Matrix Odlum

Therapy (October 2019)

Acrylic on canvas

93 x 76 cm

Therapy shows my experience working through a toxic relationship. The character on the couch, “Deer Skull Guy” (or DSG), acts as a stand in for myself. He is expressing to his therapist that he “just [doesn’t] know” how to feel about his ex - feelings of both love and anger conflict, though the feelings of anger are the strongest. The swirling movement of the background emphasizes his confusion. The central composition and lighting puts him in the “spotlight” placing the attention on him.

Liar (November 2019)

Micron ink on paper

61 x 46 cm

Here, DSG is once again used to communicate conflicted feelings towards a relationship. He expresses anger to another girl that was leading him on, though clearly he feels some love towards her. An irregular pattern of scribbled line is used both to add value and to communicate horizontal, chronological movement between “scenes.” This sketchy inking style also communicates anxiety and business of the mind.

Moral Debate (December 2019)

Micron ink on paper

39 cm x 44 cm

This piece depicts a violent scuffle between two mermaids. One reflects the more “traditional” idea of what a mermaid looks like: feminine, humanoid, and attractive. The other is more fishlike, monstrous, and evolutionarily realistic. They represent society’s ideas of what is “good” and “evil.” However, neither is actually in the right or the wrong. Each has inflicted wounds on the other, they are equally responsible for the damage they have done. It doesn’t matter which one is “good” or “bad.”

Mask (February 2021)

Paper mache, acrylic, and mixed media

56 x 24 x 10 cm

This mask allows DSG to be fully projected unto the self. It isn’t truly accurate to a real life deer skull; DSG has never actually been a real deer, more a deer-like demon. Brown acrylic tones create a realistic bonelike texture. His vertical form and long antlers appear unstable yet proud. The viewer may gently try it on, imagining how it feels to be DSG, a creature neither human nor animal, alive or dead. Being oneself comes with self hatred and self love, hence this piece’s placement.

Voodoo Doll (February 2020)

Fabric and mixed media

32 x 15.5 x 4 cm

Voodoo dolls are believed to be magically linked to a person; the holder can control one’s fate and feelings. The viewer may gently hold DSG, to hold power over him. Consider your vulnerability should the roles be reversed. The messy texture and uneven stitching reflects that of an actual voodoo doll, composed of materials found in the home. His earthy tones reflect his connection to nature, while the red his heart and eye may represent love or anger - both of which he feels towards himself.

Self Portrait (January 2021)

Acrylic on canvas

30.5 x 30.5 cm

During zoom meetings, I can’t help but stare at my own video. This portrait indulges that narcissism in a constructive and artistic way. I chose a monochromatic palette to contrast my pale features with my dark features. My other work, as well as work by other artists I like, is often monochromatic. I was specifically inspired by Victor from Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, who looks like me, and whose model is monochromatic (“Corpse Bride” (2005).

"Corpse Bride (2005)." IMDb, www.imdb.com/title/tt0121164/.

Wizard Dreamscape (November 2020)

Digital (Procreate)

27.9 x 21.6 cm

The subject is an “identity still life” made of heirlooms, antiques, and natural elements. I wanted to create a “scene” of sorts with the pewter wizard facing off against the deer statue. This piece shows love for family, as many of the objects here came from my grandparents, or from antiquing with my friend with whom I have a familial bond. I mainly used an “oil paint” brush on procreate and a limited color palette to give it an authentic painting feeling.

Orpheus (August 2020)

Prismacolor pencil and pastel on canvas

35.6 x 27.9 cm

This is a drawing of my betta fish Orpheus, intended to depict his beautiful blue color. I experimented by using Prismacolor pencils on a gessoed canvas to create a unique texture and allow for easy color blending. After I finished the drawing, I lightly brushed on some blue pastels to create a soft, slightly blue background. I drew from observation to ensure that his figure, scale pattern, and coloration was accurate - I elongated his tail for sake of composition and emphasis of his beauty.

Chilcoot (March 2020)

Acrylic on canvas board

61 x 46 cm

This is my cat Chilcoot in our upstairs hallway, based on a photo I took of her. The only source of light comes from the bathroom, bright yellow. The blue walls make the shadows appear especially blue. I adjusted and exaggerated the colors and changed Chilcoot’s position while maintaining the tension and expressiveness of her stance. The blue-based palette is consistent in all three pet depictions. The shape, composition, and value in this piece draw the eye to her and emphasize her beauty.