While working on my small game based on Strawberry Thief, I can’t help but think about the next idea! As part of my residency, I will spend a few months at Abertay University developing my designs into a game with a small team. So I’m now starting to think about a bigger game idea based on the British Galleries.
So far, I am fascinated by the presence of animals in the British Galleries. They are everywhere! It would be so interesting to turn these unique animals into games characters. I’m growing a collage of animals on my wall. Here are some of the objects that have caught my attention so far...
This figurine was made in Arita, Japan around 1670-1700. The ceramic object is designed in the Kakiemon style – a clear white body with asymmetric patterns and illustrations. These exports were popular in England until around 1840, resulting in English copies of the style. I have an image of this object up on my studio wall, and everyone who visits always comments on the bizarre figure – often wondering what kind of animal it is supposed to represent (I love that someone said it looks like a Pokémon!) The V&A description of the object calls it a Lion, but I am convinced it is actually a ‘Komainu’ (狛犬) which are statues often seen guarding the entrances to Shinto Shrines.
The Martin Brothers made this jar in 1891. When I saw it, I was instantly reminded of the Alice in Wonderland illustrations by John Tennial. I’m a bit obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, and even looked at imagery for the book in my undergraduate degree: http://gad-ba.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Alice%20In%20Wonderland
The bird has such a funny expression – I feel that I wouldn’t need to come up with a character or personality for him, as it seems so clear already!
The bird has such a funny expression – I feel that I wouldn’t need to come up with a character or personality for him, as it seems so clear already!
This Chinoiserie panel by Robert Robinson was painted in 1696. Its kind of fantastical nature really stood out to me. I love the strange elephant creature!
One of the things I really like about the British Galleries is the many examples of artists being inspired by objects form other countries. These vases are a great example.
Next week, I'll show some artwork/screenshots for The Strawberry Thief game.
Next week, I'll show some artwork/screenshots for The Strawberry Thief game.
