Continued research - Visual

Focusing on whitby, I did further research into fossils, the history of Jet mining/production, and the horrific boat disaster: The SS Rhollia. - In gathering more facts and thinking about how each could potentially develop into a book, i felt more confident in presenting my findings in the group crit. - Hoped that this thorough research would help my peers understand the ideas clearly, and allow me to  make a well informed decision of which to develop/take forward.

In writing my project proposal, I am still unsure on the specific direction of my project, as i explored a variety of ideas and have found it difficult to narrow them down. However "The story of a fossil" is in my opinion one of the stronger ideas to develop.

Feedback from crit:
- The majority of the group really like the 'Story of the fossil' which i am pleased with since this is also my favourite idea.
- They felt it fit well with the 'untold story' theme.
- Is something unique and interesting - something they wouldn't have previously thought about.
On research:
- Impressed with the amount of fact finding, and photographs taken.
- Feel that i seem to have a good understanding of my ideas, and direction
- but more visuals would have been good. - for them to have a clearer understanding.
Aims given:
- Really like how i have started to visualise my ammonite fossil. - Interested now in me further experimenting with media and character!
- Be brave! - work more loosely, expressively, try variety of media, and methods of application.
- Draw loads of ammonites.

During this week I could have managed my time more efficiently. Initially i aimed to develop visual research for all three potential subjects, but only achieved this for the story of the fossil. More visual research on the others would have made it easier for the group to see the direction I envisaged. I have come to learn that visualising ideas even at this early research stage is such an essential and important part of the process. In visualising, you often fall into a direction you wouldn't have previously thought about.

In taking this feedback on board, i aim to push my self out of my comfort zone, by testing a variety of media, and techniques. - At this stage, its not about perfection, its about experimentation and lots of it! - need to remember to work quicker, and loosen up my mark making.
I think that this project is a good opportunity for me to try something different; approaching different styles of working. Recently in visual language i have enjoyed working with shape and texture. I would like to try and incorporate some of those skills into this project.

(page mising)

Began by some observational drawing - from fossils that i had acquired for research.  - graphite pencil

Looking more at the attomany of an ammonite. - getting to know my subject in more detail., beginning to develop character.

So many different ways to draw an ammonite. - drawing different variety of shells. - slight testing of colours
- breif exploration of storyboard - different potential compositions - what you would find an ammonite doing.

Other fossils found. - whitby museum has a large collection - not necessarily focus book on an ammonite? this is an Ichythasarus - that would hunt ammonites. - possibly link into book? briefly explored other directions.

ammonite from different angles, brief testing of media.

Project proposal:

Picture a book title?
"The Life of a fossil"
"An ammonites journey"
"Ammonite: A prehistoric Journey"

Idea: What is your picture book about? (potentially)
I want to tell the untold story of an ammonite fossil. one of the many fossils i discovered are hidden within the rock along the coast of whitby.
- Show its life - how it was once alive millions of years ago, to how it became fossilised in rock millions of years later.

Intent: What are you trying to achieve? / Structure: How might this book function?
One approach: the book could be a narrative - simply telling the story of a fossil. - make people think about this small extinct creature the lived millions of years ago. - to get people interested? to think about evolution? the way the earth has evolved from millions of years ago?
- could be more informative/educational - aimed at children perhaps? - include simple, interesting facts about the creature to compliment the imagery - make it clearer.
- In order of its life - from beginning - end. - through evolution? - this could work well as a saddle stitch or concertina book - testing will be required.


In order to develop these ideas, my research over christmas will be...
- To continue to experiment with materials further. I hope to work outside of my comfort zone and test new media and ways of working.
I am to work mainly through visuals. I have a large bulk of research, and feel that visualising these ideas and discoveries will really inspire and motivate me to get stuck into this project!