Having visited Jacob’s Antique Centre in Cardiff for some observational research to feed and inspire my developing visual narrative. I came across a bookshelf with lots of old children’s books. I was interested in this historical approach of the kind of visual work that was employed for this audience. I regret not buying one now and I must go back and get one because it would be such a great reference to use for my own book making. They hold a beautiful and classic nature that’s really friendly and inviting with the simple word and image layouts that is often used.
My research into Björn Berg has led me to find a collection of his images, clients and approach. I have learnt how Berg too uses real experiences to gain a deeper understanding and connection to the context of his visual creations.
This image is particularly a great illustration. The image has a depth and the room has a personality that suggests humble and comfortable living. I love how everything is sort of not sitting straight. I can see the objects have their own body language and movement as if they have been individual appreciated, explored and handled with. I also commend how Berg has made the characters open to the view of the audience. Despite the positioning of the desk, the man seated is angled openly to the audience sight and facing the people entering the room using the positioning of the chair and body arrangement. Whereas a back to the audience and simple head turn may have been more expected, Berg outsmarts this problem of view.
Ellen Rees University Blog 