SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION #1

For this project, I was required to create a piece that is inspired and connected to my inquiry question: how can I represent mental health in my artwork? To create this piece, I used oil markers and pen. This was the first time that I have ever used oils, so it was difficult at first, as I usually like to include small details in my art, which are very hard to include with the think oil markers. Because of this, I learned to let go a bit and go crazy with color. While I did think I little bit about where the colors would fit best, I tried to not overthink and just let my hand do the work.

For this piece, I really tried to experiment with color as I discussed in the previous paragraph. I tired to connect the colors I used and the placement of them to go along with my theme of the effects mental illness. For example, there is a strong presence of blue in this piece to represent depression or sadness, and I specifically used a lot of dark blue under the eyes to show how tired the joker looking face is. Not only this, but I also used red in the eyes and mouth to further bring out the tired feeling. The streak of red around the mouth could be smudged lipstick to represent a flawed state of mind, and the way it is dragged up into a smile could be representative of putting on a fake smile.

This project was just one big learning experience on how to use big oil markers. And although it was hard, I really enjoyed working with this medium far more than I thought I would. Overall, I am fairly happy with how this piece came out and I feel like a lot of teens and connect to the ideas portrayed in it, as many high schoolers face mental illnesses and often turn to substances as an escape. However, if I were to continue with this piece, I would go in with a white marker to add small highlights that I feel like would help the piece come to life.