photos courtesy of Dawn Buchanan
When Kaitlyn Buchanan agreed to create the backdrops for Repertory Theatre’s production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” she had only a small idea of what she had gotten herself into.
It turned out to be a time commitment totaling one month in work, including after-school and Saturday morning hours; a rigorous process of design, critique, revision and repeat; and hours of architectural research to produce 14+ set pieces. It was also one of the best projects she had ever completed.
“Having artistic liberty and getting to do a whole new style of art fascinated me,” said Buchanan. “What I loved about it was that it was so new.”
Although she had previously received commissions before– a coloring book, a logo for her father’s website and a mascot for an organization– none compared to the scale of this undertaking. She built two storefront panels, six Minor Canon corner pieces, six stained glass windows and a cathedral. The artistic process was like nothing she had encountered before.
“First, I was given basic blueprints,” said Buchanan. “Then Mr. Allen walked me through what types of buildings– brick, Tudor and also storefront colors. I also researched building types. From there, I went layer by layer in Illustrator, first creating an outline, then choosing colors, then the textures.”
After this point came the newest– and hardest– step in the process: constructive criticism.
“I had to learn how to handle commissions and criticism,” said Buchanan. “I would finish and then show Mr. Allen and he would nitpick and have me do it again.”
In addition to following guidelines and heeding advice, Buchanan also enjoyed some creative license. Hidden in the names of stores on her two High Street panels are innuendos to her personal life.
“Merlin’s Emporium was named after my cat,” said Buchanan. “The Buck & Tice was named after my brother, whose nickname is Buckie, and my best friend, whose last name is Tice. McDuff’s was named after one of my friends, too.”
What made all the work worthwhile was the final product.
“Seeing it in the show with all of the lights and the cast, as well as hearing the crowd react to it was so rewarding,” said Buchanan. “At the matinee, which is mainly the families of the cast, I was in the audience. When they pulled out my sets for the first time, I heard people murmuring in the audience. A lot of people looked at it and said ‘wow.’”
Buchanan would like to share her biggest takeaway.
“A word to all artists: I you ever get a commission like this one, do not get annoyed about nit pickiness, because it’s what really makes your art great.”
