My GIFs are Moving!

 After making some research into illustrated GIFs, I then decided to create my own; keeping within the ongoing themes of the project. I based them upon what work I had already produced to maintain a familiar series of imagery.

Here they are:

 I wanted to see what method came out most successful, so I worked using photography, line drawings, and Photoshop tools. The first one utilises the element of photography, with a series of shots taken of a piece of paper being scrunched up. I deliberately left in the surrounding graph lines from the stand I was using because I wanted the process to be as much a part of the image as the rest of the elements. I imported the shots into AfterEffects and reversed the animation, to enable the theme further.

 The second and third GIFs seen above are images previously made to be still images. I increased the hue of the colours, saving a new file each time. This enabled a gradual change in colours within the GIFs, creating an almost hallucinogenic sensation. This encourages the project themes further, in terms of psychology and individualism.

 The last few were made using my traditional method of animation, which is the combination of a series of simple line drawings. I used my nib and ink again for this and based the drawings upon previous pieces. Each is figurative and displays themes of originality and consumption - both psychological and physical. The raw haste within each as well encourages these themes, displaying a sense of maddening frustration.

More Editing and Potential Outcomes?

 From the last bits of development using the photocopier and so on, I then decided that perhaps another element could be composed into the images. The answer was photography, so I went out and took some pictures round Manchester, keeping reference to the keywords: isolation, sedation, self-delusion, and propaganda. Seeing as I want to contemporize Brave New World, photography seemed the best method in which to portray this because it instantly communicates a period in time. I took pictures of bus stops and street signs to reflect this. I also took pictures of natural elements too in order to communicate the sense of detachment society feels with it due to the dependence on advancing technologies.

Anyway, here are some more edits incorporating photography and even subtle use of text:

 The photos have indeed proved effective in communicating what I want to say. They contribute both graphic and illustrative features, like the trees for instance against the boldness of the silhouetted profile. Working in negative also brings to light this sense of conditioning and delusion witnessed in the novel, with the hypnopaedic process used to brainwash the public in their sleep. This relates very much to advertising and media as whole in how it influences our lives. The use of text can be seen also within the images, highlighting traits of individual thought and feeling, which are denied and looked down upon in the novel. The general, playful process which is being undertaken (layering of elements) as well reveals that life is a complex ordeal, which revolves around the psyche of the self: the catalyst of what makes you 'you'.

GIFs

 'Graphics Interchange Format', or better known as 'GIFs', are an internet phenomena. They're image files that can be animated and are really easy to make (apparently). As I've never made one, I thought it appropriate to research a few to see what you can get from them. Some are really simple and others look more complex, almost like a video. They're everywhere and they bring potentially still images to life.

Here are a few examples:

Saskia Keultjes

Laurene Boglio

Miranda Pfeiffer

 As you can see there is certainly difference in style and quality, like with everything. The one at the top appeals to me more however, just because of its humour factor and that it's straight to the point. The last one is also very good but in a different way in that more drawings have gone into it. This is what I'm thinking about concerning my own version and take on them. I'm probably most likely going to work the way the top one plays out because of it's rawness, humour, and simple nature. It reflects my own work the most because of these familiarities.

Photocopying and Editing

 After some initial development in two sketchbooks, I started to overlay the images onto backgrounds I had made with mount board. I used a photocopier to accomplish this outcome and it certainly demonstrated the act of chance:

 These ones were picked for being the strongest and I edited them slightly with the use of Photoshop. Some I kept the colour, some I didn't. Some I duplicated parts, some I didn't. This playful technique has developed well and I believe that I have become more accomplished with it. It's clear the ones that are most effective in this bunch acquire both a bold graphic look, with a fine art quality composed alongside: such as the scratchy lines and crease textures.

 I believe these images have come out well in a sense that this project is looking more hopeful in finding a direction and a context to work towards. I'm still unsure as to what it could be, but perhaps something along the lines as an anniversary for Huxley's work. I want the visual responses to be central, but perhaps something digital and even physical could be added to what needs to be shown. Gifs are something I'm hoping in trying out and the physical aspect could be a 3D piece of a figure...

The Ol' Sketchbook

 I began working into another sketchbook to develop on my ideas for what I want to communicate. My mind is working towards producing a contemporary re-envisioning of Brave New World.

 Here are some examples:

 At first I started off a bit side-tracked because I had no particular direction I wanted to go in. I was using quotes from authoritative sources to try and make some guidance. It worked, but it still didn't feel right. My style of work hinders me from narrowing things down, because it appears quite prolific. I decided to choose keywords that would enable some form of positive direction. I chose words that are relevant to Huxley's novel, and they are: isolation, sedation, self-delusion and propaganda. I then decided to add sub-keywords in order to gain more of a solid idea:

Isolation - Alone, sadness, frustration, closed off...
Sedation - Blind, control, daze, suppressed...
Self-delusion - Fear, denial, ignorance, weak...
Propaganda - Power, lies, corruption, exaggeration...

 The use of these words shaped the images above. Negative space is noticeable again (like in my previous work) and the figure too. Again I use a variety of media to allow differences in line technique and colouring, particularly oil pastels. The rawness gives off a coldness and a frustrated sense, which is what I wish to capture. I can't help but compare this work to that of what I produced for The Outsider project, and see it as almost a poor relation. The way I'm working here doesn't seem to be as stimulating as previously thought, and my drawing itself seems to lack quality. I believe I need to conjure up a context for this work soon to prevent disappointment.