It suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't actually got around to writing anything about my own practical response to the dissertation yet, remarkable as that may sound - i thought this would've been the most straight forward part of the whole damn thing. Not true.
I'm too wary of waffling and making it sound like a blog post, ( and that its drivel or totally forgoteen my argument) so I've cut it short for the moment until i can get some guidance.
Also, not really sure if i should be stuffing a load more images amongst this lot - as I'm pretty sure I've got too many already?
These are the main points I want to talk about ; ( bullet pointed for the time being until i get a thumbs up or down)
CHAPTER FOUR - Reflective Practices
• The practical work produced in response to my written investigation is a culmination of in-depth research into not only the history of wrestling around the globe, but also the history behind the history of the colourful characters who were performing inside the squared circle throughout the golden ages of Pro-Wrestling.
• Using secondary research in the form of online articles, journals, books magazines, and video footage from the time my rationale was to design a group of six characters based within the world of Lucha Libre wrestling (Luchadors), who's in-ring alter egos drew upon the ancient Aztec Gods, Creatures and art of South America - of whom many of the early Luchadors gained inspiration from (fig?). The central task was to produce a set of art prints as well as a proposed collection of accompanying merchandise , that would appeal a wide age range, in the similar way that pro wrestling has done and still does today.
• Although largely inspired by traditional depictions of Aztec deities and the super-powers they were believed to have possessed,(with heavy emphasis on the mysterious masks) the illustrations also give a strong nod to the flamboyant, speedo-wearing, 'juiced-up' wrestling personalities that would be watched by millions, bowling about the ring during the 80s's and early 90's,and who (whilst growing up) I aspired to be.
• Within these characters I looked to capture a mixture of both the traditional and contemporary – combining imagery and artwork inspired by paintings of these afore- mentioned Aztec gods, with ring attire inprinted in my mind from the late 80's whilst using my own tone of voice, distinct line-work, and modern technology to create illustrations almost as big and bold as the mullet-haired superstars I used to worship as a kid.(fig MY OWN WORK?) Inspiration also came through the coincidental art book launch of 'The War to Settle the Score'; featuring over 70 contemporary illustrators and their reimaging of WWF althletes and their famous feuds from the 80's & 90's.(fig) Evidence if it was needed of the long lasting impression that Pro Wresters have had on us.
• Also part of the additional line of proposed merchandise, were tanglible 'items' made by laser-etching into wood. For me, an unexplored medium and a new challenge in how to transfer the digitial, masked Luchador designs onto a alternative material from paper – largely buoyed by the desire to avoid simply making 'tatt' that you would so often see amoungst the pages of WWF magazine during their merchandising boom during the early 90's. (fig?)
• As the project went on, product logos and branded packaging had made a noticeable appearance, as well as now being present on the online design & development documentation (blog & Issu). It's transformed from a light hearted, illustration project into a cosumer driven, business-like operation, trying to make as much money from it's products as possible, not unlike Ronald Regans 80's America.
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