While working on this piece, I learned how to use charcoal and mixed media. I had used charcoal in the past, but it was not my favorite media to work with. I struggled a bit with this media and how I applied it to my art. My piece began with a simple rough outline, and as I continued to draw and add to my piece, I knew that one of my measurements was off, thus altering my piece from what I wished it to look like. I mis-drew my chin outline, which altered the balance of my features. The highlights and contrasts were marginally easier to me to do, although still difficult, because shading and coloring was something I had practiced across different medias, and within charcoal as well. Juan Osbourne and Jamie Poole were two artists we had studied before beginning the self portraits. Their use of words to define their images sponsored my own use of words to describe myself. I used black charcoal to write positivist adjectives regarding myself on my skin to show that they were permanent and they described me. I used white charcoal to show negative characteristics about myself into the background to show that I was better than those words and that they did not define who I was.
For this project, I worked on multiple techniques. Photographing the scene was easy, because the background didn't matter seeing as how I would remove it anyways. Furthermore, all I had to worry about was correct lighting. I did struggle while working with Photoshop, however. It was my first time learning how to use the program, and as a result, I had to ask for help multiple times from my peers, as well as look up many small details. I drew inspiration from the artist Jerico Santander, specifically his piece titled, "Own World". The complexity and deep messages inspired me to begin my own Photoshop project which also held messages. My piece began simply as a photo, which was then turned black and white. After, I changed the background to white, and added multiple layers so I could have three images of my models. I then moved the models so one was on each side of the middle. I then fragmented the background and removed any parts visible from the middle of each model. If I were to redo this project, I would add some more compositional elements to make it more complex and intriguing. Some other ideas would be blurring the outside edge on each of my models, or adding lines to add direction to a focal point. This piece was the start of my common theme of unity and central harmony. The bondage and strength of individuals can be shown by the support of the hand holding, in which the center (or the togetherness) is un-fragmented, whilst the outside is, thus showing that strength can be achieved through support.
This was the first time I had tried print making. From the carve of the linoleum square to the final peel of the paper I had just printed, this was a foreign process. I found a lot of enjoyment with the carving process, and found it relatively easy. I did however struggle with curves while carving. I found that part rather difficult. I drew inspiration from the piece "Chocolate Argus Winged Woman" by Deborah Klein. Her use of combining simple elements like the outline of a woman's head, combined with the intricacies of a butterfly's wing was stunning. The contrast of simplicity and intricacy presented an element of beauty through her achievement of value by layering lines. My piece stated as multiple sketches of things I found comfort in: a fireplace, an armchair, tea, a book, and many more simple ideas. Over time, I combined some of the sketches into a rough draft of my finished product. I then transferred it to the linoleum square with careful measurements and calculations and used different thickness sharpies to make notes for myself on what I would carve and to the depth and pattern. Finally, the tediously lengthy time of carving began, before I made the actual print. If I were to re-do this project, I would make two changes. First, I would create a more intricate pattern for the background so I could use other elements outside of rule of thirds, value, and lines such as contrast of patterns. Secondly, I would plan for the project to take more time. I underestimated the length of time this project took to accomplish and I would plan for that change in the future. This piece focused on several small elements in which I find comfort. My theme of unity and central harmony can be expressed simply through the elements of comfort that layer my piece. It is meant to show inner harmony and relaxation, something I struggle with. By expressing this message, I created a clear and direct connection to my previous piece through the theme.
I have always enjoyed photography, and found it easy to pick up. The only technique I struggled with was establishing a good balance of fore, middle, and background. This was easily solved by a simple cropping of the image to create a more balanced landscape that fit the rule of thirds. Photography is a form of art many of my friends have been invested in, and so I have been surrounded by dozens of artists and their landscape pieces. I found a lot of inspiration by one professional photo of a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. The name of the artist is unknown to me, but that piece has always stood out to me as a beautiful moment captured. The photo itself needed very few alterations. I removed a small portion of sky so the landscape fit the rule of thirds. I also increased the vibrancy and color each by minute figures, resulting in an image very similar to the original. I made my last two edits as an effort to create more focus on the focal point of the small tree, and a larger increase in contrast between the green of the shrubbery and the orange-ish red of the soil against the valued blue of the sky. The next time I will use photography, I will try to experiment with the focus of the camera, to create elements in focus and out of focus. Experimentation with different styles of photography is an interest to me, and I hope to continue to expand that interest. Hiking and nature has always been not only an adventure, but a relaxing source to release stress from my busy life. My piece is about finding inner self peace and harmony within the untouched nature. This has a direct relation to the theme of my other three artworks: unity and central harmony.
