Having some trouble with a tutor at the moment. Every week he keeps asking me why I've chosen to use paper to illustrate the ideas and concepts. My reply has always been, firstly, because it's a book for a paper company, secondly because my style suits this medium and allows me to create a certain effect that I want. This medium is also tactile and hands on, with a craft emphasis which I love to produce work in. Apparently this explanation isn't enough and I need to come up with something that cannot be replicated by a computer.. although I would argue that the separation of the pieces of paper is enough for these pieces not to be replicated in photoshop. So it's stressing me out a lot at the moment and I need to have a big think about why paper. If anyone has any ideas please let me know, because I'm struggling a lot.
OK you are going to have lots of comments as I'll post them as I think of them also I'm cleaning the study so I writing as I take little breaks.
ReplyDeleteRight firstly its your tutors job to drag you out of your comfort zone and try new styles and techniques even if that means you are kicking and screaming at the time.
You need to ask yourself
1) why not computer - is it because you know your ability with that tool is not up to the standard you place upon yourself. If your ability with computers is lacking dedicate say 30mins a day to learn how to use it. Tutors like it if you say how you are going to tackle a problem so it can become a resource for future projects. If you skill with the computer is not as good the project could actually take longer to complete
2) Is it you do not like that particular art programme - maybe look at other art programmes out there. Picking up a copy of Imagine FX often has trail versions on it. You could also look at artrage they have a free download version to play about with to see if it suits you. http://www.artrage.com/
3) Does the time frame for your art balance with the time of the piece. By this I mean have you got the time to do intricate paper cuts to a high standard .
4) Paper cuts are you using it as it your comfort zone and you know how to do it or is it really because you believe thats its the true course for this art work to take.
Feel free to ask me to elaborate on any points also if any comments rub the wrong way let me know as this is not my intent I am trying to help here.
What the tutor also wants to know is did you look at other ways of doing the piece of art or did you go with your very first idea that came to mind. Did you go through the pros and cons of differing ways to approach your art.
ReplyDeletePersonal questions to ask yourself:-
was the method chosen to hide possible drawing weaknesses ie I can't draw noses (I can't darn nose I hate noses actually I hate the human body thats why I'm going to use this tool a few minutes each night - http://www.pixelovely.com/tools/gesture.html )
Anyway when I think of other things I'll post unless you want me to stop.
Thank you for your very helpful insights, I'd love to see some more if you have more things to say =) and i don't take any of it the wrong way. Sometimes I do need to be told to stop throwing my toys out of the pram and man-up.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not particularly skilled at using the computer, I wouldn't let that stop me from using it if I thought it would produce an outcome appropriate to what I envision. I like to do hand cut work because it has a tactile feel and I like the idea of being able to physically see and touch the different layers and I like the overall aesthetic of a papercut piece.
Also, paper cutting is something that I only got into at the beginning of last year so it's something that I'm still very excited about using and developing and something that allows me to use one of my strengths which I think is negative space.
Something I am considering is getting to grips with how to use our university laser cutter, (which I'd need to learn illustrator to use) and test whether that process is faster and produces the same result as a hand cut paper cut would. I'm hoping he'll be happy with that small step. I was also thinking about this today and thought that I might incorporate photographer in paper cutting. Like playing with light and shadow created by the paper cuts themselves.
I wonder what your personal opinion would be about my work (and I won't be offended about anything that you say). You've followed my blog for a long time, do you think that my paper cutting works as a medium. I'll understand if you don't want to answer but it really would be helpful.
Thank you for your honesty and for all your questions which made me think really hard about what I'm doing. I'm sure I won't stop thinking about this for a long time. x
I like your paper cut work and you do it very well , It is a niche market though that might take a while to find the right outlet though, so exploring other mediums is useful to do as they can tied you over employment wise while you refine, specialize and find a market for your paper cut work.I could see it in the wedding market invitations cards ect. I think being specialised at one thing is a good thing but you need to pay bills :(
ReplyDeleteI have noticed your last few major pieces have been in paper cut. Which is probably what your tutor has noticed as well so he's probably trying to encourage you to look at different methods of work. Don't discard what you love doing but to gain a high mark in any subject people like to see research, trying new things and lots and lots of idea development.
To diversify your paper cut maybe try Decoupage style where you raise up sections of paper, use hand made papers, make your own paper, transparent papers and light boxes, music sheets and paper with written words.
My Hubs did an illustration course and he says the tutors were interested in the process development for the work as well as the work and he lost marks as he had a tendency to go with the first idea that popped into his head rather than sketching out all possible ideas
I would highly recommend you trying the laser printer to see if it speeds up the process. On the paper cut once you start adding a 3D element then it becomes something that can not be done on a computer. This link is something I came across when I did an image search on google images.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your comments. I'm actually trying out the laser cutter today so I'll show you how that goes if it all works out =) This week I've also been experimenting with a pointillism technique (not sure if that's the word but it's where you poke holes with a needle pen to create an image) and also with photography and lighting my work with candles so I hope to post those shortly. I found all your comments really helpful and inspiring, so thank you very much =)
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding industry is a great idea, I've also thought about greetings cards and paper companies. But I'd love to do editorial and book work so I need to find a way to express concepts through paper. I'm quite excited about this challenge =)
I am glad what I am saying is some use to you.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason that paper cut work can not be applied to books, thinking about its application a multi layered paper silhouette scene could be used quite effectively for any number of stories. I have just been looking at the apple ipod silhouette adds for how such an idea can be applied in advertising and editorial work.
You are in a interesting situation. You are trying to discover your artistic uniqueness but also satisfy the requirements of your course.
My advise is really work on observation/drawing as it really is a good foundation and as your skills improve it will really show in your work.
Approach every project with the mind set of I am an artist, a professional and I am doing this for a client not I am a student doing something for class because referring to yourself as a student can hold you back and the mind set of 'its just for class' will never really bring out the true feeling of this has got to be my best work. Refer to yourself as an ARTIST/illustrator for that is what you are. You are an artist who is refining and continuing to improve upon you existing skills each and every day.
Also really study what you are attempting, if its a paper cut of a woman holding a umbrella look and draw countless women with umbrellas because even if you are simplifying a picture knowing what the actual subject looks like will improve an image no end. If its flowers look at flowers ect.
I look forward to seeing your work as your ability and exploration grows. Keep posting. :))
Your comment of 'I am quite excited about this challenge' fills me with hope that one day I will pick up a book and it will say Illustrated by Stacy Jones :) Its is that attitude you are displaying that carries an artist far. ( plus working darn hard a you selected filled LOL )
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