Research - American Folk Art Museum

Trenton Doyle Hancock - And The Branches Became As Storm Clouds

Henry Darger - A Battle Of Drosabellamaximillan

Dargerism: Contemporary artists and Henry Darger.
Featuring Amy Cutler, Henry Darger, Jefferson Friedman, Anthony Goicolea, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Yun-Fei Ji, Justine Kurland, Justin Lieberman, Robyn O'Neil, Grayson Perry, Paula Rego, and Michael St. John.

According to the website "Dargerism: Contemporary Artists and Henry Darger" examines the influence of Darger's remarkable and cohesive oeuvre on eleven such artists, who are responding not only to the aesthetic beauty of Darger's mythic work -- with its tales of good versus evil, its epic scope and complexity, and even its transgressive undertone -- but to his unblinking work ethic and all-consuming devotion to artmaking. This exhibition demonstrates Darger's pervasive influence on the contemporary art discourse and how an examination of the work of self-taught artists is essential for a full understanding of art history. By leaning into the boundaries of the Western canon, "Dargerism" illustrates how one self-taught master has spawned a new movement, a wholly new "ism."

Research - Henry Darger

Henry Darger Book Illustration

Henry Darger At Wickey Sansinia

Research - Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock has really interested me because I can see links with hallucination within his work, I like the fast strokes and experimental lines.
He once said "When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It is only after a sort of 'get acquainted' period that I see what I have been about. I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well."

Research - Juxapostion

These quirky illustrations by Fran Henig, are portraying a strong exampe of Juxapostion. Using subtle tones hasn't distracted the viewer from the message Fran Henig is delievering.

Research - Contemporary Interiors

Sue Stemp designed this pattern for Urban Outfitters.

Research - Contemporary Interiors

Sue Stemp

Research - Contemporary Interiors

Sue Stemp

Research - Sue Stemp Contemporary Interiors.

These contemporary wallpaper patterns by Sue Stemp are complex but I get a sense of woodland and hallucination in all of them.

Research - Contemporary Interiors

Another angle of TenOverSix's new interior display.

Research - Contemporary Interiors

TenOverSix have a new addition to their boutique in these (see above) Alice in Wonderland inspired interior displays, wisely painted in white to enhance the colour of the shoes. I really love this idea, it's quite spooky the idea of chairs hanging what seems effortlessly in mid air and makes it feel really dramatic.

Research - Contemporary Interiors

I've found this fantastic artist 'attiladesign' on Etzy.com, she calls her designs "indie haunte couture" and I agree, I love the fantasy behind her fashion and textile ranges. Love the exposed layers in her dresses and her colours are very earthy and woodland like. I'd like to focus more on interiors for this project but I like the idea of manipulating and exposing layers, I feel this would could also link in with hallucination. This modern take on a sleepy woodland fairytale is so innovative, really like her idea of having trees to form a 4 poster bed.
http://www.attiladesign.com - for more of her production work including her fashion ranges.

Research

These Alice in Wonderland Bobby Pins are great, I love the decorative trim around them, it in keeps with the antique qualities of the story.

Research

More illustrations from John Tenniel, this is my favourite, see how there are more cups of tea on the table than there are guests.

Research

This image portrays both juxtaposition and hallucination, has great lines, colour and form. It is a John Tenniel illustration, coloured by Fritz Kredel.

Research - Alice in Wonderland

In my sketchbook I've been following the themes Juxaposition and Hallucination, I thought Alice in Wonderland would be a good source to follow considering what I've already looked at. I think the cards in this illustration are interesting, I like how it's busy at the bottom and is more sparse at the top and also over hanging above Alice's head.

Research

Cute linen cloth design.

Research - Contemporay Interiors

I think these (one above) contemporary fabrics by Olharapo are so sweet, they still have a vintage look about them despite being bright in some areas, I think it's the mix, there are still some subtle, unusual tones being used.

Research

I think these pins are great! I like how selective they've been with the imagery.

Research

I think it must be the yellow and simplicity again, I'm just really drawn to these collages.

Research

This gorgeous collage was made using vintage book illustrations and is collaged on real paper-backed wood veneer and sealed with a protective coating. I think it's really lovely, again it's the simplicity I'm drawn to, it's not over crowded and the girls yellow cardigan against the black and white deer is brilliant.

Research

Here are some more Vintage Cover Illustrations dating as old as 50 years old, there's such a change in today's books from these. You can find more Vintage Covers on www.tagwag.com, where they are actually selling original copies!

Research - Vintage Book Ilustrations

I went to a wedding last weekend in Crawley, it was a really great day and we had the best sunshine I've seen all year. It was my boyfriend's (Stephen) cousin who got married and I was really pleased I'd be invited. After the wedding we all stayed at Ste's aunties house also in Crawley, it was really nice of her to put us up considering there was 6 of us, 1 of them being 6 month old baby Ethan. He's really sweet he just sits giggling and is in awe of bright colours and things that make little noises. It was during the times I had him bouncing on my knee and playing with him that I remembered the stories I use to read as a child. When I got back home I wanted to dig them out but remembered we'd given them away years ago, so I've searched for the covers of some of my favourites.

I love the simplicity of the text and layout, and the subdued non invasive colours.