Developing Ideas

The last class assignment involved taking a few of our thesis ideas and introduce some new variables (e.g. location, audience, media...) 

Idea #1: Dealing with illness and ailments.
     It is interesting how even the smallest part of our body can have a large effect on us, whether it be a nerve ending or even a single cell. I also find it fascinating how different pieces of the body can represent these ailments. I think it would be interesting to highlight and even alter the affected part of the body, either with color or design. Originally, I was thinking of it to be a fine art piece, but I could change the audience by making it an educational piece. When I took media into consideration, thought about utilizing projection, paint, and even photoshop. I thought about scale and using repetition or a time scale, however, nothing compelling came to the surface yet. Ultimately, I would want the piece to use the body as means of introducing illness or even pain in an intriguing and beautiful way.
     My inspiration/sources came from rediscovered artists Jenny Morgan and Victor Rodriguez. Jenny works by creating photorealistic portraits and then alters a part of the figure, whereas Victor tends to put anatomical references in interesting settings.

Jenny Morgan's "Psychosomatic"

"Skull" by Victor Rodriguez

Idea #2: Creating patterns out of the anatomy.
     Although I personally believe that nature creates some of the most awe-inspiring patterns and pieces of artwork, I feel others might not agree. My idea is to make something that from far away looks like an eye-catching man-made pattern. However, closer inspection reveals a plethora of anatomical illustrations; from metatarsals to sphenoid to epithelial cells. I toyed around with the idea of making it an eye-spy game, or finding the objects and actually photographing/photoshopping them into a pattern. I also thought it could be fun to try and camouflage the images in everyday places or focus on one body part (e.g. noses, teeth, phalanges, etc). Overall, I want to emphasize and enlighten some to the beauty of the body.
     My inspirations/sources ranged from some wallpaper made out of tiny stickers to Kris Kuksi's intricate sculptures.

"The Salon at Sundown" By Brian Kaspr and Payton Turner

detail of "The Salon at Sundown"

James Hopkins' "Afterparty" 

"Afterparty"

Shannon Wright's "Wallpaper Number One"

Wallpaper by Barbara Hulanicki

Idea #3: Illustrating a children's book about anatomy.
     Those of you who know me well enough know that I have always wanted to write and illustrate a children's book. I think it mostly about how creative and playful the possibilities are. I am also obviously fascinated by anatomy, so if there is a way to mesh my two sides, this would be it. I also like the idea of teaching someone without them really realizing it. I have been thinking about how much I want to narrow down the subject as well as how in depth I want to get. I am also exploring the potential of introducing my illustrations to the digital realm.
     My inspirations were mostly from Jason Freeny and I Heart Guts. Both sources merge the anatomical with educational with a truckload of playfulness.

Jason Freeny "Potato Head Anatomy"

Freeny's "Cutaway 4" Anatomical My Little Pony (Modified Vinyl Action Figure)"

the hypothalamus

the liver

Responses:
     The next step was to discuss our ideas and gain feedback. This was especially helpful to hear what I was actually saying instead of just what I thought I was saying.
     Keywords (these are explicit and implicit words and phrases that popped up):
anatomy, pattern, play/playful, beauty in natural phenomenon, disease/illness, physical/actual, altering, combining, learning/educational, time lapse, health, the body, science, color, human interaction, metaphors, paint/illustrate, parts, bones, illness, unwell...
     I seem interested in:
"morbid" topics but in a conceptual approach, education, having a different take on health and beauty, taking aliments and finding the beauty in them, making "ugly" into "beautiful", work for children/educational and fun.
     Suggestions:
    My peers suggested I check out anatomical coloring books, the children's section of the ugli, x-rays and drawings on x-rays, health sciences library, medical illustration textbooks and films, and the "body parts" library. James and Stephanie were also very helpful by suggesting that I look up an insect pattern artist as well as Sally Mann's "What Remains". James also suggested I look into Stan Brakhage's "The Act of Seeing With One's Own Eyes".

What Next?
     I have already put in a request for Sally Mann's book at the library as well as a few other medical illustration books. I have also started reflecting on my idea feedback. The term "health and beauty" really struck me. I like that it is a term that you might find on the cover of the latest Cosmo magazine, but for me it means finding the beauty in the body's natural being. Perhaps I can look into visualizing the juxtaposition of the two meanings.
     On another note, it was interesting how my interest in educating and illustrating a children's book rang loud and clear to my peers. It was the third on my idea list, however I feel more excited about the idea now. It was a little discouraging that when I was looking up sources for good kid friendly anatomy books, I found barely anything. This might be my chance to change that.
     For now, I will be looking through all my new library books and taking some new inspiration from them.