Multiple Panel

 

Babygirl

Artist statement

My collection titled Babygirl is a commentary on the harassment of women, especially those in the spotlight or public eye. The main character is a Marilyn Monroe inspired actress who, in response to the mistreatment and abuse she faces in her life, becomes a male-murdering serial killer. Despite collection being inspired my the 1950s, the concept of misogyny and harassment of women is still very contemporary. The arrangement of these pieces reads like an evidence or crime board found in a detective show, as following the red string leads you to the answer of the murder mystery. The artists wanted to illustrate the anger and frustration of women, which is often repressed or forbidden from being shown.

Quick challenge reflection

-What did you learn/discover?

These quick challenges taught me how to look beyond the obvious and experiment with new techniques. I discovered that the first ideas I had for each topic were often my weakest ideas and being forced to imagine multiple pieces produced better art.

-What quick challenge(s) did you favor and why?

The first challenge, floor to ceiling, was very fun as I really enjoying working big and being physical while drawing. Also, I am very pleased with the pieces I made for the transparent challenge, as the clear plastic I used created a nice affect.

-What ideas and/or materials do you want to keep exploring?

After the gesso and charcoal challenge I began using the two more often, even utilizing the techniques through out my multiple panel pieces. I really enjoy the affects of gesso and charcoal together and hope to use them in the future.

Transformation piece

 

Transformation #1

Gouache

Transformation #2

gouache, charcoal, ink, gesso

The first transformation was portraits of my family members done in charcoal. I feel like the portraits are well done, but my spacing could've been planned out better. Despite liking my additions, it would have been smarter to drawing something I was less attached to because I did not want to change it.

Transformation #3

gouache, charcoal, ink, gesso, tracing paper

To avoid messing up the previous drawing, I layered tracing paper over it and drew my extended family on that. The blurring affect of the paper creates a nice feeling of memory or nostalgia. These portraits, however, are not as strong as the previous layer. 

Transformation #4

gouache, charcoal, ink, gesso, tracing paper, baby oil

Inspired by screen printing techniques, I attempted to mix baby oil and colored inks to achieve a transparent, stain glass look. Although the desired affect was not achieved, I learned a lot from the experiment and enjoy how the colors of each layer work together.

Transformation #5 (final)

gouache, charcoal, ink, gesso, tracing paper

For the final transformation I wanted to push the piece past the 2D format of the previous layers. My original idea was to take the paper scrapes, blend them into a pulp, then pipe them out in a lace-like pattern. This did not work out but I'm pleased with the weaving affect I used instead of the lace.

Gesso and charcoal

 

Holy figure

Gesso and vine charcoal

Hollywood Starlet

Gesso and vine charcoal

Anxiety

Gesso and vine charcoal