Throughout my process with Photoshop, I had to relearn the basic elements that I used last time for my previous project. In addition, I also tried to learn other methods such as the paintbrush tool, and the gradient tool. I struggled a little with the different layers as I discovered I had a tenancy to do every thing on one layer instead of spacing them out to more easily rectify mistakes. I did not draw my inspiration from other artist, but rather came up with the idea alone. Throughout my process I allowed my peers in my art class and fellow student artists to help mold and expand upon my previous vision. I wished my meaning to be derived from both the possibility of mental and physical abuse. Although I have never been on the receiving end of physical abuse, the idea of bullying or other painful mental messages bring me much sadness and I wished for my piece to bring awareness to the lack of visibility for these harms. The fundamental elements of my piece remained consistent over the course of the project; such as the red hands and the partial nudity and head position. I changed hand positioning and the color of the piece. I originally intended for the piece to be black and white with only the hands as red, however I changed to the gradient to add to the effect I wished to bring to my piece: hurt isn't always visible. Were I to do something over, I would like to have explored more with layers as to familiarize myself more with more Photoshop tools. It would be valuable exploration for further projects I may begin. This piece takes on a slightly darker connection to my theme of unity and central harmony; specifically the connection to central harmony. By expressing the message of mental harm and unseen hurt, I am voicing the thought that to have that central harmony, one must love themselves and see past the harm inflicted by others. I want my theme to be expressed from multiple perspectives, both positive and a work in progress.
The techniques I mainly utilized happened from the actual process of creating the mosaic. The grouting process of the tiles onto the wooden panel was difficult because i had many smaller pieces. Thus I had to find a way to save my mosaic as I turned it over, to grout the panel and then press to the upside down mosaic. I used a sticky tape substance to do so. In addition, oddly enough, my inspiration came from a calendar. My original design was a blue mosaic to represent the ocean and beach. However, upon realizing I had a shortage of materials (blue stained glass), I switched to the mountains, which to me were just as symbolic, or even more so, to my theme. I tried to have the direction flow from bottom to top in terms of color so that the composition was a balanced use of space and harmony as well as show what I wished for it to. If I were to do part of my piece over, I would chose a grout of a lighter color as well as fix some of the areas in my mosaic where there were mistakes or holes. I would do this to complete the flow and harmony of my piece. The mountains represent a place of home and comfort, thus showing a common thread within art as it represents my feelings of comfort and central harmony.
I struggled with being able to capture and manipulate light in the dark space I was taking these photos. I was disappointed that the space itself was not more bright with natural light, but I was happy to be able to capture and create highlights through the small segments of natural lights. I then was able to make edits to the photo to manipulate the light and accentuate the natural highlights. I drew inspiration from the many sports photographers I have come across in my athletic career as a triathlete. I have always been impressed with the ability to capture water droplets in the air and swimmers in motion. I wished to create the same. My piece's evolution had a lot to do with the simple composition, and positioning of my models to fill up space and have direction, so my piece could have balance. I also played with highlights, gradation, and color so my piece could have a good composition and contrast. If I were to do this over, I would have taken more photos in different positioning so I could have a greater variety and selection as well as a longer series. Unfortunately due to a faulty pool heater, this was unable to happen. Personally, as a swimmer myself, I have a deep connection to swimming. Swimming helps me to manage my mental health issues and maintain my center of harmony and reduce stress. Thus, it connects to my other works by including the personal tie to what brings the feeling of central harmony.
I have never been particularly adept at drawing still lives or self portraits, however, for this project I spent a lot of time working on having accurate proportions and measurements. I also used a compass to make accurate circles for the wheels. The smaller, finer details such as the chain, derailleur, and spokes took time to make as accurate and realistic as possible. I drew inspiration from the Cycling Magazine when they featured a Colnago, the brand of my own bike. The photograph made me think of the idea to use a bike as a still life, which I then proceeded to do. My piece did not have very much evolution since I was drawing straight from an image. My first step was to do proportion calculations so it would be balanced, and realistic in build. My next step was to outline the frame and smaller detailed elements, before I began to shade. I also decided not to include a background for the reason of missing parts of the spokes and drawing attention away from the smaller more intricate details of the piece itself. Were I to draw this again, I would not change much. I enjoyed using graphite as my tool of drawing and shading. Next time perhaps, I could use colored pencils, however, because my bike is black, I do not think this to be a valid idea for change that would be particularly beneficial. Personally, I do three sports: swimming, cycling, and running. These are the three sports of a triathlon. Each of these sports, whether individual or connected, presents me with an escape from my anxieties and sources of stress, resulting in my feeling of central harmony.