An Exhibition
by Christina Ullman

Refraction, by definition, implies a split—to go in different directions. This was an appropriate term to define this exhibition which features illustrations that originate from both sides of the brain—the creative and conceptual, balanced with the technical and scientific. Regardless of the subject matter, illustration involves shedding light on a subject, a concept, or a storyline in order to bring it to life with shape, line, and color. These are universal characteristics of art that can be applied in fantastical fashion in childrens book illustration and poster design, yet must be reigned in—controlled and precise—in informational graphics.

The work in this exhibition features two varied directions my career as a graphic designer and an illustrator has taken thus far. On one side, I find inspiration from scientific and medical advances to visualize techniques and treatments. On the other side, I look to masters such as Salvador Dali, Réne Magritte, and Max Ernst as well as contemporary illustrators such as Mariko Ando, Michael Waraksa, and Neal Williams.

Both types of illustration serve the same purposes: To visualize the intangible; to bring text to life. The ongoing challenge of visualizing cells or book characters is what has constantly fueled my creative passion throughout my illustrated journey.

Christina Ullman is creative director and principal of Ullman Design in Marietta, Ohio. For more information, visit: www.ullmandesign.com