Artist Statement
My exhibit explores society’s expectations for people in today’s world. It depicts characters exploring those limits and pushing the boundaries - a movement our entire generation can relate to. Society’s standards shape our dreams and through this exhibit I explore the consequences of dreaming outside the box. Many of my pieces have abstract blue designs and tones which symbolize the abstractness and fluidity of dreams. Books and stories are an integral aspect of my exhibit: traditional stories often confine people to stereotypes, yet words have the power to free people from the same confines they can create. The mirror installation creates balance and movement throughout the exhibit while giving the audience a chance to reflect on their own dreams. In my exhibit I created clouds which highlight texture and shape, and form a path for the audience to follow through the exhibit creating movement and direction. |
Two Paths Diverged
Mixed Media: Book, Tempra, Pen This piece was inspired by Robert Frost’s famous poem. It represents the choices we must make in life, often the easiest path isn’t the right one, which can be seen through the dark lighting painted and obstacles carved on the right path versus the bright light and relative smoothness of the path on the left. I created texture both by carving and using different values of color. I created a gradient in the sky to change the mood across the piece. Taking Flight Mixed Media: Book, Paper, Wire This piece was inspired by the power of words and stories. While they can foster stereotypes, they also empower their readers by providing the freedom to dream, and escape from reality. The birds lifting off the pages represent this power. I created a monochrome piece to juxtapose my other book piece and to maintain the original contrast between the next in the book and the birds coming off the page. Inside Watercolor & Pen “Inside” shows the power of the mind and the depth each person has. The silhouette in the bottom of the page is the younger version of the character she becomes in the galaxy silhouette. The starry sky symbolizes her ability to dream and shape the person she becomes. I used multiple watercolor techniques to blend colors and create texture. The black pen creates contrast between the watercolor and the white background, isolating the character's mind from any context. Indigo Alcohol Ink This piece evokes tranquility and a sense of freedom. The abstract blue can represent water - which typically signifies fresh starts and change, it can also represent clouds which are light and airy and typically associated with dreams. The distinct layers show how dreams/aspirations can be multi-faceted and combined with the movement in the piece shows how they are fluid. |
Digital Identity
Digital Media This piece explores identity in contemporary society and how we perceive ourselves. I created depth and direction with the lines in the city block and the lighting which worked well with silhouettes. I spaced each person out so that the viewers eyes would move from the person who is still loading back to the others who know what they want. In today’s world everyone has an online identity, however the identity of the main figure in the piece is still loading - showing the influence each individual has over their identity despite the way social media impacts us. Black and White Mixed Media Collage Ironically this piece is not black and white but makes full use of color, texture, and pattern. The focal point of the piece are the silhouettes of a man and a woman. Behind them different shards of paper and objects collage together to make a dream-scape - piecing together each expectation society has and juxtaposing gender roles. The purposeful placement of paper creates movement and directs the eye in a circular motion around the page. Escape Digital Media This piece breaks the stereotypical fairytale when the princess espaces from her castle. The light moves in a gradient suggesting the character is running away from the dark castle - which symbolizes society's oppressive expectations - into a bright future. The water represents new beginning and continues the theme of one’s ability to shape your own dreams. Many little girls dream of being the princess in the story, but society fails to teach them that they can be independent and break from this mold. Shards of Reality Alcohol Ink and Mirror This series creates unity throughout my exhibit and moves the eye across each piece. It also gives the audience a chance to reflect on their own dreams by literally seeing their reflection. This makes the exhibit a personal experience. They also continue the theme of blue representing fluidity and dreams throughout my exhibit. They are each unique unto themselves, like each person and their dreams. |