I based my project on the theme of Literature. My final outcome is A3 size (29.7 x 42cm) on mixed media paper and has been created using acrylic paint and book paper collage.
This piece incorporates many aspects of my theme of Literature: the tree (the source of books themselves) is incorporated by branches creating the frames of the triptych mirror, collaged pages from a book form my background (the monochrome nature of this contrasting with the colourful characters which come alive through our imaginations as we read) and, in the mirror, are reflected images of stereotypical characters from fairytales (the knight in shining armour, the princess and the evil being, in this case a horned serpent). The piece has a 3D element to try to represent how real characters from books can seem to us when we recognise some of their traits in ourselves.
The aim of this piece is to show the universal appeal of books, and that, no matter who we are, we are able to see ourselves in the different characters (both good and bad) from the stories that we read which is what makes reading a book such a special and unique experience for each person. I invite the viewer to look up from the open book (the paper for which I made myself) on the table in the foreground and engage with the characters. I hope that I have reflected many aspects of this wide theme in my work, from illustration to still life to paper making and sculpture; it was a fascinating theme to research, and I have enjoyed the challenge of producing this piece.