She's lost control; The liberation of error.

Oliver Jeffers: Oil dipped portrait 2012

BARWICK, T. (2015)’She’s lost control.’ Varoomlab [online] (3)pp.47-55
Available at: http://theaoi.com/varoom-mag/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/VaroomLab-Journal-Issue-3-Interpretation.pdf (Accessed: 18 October 2016)
 
She’s lost control
 
This paper explores the concept of the ‘glitch', and compares digital glitches to mistakes made with traditional tools and methods. It examines how error and chance play a part in the development of a personal visual language, no matter how the images are made. It is a study of Barwicks’ own illustration practice and his methods of choosing materials that give maximum chance of unpredictability. The study also lists other illustrators who work in a similar fashion, with a closer look at the practices of Oliver Jeffers and Ralph Steadman.
 
Forced mistakes and unpredictable outcomes, are the result of control being taken away from the maker (whether by a mathematical programme, or a material process). Successful outcomes also rely on the skill and virtuosity of the creator, and the ability to judge and exploit errors.
This idea is extended to other creative fields, and likens an illustrator to a footballer or musician. All play within a set of rules, but play in an intuitive, skillful way to produce a new and exciting experience.
 
This study is relevant to my own practice, which explores chance and error through the use of traditional drawing materials. The extension of this approach, using digital technology is something that I will be exploring in the future.
See previous blog post, (16/10/16) ‘The last two months’.