This semester (for the critique class that I'm taking at SAIC) I'm finding myself taking somewhat of a detour from my usual acrylic figure paintings.
About a month and a half ago, I started playing around with photo images printed from the computer. It was part walk down memory lane and part research project. I wanted a collection of people who have been influential to me-- from the doctor in Johnstown, PA who saved my life, to my husband, to ex-bosses. I scoured Facebook and other sources and put together a Warhol-ish black and white photo collage. Next, I introduced a little bit of color with some acrylic glazes. Finally I put myself into the work... literally. Using (very tame) nude photos, I collaged myself on top of the snapshots of those who have impacted me. It was perhaps the most personal and heartfelt work I've ever produced. The ideas kept coming. On top of the photo images, I added watercolor-tinted twine and some rhinestones. The end result pleased me very much so I brought them to critique.
I'm lucky to be in a group of such dynamic, creative individuals who helped to encourage me to pursue this new direction in my artwork and to push it even further. So this week I spent countless hours expanding upon this body of work. This time I added even more color, played with dimension, perspective and viewpoint. The materials are completely new to me and I'm making up the technique as I go along, but it's a whole lotta fun. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
But I do miss my acrylic figurative work.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
a rough week
On Saturday mornings, I like to spend time reviewing the past week. This reflection allows me to re-experience the highs and to also contemplate the lows from the perspective of how I could've done things diferently.
This week, I made a mess of a close friendship. It was completely my fault. I misinterpreted something and let my over-sensitivity cloud my reactions. I made it about me when I should've been supportive of this person's tough time. I said things that were hurtful and caused someone I love to feel stress. Now I'm at a loss as to how to fix it. Or even if I can.
Had a bad visit to the dentist. Wasn't properly anesthetized, and a process that should've been easy caused me such intense pain that I blacked out for a minute, then started hyperventilating. It was scary.
I'm struggling with strength training at the gym and wishing for greater progress. Once again, I'm my own worse enemy with self-criticism and doubt. Can't shake a feeling of inadequacy.
Had some good, too. Received a very positive critique in class on Monday night and I'm truly excited and energized by the creative people I'm meeting and the projects I'll be working on.
Went to my niece's confirmation last night and was so emotionally moved by the love of friends and family.
What have I learned this week? Sometimes it's better to shut up and not allow my own insecurities to tear down other people. That I take myself too seriously. That I need to spend more time relaxing and focusing on my blessings. That next week is a new week, and I can start again.
This week, I made a mess of a close friendship. It was completely my fault. I misinterpreted something and let my over-sensitivity cloud my reactions. I made it about me when I should've been supportive of this person's tough time. I said things that were hurtful and caused someone I love to feel stress. Now I'm at a loss as to how to fix it. Or even if I can.
Had a bad visit to the dentist. Wasn't properly anesthetized, and a process that should've been easy caused me such intense pain that I blacked out for a minute, then started hyperventilating. It was scary.
I'm struggling with strength training at the gym and wishing for greater progress. Once again, I'm my own worse enemy with self-criticism and doubt. Can't shake a feeling of inadequacy.
Had some good, too. Received a very positive critique in class on Monday night and I'm truly excited and energized by the creative people I'm meeting and the projects I'll be working on.
Went to my niece's confirmation last night and was so emotionally moved by the love of friends and family.
What have I learned this week? Sometimes it's better to shut up and not allow my own insecurities to tear down other people. That I take myself too seriously. That I need to spend more time relaxing and focusing on my blessings. That next week is a new week, and I can start again.
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