Text Project

1.  In what specific ways did the employment of "text" engage you as an artist?  

• What was difficult or challenging?  

The most difficult aspect of the project for me was grappling with the immediate power of added text. So much so, that at the time of this writing I have not yet decided on the wording. This aspect, the immediate attention that text grabs, was exponentially more challenging than the formal aspects of the piece, which I have begun to come to grips with. Although challenging, the color, composition, character work, and other aspects of the piece were relatively clear. 

• What formal, technical and/or conceptual insights did you gain through this practice?

This piece was a continuation of my exploration of using art as a narrative device. The concept was something quite different, and it was a bit of a risk, but I think I got my theme across, the inability to let go and move on, and sort of surprise the viewer in the process. 

2.  Where do you see your authentic artistic voice in this work?  

• What did you learn about yourself as an artist through this project?  

I learned that I enjoy concept design much more than the minutia of details. My ability to focus on many more panels this time around was much more enjoyable than focusing on tiny rock textures and the like. I also continue to love telling stories through my work, and might gravitate towards this as a larger project in the future. 

• Speak specifically to aspects of concept, technique, formal analysis and/or expression.

I think I was able to stretch myself in interesting ways for this project. The human figures were even more cartoony and representative than the ones before. I also really enjoyed the quick workflow of photo collage to easily make a background. 

Mapping Project

Conceptual Intentions 

What did you find meaningful about the process and practice of this project?  How did you address the notion of mapping?  Where does your voice and style as an artist emerge in this project?  If you did not find the practice and process meaningful or you do not feel that your voice emerged in this work, why not?

I think of the map as an extremely powerful narrative too, because it contians so much in its very design. Thus, I tried to exploit the idea of being off the map, and the subversion of this material tool in favor of the path. I hoped to capture the emotion of this moment in the central panel. My style, which by now I realize is very graphic and simplified, was epitimized in this project, and I also hoped to tell a narrative - exploring the unknown. 

Stretch and Explore

In what ways did your intentions change over the course of your project? What opportunities or occurrences led to these changes? Given what you know now about your work and your materials choices, how might you have changed your concept or approach to working?

I had a pretty clear vision about this project from the very beginning. The sketch I made on the first day was identical to the final version. But the use of photoshop allowed for me to explore details - such as the fungus creeping away in the final panel (the forest looks scary, but when you jump in, it becomes less so). I decided to go with a wider shot for the last panel as well, as it tied the piece together more. The addition of vines and trees in the backround give a real sense of depth as well. Because I'm not that experienced with photoshop, I would have liked to be more efficient, but that just comes with practice, especially in terms of intelligently creating layers. 

Understanding the Art World

Who influenced your process for this project? Who are the artists you looked at? How did their work inspire your conceptual intentions and/or process?

Jeff Smith, the creator of Bone, is one of my favorite artists. He actually uses ink for his panels, but for coloring, he does something similar, using photoshop to color the work. I tried to emulate his focus on narrative over any distractions like weird lines, colors etc. 

Reflect

What did you the experience of the critique provide you? What insights were helpful to you in future process? What insights were you able to provide your peers in their process?

The critique was very eye-opening, as well as affirmative for me. Most of the criticism was along the lines of "I want to see what happens next", "is the character a guy or a girl", or "what is in that darkness?" Although these might seem like negative responses, this was exactly what I was going for. I really wanted for this to be the spark that could ignite a story in many different ways. 

Map project midway reflection

The screenshot function on my computer doesn't work, and I don't want to upload a huge file, but I would be happy to show it to you on Monday.

Violet gave me some really helpful suggestions about composition and color balance. She suggested I push some of the greens and reds into the central frame, which I agree with. It would also be an interesting way to show reflection. She liked the direction that I was taking it though, and I like it so far as well. I'm going to work on it as much as possible outside of class - if not this weekend then next. Anyway - her main comments were about the aforementioned color and the composition of the second frame in terms of color gradient.

Intentions

 my intentions...


For the unexplored territories project, I want to explore storytelling through my art. Represent the feeling of an unexplored land through maybe the medium of a graphic series. I also want to continue where I left off last year using digital materials. What I am envisioning right now is a two panel black and white series that I will comp in photoshop.

Final Blog Reflection

Please post a quality image documenting your final image.  

You may also include any impactful process imagery. 

