Visual exploration, Week 2 (09/10/2023)

In the second week into the module of visual exploration, we began to explore and develop our knowledge of the significance of mark making within illustration and contemporary art. 

For this task I chose two contemporary image makers and examples of their work that have significantly influenced my creative outlook and encompass my interests. Firstly, an image maker whose mark making notably captivates me is Michael Kirkbride; an American games designer, writer and artist best known for his work with Bethesda Studios. Specifically, I am most interested in his concept art for the video game Morrowind such as these compositions shown below. In both compositions, Kirkbride utilized bold and highly detailed employment of mark marking with the medium of an ink pen. For instance, Kirkbride's technique of layering lines and pattern making to create texture and depth to the compositions enhancing the sense of the fantastical world's environment and characters.

Vivec city *1

The tribunal *2

Calvin and Hobbes comic page *4

In addition, another contemporary image maker that outstandingly inspires me within the context of mark making is Bill Watterson; an American cartoonist best known for his works Calvin and Hobbes. Watterson's distinct expressiveness and layered storytelling through the utilization of bold mark marking such as line and form notably captures my interest. For example, in these two compositions (as shown below and to the right) create a unique visualization of the character's form and environment with clear cut ink lines and sharp lively mark markings (such as the character's hair through movement).

The Essentials Calvin and Hobbes

 cover *3

While both of these contemporary image makers have notably different styles and subject matters, I am notably inspired by their employment of varied mark making techniques primarily through the medium of ink. Furthermore, both artist's utilize mark marking to convey the story of the composition through line, form, texture and pattern such as the detailed elements of the world or the expressive movement of the characters. 

References for images:

*1 - Micheal Kirkbride. 2002. Vivec city. Ink pen. https://en.uesp.net/wiki/File:MW-concept-Vivec_city.jpg Accessed 13/10/2023

*2 - Micheal Kirkbride. 2002. The tribunal. Ink pen. https://en.uesp.net/wiki/File:LO-misc-ALMSIVI.jpg Accessed 13/10/2023

*3 - Bill Watterson. 1988. The Essentials Calvin and Hobbes. Ink on paper. https://osucartoons.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/24E3C48A-56C8-420F-BE2D-860984604823 Accessed 13/10/2023

*4 - Bill Watterson. 1986. Calvin and Hobbes. Ink and white out on paper. https://osucartoons.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/9EE8C0CD-72F9-4611-88E6-318057001450 Accessed 13/10/2023