Gaelic Research- Julie Fowlis

Design is not the narrow application of formal skills, it is a way of thinking.

— Chris Pullman

The performance for November by the Cultural Programs is Julie Fowlis on November 6^th in the Fine Arts Concert Hall at 7:30 pm. Here is once again the Cultural Programs page.

As with previous postcards, I have been doing research on Fowlis by listening to her music and looking up videos and articles for further information. First I would like to say that I am incredibly excited for this one! She has the most amazing voice, and although her music is in a Gaelic language that basically no one can understand (besides 1% of Scotts), it is incredibly powerful and so beautiful. Her music is soothing, folky, upbeat, and just plain wonderful! Along with singing, Fowlis can also play a variety of instruments including the bagpipes, flute, oboe, accordion, and more. Now for a couple links: Here is a great short film about her, here is an example of her amazing traditional songs, and here is an awesome cover of Blackbird (love, love, love!). Now, on to the Brief!

Target Audience: I feel that this performance has the ability to attract a very wide audience. Those who enjoy folky, traditional music, those who enjoy upbeat music, and those who enjoy more calming slow music, so basically almost everyone. I feel that this performance may also attract a large student population and younger audience because of the artist’s age and her particular music.

Adjectives: pure, soothing, folky, natural/organic, upbeat, dancy (yeah not sure if that’s a word…)

Colors: I definitely want to keep this one very organic and natural, with deep greens, browns, and possibly blues (the short film made me really think of the ocean and fields while listening to her music)

Images: the image sent to me is absolutely beautiful, and has a very organic airy feel to it, which fits perfectly with my concept. I am also playing with the idea to add some texture such as burlap or other fabrics to introduce the folk-traditional aspect of her music. I also really want to add some hand drawn typography.

Here are a couple of inspirational posters and images:

I like her signature on the second as far as hand type goes.