Endless Illustration 2

For my Figure Drawing midterm, we were assigned to make a piece in pertaining to our major. I chose to re-illustrate previous creation "Endless," and adjust the structure of the skull and bones, making them more exact and realistic.

Done for my Figure Drawing Class with Emily Sheehan.

Artist Statement

As an illustrator, I explore the relationships between the beautiful and the horrifying, contrasting pleasing images with themes of pain. I make use of symbolism derived from Christian history, punk culture, and metal music. My work resembles paintings of the Art Nouveau movement, if they had replaced their women holding fruit with skeletons holding swords.

In “A Chasing After the Wind” 2010, I illustrate the pointless act of chasing after wealth and worldly achievement. I make obvious the distracting facade of hollow achievement by use of dark imagery and symbols of death. When combined with light color and pleasant composition, the piece achieves a sublime effect. Flowers in a mandorla pattern frame a deathly figure clothed in elegant robes and clutching a kingly sword. On either side majestically protrude the heads of a raven and a vulture, two birds symbolizing death. The flowers, while giving the appearance of peace and joy, are poppies, which symbolize death. The message is that all men reach the same end, and the struggle for earthly gain is meaningless.

I want to illustrate the nature of happiness, and how fulfillment can be found. Biblical texts inspire me by showing me what is truly important in life, and what is merely an effort to gain what is easily lost. These themes help me illustrate my journey through this life. As my conception of what I understand to be fruitful uses of my time and effort matures, so will my illustrations concerning a purposeful existence.

Resume

Seth Young :: Illustration / Drawing
Email :: seth_young@blogspot.com
Website :: sethyoungillustration.blogspot.com

Education
BFA in Illustration with an emphasis in Drawing, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN, Expected graduation date May 2012

Skills / Media
•Watercolor
•Pastel
•Guache
•Pen and ink
•Graphite
•Charcoal

Freelance
•Illustration and logo design for for Red River High School drumline, Grand Forks, ND, 2010

•Advertising illustration for ®Telpro Inc., 2008

•Illustration and logo design for Red River High School soccer uniforms, Grand Forks, ND, 2007

Group Exhibitions
•MCAD Class Exhibition, Spyhouse Coffee Shop, Minneapolis, MN, 2010

•MCAD Annual Self Portrait Competition, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN, 2010

•Dear President, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN, 2008

"A Chasing After the Wind"

This piece illustrates my feelings about struggle for earthly status and possessions. The beggar dies like the king, it is all meaningless.

Self-guided illustration, in watercolor and micron pen.

::In Process - Not Finished::

(Finished illustration here)

-Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam