Scholastics #1

you can

Ink, graphite, magazine pieces, block printing

18''x24''

Women in the military has been an issue for a long time. Not only do they go through gender-discrimination, but also sexual harassment and ostracism. I believe that women should be supported and encouraged when they are in the armed service because what they go through can be very difficult and discouraging. I wanted to be in the Army for a long time up until about sophomore year and I have had family members in the military, so this issue is something that is important to me. I added a print of Rosie the Riveter because she was the mascot for women during WW2.

I used Dr. Ph Martin's Red and Blue watercolors, H, 2B, 4B, 6B, and 8B graphite pencils, along with cut pieces of magazines. First, I needed a reference image. I couldn't find any online to edit in Acorn, so I decided to take my own reference image with my digital camera. I used myself as the model and experimented with angles and lighting. I printed the photo out in black and white, then used a grid to draw it out. I tried to push the values a lot because that's something I normally don't do but should. I did this drawing on drawing paper and cut it out and traced the design onto water color paper so I could do the ink. I painted the American flag with the watercolor and added the drips because I really like the look of them. There are drips of ink behind the figure, so I had to glue the drawing to a thick piece of paper, cut it out and then glue it to the watercolor paper. After it dried, I spent a long time looking for words and phrases in magazines; words that described what servicewomen are going through. I then glued them down on the piece of paper. Lastly, I created the linoleum carving using Acorn. I found an image of Rosie the Riveter, turned it black and white, and colored it in with black. Next, I put this image into Acorn and added the text I wanted (Yes, You Can). Lastly, I printed this out on a piece of paper, transferred it onto the linoleum and carved it. After I printed it onto the page, I went back in with red and white ink to color in Rosie's headband. I wasn't going to add the linoleum carving, but I decided it looked a little empty and bland, so I added the words.

If I could change something, I would make the work a little more condensed and make the words larger.