The Iranian Protester

Graduation, Website Launch, & a call for entries

Well, I did it...I graduated from college. About 2 and a half weeks ago. Hey, give me a break on the announcement, I needed a bit of a vacation! Anyway, I graduated and sent out my first batch of promo cards, so I feel like a "real" illustrator now. Though I think I'll feel more like one when I get my first job.

Though speaking of promo, I got my official portfolio site up and running, and although I'm not a web design guru, I'm pretty happy with it. Feel free to visit and link to me if you wish:

www.anna-cooper.com

I also wanted to give my fellow artists a heads up and announce that Creative Quarterly (sister publication to 3x3 Magazine) is having a call for entries. The deadline is July 31st and there's only a $10 per entry fee. There's no maximum limit for the number of entries, and it isn't limited to just illustration. You can also submit fine art, graphic design, and photography. There are also separate sections for student and professional work. You can get more information from their website.

Borderline show

Saturday marked the opening reception for my Drawing on a Theme class' Borderline show. We paired up with the Foundations Department's Non-Objective Drawing class to put on an exhibit of student work from both classes. I think the show was a big success---we had a pretty good turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy the work. I thought I'd post some pictures of the exhibition.

Carrie from Non-Objective Drawing was nice enough to get the gallery plans and map out where everyone's work was going. I lucked out and got a great spot---right at the opening of the gallery!

My friend Sarah's Theme drawings. She portrayed characters from her favorite classic novels. She has Jane Eyre, Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo, and Alexandra from O Pioneers!.

Classmate Ben did his Theme over awkward moments. Each of the pieces are charcoal and pastel on toned paper. I thought they came out beautifully!

Here are Carrie's pieces from Non-Objective Drawing. Unfortunately the photo does not do her pieces justice. The colors are much more beautiful in person.

Meredith Lear's Theme project. Meredith is originally from Kentucky and her project dealt with the long drive she would take between her hometown and Savannah, GA. The piece was inspired by the boring billboards she would see as she was traveling between her two "homes". Each piece is done in charcoal with a bit of acrylic paint here and there.

This is one of my friend Brittany's pieces from Non-Objective Drawing. She had four pieces that were all about 2" x 12" dealing with portraying a dance non-objectively. She drew all of her pieces on illustration board with pencil and ballpoint pen. They are so brilliant and detailed, and really remind me of Roger Dean's work.

This was done by my classmate Jess. She had two other large drawings, but unfortunately one of them got pulled from the show due to censorship (the piece was a bit explicit and we were having the venue at a church). It was too bad since it was an absolutely stunning piece and my favorite from her series.

These were done by my classmate Chris. He portrayed his favorite authors along with characters from their books. From left to right, H.G. Wells, Jules Vern, and Rudyard Kipling.

I loved my classmate Lauren's work. She decided to make handmade journals portraying the Bohemian ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. For the exhibition she displayed her journals in a vintage suitcase along with things a Bohemian would most likely take while traveling.

And finally, me with the boys!

And if anyone is in Savannah, GA and free this Friday evening, please come to the SCAD Illustration Senior show! It's being held at the Illustration gallery in Savannah Mall from 5-7 pm. You can check out the Facebook page for more info.

The Five Elements: The Void - Syd Barrett

"Astronomy Domine" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

The Void (Syd Barrett, guitarist/songwriter): The Void is associated with creative energy, spontaneity, and inventiveness. It is also considered the highest of the elements as it gives birth to Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Syd is the quintessential Void: he created the Floyd, as well as provided them with a powerful creative and inventive force. He also all but disappeared into a void (choosing to live as a near recluse for most of his life post-Floyd), as well as created a void within the band with his departure. This absence provided the inspiration for the album Wish You Were Here. Syd is still a formidable creative force, inspiring many famous musicians and artists, such as David Bowie and Robyn Hitchcock. And me, of course.

The Five Elements: Fire - Roger Waters

"Burning Bridges" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Fire (Roger Waters, bassist/songwriter): The element of fire is associated with passion, drive, and motivation. It could be well argued that Roger was the most passionate member of Pink Floyd. He kept the band moving after Syd Barrett's departure as head songwriter in 1968. He also penned the lyrics to the band's most famous albums: Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. However, too much fire can be destructive, as evidenced by Roger's tumultuous post-Floyd relationship with David Gilmour. Fortunately Roger (and David) was able to cool off for a reunion gig at Live 8.

The Five Elements: Earth - David Gilmour

"Grantchester Meadows" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Earth (David Gilmour, guitarist): Earth is an element associated with stubbornness and stability. David has aspects of both in his personality. When he joined the band, he provided a stable alternative to Syd Barrett as a guitarist. In the 80's his stubborn nature kicked in when he refused acquiesce to Roger's wish that the group disband after Roger's departure. Even David's way of playing resembles the earth; rather than writhe around on stage like many guitarists during mind bending solos, David stands very solid and natural on stage, focusing intently on playing his signature black Stratocaster.

The Five Elements: Water - Richard Wright

"Rain in the Country" - acrylic - 9" x 12"

Water (Richard Wright, keyboardist): Water is an element associated with adaptability, flexibility, and magnetism. Rick's playing has always reminded me a bit of water--fluid and beautiful, and quite necessary to the life of the music. When paired with David Gilmour's (Earth) guitar playing, the two form a harmonious bond each other, like each piece was specifically created for the other.