Natalie Upholz

The inquiry that guided my sustained investigation was the juxtaposition between presentation and meaning. Essentially, I wanted to explore the comparison between jarring concepts such as death and isolation to the colors and symbols used to convey this message. For example, many of my pieces contain skulls that sit alongside flowers, birds, or other live objects. In addition to this, I use bright colors to drown out the sorrow the skulls represent. Another motif I utilize within my selected works are umbrellas, as umbrellas represent shelter and protection. In using umbrellas next within colorful or natural settings, I want to juxtapose the concepts of isolation and the vast world.

My sustained investigation shows evidence of practice through the repeated use of certain materials, as well as new usage with others. This can be seen in my frequent use of acrylic paint as well as my experimentation with printmaking and oil paints. In terms of my inquiry, experimentation and revision is evident through my repeated use of certain symbols. Revision is evident in my portfolio with my careful placing of pieces in order to create a steady flow of both symbol and color.