Mixed Message
This work is a focus on the design elements of vintage graphic design which include the colour palette, the shapes of typography and the geometric lines.
This painting has taken elements of 3 different package designs that I have found interesting and whose colours and patterns were different from each other.
I have challenged myself to create a work that demonstrates the variables of design and the contrasts between colours and styles.
Working with the 3 different designs I enjoyed creating some interesting interplay between the images and I hope this evident in the finished work.
This work is 9 x 20cm X 20cm plywood tiles adhered to a 60cm X 60cm X 5cm cradled panel.
Finished in hard wearing gloss clear and signed on the reverse.
Signed on the reverse. Wired and ready to hang.
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Mixed Message - Back Story
Years ago I was on a road trip at night from Sydney to Melbourne.
Because we were travelling through open country at the time, the land around was devoid of artificial light which made the illumination of the stars above even more impressive..
The emptiness of my surroundings were something to behold. It was truly breathtaking and calming.
Suddenly, as it seemed, out of nowhere a bright and colourful huge shape appeared and I quickly realised that we were passing a giant advertising sign that had been erected in one of the fields on the left.
It struck me dumb and instantly I felt an anger toward this abhorrent eyesore, especially as this monstrosity had disrupted the peaceful and meditative state I had been in just a moment before. It turns out that the sign was advertising a fast food restaurant that we would encounter if we continued along the highway for another 35kms.
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I have thought about that experience, on and off for many years. What is most disturbing about it is that our minds are being constantly infiltrated by words and messages at any given moment, without our consent, largely due to the saturated landscape of advertising.
As a Sign writer, I feel partly responsible. I mean, how many signs had I painted to attract the attention of people passing by of the for e.g “50 percent off ALL STOCK MUST GO Sale”?... Hundreds probably.