Friday, October 22

The North West Passage








These are the finished pieces I came up with for my latest uni brief. I'd been given the letter 'L' and had to pick something from the Brewer's Dictionary. My choice was Last of The Mohicans as you may already know but the project soon turned a corner and became about the North west passage, a fabled shortcut for ships to get from Europe to China via the icy waters of Northern Canada.

For hundreds of years the Europeans searched for the route, often employing natives for their knowledge of the land. I wanted to go for a 1950s travel poster look, and think these have that feel. Also, it was a good chance for me to try something quicker than my go-to scalpel and painted paper resolution. I drew most of the parts for these, and made some as simple papercuts. Then I spent the rest of my time on Photoshop using lino print texture from past projects. There are still bits I'd change but I'm pretty happy.

And I learned what a Narwhal is. A fun project!

7 comments:

Rebecca said...

I love these pieces - especially the colour and textures in the Baffin Bay one! Your course sounds like so much fun.

Francesca said...

i must say i really love these anna. i can almost feel the chill from here! really lovely work.

Elizabeth - Quest Twenty Eight said...

These are so stunning! I really love them. Particularly Baffin Bay and NW. Wonderful as a set as well. Congratulations!

Victoria Whincup said...

L-o-v-e these.

shellie said...

very beautiful....i love the colors....and especially the one with the narwhal...

Paz López said...

Nice!! love the texture

tanjawilmot said...

The whole series is so evocative and atmospheric. Lovely that one has now become a book cover that can be enjoyed and pondered over for years to come - I'm sure that is very pleasing! I've had a lovely read and wander around your blog today, and found plenty of ideas and inspiration. Thank you!