Post Forty-Nine
>> Thursday, December 9, 2010
It's now December, so I'll make my post for the month of November now. I finally turned 21 on the 24th of November. It feels strange, getting older each day. I didn't do much of anything for my birthday, since I had classes for most of the day. It doesn't matter though, I see birthdays as a time to reflect on what you did the past year, and what you can do in the next year ahead.
I'm also finally finished with school for the semester! Time's going by really fast, there is now officially one and a half years left until I can officially obtain my Bachelor of Design, and use it towards my ideal career- children's book illustration.
My media studio critique was great because my teacher told me that he loved one of my projects so much that he wouldn’t mind having a print of the piece, and that he could see it being hung up on a wall. In addition to that, he said that the grade he gave me for that project was probably the highest he’s ever given out. Crazy, especially when that class focused on working with computers to create art, which is a weakness of mine.
The critique for my painting class intimidated me the most, but it went so much better than expected. My teacher liked my final portrait because of its conceptual qualities, and said that she could see I was improving and that I put a lot of effort into my work. Painting is also a weakness of mine, but I think if I keep practicing, I can only get better.
My teacher for sequential narrative was pleased with my final project, and he said that he can see me having two styles: black and white, and one that is ‘lyrical’ and colourful. He also said that he could see me getting into book illustration, and that I should look into getting some work published, which made me feel amazing. I love that I get to take an extension of this class next semester, and that I’ll have the same teacher. For the class next semester, we’ll actually be working on creating a book, which is really exciting.
My critique for my illustration class went well, my teacher said that he could see I was developing a style, as I have been working with a technique and style involving gouache, flat colours, and lots of detail. He talked to me about thesis year, and what I can expect. In February, there will be sessions that 3rd year students will have to attend, so we can learn what to expect in 4th year. My teacher said for thesis year, we will have to work on a statement of intent over the summer, proposing 3 projects that we will work on for final year. Apparently the statement has to be 25 pages? That’s going to mean a lot of research, but I’m up for the challenge. The statement is then either accepted or rejected; if rejected, you have 2 weeks to re-write it. Very intimidating and intense, but I guess the school wants to know that you’re serious about what you do. In final year, there will be more one-on-one critiques, which I have always felt were much better then group critiques.
Is it too early to have ideas for thesis year? Maybe, maybe not. I’m thinking of working on pieces that will merge my love for nature, architecture, and travel. These are my ideas so far:
1. Create a series of illustrations called ‘I live in a suitcase’. These illustrations will show different suitcases, illustrated with interiors of homes. The interiors and exteriors of the ‘suitcase homes’ will reflect certain characteristics of different people who travel.
2. Create a large drawing on cardboard of a house, then place a sheet behind it with drawings of the interior. I’ll then create cutouts in the windows and doors of the house, so that you can open them and see the interior drawings.
3. Create a large hand painted map of the world. For each country, create a little icon of the kind of architecture that is found in each country.
4. Create an illustration reflective of the concept I have been exploring with homes growing out of plants- use as a comment on how architecture ‘grows’ and ‘develops’, and how nature overtakes everything.
5. Create a series of postcards for places around the world. Each postcard will have a form of architecture, a form of nature, and a symbol of that country’s culture.
Not too sure which ideas I'll choose, I might end up thinking of something entirely different from these ideas. I really feel like I'm evolving as an artist these days.
I've found that I've been feeling really inspired lately, one of these times was during my final Illustration and the Rise of Popular Culture lecture class, when my teacher invited the class to his design studio, called Reactor Art & Design Limited. The studio represents a variety of different illustrators and designers, some of who have been my teachers (Blair Drawson, Joel Castillo, Louis Fishauf) or will be my teachers in upcoming semester (Stephanie Power).
We had the chance to ask some questions in regards to the art and design industry- like how to get started in the job world after we finish school, how to get published, what clients are looking for, etc. I didn't listen to as much of those discussions as I should have, but I did get to look at a lot of art- illustrated books by a variety of artists and from a variety of time periods, some original posters, and some original art pieces (pieces by Maurice Vellekoop and Henrik Drescher). It was really interesting to see the originals, since you could see how differently each artist worked.
I was particularly excited to see originals by Henrik Drescher, since he's one of my favourite illustrators. His style is very strange and surreal, and he uses collage as a technique in combination with other methods and mediums. He's also had some children's books published.
We also had the chance to talk with an illustrator by the name of Tomio Nitto, who has had some books published (including children's books).
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We could look through the different rooms, and see the spaces where the artists worked. I liked looking at the room with all the printing presses. I think after walking through that room and looking at a lot of art there, it really hit me that this is what I want to do with my life. I would like to make art that inspires people and has a message, I would like to work in a studio amongst other artists who can inspire me, and hopefully I can inspire them in some way as well.
At the end, we were able to take home some small promotional pamphlets that the artists had created for themselves- basically, they were mini booklets with samples of their art. Needless to say, I took a few home and will be hanging the pictures up on my wall by my desk! :D I have some booklets with art by: Tomio Nitto, Alena Skarina, Felix Wittholz, Jamie Bennett, Alexandra Iorgu, Blair Drawson, and Henrik Drescher.
I'm glad I decided to go to this final class, I think it really gave me that extra push to keep going with my studies, even if the road ahead won't be easy. it'll all be worth it in the end, I'm more determined then ever.
In November, I had the chance to see Kayo Dot in concert. I had seen Kayo Dot a year or so back with the Secret Chiefs 3, but I was particularly excited this time, since I knew that they would be playing new material, from their album called Coyote. This time around, they played at Sneaky Dee's, a relatively small venue located just about a restaurant.
