A visual companion to SOTT glossary/concepts project

[Tigersoap]

I wanted to try to visualize in a graphical way some concepts that are in the sott glossary ( or discussed in the forum) as an exercise, to try something radically different from my usual line of work.
I tried to create something that would feel vintage in its aspect and at the same time a bit modern.

I don't pretend to have done something "objective" or esoterically correct but to let things come as naturally as possible while keeping in mind the subject.
I am far from really understanding these matters in an objective way anyway.
I started well, full of enthusiasm (in my humble opinion :D)but the law of octaves started to enter into the picture and the momentum was lost, doubts crept in, the ideas were starting to feel like sludge and now I am wondering if I should pursue this exercise or not.
I thought that if I had enough illustrations, I could make a vis-a-vis page with a few words of explanation in the same style
and create a PDF magazine.

What do people think ? ;)

I let you click on the thumbnails below (NOTE : Please be patient The images take a while to load for me despite being small in size) :











Thanks.

 

[Erna]

[quote author=Tigersoap]
What do people think?
[/quote]

As someone who think visually, and who usually takes information down in pictures (with regard to the Work as well), my subjective opinion as someone who is also far from understanding these matters, is that I would really like the black hole one on an A0 size canvas in my house (without the wording) :) As a series they would also attract a lot of curiosity from passers by I think. They remind me a little of Da Vinci's engineering sketches.

Without going into a discussion with regard to Work related concepts, I find it interesting how differently I would have conveyed these same concepts visually. ;)

 

[nemo]

I tried to create something that would feel vintage in its aspect and at the same time a bit modern.

Diagrams are usually quite boring graphics (from an asthetic nonscientific pov).
You really did a very good design job here!! I`d say you achieved your above mentioned goal. The graphics are low key and very asthetic.
In case you plan to create more similiar work, may I suggest the works of Chris Ware. He`s the only comic-artist I know who`s a very good designer as well.
You might find his very graphic approach to diagrams inspiring.
Well done!

PS: Don`t misunderstand me: Based on your pics, you seem inspired enough ... i really really like them!!
Then again, some add. inspiration certainly can`t hurt ;)

 

[RedFox]

Hi TC
Just wanted to say that I really like these! I especially like the style.

Some passing thoughts that may help you get some enthusiasm back, perhaps try a few drafts of each one? Also, did you notice the striking resemblance to crop circles? :)
Maybe the main reason you lost your enthusiasm was because you where not totally clear in your goal (as clear as you can be with art)?

Either way, I really do like these! :)

 

[Smallwood]

Easy to read, aesthetic, a good idea and I always love diagrams as they make it easier for visual-learners. I especially liked "the magnetic center" and the "STS/STO" pictures.

In short, I think they are a good idea to implement with Cassiopedia. They could perhaps be more informative in and of themselves, but that can come with more time. Maybe you can collaborate with someone who has further ideas on what the diagrams should convey.

 

[Tigersoap]

Thanks everyone,

I don't know but in my head it seemed to be fitting to express such concepts as some form of old sketches, reminding of ancient diagrams, a simpler form of communication without removing the complexity, it flowed easily when I started the project but it became harder after a while.
Especially as I am not sure they convey things correctly, this seemed pointless without them being corrected osit.

Like I said, these are an experiment because this is the first time I work in this kind of style.

In case you plan to create more similiar work, may I suggest the works of Chris Ware. He`s the only comic-artist I know who`s a very good designer as well.

I have Jimmy Corrigan at home and it is really great visually but if I read this comic it depresses me a lot :D

 

[nemo]

Especially as I am not sure they convey things correctly, this seemed pointless without them being corrected osit.

Why don`t you hook up with a forum member, who`s understanding is deeper in this matters.
I think it would be a shame if you would discontinue your "experiments".

 

[Johnno]

Well they are aesthetically pleasing, I'm not sure about the accuracy though.

I wouldn't see STS as a circle for example, more a broad base heading towards a point as the top dog "wins" in the end, ending up in some sort of nothingness. STO in it's opposite form leads from a point to a broader grouping. The Yin/Yang symbol sort of illustrates this.

