rule, for example working in a certain colour scheme, working with dimensions or working only in association with a particular theme responding to a word. This has been a useful principle in the aid of helping channel my focus in terms of using the right tools to produce the best possible results. Learning to work within dimensions has taught me the importance of scale and composition in order to make the best visually interesting image possible. I am using and will continue to use this in further briefs that both are and aren't restricted to the use of dimensions. 

What strengths can you identify within your submission and how have you capitalised these?

Throughout each project I have taken time to clearly document each ideas process so it shows how I have developed my practice. I really enjoy intertwining my own interests into each brief, and try to think outside the box without being too one sided or biased. I'd like to believe I am able to capitalise these areas by finding the right balance between simplicity and complexity, creating a happy medium for the viewer that is also open to their interpretation. 

What areas for further development can you identify within your submission and how will you address these in the future?

I definitely need to practice my digital skills in photoshop and check simple things that could lead to higher overall quality, for the example the dpi of images. I also need to spend more time and care on each project instead of being panicked to finish everything on time. This will teach me to pay more attention to detail when creating work and simultaneously increase the quality of my work resulting in a more efficient, professional overall finish.

In what way has the module introduced you to the BA (Hons) Illustration programme?

Visual Skills has introduced me to the structure of the programme and the quality and standard of professionalism that is expected. It has also taught me to further discipline myself in terms of time management. The process of working and learning has introduced me to a higher level of self reflection and critique through responding to the learning outcomes, and also through peer reviews, allowing me to see how other people have responded to my work and identifying areas for further development.

How would you grade yourself on the following areas:
5= Excellent 4= Very Good 3= Good 2= Average 1= Poor

Attendance-4
Punctuality-4
Motivation-5
Commitment-5
Quantity of work produced-3
Quality of work produced-4
Contribution to the group-3

Bigheads-Jon Burgerman

Jon Burgerman is an English practitioner living and working in a studio in New York. He doesn't specifically describe himself as an illustrator, but an artist, as his work is not specific easily defined.

He studied Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University in the early 2000s, but felt like his work never fitted in under that bracket, as  his work is very self driven trying to make interesting things in a predominantly flat/visual medium.

He stated that he doesn't really have a specific 'style'. Instead Burgerman works within a platform that encourages people to create work of their own as a sort of 'I could do that, maybe I could create my own version' knock on effect.

Burgermans projects are very playful taking a wide breadth of approaches to each. He emphasised the fact that that he doesn't just do work within his studio, 'your studio is everywhere', an example of this being the 'Headshots' project responding to advertisements which used guns in Korean subways.

One of the most extravagant things Burgerman said he had don't is move to New York. It was kind of a spur of the moment decision thing for him as he wanted to get away from himself and have a challenge, so he literally packed his bags and got on the plane. His first thoughts on arrival were, "FUCK WHAT HAVE I DONE!?", but in time that feeling wore off.

He has come to realise the meaning of success too. Many people have different opinions as to what success is, and this is what he stated: "Success is waking up happy and wanting to do stuff. Having fun in daily life". Which is very important, as most people would associate success with having a lot of money. I admire this 'real world' approach of his.

The importance of drawing:

• Everything starts from drawing
• Take pen and paper wherever
• David Lynch- having a powerful image in the mind.
• Allowing things to be more RAW.

What Jon Burgerman would have said to his first year self:

Wear nicer clothes, never undervalue a haircut... 

Don't worry about where things fit in. No one judges what you're making. Play around and see what happens.

Finally, What defines a good piece of work:

'You just know, it has to be on your wavelength'. Its not always immediate. Your friends will appreciate it, and it just clicks because its a joy to make.