Progression (UPDATED 10/26)

Hello class!

Decision Time:

I have decided to dip back into a painting that I started during the last session of summer 2 Junction. I have not touched this painting since I left campus. The odd thing is I have taken it back and forth from work and home each day since classes have started. I hoped by hanging it in the classroom that I would be forced to make a decision on what direction to go with it. Last week after talking to my uncle/mentor I came to a realization that my painting is at a stand still. I need to think outside of my comfort zone and begin to experiment with different materials and techniques to go beyond the street art/graffiti label.

My Inspiration:

This past year Jeffery Wheeler helped me realize everything around you can and should be used in your drawings/paintings. Future helped me realize that fiber art and formal crafts are detailed and consuming art forms that demand respect from the viewer. I have decided to incorporate the "softer" technique of sewing onto my abstract graffiti canvases to create a contrast between the two forms. Graffiti seen as a low-brow urban art and sewing/fiber art seen as feminine should create interesting compositions. Sewing will also be an ode to my mother who worked at a sweat shop in Los Angeles when I was a child. I have very found memories of running around the warehouse while I waited for her to clock out.

My Plan:

I would like to create acrylic paintings on un-stretched canvas then cut  and sew these images to my canvases. I will experiment with creating texture with this technique and also introduce pattern to my work via printed sheets. I will add and remove as I go with this new technique. I also will incorporate my mother's influence by having her teach me proper hand sewing techniques. My love of silkscreen and lettering will be added to the work as well.

I invite everyone in class to check on my progress through out the coming weeks. I will make sure to give updates in our weekly class blog so that you can revisit this page. Here is the painting I started and will use as my test dummy. If all goes well I will create the majority of my thesis exhibition in this direction.

The Beginning:

Adding Graphic Design Elements:

I have spent the last two week thinking about what I could paint on un-stretched canvas to later sew onto my graffiti background with no luck. I decided to focus on my graphic design background and design a bigfoot character that I could use for repetitive paintings. Here is the process that I began earlier this week.

 Here is the scanned and vectorized image that I can manipulate in illustrator. I will use this image to create various silkscreens.

 

I have also setup my canvas for the sewing portion of my artwork. I am still bouncing ideas as of what to paint. I am hoping to create something this week.