Archive for April, 2008
Etymology of Illustration
Where does the word illustration originate from. Often words come from a very different origin then to which it is applicable today.
Etymology of Illustration:
c.1375, “a spiritual illumination,” from O.Fr. illustration, from L. illustrationem (nom. illustratio) “vivid representation” (in writing), lit. “an enlightening,” from illustrare “light up, embellish, distinguish,” from in- “in” + lustrare “make bright, illuminate.” Mental sense of “act of making clear in the mind” is from 1581. Meaning “an illustrative picture” is from 1816. Illustrate “educate by means of examples,” first recorded 1612. Sense of “provide pictures to explain or decorate” is 1638.
This was taken from etymonline.com.
So we looking at “A spiritual illumination”, an enlightening, distinguish and clear in mind etc… all sounding good to me! No hidden darker agenda behind the word.
BBC – Connecting with the World
The imagery is actually made up of wire! Yes wire. I thought we could still post it.
Illustratoins by Bengal
I especially love The Machine one and Cat Blimps…
Illustrations by Ray Caesar
Born as a Dog in London in 1958 he enjoyed avocados. He has a wife and they tender a young Coyote called Bonnie. This is totally true if you dont believe me I suggest you ask around.
Illustrations by Ray Caesar:
Good Night Illustration
Just about to head on home and strait into bed. Before I do that here is an illustration by someone unknown. (If any of you know please let me know!)
Illustrations By Jeff Soto
In 2002, Jeff Soto graduated with Distinction from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
There is a strong environmental message in his illustrations. An abstract fusion and representation of the natural and mechanical which may more broadly symbolize human influence on nature. They seem to illustrate that the machines have come from the natural and are in turn influencing the environment. But then often poets are surprised at what people see in their work – perhaps the subconscious coming out or a bit of luck – Which ever way Great Style Great Message.
Jeff Soto – Thunder Clouds over a Flower
Jeff Soto – War Cloud
Jeff Soto

Jeff Soto – Grows

Jeff Soto

Sam Flores – Urban Gods
I posted before illustrations by Sam Flores and here is another gem which I really thought we needed to add to the collection. ‘Urban Gods’ is a name I gave to the illustration… im not sure what the official name for this artwork is.

DALEK – Brooklyn based illustration artist
DALEK (aka James Marshall) is a Brooklyn-based illustrator . His Space Monkey character was born out of graffiti. A self-taught painter, DALEK discovered graffiti in 1994 in the rail yards of California and later Chicago.
DALEK (aka James Marshall) – 01

DALEK (aka James Marshall) – 02

DALEK (aka James Marshall) – 03

DALEK (aka James Marshall) – 04

DALEK (aka James Marshall) – 04

What is DALEK?
A Dalek is a member of a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants from the science fiction television series Doctor Who. Daleks are grotesque mutated organisms from the planet Skaro, integrated within a tank-like mechanical casing. The resulting creatures are a powerful bent on universal conquest and domination, utterly without pity, compassion or remorse (as all of their emotions were removed except hate).
Do you think James Marshall had this in mind for his nik or just chance?
Another 2 Tara McPherson
Simple and effective
I found these while I was looking for car reference on the net for one of my illustration projects. Such simple lines and such expressive characters, very very cool.















