Light Line Space- Process/Self Critique

Process-

Even though I have only completed two works for this class so far, I am feeling exciting changes in my process. In the past my artistic process was characterized by an uncontrollable impulsiveness. This was not much of an issue last semester when I was working with photoshop- if I happened to make a mistake or a decision I later regretted, it was extremely easy to fix the image. Working with physical drawing media that I had to purchase myself completely altered my perception of how I had to go about making my work. I felt a very specific pressure to do it right, I could not just go into the project and figure it out along the way. Instead of in the “Things We Carry” project where I introduced color last without thinking too much about it, I specifically planned out the color I was going to introduce and the mediums I was going to use before even touching the paper. I became pragmatic. During the various studies I did for Light Line Space I found myself being intentional about art in an academic way. Doing the studies reminded me of outlining for papers, and helped me feel more confident when I did begin working on the final product.

 

Concept-

The concept revealed itself to me as I was working on the piece. While developing the source images I was considering what we show and hide to others and ourselves about our own image. I think the element of overexposure (presented by me only wearing a bra) is present in society today because of how often we are supposed to interact with the world through pictures of ourselves. No other generation has been forced to look at themselves as often as mine is. Looking in the mirror suggests self judgement but taking a selfie suggests consumption by others, a picture on the phone is meant to be sent and shared. Overall this piece deals with how technology has warped my self perception. This obsessive self looking that is partly technology’s fault is communicated visually by the my repetition in the various mirrors, and the grimey smudging of the charcoal. The pastel colors are meant to represent the way phones seem so fun and harmless.

Critique-

The thing that felt most important for me to take away from the critique was that formal elements are very useful to sway the viewer. This is something I think about a lot but it was interesting seeing it in play in everyone’s work. I am pretty proud of how my piece turned out. The extra color was a last minute touch but that was actually my favorite part of the piece. I was happy that others seemed to be visually attracted to my piece. In terms of what I can do better, I think I still have a long way to go in terms of realistic rendering and constructing an effective composition. I think I could have worked more within the shadows and created even less contrast, making the image seem dirtier would have been cool. I am used to critiques based on concept, so I found it hard to really give others feedback. I liked Emerson’s comment that I should think about extending these concepts in my next piece with more mirror play, and different versions of myself.

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