Adobe

After research into tribal Maui art I too wanted to experiment with bold and linear graphics. This attempt may prove useful.

Going to see the Lions

All booked and ready to see the lions on saturday.

The conquering Lion

In terms of conveyance I have been thinking whether to create a representation of Big Bud himself or something more symbolic. Whilst trawling for vinyl cover designs I came across a website called Lion vibes. It then came to me, the LION. What better than to have such a symbolic animal. The lion not only represents the Rastafari movement but it also represents power, authority, culture and habitual heritage.
http://www.lionvibes.co.uk/

* Haile Selassie I is symbolically known as the conquering lion of Judah.

New feelings

Toward the end of the lino cut I felt that this 'analogue' route would take far to long in terms of production and I feel using the software such as adobe photoshop and Illustrator that I have learnt at Chelsea shall help in the production period. I still shall continue to experiment with the method for idea purposes.

Righteous colours

I have decided to incorporate the Rastafarian's chosen colours that represent their faith.Red signifies the blood of those killed for the cause of the black community, throughout Jamaican history.Green represents Jamaica's vegetation and hope for the eradication of suppression.Gold symbolises the wealth of Ethiopia.

But I intend to re-appropriate the meanings of these colours with regards to representation of Big Bud. Red signifies the one blood of his fans regardless of background, race, age etc they are all united for the love of the music. Red also evokes feelings of warmth and passion, which are also two very good descriptive's for reggae and drum and bass. Green represents the growth of the musical genre of reggae and it is with this growth that has created and inspired other musical genres. Gold is a colour full of radiance and happiness, in terms of colour theory this colour is essential in promotoing good moods.

Lino Cut

After further investigation into the idea of focusing upon the head I decided to create a block lino cut. Reason being, I wanted create something that was bold yet still remained detailed. I intend to do another of Big Bud as this was a 'rough' example for reference and experimentation.

Rastafari

The name Rastafari comes from Ras (literally meaning "Head," an Ethiopian title equivalent to Duke) Although Big Bud is not a Duke he has a royal like status in the world of drum and base therefore I feel focusing upon illustrating the head in some manner is the starting point to the production.

RAS-T
For the Rastafarian artist, every stroke of every painting or each chip of wood from the sculpture is inspired by Jah.
Despite the problems such as lack of materials, and difficulties in getting exposure for their work, many members of the Rastafarian movement have turned to artistic expression in order to convey the Rastaman’s message, and also as a means of out-letting their spirituality.

Ital carving

My cousin just got back from Jamaica and brought me back a wood carving. Beautiful.Also an acetone print of various iconic Rasta images I made.

Train notes

Brainstorming ideas and the direction of the project plus a lil doodle.

Live

A great example of Big Bud paying homage to roots Reggae, this timeless drum and bass shows both the dynamism of Reggae and the impact it has upon the track, meditative in a sense. The second sample was one of my favourite roots Reggae tunes by the Abyssinans ' Decleration for rights'. The original below

Taking it way back ...

After much careful consideration with regards to where this illustration may lead I have come across a very interesting video that demonstrates Nyabinghi chanting, the essence of roots reggae music. What is so interesting about this scene is the communal bond between the Rastafarian's coupled with the positive vibes amongst them. The Nyabinghi are a community of Rastafarians that embrace their African and Maroon heritage. In session, the Nyabinghi sect sing various songs that embrace their history as well as highlighting the oppression that has been done to them and their ancestors. The Nyabinghi embrace tradition, especially in terms of song. The prayers and chants are all performed with traditional African instruments that embody their ancestral heritage. This is real roots, the traditions of the Nyabinghi created reggae, SIMPLE. In terms of understanding the present one must explore the past and I feel this traditional form shall be the most positive and intriguing area to pursue.

Further Insight