Although
run by the Cheltenham Illustration Awards, there is nothing to indicate that
the Tales of the City brief requires a response relating to Cheltenham. The
only specification is to create an illustration that tells a new (either
fictional of true) Tale of the City. This could be a single illustration, or a
sequence, exploring a places past or future. It did occur to me that this brief
provided an ideal opportunity for a storyboard. However, I instead chose to
create fewer, more detailed images.
The city that I know and love best is York,
yet it is a city of two halves. While today it is viewed as a place of culture
and beauty, it has a dark and violent history, ranging from the Norman conquest
to the civil war and beyond. It is this juxtaposition that I wished to convey
through the Tales Of The City brief.
At the centre of York is Clifford’s Tower, one
of York’s many iconic historic buildings, which has an illustrious past as a
fortress, a prison and now as a tourist attraction. It is also the subject of
old wives tales and superstitions regarding
a medieval massacre, which saw more that a hundred Jews commit mass suicide within the burning keep. Blood still reputedly weeps from the solitary keeps
walls.
This is a marked contrast to how the tower
appears at present, looking out over the tranquil river, its motte blanketed in daffodils. I feel
that it is for this juxtaposition, and the castle’s
iconic appearance, that Clifford’s Tower is an ideal fit for the message I wish
to convey.
Based upon the somewhat dark tone
of one of my illustrations, I am aiming at a more mature audience, who will not
be disturbed by some of the more disturbing stories hidden beneath York’s
surface. Although I would like to imagine these illustrations alongside
stories, they may also be suitable for use in attracting tourists and visitors.
I created a pair of illustrations,
relying upon colour to communicate a contrast in the mood and atmosphere
between the two. I was apprehensive, as I have not read deeply into the
significance and effects of colour.
There is also the possibility that painting can go drastically wrong, ruining a
carefully drawn line image.
Of all of the competition briefs
which I partook in, I found this one to be the most enjoyable. Perhaps it was
because the subject is something I am deeply passionate about and have great
affection for. I am proud of my Yorkshire roots and welcomed the opportunity to
share some of the wonder I feel towards my home city. I would love to further
develop this project, perhaps incorporating other sites from around the city,
and delve deeper into York’s hidden histories.
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