folio time

Finishing up my digital drawing course in the next couple of weeks. I'm adding pieces to my Artstation folio as I finish them. This was a prop paintover.

I'm pretty happy with my final folio, though some I had hoped to include won't be finished in time.

'visual development' thumbnails

This is our final assignment before we take a week long break. And then only 8 weeks left of the course to finish 13 pieces for my portfolio. Eeeeeek!

For this exercise we had to create 5 thumbnails based on a script, choose one and develop it as a background for a scene. Tossing up between 2, 3 or 4.

I won't be taking on any more courses after this - I've been studying for 16 years non-stop. 10 of those were for my PhD. I'll keep developing my digital drawing - but probably just focus on random video tutorials and have fun with the skills I have learned.

truth

'In my experience, everyone will say they want to discover the Truth, right up until they realize that the Truth will rob them of their deepest held ideas, beliefs, hopes, and dreams. The freedom of enlightenment means much more than the experience of love and peace. It means discovering a Truth that will turn your view of self and life upside-down. 

For one who is truly ready, this will be unimaginably liberating. But for one who is still clinging in any way, this will be extremely challenging indeed. How does one know if they are ready? One is ready when they are willing to be absolutely consumed, when they are willing to be fuel for a fire without end.'

~Adyashanti

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.