Persons of Note- Postcard Initial Stages

Difficulties

I always find it really difficult to find the time to commit to each project equally when I am home due to heavy commitments with work, and generally being in a less structured environment. Nevertheless it is always possible to make time, and make up for lost time.

Knowledge and Understanding

From the crit a few weeks ago, my peers emphasised the importance of focusing on what Amy Johnson stood for, her characteristics and using symbolism.

I took out a book from the library about all aspects of culture in the 1930's with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the  rise of aviation and flight in that era, but most importantly the role of women and where they stood in society.

I also took out a book about pattern in the 1930's; in my earlier roughs I considered using pattern in either my stamps or my postcards. 

Things that I learnt:

• Women were better educated as a result of the 1902 Education acts, resulting in better job opportunities in 1920-30
• The civil service did not allow women to work after marriage
• By 1930 one third of women worked outside the home, only one tenth of married women worked.
• Air travel became a hit, as well as planes being heavily used in wartime battle

I gained the impression that'a womens place was in the home' during this era, and that was expected of them due to certain levels of sexism. The thing that inspired me about Amy Johnson in the first place is the way that she went after her ambitions and exploited the regulations of society with her passion for adventure.

Rough Sketches

Aims

The aim of these roughs is to show the comparison between a normal women in society with their life choices daily activities, and the almost rebellious attitude of Amy Johnson in her aviation career.

Critical Incident

When drawing out these roughs, I had a sudden thought that I could increase the precision of my work by focusing in on the hands in each image. 

Hands are very delicate, but very symbolic parts of the body. They represent:

• Skill
• Action
• Blessing
• Expression
• Humanitarianism
• Power

In my upcoming rough sketches, I will focus more on the delicacy and position of the hands in each image so the viewer will be able to interpret the similarities and differences of the two extremities of the two types of women I am illustrating.