Post Crit Thoughts

One of the things we talked about today with my work is that I like to collect things and that I come from a long line of collectors. Something I need to do is organize some of my collections better and photograph or display them somehow. I think it might help me come up with ways in which I want to use them for my studio work. I also want to take a look at the kinds of things my family collects and see what the connections are and again if there's a way to use those connections in the studio.

Another thought, about Meg's world... I mentioned I wanted to take a more literal look at what is going on in there. This means writing....for the moment. I was thinking about Kelly's journals and how therapeutic they are for her, so I think it could be a good thing for me to explore. I love the feel of pen on paper so I definitely want to hand-write my journals as opposed to typing like here in the blog. But if I come up with something that leads to an idea for the studio I might share it on here. Either way, I'll probably make reference to my progression and if it seems to be helping at all.

I also want to take the writing out of my house. Or just me out of the house. I spend most of my time indoors and its making me a little restless and anxious. Hopefully now that spring is not too far away I'll have some good weather to enjoy. Even just another setting like a coffeehouse is a refreshing change of scenery and I already make it point to do my writing for Critical Eye at one so I'm less distracted than at home.

So that's kind of the plan for the week, writing and collecting.

So I'm not completely throwing out the "Meg's World" idea...just trying to figure out a different way to go about it. Dig a little deeper. I'm just concerned about the drawings looking too kitsch or cartoony. Today, I spent some time getting to know my new software but I still didn't accomplish much. And I realized how frustrating it is to design on my laptop with a much smaller screen than the desktop I'm used to so I got to get that upgraded soon.

I did however think of a street art project ideas. But I'm not going to say much about them now on here...

I'm hoping the rest of the week can be more productive. I think that'll mean putting the computer aside and taking a look at the new materials in the studio.

Redirection...

So last night I was mulling over this whole "Meg's World" thing and I'm thinking that maybe it would be a fun side project for my design or illustration portfolio but I don't think it hold the level of sophistication that I want to represent in my studio work. Maybe there is a way of reworking it or pushing it further. Right now it just seems too cliche and obvious. I think the articles from our Critical Eye class are sinking in and I'm trying to think of my ideas in deeper layers.

This week....new materials and getting things set up

I've started setting up my digital studio. Although, I need to update the operating system and clear some hard drive space before I load CS5 on my desktop. However, I was able to load it on my laptop. So I'll be starting to refine my drawings and work out compositions.

The other day, I trashed picked these bed frames. I'm not sure what I'll do with them yet but I'm sure I'll think of something.

Yay! new art materials arrived from blick! I bought several surfaces to paint on from wood to hard board, lots of canvas stretchers in various sizes small to large, a flat pallet for better mixing and scooping up color, and restocked some acrylic colors.

My list of love and hates. I guess it's a good sign that I could come up with more loves than hates.

This Week's Considerations..

So far this week I managed to get a couple more character sketches done. I also bought myself CS5 which should come in a few days. Once I get that set up I'll get to work pulling the sketches into more thought out compositions. Then I'll finally get to make use of the drawing tablet I got for Christmas as well.

I've also been trying to think how its all going to come together and be presented. Considering Rauschenberg again, I like the idea of making a 3D canvas structure. Taking it even further than his combines, I kind of want something you can step in and around. Literally pulling the viewer into "Meg's world." I might have to go on a dumpster diving scavenger hunt for materials, if anyone is interested in being my back up...

And the other day, I had this idea of creating a box or room you have to view through peep holes. Essentially, a peep show. I'd either have the inside covered in images or have a projection. I like the idea of the view being obscured so you can never really get the full picture. Question here would be, would I have actually imagery indicative of a peep show or something more complex into my own personal psyche....? I think this is a component to let simmer on the side till I can figure out how to go about working it...

I've been feeling a little unsatisfied with my use of acrylic paint. I can't quite pinpoint why. I've been contemplating using oils but it would force me to work at a slower pace...which may or may not be a good thing for me. I think I'm also just eager to start putting things together which I can't quite do until I figure out how they are going together.

Artist's Clothes

I felt compelled to take photos of my painting clothes. They're kinda abstract expressionist paintings all on their own.

More sketching...

I've done some more sketches of carnival characters in "Meg's World" They've started to represent people in my life. Two of my best friends are seen kinda pin-up style... the "Strongest woman in the world" is my roommate that's heavy into fitness and the "Mustached....Madame....Mistress...Maiden?" (haven't decided on the name) is an aficionado of mustaches to which has become a bit of a joke between us.

My friend and favorite bartender asked me to draw him as a serpent tentacle man. It's a little bit silly... I'm not sure if i'll keep his tentacle for this project but I'm gonna use him as the "Mystic Man" since I drew his slouchy hat like a turban.

Once I have a few sketches down I'll start bringing them onto the computer and playing around with creating what will become the stencil or silkscreen design. I've already started collecting scraps of wood and materials to use for the final pieces. So if anyone has any scraps... :]

In my studio

I don't have much to show for work yet but I started getting my studio back in order. It unfortunately becomes a dumping ground as the "extra room" in the house but I'm reclaiming the space again and putting it to better use.

supplies


work station


box of fun


painting set up

And then in my bedroom I have my drawing table which always stays clean, otherwise my cat knocks everything on to the floor in the middle of the night.

Speaking of my cat, I caught her trying to make some art. Unfortunately, she didn't have any paint.....or maybe i should say "fortunately"... as that would be quite a mess.