Beautiful Oops

Artist's Statement:

Jillian Wight

Medsker

AP Art and Design

8 September 2021

Every year, I really enjoy this assignment. I think it is so fun to have the opportunity to create something remarkable and unexpected from a tiny ink blot. That was really my guiding inspiration for this project. I wanted to create a really intriguing, fun, and attention-grabbing piece out of virtually nothing! I did so by imagining the most unexpected choices I could make, such as changing my ink spot into a large beetle, and the other into a skull. I then juxtaposed these eerie images with much more fun and upbeat patterns. I find that when I don’t plan pieces like these out, my mind just kind of does what it pleases. It is so fun for me to watch these pieces develop, and I love seeing my audience react to the complex detail and seemingly random composition.

I didn’t do much sketching on this piece, as I wanted my choices to be spontaneous. I started with a piece of paper and a few splotches of ink, and from there, used fine-point, colorful pens to create remarkable images. I added highlights using white gel pen, and to draw a level of depth into the piece, I shaded and created dark shapes using black fine-point sharpies. For thicker lines, I used my dual-brush markers so as to more efficiently fill the space.

This piece was very experimental, and I didn’t plan out much going into it. As a result, every artistic decision I made was a learning experience. I had so much fun playing with complementing patterns and colors, utilizing space fully but not in an overwhelming manner, and involving contrasting imagery that emphasizes the piece's unique traits. I would say the most valuable aspect of this piece was that it helped me reconnect with the artistic style I developed last year in 2D Design. I had so much fun, and I’m so proud of the outcome.

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