Sunday 7 December 2008

A History, A Secret History


















As our first competition brief, I have initially decided to do the Penguin book jacket competition, this year the chosen title is The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I first read this book about five years ago at my local book group in Sidmouth. It completely captured my imagination (unlike a few of the older members of the group!), and I re-read it several times. I've decided to come up with some ideas before reading it again, as the images and feelings I have of the book at present are so vivid, it would be best to explore them now.


On Friday we had an induction on the laser cutter (no Mr Bond, I expect you to die!) and were asked to bring an A5 vector image to practice with. As I was looking at the rites and rituals performed in the name of the Greek god Bacchus for The Secret History, I chose to draw images of the signs and symbols related to him. These include: a serpent, grapevines, ivy, a bull, foxskin, panthers and other big cats, pinecones and aulos (recorder type instrument). The laser cutter was amazing! So precise and fast! Definitely want to use it again. It was just an experiment, so I'm not sure what I'll do with them all, although the foxskin would make a fantastic brooch...

P.S. here is the link to the Penguin competition page for the whole brief and mini summary of the book... http://www.penguin.co.uk/static/cs/uk/0/minisites/penguindesignaward/brief.php