OUIL505 Amsterdam Trip

I was recently taken on a 5 day trip to Amsterdam for my 27th birthday and I saw this trip as a much needed time out, as well as primarily an opportunity to gain some inspiration for this module and just reconnect with my creativity a bit. Having been a few times before, Amsterdam is such a buzzing and beautiful place and did not disappoint.

• Inspirational 'Dam
Here is a collection of images taken throughout my trip that directly inform my OUIL505 project and are already giving me ideas of how to take my work forward. 

Key findings:
• Illustrative products in context
• Interesting packaging ideas and product placement
• Ideas for murals / graffiti pieces / street-art reference
• Key reference of what independent illustrators and creative practitioners are up too and 
  evidence of how successful the bespoke, unique, hand-made creative industry is 
  becoming.

• De Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
I cant seem to visit a city without heading to the local botanical gardens. Heavily influenced by all things natural and plant based, and needing some direct inspiration for my 505 project, this was a great way to spend a few chilled out hours in sanctuary. It is also my favourite place to be and often spend time in my local Cambridge gardens, having picnics, attending outdoor summer jazz events.

Key findings:
• Pattern collecting
• Nature conservation
• textures
• bio variety

The patterns and textures discovered here have provided me with some awesome inspiration and reference material. I want to look further into the patterns and visual forms within nature and biological organisms and see how these can be explored, linked and related to my plan of creating artwork with impact, substance and the aim of spreading awareness of the worldwide environmental issues.

• 'Heart of Gold' Brandon Boyd - Andenken Gallery
Whilst experiencing and travelling around as much of the city as possible, I found out about a new and pretty exclusive exhibition at a local gallery just around the corner from where we were staying. Brandon Boyd is the lead singer of one of my all time favourite bands 'Incubus' and has always been extremely open with his creativity, often producing the bands album and promotional artwork himself. The exhibition was of his recent collection of ink paintings and he was due to attend in person in order to do a book signing also. I couldn't miss the opportunity and headed to check it out. It was AWESOME!!!

Key findings:
• Experimentations with limited media
• Limited palette - stands out, makes an impact
• The use of detail, line and shape are key to tying an image, design 
   and compositional subject together
• A collection of works that really have strength independently as pieces (good for sale as 
  intended in the exhibition) but also have reality success as a full set. - Something to take 
  forward when producing my final resolutions for this project.