>>2.) What exactly is illustration and what makes it different from other
>>forms of art?
>
>Illustration is the communication of ideas through the creation of images;
>usually to meet someone elses needs, but that is not part of the definition.



to Britt's excellent answer to all these questions I will add only the
following follow-up on <what is illustration?>

which is more important?  the piece of paper (or whatever) or the original
object or concept that is being illustrated?

eg:  with scientific illustration you are clearly showing a specimen,
process, something like that.  All artistic decisions are subject to the
goals which are not primarily <art>.  If the illustration, as a finished
piece, has artistic merit, well that is the cool freebee, and I suppose,
after the illustrator dies : ) it may become <art>.


....jeez, Britt, school sounds so wonderful, I'm jealous of all you guys
that got to go....

-Clara

************


Clara R. Simpson
Zoology Dept. Illustrator
Field Museum
Chicago, IL  60605

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