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.

The imagery is actually made up of wire! Yes wire. I thought we could still post it.

BBC – Connecting with the World

Bengal – Cat Blimps

Bengal – Fixing Joe

Bengal – The Machine

Bengal – Rocklee

I especially love The Machine one and Cat Blimps…

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:

Ray Caesar – EBB Tide

Ray Caesar – Wallflowers

Ray Caesar – Mondays Child

Ray Caesar – Blessed

Ray Caesar Website

Ray Caesar – Coming Undone

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!)

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

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 (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?

(The first two Tara McPherson Illustrations)

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.

Based in San Francisco Sam Flores creates characters which are hero like. His signatures are that these characters have mostly closed eyes and large hands. The end results is the feeling that these characters are expressing a particular dichotomy in life – simultaneously experiencing ugliness and beauty. “how can the world be so horrible and yet so beautiful at the same time.”

Sam Flores Website

Enjoying the Illustration Blog

I am a big fan of Tara McPherson. Her illustration always seem so perfectly executed. Quite inlaid with emotion. Here are two of here works:

Tara McPherson – How Easily They Fly Away

Enjoy.