For my Research Methodology project I wanted to research hedgehogs. I found them quite gentle creatures that feature often in children's stories as well as being one of the most recognisable woodland creatures in our British wildlife.
('The Fox and the Hedgehog' stop motion animation I created with Helena Sepehr)
Through thorough research I discovered that the hedgehog is declining quickly in population due to many environmental factors, including fatal attacks from predators.
(Created using Charcoal and Adobe Photoshop)
Hedgehogs are vulnerable animals that are only armored by their spines. I wanted to look into how hedgehogs are protected as well as how they are seen in children's story books . This lead me to look into fairy tales and how the Enchanted forest is a place where the vulnerable, innocent character gets lost and found again.
(Pastel drawing of my interpretation of the Brother's Grimm fairy tale, Hans My Hedgehog)
(Etching of a hedgehog and his Uncanny shadow)
I was inspired by the work of Tim Burton and Dave Mckean to create illustrations that narrate the Uncanny and fear that the hedgehog faces in a world where they are weak, and may perhaps be seen as an unusual creature alone in a frightening habitat.
(Final Piece created from acrylic paint print, clay sculpture, photography and Adobe Photoshop)
