The Fox of Farringdon Talks Illustrations & Shitting Glitter

As my vital organs slowly kick back to life from the Cannes excess, my inbox has been inundated with invitations toasting the highlights of the Festival, we have seen some amazing work. However, as I supped my porn star martini poolside, I must confess my thoughts did wander, if only fractionally, to some slightly more humble awards taking place back in Blighty. 

The Association of Illustrators, (and you can stop that side-eye), promotes exceptional talent and presents illustration as a major force in global visual culture - important in our tiresomely digital world. Yay for traditional artwork I say. So I feel it fitting to big up a piece of work which I personally feel deserves a mention; Winner of 2014 AOI Award for Advertising & Design, an illustration created by artist Andy Ward.

Now I am the first to admit hunger is my friend. Eating’s cheating and nothing tastes as good as skinny feels - however one of his series of four posters for mental health awareness spoke to the voices in my head. The winning illustration was commissioned by JWT New York on behalf of University of California on a subject which is often depicted with dark threatening imagery, and Andy's work makes a welcome change. 

Anorexia is a notoriously difficult topic to tackle (especially with confidence and sparkle), so it's nice to see a male artist hit the female perspective head on.  There's nothing wrong with a bit of pink girlie nostalgia to deliver a clear message. I found this piece of work powerful & poignant as it transported me to a place when I was young and innocent (no comment required).  Just because it's pink doesn't mean it's not got substance.  

In a world where us women are pressured to be thinner, harder, faster, more, we don't have to lose sight of what we love, and if you are partial to a bit of girliness -  hold strong and keep the dream alive.   I grew up with My Little Ponty & Barbie but I can honestly say I have bigger balls than many of the men I know. Ladies, don’t be afraid to jazz. Wear rainbows, kiss Carebears and shit glitter. God damn it, I do.

Credits

Words Brothers and Sisters 

Illustration:  Judith van de Hoek

http://www.illustrationweb.com/artists/JudithVanDenHoek/view