Little, L (2015) Using geometric shapes to represent characters in a picturebook: a practice-based exploration. In: 22nd Annual IBBY UK/NCRCL Conference, 14 November 2015, Roehampton University, London, UK.
Abstract
This paper uses a semiotic framework to examine, from the perspective of an illustrator, the use of minimal information in the visual depictions of characters and their emotions in a picturebook. In Picture This Molly Bang explores using triangles, rectangles and simple colours to depict scenes from the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Drawing on this, I made a picturebook, Sammy the Fish, in which visual representations of the characters and his environment are based on simple geometric shapes: ovals, rectangles and triangles. The aim was to explore ways of showing Sammy’s emotions without using facial expressions: his emotions are implicitly implied by his placement on the page and suggestive use of other visual elements. Through this, Sammy becomes a blank canvas for the reader / viewer to project on to and, potentially, to begin to relate to him. When working with minimal images, the subtleties and nuances of creative decisions have a greater impact on the artwork. By taking a practice-based approach, this paper describes the process of creating the character and the successful and failed attempts to show his emotive state.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Note: | The subtitle of the 2015 conference was 'Steering the craft: navigating the process of creating children’s books in the 21st century'. The paper and the presentation slides are available at the URLs below. |
| Subjects: | N Fine Arts > NC Drawing Design Illustration P Language and Literature > PZ Childrens literature |
| Divisions: | School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities |
| Related URLs: | |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Oct 2015 12:00 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jan 2022 20:32 |
| URI / Page ID: | https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/6653 |
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