30/6/10

I've emailed three people for interviews (golden age investigation)- one affirmative response, still waiting on replies from others. For the actual illustrators of that period, I need to do some research.

My gothic-y photomanipulations haven't been too successful so far, I may end up doing them as digital painting. Or perhaps a hybrid of both. Anyway, dark/gothic digital art and photography will definitely be the theme of my second investigation.
Mostly what I need to do is find some local (and relevant) people to talk to

Written on 7/5/10

Am continuing ongoing research into the work of Dave Mckean, trying to find out his influences and the impact he has had on art/design. Also still looking into contemporary fairytale illustrators as well as ‘dark’ art. Have found an aspect of illustrator’s work which is particularly interesting- that is, how their vision is created through digital tools. The crossover between digital and traditional media is what I’ll probably focus on. For example, combining digital manipulation with scanned in elements, ‘faking’ a traditional look with the computer. I want to find out how artists use digital tools to get what they want, how great an affect the computer has on their work and so on. Another thing might be the difference between artists who always used digital and those who had to make a switch. Another aspect to my research is exploring dark and surreal artworks which really communicate the stories they are complementing.

Initial Investigation

As part of my active investigations for ASP I have decided it will be beneficial to keep an investigation journal, a blog seems like an efficient way to do this.

(first entry which I wrote back at the start of the year)-----

Investigation Proposal: The Golden Age of Illustration and its continued influence


The key impetus for my ASP project was being introduced to the works of Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac, two leading artists in what is now known as the Golden Age of Illustration. (13th May: since then I have discovered Rackham is actually a Victorian artist)This was not a movement but

a period of unprecedented excellence in book and magazine illustration. It developed from advances in technology permitting accurate and inexpensive reproduction of art, combined with a voracious public demand for new graphic art

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/golden-age.html

A wonderful example of Arthur Rackham's illustrative skill (The Old Woman in the Wood, from The Grimm’s Fairy Tales)

My investigation will focus on (many) artists of the period who are relevant to my illustration project as well as researching the circumstances bring it about, the techniques used and any related art movements. As well as researching the historical events I would also like to look into artists today who are influenced by and employ the same (or similar) illustrative styles today. I have found someone on Deviantart and will contact them to try and get an interview(13th May: again, probably considered a Victorian style of illustration)

Illustration by Edmund Dulac (The Princess and the Pea)