IMHO the fourth way type diagrams should be based on Mouravieff, Gurdjieff & Ouspensky diagrams handed down over time. For example there is no larger gap present where an interval should be between three and four on the densities diagram. The "magnetc centre" diagram for me seems to be more one of the "false personality" lots of outside influences creating a solid core.

Love the concept though, they are a wonderful start.

 

[Tigersoap]

Why don`t you hook up with a forum member, who`s understanding is deeper in this matters.
I think it would be a shame if you would discontinue your "experiments".

Thanks Nemo,
I thought by posting them, maybe someone would explain concepts better than I did.

Well they are aesthetically pleasing, I'm not sure about the accuracy though.
I wouldn't see STS as a circle for example, more a broad base heading towards a point as the top dog "wins" in the end, ending up in some sort of nothingness. STO in it's opposite form leads from a point to a broader grouping. The Yin/Yang symbol sort of illustrates this.
IMHO the fourth way type diagrams should be based on Mouravieff, Gurdjieff & Ouspensky diagrams handed down over time. For example there is no larger gap present where an interval should be between three and four on the densities diagram. The "magnetc centre" diagram for me seems to be more one of the "false personality" lots of outside influences creating a solid core.

Thanks Johnno,

I see what you mean, I thought it could be possible to convey correct concepts without relying on "copying" already existing ones but by trying to get inspired by them instead.
Of course, not understanding these concepts pretty clearly leads to innacuracy in the end.
Back to the drawing board I guess.

 

[webglider]

I started well, full of enthusiasm (in my humble opinion )but the law of octaves started to enter into the picture and the momentum was lost, doubts crept in, the ideas were starting to feel like sludge and now I am wondering if I should pursue this exercise or not.

I appreciated the work that you did, and would like to see more.

Perhaps you could explore The Law Of Octaves as a means of working your way through the loss of momentum. Even though there are diagrams of this Law, it may be of use to use your own visual vocabulary.

The one good thing about understanding The Law Of Seven is that it is not personal. The loss of momentum is not a failing on your part. It's something that happens to everyone and everything.

As I understand it, it's part of The General Law.

Anyway, From my little corner of the world, I'm cheering for you to continue if you want to. All the best.

 

[spyraal]

Hello Tigersoap,

I really like your visual style in these pictures, as they look very cohesive in terms of aesthetics, and your chosen style looks very fitting for esoteric work and terms. ;)

I would also agree with Johnno on his remarks, as creating a visual representation or symbol for something is close to providing a visual definition of it, and thus every graphic element used becomes like a word which has to be carefully counted, picked and put in place so as to keep a strong signal and a clear message. Apart from that, in my own opinion, you are on a really good and above all interesting road! It is not an easy task you have undertaken, but practicing "swimming in deep waters" is more fun and potentially more rewarding in some cases! So keep up and thanks for sharing your images with us.

Cheers,
:)

 

[anart]

I agree, Tigersoap, I really like the style. A bit of tweaking on the content and they will be brilliant - perhaps they will evolve (and then I'll need to know how much you charge for prints!) :)

 

[Approaching Infinity]

I want to say they're beautiful, too. Please keep them coming, Tigersoap!

 

[Gawan]

I can only add Tigersoap, I really like them.
The simplistic style fits very well.

 

[Tigersoap]

Thanks again everybody.

I agree, Tigersoap, I really like the style. A bit of tweaking on the content and they will be brilliant - perhaps they will evolve (and then I'll need to know how much you charge for prints!) :)

I had in mind to set-up a print account where people could purchase them if interested (various prices/various sizes).
I did not plan to get anything monetary speaking from them, it would go to SOTT directly (if allowed of course.).
I don't think it would amount to a lot but that's already something.

Thus said, I think I'll keep working on them.
I'll give up trying to make them 100% esoterically correct as I am not able to do it (yet :D) but if anyone has suggestions, let me know.