With my move to Richmond, Virginia complete, and the Illustration Academy behind me, I've gotten back to work.
New projects for Workbook and the Progressive.
The two images below were the first and second attempts at a divider page for Workbook. The first illustration became too busy for the assignment, which was based on "pearl". The first is entitled "the Bends". The deep sea diver has been saved by a kiss from Venus (born of the sea, often depicted standing in an open oyster shell.) The pearl necklace is proof of his encounter.
The second image is entitled "Mother of Pearl", and is a much more direct read. A nod to Tommy Steele at Workbook for his insight in redirecting me. Of note in the illustration- the child is the pearl- the top of the infant's head reading as both. The bonnet of the mother references an oyster shell. The entire piece was an obvious spoof on Whistler's most well know painting, which is often referred to as "Mother".
16 comments:
Oh fascinating!
Love your work.
ACK! GREAT! one day, it all just might click for me. until then, i will live vicariously through your images.
ACK! GREAT! one day, it all just might click for me. until then, i will live vicariously through your images.
Sterling,
I met you in Atlanta a couple of years ago when you did a lecture for the Atlanta College of Art. I went out to dinner with you Rick Lovell and some students. I now teach at SCAD Atlanta and the students that were at ACA that are now at SCAD still talk about your visit and demo. You made a great and lasting impression on them and me. I visit you site often. Keep up the great work. I love the "Mother of Pearl".
Jay Montgomery
Hey Sterling, great pieces lately. Your ability to keep the viewer looking long after the illustration does its purpose is something to be proud of. Everything is always done in a new and interesting way. Good seeing you and the other guys this summer. Hopefully I we can do the New York thing again. -TEDWARD
Hey Sterling, solid work. As much as I love the Mother of Pearl I think the first image is much more fun and engaging to look at. A bit more your style I think, with great depth of storytelling and so many fun textures. I get Mother of Pearl, I just think the other shows a bit more thought. In all I don't know why I'm critiquing them since I think they're both amazing. Thanks for posting all this. It really helps the learning process.
wow, Sterling, you're my role model
Beatiful work, all of it. The colors and concept of the Mother of Pearl are outstanding.
There seems to be a problem with the blog that wont allow me to return to the main blog when I view the artwork, just so that you are aware.
UFFF ME ENCANTA!
SALUDOS
arzu- thank you!
cewald- thanks for posting- Sorry I missed you on your visit into Richmond last week.
jay- Thank you for taking the time to post. I'm glad to hear that you are now teaching down at SCAD. Rick Lovell is one hell of a good guy, and I hope that I can visit you all down in Atlanta sooner than later. Thank you for relaying the student's entusiasm- that really does mean a lot to me!
edward- Great to hear from you. I guess that engaging the viewer and hopefully keeping them looking at the work for a brief period of time is what we all try to do. I hope that your business is going well- I know that the first several years can be a real pain in the ass. That reminds me- I need to swing by your blog today!
eli- Thank you for the thoughtful post. As far as the criticism- I've gotten that quite a bit on the two pieces. The first illustration seems to be the favorite on the whole. Still, the mother of pearl is a much easier read, and much more of a visual pun. Given the context and usage- the clarity seems to make it a more solid image, albeit less of my own personal vision. Not to worry, I'll find a way of getting the first one printed!
gumkid- You crack me up! Thanks for all the hard work in the studio!
david- thank you for posting, once again! I had somewhat of a eureka moment when the Mother of Pearl idea worked out. It's funny- I actually get a bit of a high while concepting, and locking onto an idea that I get excited about. Thanks for the information regarding the blog.
turcios- Thank you very much for the post!
Thanks to all for taking the time to give feedback- it is much appreciated!
Sterling, I really appreciate your comments...thanks! Learned alot from that last painting, especially when to let my head shut off for a second and just concentrate on FINISHING the darn piece. Definitely submitting it.
Hopefully see you in NYC?! Have fun judging CMYK and as always, i'm trying to "disect" your beautiful illustrations.
'the Bends' is amazing I love it. And I loved looking at your work in the CA Illustration Annual
Chris- Thanks, I expect to see you in NY
Lauren- thank you for the commentary! The Communication Arts Annual was a real pleasant surprise the past couple of years.
s.
hey Sterling how is everything going. This is Eddie (Krisin deNeeve's husband). We heard a few months ago you were back in Richmond. Well I found your blog and decided to drop you a line. You need to tell Kristin to get back to illistrations, she never paints anymore. I am constantly trying to get her to paint but for some reason it means nothing coming from me. She is so talented I hate to see her not use it. Well anyway hope all is well maybe we can stop by the next time we are in Richmond.
Eddie,
thanks for dropping me a post. I'm sorry to hear that Kristin isn't painting. The act alone can either be therapy, or require you to get therapy. Kristin is talented, and what she is trying to do, especially in the children's market takes so much effort before someone can even get any legitiment work. I'd love to meet up with you both when we can all find the time.
best,
s.
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