Visual Narrative in Yuan and Ming Dynasties

I came across some illustrations, primarily by military strategists Liu Ji and Jiao Yu of the Ming Dynasty. The second waterwheel image comes from the Yuan Dynasty, about 150 years beforehand.

I thought this was a great example of the early utilization of panels to create conceptual breaks. Each sectioned part places focus on a specific function or process.
Also, note the rocks/earth drawn in the top image's bottom of the first panel. The lack of continuation of this linework suggests an intentional break in time/place. Particularly interesting is the ordering of the panels; Portraying function, then conveying process and the how.


The last image is a great breakdown of the movement within a singular action. Note the different faces on each soldier, thus solidifying that this is a group of different men, rather than a time lapse of one man.

It's interesting to think that perhaps the artist understood that likely expectation, and hence bothered to differentiate the soldiers faces? Regardless, the artist clearly understood how time lapse and action can be conveyed in a singular image.

I'm of the opinion that this understanding of visual narrative can be largely attributed to a rapid expansion of scientific and technological ingenuity in Medieval China, and the need to accurately portray cause and effect visually. These visual devices were used specifically when describing innovations in weaponry or engineering.

Keep in mind this was also a time of increased trade with Europeans, particularly Spain and the Dutch, undoubtedly affecting the ways visual communication was utilized.

Found Myself a New Me, Gonna Get Myself Together

More than a year ago I took a hiatus from producing artwork. At the time, I felt that I needed to gain perspective on the creative processes I wanted to utilize. I felt, and still do feel that many artists today, particularly emerging ones such as myself, find difficulty in communicating with honesty and creating a balance between style and substance.
My involvement with illustration and graphic arts exposed me to areas of creative industries where this struggle is often a subject of discussion. There is a resolve amongst many graphic artists wherein they admit to the value of style, and limit the subject matter of their work to fit within the confines of their stylistic boundaries. While most of these artists would claim to understand a balance between style and concept/substance, I felt there was a disconnect between them as creative individuals and the conceptual/visual approaches they employed.
I have faith in the power of personal connection with artwork. Not only between artwork and its intended audience, if it has one, but also between the artist and the work. I feel there should be no exception made for illustration. It is my conviction that regardless of forum (i.e. illustration for a client), both the stylistic and conceptual approaches to the work benefit from treatment linking it personally with its creator. This blog will serve, I hope, as a journal of my inspiration and ideas, both visual and conceptual. As time goes on and I progress in piecing together notes, vignettes and visual works into an understandable collection, I will include those along with new efforts. I hope you enjoy this journal. Now, onward and upward!