87 Mr O; searching for refuge
This is a special portrait by special request; there is a remarkable story unfolding over at the blog Love Versus Goliath, and this image shows the main character of that story in front of the actual fence that he was detained behind in Australia while fighting for asylum.
This is a concept drawing for a potential book cover; head over to
This is concept art for the cover of Love versus Goliath. Please visit the artist, Scott, to see more of his work. I was going to save this for article 500 but I couldn't wait! Does this speak to you? What does it say?
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WoW! Nice job from Artboy. I love this.
Thanks – as you can see, there were varying impressions, all valid and important. I can’t wait to see the finished artwork and hopefully we will get to that point in the not to distant future. I’ve got myself to Qatar in the timeline of the memoir, so I’ve only got a few eventful months to finish. Then start draft two and fleshing out some parts with more of John’s and the children’s experiences along the way.
Hi team, This seems an incomplete picture concept. An uninformed viewer will interpret this picture on first impreshions without yet knowing what the story is about. I see.. a Powerfull black man standing in front of a prison. My first impression is thug, gang, and crime. The black in white packs a punch. You want it to represent the startk harshness which he had to endure and a hard issue which has yet to be dealt with in a humane way. But there are no visual cues to direct the brain to this concept.
I know his eyes show endurace and suffering but thats ONLY because I know his back story and I see his humanity through your blog. But if I didnt know those things, if I was just average joe in a bookstore seeing this first time. I would see nothing but challenge and would be offended. (Hope that makes sence)
May I suggest adding a visual cue, perhaps in the form of a white dove holding his nations flag in its beak. Or even perhaps some sort of representation of his young ones (His father instincs) You know something to identify this as a nobel fighter. As it stands I see only a fighter. You may even add color to the man but keep the prison in black and white.
Also I may suggest looking at photos of other leaders of freedom such as martin luther king to see how the photagraphers where able to produce a message that reached to the hearts of the people. It needs to stir emotions to get a readers heart interested. wow, its a long comment. I hope my viewpoint is helpfull. a great big CONGRATS on the books coming out!
Yes, it makes sense. I love Scott’s work, but you and Nancy both see the work in a similar way and we must take that on board as you will not be the only ones.
I know Scott will be reading and I am sure he will think about how the final work will take into account the comments.
I know that for those who know the background the image is perceived through the lens of that knowledge. Scott drew with that knowledge also.
On a bookshelf in Borders the reaction would be different.
Thank you very much for sharing your impression so well. Good to see you around again!
The book is a little way off yet, slightly delayed on medical grounds at the moment, although work continues, just slower than I would like. Today, for example, has been a wipeout. I did read today where stress is considered to be a cause by some researchers. Hard to prove though. I have gone off topic! Sorry.
Thank you so much!
Well put and duly noted!
Scott, it is a good thing when art generates discussion.
Hey Team O, The eyes convey a beautiful combination of sadness and hope. He looks like a detainee rather than a criminal as his expression lacks the hardened criminality aspect. Mr O has a likeable face, a softness that makes a reader want to find out his story. A splash of colour somewhere as a symbol of hope or new life could be an interesting addition.
This artist is truly talented. He not only skilfully rendered an accurate likeness but subtly captured a deep emotional quality.
Thank you Mel. Such a different impression for you than for Nancy. That is why publishing the concept is such a worthwhile exercise. I know I have open and honest followers who will give their honest opinion, which is so important.
Because this wonderful man is my husband it is hard for me to “judge” the artwork from a marketing perspective, so the thoughts of people like you and Nancy are very importnat, even when totally opposite.
Yes, Scott is very talented. Have a look at THIS piece he did when he wasn’t dashing off 100 drawings in 20 weeks http://artboy68project.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/jessicas-christening.jpg.
Then there is our very own Elizabeth: http://artboy68project.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/elizabeth-obih-frank-edit.jpg
Hey Team O… It looks like a black and white photograph not a drawing…. this guy needs his own art show or a wall in the art gallery!
I know – I had to read his text before I knew it was a drawing!
You can see why the above is a concept drawing when you look at his detailed work!
If I saw this “cover” . . . I would think “criminal” and I wouldn’t pick up the book.
What about a VIBRANT and colorful photo of the family, reunited? Something designed to attract the casual passerby?
Thank you for the feedback, Nancy, that is a very important perspective. That is something we will have to take into consideration, as that is certainly not the image we want to project.
I can see how you could see that though.
Thank you very much for your honest appraisal and feedback.
I do think this would be a powerful portrait to include IN the book (if it’s illustrated).
It will be illustrated. Selecting the images is something I’m hoping the editors may be better at than I. I have included photos so far, but editors may have a different perspective on what should or should not be included. For example, the image here is very graphic and I don’t know who has the copyright. http://teamoyeniyi.com/2011/01/13/been-silenced/
Powerful portrait. The eyes tell a story of hope deferred. Great that it is now hope realised.
Thank you. I like what you see. Powerful is a word that appears in comments on Scott’s site too, so it seems to be the overriding impact coming through.
Reblogged this on dayledann.