Inktober
Since art class was unfortunately cancelled today, I decided to spend this time instead reflecting on how inktober has been going for me so far. Inktober is challenge to draw something new every day of October. I saw people on Instagram doing this so I decided to give it a go. I think I missed the first few days but I have specifically drawn something new everyday for about a week now. It is interesting to see themes emerge. I am attempting to challenge myself this month to experiment with color, line and concept in new ways.
I do start every drawing with the intention of surprising myself, however I almost always revert to the same subject: my (w)hole girls. I’ve been drawing female figures with holes in their bodies for about a year now at least. Something about this type of image truly encompasses how I feel. I’m very attached to the gentle female forms contrasted by gaping holes and wounds. I have also been working on cover art for someone very close to my heart. I realized that scanning my doodles makes them look more finished so hopefully that is how I can upload most of the future ones.
I hope to continue drawing every day this month to the best of my ability and I’m excited to see what I have by the end!
Abigail:
Thanks for missing us missing class–made my day. When I told my son I was still sick and staying home he said “well you’re students are probably happy”, I was glad to get this from you, and also remember your comment the other day that you were ready to start the more conceptual stuff. Since you’re interested–take some time to look at some artists. If you’re not familiar with the ART21 PBS series, it’s a marvelous compilation of artists in their studios, and gives insights into their work through thoughtful interiviews, and provides images of their work as they are making. Here are a few to start. Note, there are short videos, that are sort of “teasers” and then longer videos. Get into that stuff and find out what you love. Make a play list for your process log, and see if you can see what you love. Look at material, subject matter, scale etc. What thrills you? The answer to these questions may change over time, but the more you see the wider your world becomes and the more interesting your work becomes! The other thing I would highly recommend is that you take the art history course next semester that’s being taught by Kessenich. She’s the Development director at The Contemporary Art Center (if you’ve not been there, go! It’s free…) and she’ll be teaching a course in contemporary art history. I want all my studio students to take it. Again, the more you know, the more sophisticated and “whole” your thought process will be to drive your work.
Laylah Ali: https://art21.org/artist/laylah-ali/
Janine Antoni: https://art21.org/artist/janine-antoni/
Ida Applebroog: https://art21.org/watch/extended-play/ida-applebroog-inspiration-short/
Ellen Gallagher: https://art21.org/watch/extended-play/ellen-gallagher-master-printer-craig-zammiello-short/
Mike Kelley: https://art21.org/artist/mike-kelley/
I love art21! My high school art teacher often would make us research artists and watch videos through art 21. I am also hoping to get into the art history class you are discussing, art 380 right? I should go to the contemporary art center and I will watch the videos, thanks for the recommendations!