Opening acts for Kayo Dot included a band from New Jersey called GATES, and a local band called Kosmograd.
GATES was up first. Their set was an entirely drone one. Afterwards, Kosmograd took the stage. I had seen a bit of their set a few months back when I saw local stoner metal band Sons of Otis, so I was curious as to how they would do this time around. Kosmograd was energetic, and captivating to watch and listen to. Their music is a mix of sludge and hardcore.
Finally, Kayo Dot was ready. It was really easy for me to get into their music, which could go from quiet and subtle, to something more chaotic and unexpected. Their style is avant-garde, combining different instruments such as guitars, violins, saxophones, trumpets, bass, drums, and other percussive instruments. Kayo Dot has taken a more jazz-oriented direction with their music lately, but I really enjoy it. Listening to their album does not do their music justice- you have to see them live to get the full effect. I really felt that the band was connected, like they supported each other. The band has recently released a new EP called Cathedral, which I have yet to listen to. I'm pretty sure that they played some tracks off of Coyote and Cathedral, which was great. They ended their set with a really loud percussive outro, where the band members were hitting random pieces of metal and other percussion instruments. Great show, I'm looking forward to seeing them again. To see more photos from the show, visit my flickr.Food
The holidays are approaching- and while I'm not big on the holidays, I do enjoy some of the food that I get to eat at this time of year. My gramma always makes these cookies called 'hermits', and my uncle makes really delicious vegetarian dishes. I'm the only vegetarian at the table, so needless to say, I'm surrounded by meat. It doesn't bother me though, my family has accepted my choice more and more each year. It's good to see (some) family members, it's strange how food can bring people together to converse and spend time together. Anyways, I figure that peppermint chocolate cookies are a good recipe for this time of year.(Photo not mine, credit goes to the owner of the blog Fragrant Vanilla Cake.)Books
The Scarlet Letter is a book by Nathaniel Hawthorne that was written in 1850, and is considered to be the author's best work. The Scarlet Letter has a psychological side to it, giving strong emphasis to emotions of the characters. The plot is situated in 17th c Massachusetts, a time when society was very religious. The storyline centers around a woman named Hester Prynne, who has been doomed to wear a Scarlet Letter' on her chest, as a symbol of the act of adultery she has committed. This act of adultery is that she had a child named Pearl with another man besides her husband, who Hester will not reveal the name of. This letter therefore acts as a way to shame Hester in public, and is a constant reminder to her of act of sinning. I have not finished reading the book yet, but it is only getting better and better.Film
I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I with a friend. I'm a Harry Potter nerd, so I've seen all he movies so far, and have read all the books. Because the final book is around 700 pages long, the movie was split into two parts- the 2nd part is set to be released in July. This is the darkest of the series yet, focusing on the final battle between Harry and Voldemort. Dumbledore has died, so Harry no longer has his guidance. While hiding from Voldemort, Harry travels around with Hermione and Ron , searching for horcruxes. Harry must find all of the horcruxes to kill Voldemort, the dark lord. Horcruxes are essentially pieces of a soul, contained in random objects. Only basilisk blood can destroy the horcruxes. Up until now, Harry and the gang have only found 2 horcruxes: a diary and a locket. Meanwhile, Voldemort has his own quest: he is trying to obtain all the parts of the Deathly Hallows, which consists of 3 objects that make the wizard immortal if they possess all 3 objects. The items of the Deathly Hallows are: the invisibility cloak, the resurrection stone, and the elder wand. Voldemort must posses the elder wand in order to slay Harry; he cannot kill Harry with his own wand because it consists of the same core material (phoenix feather) as Harry's wand. I thought the movie was well done,it made me tear up a bit, haha. The ending certainly leaves you hanging. I loved the animated short in the movie too, it was beautifully done. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the final movie.Music
Enmerkar.
Now that winter has arrived, it seems all I want to listen to now is atmospheric black metal. Enmerkar is perfect for the season- the songs remind me of a snowstorm. The band only has one EP, called Starlit Passage. Listen to my favourite track, called Pale Lord Pilgrimage of the Winter Born here.
Watain.
I had the opportunity to see this band live on December 4th, so expect a review for that show in the next blog entry. I am enjoying their album called Casus Luciferi, which has a very aggressive sound. My favourite song from the album is Devil's Blood, which you can listen to here.
Dopedrone.
Dopedrone is an ambient/electronica band under the label ParaLucid Netlabel. You can download a lot of free ambient and drone projects at this website, (it is because of this site that I also found another ambient project called Nyctalgia) including Dopedrone's album Apokalupsis Eschaton, which is what I have been listening to. Listen to a track called Signs from the album here.
Urfaust.
Urfaust will forever be one of my favourite atmospheric black metal bands. Recently, they have released a new album, called Der freiwillige Bettler. While I enjoy the album, Geist Ist Teufel will always be my favourite album of theirs. Listen to a track from the new album, called Ein leeres Zauberspiel here.
Artist of the Month
Moki Mioke.
I love this illustrator's style so much. Her art has a strong nature and surrealism influences, which I love. She works in oils, but also creates some lovely pieces on wood panels. Her wood panel pieces remind me a bit of Audrey Kawasaki's style. I love her style so much, I just had to post more than one piece :D
That concludes this entry. I'll be returning to Montréal again at the end of this month, which I'm looking forward to! Hope you all enjoy your holidays and the snow! :D
Kwaheri (goodbye in Kenyan).
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