Leeds College of Art BA (Hons) ILLUSTRATION OUIL601 Context of Practice 3
Level
06
Credits 40
Practical Response RESEARCH PROJECT – Initial Proposal Illustrators Name: Jess Dawson Overarching Theme: The Psychedelic Experience Specific Subject:
The unstigmatised true impact of psychedelic substances throughout history (art, education, culture, politics, science, medicine/therapy, spirituality, consciousness, etc)
Research Question
What is the relationship between psychedelics and liberation?
Product(s)
Reportage project based on real life, current testimonials from people who have had profound and life changing experiences thanks to psychedelics. (Fight stigma and negative propaganda – with truth) • A series of prints • A collection of posters Each piece visually communicating the profound personal experiences had with specific psychedelic substance. 1 piece (print/poster) for each substance: Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Mescaline, LSD, Cannabis, MDMA (?)
• An illustrated book – concertina / pop up / interactive - centered around 1 Ideas for Proposed Outcomes persons journey • A collection of illustrated zines / hotdog / mini books – each centered around 1 individuals experience with a specific substance. (A book for each substance I am looking into: Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Mescaline, LSD, Cannabis, MDMA (?) • An animated GIF / series of GIFS bringing my artwork to life. The aim of the moving elements to provide an insight into the psychedelic experience which could resemble the visuals / patterns / hallucinations relevant to the substance and heightened visual experience. • An educational / ‘self-help’ trip pack - a guide to psychedelic substances, therapy, how to have a beneficial, enlightening and liberating psychedelic experience, activities/suggestions, how to aid someone who is having a difficult experience, etc. (Based on the ‘Self - liberation’ teachings and theories outlined in The Tibetan Book of the Dead - leaflet, checklists, stickers, substance info booklet, promo for helpful websites, groups, speakers, charities, activities & suggestions, a trip journal for someone to write down their experiences etc…
Media Processes
• Print making – Screenprint / linocut • Pen & ink • Digital – Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator • Paint: Gouache / Watercolour • Papercut / popup
Question 1
Should my practical response focus on communicating 1 person’s in-depth story/journey/experience or would it be more interesting/impactful to communicate several people’s experiences?
Question 2
What makes reportage illustration what it is? What key elements do I need to include to make successful/emotive imagery? How can I communicate the personal, emotional and truth in this visual style? Include text/speech? Is a portrait of the subject important? Helpful / relevant practitioners?
Question 3
What is the most appropriate media approach / process for reportage based illustration? Screenprint? Digital? Pen & Ink? Combined media?
Question 4
What is more fitting / impactful as an outcome? - A publication (focused on 1 person’s journey) - A series of prints, posters, positive/educational ‘anti-propaganda’ showcasing a variety of peoples experiences with different substances