British Culture

British Culture. What is it that makes us British? What captivating scenes are there to explore on our small island? During my British Culture project, i decided to capture my interpretation of Britain and it's outstanding highlights. 

A very, interesting trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, this was the only object that I really took any appeal to. A large mannequin, of at least 8ft tall, covered in a beautifully embroided corset. It wore ballerina shoes, and had muscular arms. 

An iconic symbol of Britain, designated all over the country. You may find them mostly in the big Capital of London, but you will find one. Big, bold as brass and bright red, the famous traditional telephone box. By cutting into the windows though my page, it allowed the page beneath it to show through.

One of Britain's famous zoo's, Chester Zoo. I took an interest to the graceful pose of this particular giraffe, it's sturdy posture, and block print. 

This is a really artistic aspect of Chester Zoo. Located outside of the main entrance, it stood. It seemed to be a rather abstract, bold outburst of primary colour, for something as dull as a rhino. The block shapes of colour bring life and an element of fun and form to this large animal.

A place I like to visit alot. Blackpool. Again a famous and popular tourist and sculpture attraction. I believe that standing directly beneath it was the best way to captivate this very tall structure. You gain a different perspective of view by standing underneath.

THE FAMOUS BREAKFAST. Can't say I eat these. But who wouldn't recognise this not only in Britain, but in other countries? 

Claire Coles. Vintage, floral illustrator of printed pattern designs. I chose Claire as one of my inspired artists as I really was inspired from her work. Her use of feminine illustrations from wallpaper and patterned papers and machine stitching with a vintage finish is a style I like to work in. 

Kate Moross.

Kate Moross, an international graphic designer of retro, original and colour fun of designs. I became rather pleased when coming across Kate, as her work is very passionate illustrative and colourful! 

Not only that but she has worked for and created designs for on of my favourite shops, TOPSHOP. Her use of typography and strong block of colour is something I enjoyed to be inspired by during British Culture.

Alan Fletcher.

Alan fletcher is a retro British graphic designer who explores in slightly different way to colour, typography and graphic design. The double decker London bus is something that's also a very strong demonstration of Britain, as it's an iconic use of public transportation more popular in London. My reasons for selecting him as his work is very interesting if you read between the lines.

His work portrays concealed messages and stories in the way he has created his design. It wouldn't be a concealed secret if I told you though.

What is British Culture?

- Everything British.

Rachel Coleman

Once I'd established my chosen final project theme, which was British Seasides, I came across this totally AMAZING artist.

A local artist, who created illustrations of sea side imagery from collaged papers and painted layers of colour and wonderfulness.

I really like Rachel's work, it's very fun and exciting to admire!

What's art without a little spontaneous fun?

I enjoy collecting maps.

MY VERY OWN Rachel Coleman inspired samples. I really like these. I drew a basic outline of a rabbit and a seagull and then in Rachel's style of work, I collaged lots of different wallpapers and found papers to create these.

My own taste of British Seasides.

My absolute favourite iconic illustrative object of the entire project. Yes simple and recognisable as Beach Huts. I became completely obsessed by them. They featured on one of my final cushions actually. Taken from the theme of British Seasides, my own line drawings with acrylic paint.

And it began. The beach hut episode! I began to print onto fabric and even over typical beachy stripes and colours. I also machine stitched over to add definition and detail.

Appliqued fabrics onto striped fabric and machine stitch, umbrella design.

More of my primary and secondary drawings with corresponding samples. Volkswagen camper vans, umbrella's, ice creams and beach balls, all demonstrations of a typical British beach!

Prior to any final piece of sampling, I created a very thorough A2 design sheet full of my ideas and thoughts, potential drawings of final pieces. Using imagery from primary and secondary drawings, artist reference and inspiration, along with my market research to create my very own British culture related British sea sides x2 cushions. I varied my styles, square cushions, rectangular, dynamic shapes (icecreams), doorstop beach hut etc. Fully demonstrating in annotation my thought process, techniques, experimentation ideas and instructions on how to create. I believe this is the most thoroughly thought out design sheet I've ever created, as it's just FULL OF WRITING.

Oops.

Elsewhere in Graphic design, my own interpretation of British related graphics, all contributing towards a final a1 poster. Influences from Artists Kate Moross and Alan Fletcher. Different icon's of the 60's 70's 80's and 90's, British culture at it's best.

Influenced by the illustrations and research I have created and collected, time to create 2 small sample ideas with these influenced and media's, to contribute to the final a1.

Tea bag stained polaroid camera with a snapshot of the iconic and famous British Beatles.

A more pop art style which was my final chosen a1 poster. The illustrative faces and post war slogan says it all, The Beatles.

My favourite sample, my beloved beach hut, Created from a build up of 4 fabrics of blue, red, yellow and calico I created a reverse appliquéd beach hut which adds depth and texture.

The big finale! 

My two final outcomes, what all the hard work boils down to. A demonstration and reference to British Beaches, beach huts, typical stripes, vintage stamps and lovely reverse appliqué bunting. 

My final a1 poster. Strong representation of The Beatles Museum which we visited prior to this project as part of our research! I carefully used acrylic paint with primary colours with a post war slogan, they're famous logo, and information to advertise the museum. Love this, successfully done!