Project #5 Mapping

Chris Kenny

 

What you may need for this project:

-Old maps. You can usually pick up a National Geographic in a second hand store and they always have a map insert or two.

-Black fine tipped pen

-Lighter weight paper such as sketch paper, (light enough to see through when you hold it up to a window.)

-Pencils, Charcoal, Watercolour, Ink

-Heavier weight paper such as watercolour or toned pastel paper. You can also use reclaimed cardboard, or old paintings 

-Glue stick or acrylic medium for adhesive

The purpose of this exercise is to use the map as an inspiration for your drawing

Respond to the lines and shapes on the map as if you were looking at an abstract drawing.

 Isolate details into different components: focus on elements such as lines and shapes. Trace or cut out shapes randomly or focus on some of the details such as roadways or bodies of water. These cut out shapes can be used as source material or in collage. Work abstractly or introduce elements such as faces, or other realistic imagery. Resist the urge to label or add details like you see in the maps; the exercise is to use cartography as inspiration for the drawing not to create a new map with place names, scale, etc.

Option 1

Trace some shapes or lines of the maps with pencil on lightweight sketch paper, (hold up to a window to help with transparency if you need to.) Draw into the tracing and add your own creative details. Before you are finished fold it as you would a travel map and handle it until the paper is soft and has interesting crinkles and indentations. Unfold and glue the drawing down on a heavier piece of paper. Press some of the wrinkles down and leave others slightly raised. When the glue is dry draw some into it some more.

Option 2:

Create a drawing inspired by the source material, Use charcoal and pastel or ink and watercolour. Use toned pastel or watercolour paper or create the drawing over an existing map.

Option 3:

Create a collage from the maps you have collected. Alternate between collage-ing and drawing into the assemblage. Make this “drawing” three dimensional like the Chris Kenny work pictured. Consider adding unusual elements such as stitching with needle and thread or found elements such as ticket stubs or other found papers. Use cardboard shapes to create the sculptural effect.