Alexis Bowden
Illustrations that convey heart and story, alongside theatrical costume designs telling a tale in dazzling colour.
About
Having grown up on comics like The Beano and The Dandy, as well as 70s and 80s TV shows, I have developed a fascination for characters with the capacity for sensitivity and levity. This manifested as a child with a mission to throw together miscellaneous garb I found around the house until the perfect look was formed for my imagined characters. As I grew older, this transformed into illustrated work in the form of comics and character design.
Imbuing my work with feeling and intention has always been important for me personally, as that is what truly conveys thrilling narratives. As a reader or viewer you want to feel moved by what you're seeing, you want to be immersed in the world displayed before you, so close focus on expressions and body language has been vital in my work. For costume design, displaying the characters' story and personality is done epically by use of colour and shape. In addition, nods to the context in which they originate are shown in subtle details like in the cut of certain garments.
The Three Animal Kings Costume Designs
When designing costumes I like to focus on character and context. In this instance, my route inspiration was the Venetian carnival, so the base structure of the clothes have references to Commedia Dell'Arte. Given their unique circumstances of being cursed with animal heads, I was able to infuse their designs with elemental features as well as nods to their character, particularly with how they deal with their unsuccessful experiences with love. For example, The Kings' colour palettes all are quite dark and blue toned, conveying an unnatural state of being.
V&A Puffin Postcard
Part of a postcard collection which commemorates the repeal of the 1746 Highland Dress Proscription. The original Act sought to suppress the highland clans by stripping away their sense of identity by having any wearing or displaying of tartan fabric banned. The repeal reinstated this right to wear and display tartan, and thus is cause for celebration!