FINALE
1. “Among men, there was only talk of fear of death and pain, but never of the promise of immortality.” – Pan’s Labyrinth
Initially, the final design does not include the headless stone sculpture.
However I decided to add it in so that there will be more emphasis to the right side. Further, I use it as a motif of pain. Other changes made to this design is an additional peacock feather within the spiral to create a connection so that the peacock feathers do not look too detached from the rest of the design.
Here is the final design:
I used the original quote because it sounds cool ?
Explanation for the final design:
Symbolism
For this design, ‘death’ and ‘pain’ are represented by 2 motifs, while ‘immortality’ is only represented by 1. This is to show how much men focus on ‘death’ and ‘pain’.
‘Death’ is symbolised through the use of skulls and chrysanthemums. The white chrysanthemums are common symbols of death, while the black ones represent wilting flowers. (which means death also) 4 skulls are used to represent death. The use of conventional symbols is necessary so that the message can be relayed easily.
‘Pain’ is mainly symbolised through the use of the crucifix and the headless stone sculpture. The crucifix is commonly used to represent the pain and suffering of Christ. While the headless stone sculpture represent the human fossils in Pompeii. (I wanted to use actual images of the fossils at first, but I thought it will be too disrespectful) These people are burned alive by the volcanic ashes, hence I use the stone sculpture to represent them and their pain.
‘Immortality’ is represented through the use of peacock feathers as in the christian context, peacocks are usually associated with immortality. The sizes of the feathers are much smaller than the other elements in the design so to convey the message that ‘men’ are not as concerned in immortality when facing ‘death’ and ‘pain’.
‘Fear’ is conveyed through the use of the optical illusion circle, which causes nausea and dizziness when you look at it for too long; common symptoms of anxiety.
‘Men’ is symbolised through the use of human skulls and the headless human stone sculpture.
Arrangement
The spiral and the peacock feathers are placed off-centre to make the design less static, while the peacock feathers are placed in close proximity in a general direction towards the spiral so that our eyes will be directed towards the centre of the spiral. (the lines in the spiral also contribute to that) Uneven placement of the skulls, in terms of size and arrangement, makes the design more dynamic, and the cluster of skulls, flowers, stone sculpture and crucifix are placed at the centre of the spiral circle so that there is a focus point present. The stone sculpture is also placed diagonally so that the design will be more dynamic. Its lighter tone compared to the spiral helps draw the viewer’s attention. Hence, all attention will be towards the mess of activity on the top right side of the design.
2. “I prefer to die with my boots on.”
Initially, this is the final design I thought of:
However, there is too little activity on the top left hand side of the design, making the white space seems very awkward. Hence, I edited it.
Final design:
Explanation for final design:
Symbolism
I see the quote as one about identity. Hence, ID cards are used. The ID cards are used to shape the boots, and since we normally wears boots (or shoes) to walk, this symbolise our identity shaping the direction in life we head towards. Hence, the importance of identity. The skull is used to represent death, and paint splatters are used to represent blood. For the body, a teenage body is used as it is normally during these period of time that people feel a strong need to find and exert their own identity. The whole design is also placed in a diagonal upward direction to show that the meaning behind this design has a positive connotation it it.
Arrangement
The whole design is placed in a diagonal direction to imply movement. The darker paint splatter is placed near the skull so that the viewer’s attention will be directed to the top. The ID cards are much smaller than the other elements so that the design does not look so cluttered. The arrangement of the ID cards (dispersing at the top) is also to make the whole design look neater. The arrangement also helps to imply movement. The whole design is asymmetrical so that it will look more appealing.
3. “To see with eyes unclouded by hate.” – Princess Mononoke
For the more finalised design, I changed the background so that there will be more contrast between the background and the foreground.
Initially, I thought of painting my own background to scan it in:
However, I decided to find abstract wall papers online and arrange them to form the background instead.
At first, I tried out this design:
However, I find that the tie looks too awkward and does not complement well. I don’t find the background too appealing as it seems to elongate the whole design.
Hence I decided to use this design instead:
Explanation of design:
Symbolism
The background resembles turbulent clouds, which symbolise hate. The ray of light at the top right corner of the design, however, symbolise hope. This represent the hope that we will see when our eyes are unclouded by hate.
The lamp represent the ‘eyes’, as from Matthew 6:22 of the bible says: ” The Eye is the lamp of the body. If your vision is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” This allusion to the biblical quote is a hint on the meaning of the quote. The fact that the lamp is not covered by the hazy background means that the ‘eyes’ are not clouded by ‘hate’.
The flowers represent new life and growth, as when one “see with eyes unclouded by hate”, he or she will see things in a new light and will learn from it.
The white Haori-Himo is commonly worn by men during Traditional Japanese weddings. Hence it is used here to hint that the quote is said by a Japanese male character.
Arrangement
The flowers, Haori-Himo and the Lamp are all centralised. The lamp, being the largest, dominates the area. The whole design is asymmetrical, as seen in the uneven arrangement of the flowers and the placement of the Haori-Himo. The use of differently sized items can be seen here to create appeal.
4. “Life is not like in your fairy tales, the world is a cruel place.”
For this final design, I initially intended for the skull to be that of a bull, so that it can represent a minotaur removing its bull’s head to reveal a human one, hence implying that fairytales is not real:
However, this is too direct a translation. The quote actually imply that fairytales has a good connotation to it, but using a minotaur ( which is an evil character) will not show that. Hence I decided to use other animals instead:
A wolf skull, to represent a werewolf.
A falcon skull to represent Horus, an Egyptian god.
I decided to use a unicorn head instead as it gives a more ‘dream-like’ element to the whole design:
Explanation of design:
Symbolism
The unicorn skull represents fairytales being unreal (dead), while the crows represent death and cruelty (Since crows are usually associated with decay and death). The girl not only represents the protagonist of the film who said the quote, but is also a symbol of innocence. In the design, She is shown crying while holding the gun, as even she succumb to the savage reality. The symbolic meaning of the girl further emphasise the brutality of the world. Furthermore, the girl is facing left, hence implying that she is heading towards the dark side. ( since historically, the left side usually have negative connotations in many cultures, and the latin word ‘sinister’, which means sinister, used to mean ‘left’. )
Arrangement
There is background, mid ground and foreground present in the design; the background being the crows, the mid ground being the girl, and the foreground being the hand, gun and unicorn’s skull. Implied lines formed by the crows are aimed towards the girl. The large scale of the girl as well as her lighter tones ( compared to the background) create focus. The girl’s face is aligned to the left side to create asymmetry, making the design more dynamic. There is a balance of white space (the girl) and negative space, and the placement of the gun, unicorn skull and the hand are placed within the rule of thirds.
Tote Bag
Not all the design is printed on the bag; the bottom part of the design is slightly faded. However, this faded look add to the mysterious ‘dream-like’ effect. Overall, I really love this outcome!
Reflections
I really enjoy this project as I am able to create designs using images. I also get to learn how to silkscreen and it is really amazing to learn how science and technology incorporates with art. I am quite sad that this project has ended but I am also looking forward to the upcoming one!