Sustained Investigation #1

Lungs

Colored Pencil

11x14

Artist Statement

For my sustained investigation, I chose to answer the inquiry question “How can I create representations of parts of the body/organs using imagery/materials that reflect their purposes?” This particular piece explores the lungs and how they are used in the human body for breathing. I combined the structure of lungs with a tree because not only are they aesthetically similar when turned upside down, but they serve similar purposes as the tree's primary function and ecosystem is respiration. The leaves in the drawing tie into the concept of the tree and represent the product of life created by the functioning of the lungs. After our donated life design project, I wanted to do something more with making art of parts of the body. Additionally, I find the study of anatomy to be fascinating, and really enjoyed exploring these organ functions through art.

For this piece I began by sketching with graphite pencil then went in with colored pencil to fill in color. I want this to be the only drawn portion of my sustained investigation to create a variety of mediums. I definitely used elements of line, shape, and form to connect the structures or the lungs and a tree, and drew varying forms of leaves to give the still a little bit of movement. The structure of the lungs also contributes to the principle of balance in the work.

I toyed with a few different ideas for how to expand on the drawing beyond the branches. I considered filing the page entirely with leaves but decided that would be too busy. I wanted to fill in more of a background, and if I had a lot more time I might try to figure out how to fill in a background without it taking away from the main drawing. I was originally going to add a soft watercolor background, but when I accidentally spilled tea on it just as I finished drawing I found that adding on a coat of watery paint would make the paper too wrinkly.