OUIL601 Practical Response Initial Brief

BA (Hons) Illustration - Level 06 OUIL601 Context of Practice – Practical Response

BRIEF TITLE: - ideas • “Liberating The Psychedelic Experience” • “A Liberating Trip” • “BE AWARE” (- Play on the word “beware” – often this type of warning language is associated with substance use and negative propaganda. BE AWARE suggests work aimed at educating people about the truth and a hit back at incorrect stigma / taboo)

Brief Create a set / series / collection of visual outcomes which attempt to communicate the psychedelic experience and the personal, positive and profound impact this has on people’s lives and wellbeing.

The investigation and visual imagery created for this brief should be based on true, real life, current testimonials and accounts, the outcomes of which in turn help to promote the truth, act as educational ‘anti-propaganda’ pieces and aim to challenge the common taboo and negative stigma surrounding these substances.

Psychedelic substances: Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Mescaline, LSD, Cannabis, MDMA (?)

Product

Tone of Voice

• Prints - Screen print / linocut • Posters - Digital (Photoshop / Illustrator) - Pen & Ink - Gouache / watercolour • Publication - A collection of bound pieces - The telling of one person’s journey - Narrative

• Reportage • Narrative • Educational • Emotive • Personal • Relatable • Strength & Impact • Challenge common views • Factual / truthful

Audience

Context

• Those who appreciate & value art & design, printmaking, concept, illustration as a communicative method, educational art • Story / narrative lovers • Those interested in mental / physical health & wellbeing • Nature & ethnobotany lovers • Those interested in psychology / therapy / plant based medicine • Those interested in mysticism & spirituality • Adults – age appropriate (see additional info) • Those who believe / don’t believe in stigma • Alternative media / press / promotion

• Gallery / exhibition • Editorial • Publishing / educational

Additional information / Considerations / Notes This project is not an attempt to promote the use of illegal drugs, but is an effort to enlighten audiences of important truths overlooked - by educating and challenging the misinformed, negative stigmas attached to a group of natural plant based substances (now tarnished with the name “drug”) used throughout history for their life changing, medicinal properties despite laws and controversy. Did you know one of the first substances to be classed as an illegal banned “drug” was sugar?

Concept Each individual outcome will focus on conveying one person’s profound, life changing, positive journey and experience - had whilst on a specific psychedelic substance.

6 Substances (a case study/focus for each) = 6 pieces?

Case Studies - The psychedelic substances I wish to focus on: Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Mescaline, LSD, Cannabis, MDMA (?)

Synergy Dissertation Title: What is the relationship between psychedelics and liberation?

How this practical response synergises with my dissertation subject / research project: • Subject matter: The testimonials, stories and key focus of the practical outcomes show how psychedelics have liberated people from overwhelming struggles such as mental health disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety, fear of death in the terminally ill), relationship issues, struggles with addiction, trauma, pain management, cancer treatment, spirituality, understanding ones worth and consciousness, etc.

• The aim of reportage: Conveying truth and fact with emotion and sensitivity - the communicating and freeing of personal stories, life changing experiences and opinions – in the hope of educating others • These outcomes, which visually respond to the positive experiences and what these psychedelic substances can offer – is an attempt to liberate and communicate the truth and benefits of the psychedelic experience.

• My practical response provides an answer to the problem: - The problem: Incorrect information, stigma & propaganda about psychedelics - The answer: Challenge the problem, fight propaganda by communicating the truth – almost in the form of “anti-propaganda” - Like the recent change in laws & science, the educating and communication about these substances needs to reflect the truth of what they have to offer.

How this practical response synergises with my practice: • Illustration has a job to do - to visually aid / convey / communicate / educate / challenge - The core of what illustration (my practice & skillset) is and what it can do is key to what I am trying to achieve with this project • Illustration with meaning - What is important to me and my practice is that the work I create has meaning and a purpose, whether that be educational, emotional / personal, challenging of views, beliefs and stigma, providing an alternate way of looking at things, illustration with impact.

- This project enables me to communicate my own opinions and views as well as those of others • Provides me with an opportunity to improve a key practical skill relevant to my practice and interests: Screenprint

Mandatory Requirements

Deliverables

6+ large scale, high detailed illustrations

• Final printed illustrations • Stand-alone prints - Do I propose to exhibit these pieces as part of a bigger gallery exhibition?

• A publication filled with prints?

Questions I need answering / Problems to solve Screen prints – posters – or publication? What outcome has the most promise Question 1 and impact in relation to what I am trying to achieve/convey?

Question 2 Question 3

What media / approach? – Is screen print fitting with the reportage aesthetic/ approach to visual communication or is digital / pen & ink / watercolour more appropriate?

How many pieces? – Will one per substance be enough? (5-6) Do I need to propose more or do more?

Problem 1

What makes reportage illustration what it is? What communicative methods / tools should I aim to include in my outcomes? Portrait? Text / speech? Setting?

How do I make successful reportage illustration?

Colour Palette – new for each piece or similar throughout to strengthen the set? Research & investigate

Problem 2

Case studies for each substance – need to source these. What makes a good case study to respond visually too? How do I choose?

Problem 3

Size / scale / format / presentation? Ideas and decisions on how I want to present my final pieces. Where do I envisage them being once finished?

Question 4