colour & mood

I'm living in projection 'purgatory'

“Projection means the expulsion of a subjective content into an object; it is the opposite of introjection...it is a process of dissimilation, by which a subjective content becomes alienated from the subject and is....embodied in the object. The subject gets rid of painful, incompatible contents by projecting them.”(1)

Isn't this the entire issue behind all conflict in the world? It's always the 'other' that is at fault. And behind this the inability to integrate one's own dark side. I don't take the position that 'politicians' are driving this - they are simply giving the people what they want: absolution from responsibility. Which of course plays into the power-seeking hands of those who seek dominion over others to avoid taking responsibility for themselves. Perfect dance partners. I'd like to believe I am living in a time where consciousness is evolving - but on a world scale I don't see much evidence of that. If anyone can point me to some examples that contradict that view I would be happy to be wrong.

1. Jungcurrents: Jung: Collected Works 6, Paragraph 783

final helmet design

This design is based on a traditional diver's helmet. Doesn't really fit the 'gamer' profile but I find it anathema to try and do that style of work. I think of it as post-modern Rococo - art based on art and ridiculously fussy.

I should be able to pass the assessment with this offering, once I have done a back view and applied some colour.

visual satire: the art of social conscience

This is the work of Gunduz Aghayev. Interesting when you situate it alongside the illustration I did for the ANZAC exhibition 2 years ago. Gunduz's rendition is quite a bit more acerbic though.

I am champing at the bit to start doing this sort of work because I think images still have the power to move people - especially illustrations. There is something poetically synergistic when you combine the visual with sardonic satire. 

Completing the illustration diploma is the first part of my evil plan. Stay tuned as I move further into this new territory.

helmet designs

ironic

This is the updated version of the scene paintover. The illustration course is challenging and difficult at times but I'm learning a lot. I can't articulate just how right digital drawing is for me.

It is ironic that at this stage of my life, I am forcing myself to engage with the physical world in ways I have been avoiding most of my life. The world is still an illusion to me, but the process of looking harder at it and examining how light works is strangely liberating. Maybe because I still get to create my own reality. Or maybe because I am engaging with the light.

self-reinvention

It's a cliche because it's true - the only certainty, is that nothing is certain. Life has taken an expected but nevertheless challenging turn. Rather than let others decide my fate I've made the decision myself. In a few weeks I will be cranking up my graphic design business - Dr Grafix. Graphic design is different to visual art but it isn't a completely new field - it's more of a parallel lane than a completely new highway.

But first I need to nurture my creative soul after what has been a very difficult 3 years in my 10+ year career as a TAFE lecturer. There are some difficult emotions to work through and I am feeling battered but I don't think it will take long to rid myself of the feeling of oppression I have been living under - I feel lighter already. I may even start to blog regularly again. Unfortunately when you work for the government it is necessary to self-censor.

I will keep studying for my Diploma of Graphic Design. I am doing quite well. I won a student competition with 5 illustrations and am often asked by tutors if they can use my work as an example for other students. I also need to create a new website and finally get my portfolio sorted out before taking on some self-promotion.

The prospect of a new career at my age is daunting but I am feeling reasonably confident I can make the transition. I am used to jumping off the cliff but it gets harder as you get older because you don't bounce quite as well. Stay tuned.