Course Inspiration

This semester has been a time of rebirth for me. I have gained enough confidence in my work and technique that I can create work fairly quick. This summer in Junction my classmate Justin Clumper told me “It is easier to make something then correct than sitting there and thinking about it for two days.” I took that thought process home and began to create regardless of how bad it looks. When I started this course I had a small idea of what I wanted to create and I believe that I have found it.  I am satisfied with the look of my final project. I learned a lot about myself as an artist and what direction to take my work in. My fellow classmates have inspired me to become more active in my classroom. I am so proud of various people in this course. As a class we have accomplished so much for art. Every week I read and saw how powerful artwork can be in the classroom. From group projects, art shows, artistic revelations, to brilliant artistic research. There were days that I felt down after work and the blog always cheered me up and inspired me.

My readings taught me so much about the art of graffiti and also explained some techniques I have always wondered about. The art of script has inspired me to better my letter work and create cleaner and balanced letters even when I hand write letters and handouts. I am still not brave enough to mark my artwork with script but with a little more practice I would love to take a crack at it. I have a better understanding of how and why graffiti and street art are two different disciplines. I have learned how galleries are viewing the street art movement as the next great art era and how the work is seen as much more than lowbrow.

Independent study has helped me connect my uncle with my work. Since class has started I have conversed with him once a week.  He explains the process of his work and tells me stories of how he created graffiti during the 80’s with friends. We speak of art and how creating can make a difference in peoples lives. Being incarcerated, my uncle gives me an inside looking out point of view when it comes to life situations. When it comes to Art he has always been willing to explain and nurture my curiosity. From the age of 8 until recent he has always been the main source for my work. My master thesis show will have collaborations between the two of us. He will begin the work in prison and mail it to me to finish. I am also having him explain and hand write his biography and art philosophy for all to understand where both of us come from and why we create.  Because of this course we have become closer and my Uncle has found new inspiration to create.

Thank you Future for the opportunity to create on my own.