Rationale for The Study of Life
Oct. 1st, 2017 10:56 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shantellRationale
The Study of Life
Corvids, members of the crow family, are common motifs in religion, folklore, and mythology. The over one hundred species of corvidae are found all over the world. They wheel around battlefields, play the part of a trickster god, rest on the shoulders of Odin, flee Noah’s Ark during the Great Flood, feature in the writing of Edgar Allan Poe, and caw raucously in city parks. In this study of life, different aspects of corvids are collected together in an installation piece using the motif of a cabinet of curiosities.
The typefaces chosen for this project are Arno Pro and Bulmer Type. Arno Pro is evocative of John James Audubon, the world-famous ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. It is the signature typeface of the National Audubon Society. Bulmer Type is the typeface used in the In the Company of Crows and Ravens field guide. Both typefaces are elegant and easy to read, providing a classical look to the accompanying project text.
Abstract designs of the interior of a nest and an aerial view of an autumn forest provide perspective from the bird’s eye view. The drawing of a taxidermic North American zoological specimen (as one would find in a cabinet of curiosities) contrasts with the illustration of a live white-necked raven from Africa.
The colour palette is comprised of warm autumnal tones, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts. The historical feel of the colours melds with the curio cabinet theme, and the autumnal hues with the naturalistic elements. The palette is painted onto a feather, an object often found in cabinets of curiosity.
The photography shows the presence of corvids in the natural world and within culture. The Angel of Death, from the Hellboy movie franchise, is an example of how corvids are viewed as psychopomps, or guides to souls. Elements of the natural world, classical mythology, religion, and pop culture are tied together in this one image. The photograph of a lone crow in a game reserve tree juxtaposes this imagery by portraying a corvid in its natural setting.
Each of these elements combine to create a captivating educational and entertaining experience for the viewer.
The Study of Life
Corvids, members of the crow family, are common motifs in religion, folklore, and mythology. The over one hundred species of corvidae are found all over the world. They wheel around battlefields, play the part of a trickster god, rest on the shoulders of Odin, flee Noah’s Ark during the Great Flood, feature in the writing of Edgar Allan Poe, and caw raucously in city parks. In this study of life, different aspects of corvids are collected together in an installation piece using the motif of a cabinet of curiosities.
The typefaces chosen for this project are Arno Pro and Bulmer Type. Arno Pro is evocative of John James Audubon, the world-famous ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. It is the signature typeface of the National Audubon Society. Bulmer Type is the typeface used in the In the Company of Crows and Ravens field guide. Both typefaces are elegant and easy to read, providing a classical look to the accompanying project text.
Abstract designs of the interior of a nest and an aerial view of an autumn forest provide perspective from the bird’s eye view. The drawing of a taxidermic North American zoological specimen (as one would find in a cabinet of curiosities) contrasts with the illustration of a live white-necked raven from Africa.
The colour palette is comprised of warm autumnal tones, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts. The historical feel of the colours melds with the curio cabinet theme, and the autumnal hues with the naturalistic elements. The palette is painted onto a feather, an object often found in cabinets of curiosity.
The photography shows the presence of corvids in the natural world and within culture. The Angel of Death, from the Hellboy movie franchise, is an example of how corvids are viewed as psychopomps, or guides to souls. Elements of the natural world, classical mythology, religion, and pop culture are tied together in this one image. The photograph of a lone crow in a game reserve tree juxtaposes this imagery by portraying a corvid in its natural setting.
Each of these elements combine to create a captivating educational and entertaining experience for the viewer.
