Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Process, Texture & Self Reflection

My busy life has not allowed for much time to share what I've been up to via this platform. Now that the summer schedule has begun I'm hoping to get back to typing out my artful thoughts on random topics and the beauty I find in everyday happenings.

This last semester I have explored acrylic paints in a much different way than I have ever used them in the past. Above are some experiments in color and texture.

My self portrait represents what springtime weather is typically like in the Pacific Northwest on any given day. I remember pondering what I was about to accomplish with my five classes nearing the end of spring semester. It was a lot to think about but came with a calm sense of appreciation for the opportunity to be present in my life in such an astounding way.

My last entry is a collage assignment I had in a Visual Elements: 2D class. All the charcoal textures are from rubbings from various surfaces all cut or ripped to come together in a photo inspired composition. I would definitely do this again and incorporate elements and concepts from this process into other mixed media works. I did spray fix the final piece, which darkened the value but was worth the sacrifice rather than the piece get smudged entirely during transportation. Yes it took a very long time. Yes I enjoyed the process. I found I got lost in the "do one thing at a time" space it allowed me to be in. Something I do not practice often but should.