Influence Map: More Harpy Stuff

After a discussion on Dom's latest concept we decided to make a few alterations. I felt that the face looked too overtly evil. We decided that the face should look artificial and inexpressive as its more of a disguise than a real face. I also suggested that we look at shells to give the cornette design a more organic look.

Tree Concept 2 + Nest Influence Map

With this concept I attempted to incorporate the harpy nest into the design.  

Influence 

Influence Map: Theatrical Costumes

We decided that our harpy design could take on a more theatrical quality. This influence map shows various costumes and masks that we could somehow incorporate into our design. 

Harpy Sketches

These sketches are based on the idea that harpies represent some sort of corruption of motherhood. The fact that harpies are exclusively female and possess a maternal quality seems to hint at 'the monstrous feminine'.  I took inspiration from Louise Bourgeois’s giant spider sculpture.  A combination of elements from storks, bats and spiders were used to create these creatures.

Influence

Influence Map: Trees & Thorns

Trees are a key feature in Canto XIII. Dante mentions that they have leaves and thorns but there is not a lot of description beyond this.  It could even be said that the trees are not in fact trees at all. Trees could merely be how Date interpreted what he saw.  I have been looking at twisted and bizarre trees that have a vague anatomical and twisted look to them.

Major Project Revised Proposal + Influence Map: Medieval Depictions of Hell

After various discussions we have decided to change our project proposal somewhat. We will still be transcribing a scene from Date’s Inferno however our approach will be quite different. The scene will no longer be a platform consisting of only three characters as initially proposed. We want to create something that would reflect the expansiveness of Dante’s epic poem.  

In searching for artistic styles to emulate we discovered several captivating depictions of hell in medieval paintings. We now propose to create a scene that emulates one of these paintings being brought to life in 3D. The viewer will be guided around the scene as if entering the painting itself. There will be a narrator recounting the poem throughout the scene.  

We decided to do this because of the interesting stylistic rules that it would necessitate. For example these paintings were created before the rules of perspective were established. Representing this in 3D is a challenge that could yield some interesting results. The scene will most likely contain at least one fully modeled 3D character. It will contain some elements of 3D in the environment as well as multiple elements comprised of 2D planes.  

This Influence map shows some examples of medieval depictions of Hell. These paintings are varied in style but they also share some commonalities. For example (as previously mentioned) there are no rules of perspective.  This means that more important elements of the paintings are simply drawn larger. It is also noticeable that demons are commonly portrayed as blue rather than the traditional red. 

Influence Map: Paintings and Illustrations

This initial influence map shows some paintings and illustrations inspired by Dante’s inferno. It is hoped that we will be able to derive some stylistic influence from these paintings.