Memoirs of a Geisha - Orihon picture book

asian art black and white fanart fine art geisha inktober Love sketch ukiyo-e woodblock print

Memoirs of a Geisha

Graduate project • Autumn 2020 • Adaptation from Arthur Golden's original novel

Brush inking on paper - coloring with Photoshop

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This is an orihon illustrated book, using Chinese ink and Kolinsky brush to re-create the mysterious beauty of Geisha world.
Geisha word is made up of two words Gei (art) and Sha (Human), if art is a large lake, I believe that Geisha is the hidden waves of that lake, but between Gei and Sha, we only remember them through elemental arts but forget they are human beings with aspirations as well.
The above hypothesis is the reason why this story keeps haunting me for years. I think, everything in this universe is connected-converged, and us - creator is fighting everyday to balance those “Gei" and “Sha".

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This project - Memoirs of a Geisha orihon illustrated book - has helped me winning the Domestika Scholarships 2021.

Part I

Part II

Publication Form

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The content of the work is the reminiscence of a journey, I immediately visualize the memories that stretch after each other, and because I was facinated by Woodblock printing Orihon books about Samurai battles on the sea, that's why my publication form is an Orihon picture book.

Storyboard

Colored Pieces

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After finishing the project, I feel it'd be wonderful and complete if I put colors into my drawings. This coloring technique is inspired by the Japanese woodblock printing process - layer by layer planted on top of each other to create the final look. How do you feel about these colorful pieces?

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Production

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The implementation of the form of continuous paintings caused me a lot of difficulties, no printing house accepted to execute my project, I had to do it all manually with the help of Quynh - My friend, can't thank her enough for her support!

It's hard and time comsuming process, but I know, the experience is the most precious thing I have and I'm happy with my decision.

Process

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I choose to present my work with water-resistant ink and the fluidity of the Kolinsky brush. The drawings are shown with 80% of variation of line thickness and almost minimal color because I want to focus on the value. This is a new experience, a real challenge. Since this is my project, why not?

Showcase

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I'm lucky enough to have my project chosen to showcase in Mpoint exhibition 2020.

Sincerely thanks to

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My Family, anh Triet, my Friends, my Mentor Mrs Thai My Phuong for the great supports and guiding me through tough months of the making of this graduate project.