thewickwheat:

This was the final project for a contemporary illustration class and the first image I ever posted to my Patreon 

The Contemporary Illustration class revolved around learning and discussing how to incorporate symbolism and meaning in our art, while trying to find the balance between overly blatant and too obscure. Our professor emphasized the idea that the work produced in this class should make the audience stop and contemplate the piece. Essentially, we we’re trying to add layers of meaning in our art that was recognizable but not immediately overt. 

The problem I began to notice was that many of the examples we discussed and pieces created had cynical leanings. Nothing bores me more than the idea that dark and pessimistic themes are “deeper” than more positive ones.  So I decided to make the focus of my piece on hope. I felt a fairytale setting was not only appealing to me, but also faithful to my concept. Fairytales are often criticized as childish and unrealistic because they characteristically end with a happily ever after, and therefore can’t be as meaningful as the more “realistic stories”.

We also had to make the pieces personal in someway, because that allowed us to incorporate symbolism in a way that was readable to audience. The idea was if it was something you could relate to then chances are someone else would get it. So I decided to frame it around a roadblock I struggle with: my depression. Depression is also one of those things that’s often “mystified,” especially for artists, and sometimes its easy to fall into the trap that it makes us deeper, more interesting individuals. The truth is that its something that needs to be confronted and healed, even if that healing is continuous. So it once again goes back to my theme of smashing cynicism. And my belief that hope and goodness is a lot more meaningful in the end.

Very rarely am I happy with the art I create in my classes, but I am immensely satisfied without this came out. It continues to be a piece that is very near and dear to my heart. 

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