Guiding Prompts for reflection:

1.  Discuss your intentions:  How did you approach the guiding theme of "repetition"?  How did you come to this final image, and what does it ultimately represent to you?  Link your overarching ideas and intentions to specific aesthetic and formal decisions (medium, composition, style, etc)

I hoped to use repetition in my project by having the same characters with different expressions - showing the change that an emotional expression can have on that persons appearance. The medium I used - photoshop - allowed for me to easily and accurate repeat my characters whilst changing the emotional qualities. This image for me represents the similarities of human expression for even the most dissimilar people. 

2.  Reflect on your feedback.  What did viewers observe most in your work?  Assuming that these observations represent what is most successfully communicated by your work, how successful were you in communicating your intentions to your viewer?

People mainly liked the style of painting and new medium I used, and mostly had problems with the presentation. I think people clearly saw what I was trying to express through the emotions. Thus, my intentions were successful. 

 What did you find most interesting about the conversation generated around your work?  

The conversation around using the more non-emotive parts of people to represent emotion came up, and I thought that was really interesting, for example using the hair to portray emotion, etc. 

What opportunities for further development of the artwork were discussed?  How do you respond to these bits of critical analysis?

People maybe thought they should be presented together, but separated by character. In addition, for presentation, I think it would be helpful for it to be printed as well. 

3.  Reflect on your strengths and opportunities as an artist (as represented by your work on this project.)  Which studio habits are strengths in your practice? What tendencies define your artistic practice (formal, expressive, conceptual, etc)?  In what areas were you focused upon stretching and exploring in order to grow your artistic potential?  

This project was really fun for me as well as challenging, as it was a new medium. My ability to conceptualize was most useful for me. For example, I had no reference whatsoever in creating these images, in both character design and emotions. This was a new thing for me. In addition, I've always wanted to pursue character and concept design and it was great to explore that. 

4.  Understand your art world (relative the your class).  What work discussed resonated with you most?  Why?  What is available in that thinking, process, or aesthetic for you to bring into your artistic practice?

If we are talking about other people's work, I thought Logan's was really interesting, and I liked the graphic element to it. I could definitely use her sense of presentation in my work, as well as her ability to design something graphically that is really intriguing. 

Printmaking Final reflection

• describe your “creative decision making” process for this project.  What led you from initial insight to final product?  Consider both intuitive and formal decisions.

As per usual, I really wanted something that portrayed the subject realistically, but also stylistically and emotionally in order to explore the power of representation. When taking photos, I tried to capture a different emotion in each, and when choosing, picked those photos that felt the most authentic and interesting. Stylistically, I chose to go with flowing lines, almost as if the final work was painted with large strokes. The final product was simply the meeting of the emotion portrayed in the initial photo, along with the style and realism I so often rely on. 

• Consider the final image; to what degree does it represent an “authentic” representations of you artistically? 

The self portrait is quite authentic towards who I am. In addition to recognizably being me, I think the sly smile and bright eyes are true to my persona. Limited by the inaccuracy of the medium, I was often forced to hint at certain details I would have liked to more fully express, however the final piece represents my intentions relatively well. 

• Consider the feedback received.  To what degree does that support your intentions?  What themes stand out?  Anything alarming?

Nothing alarming, and mostly positive things. People pointed out accuracy, attention to detail, contrast, and the pop of the blue (although I can't find the blue piece). My intentions being to add emotions but keep realism were affirmed by these positive observations. Many people, which is totally fine, thought it looked like I was a trickster or scheming about something.

Print Post

Upload images of your preliminary work.

Discuss your intentions for your final self-portrait.  What technical methods will you employ?  

Im using relief printing. This is because the relief printing adds a layer of simplicity and contrast to the print - something I hope to utilize. 

What themes/ideas/intentions do you intend to communicate?  

I sort of wanted to create a brooding but mischievous image, with my raised eyebrow, glint in my eye, and smirk. Also half my face is in darkness, which adds an air of mischief. 

What artists, historic periods, or other inspirational imagery have you found to help inspire your work?

Not any besides the pictures of myself. I hope that the final piece is really a product of my imagination. 

What questions, if any, remain for you as you resolve your imagery for this project?

Not many. I think I have the image figured out in terms of style, intention, and formal qualities, now I just have to put in the work to finish it!