Sustained Investigation #6
How can I use design to explore the importance of perception to the concept of beauty?
Process Images:
Sustained Investigation #6
Holy Water
Approx. 6" by 6"
Materials: Dual-Brush markers, Blick felt-tip pens, white gel pen
Artist's Statement:
Jillian Wight
Medsker
AP Art and Design
22 November 2021
The shape of the paper is what predominantly fueled my artwork. I was inspired by an image I saw of seaweed stretching towards the surface of the ocean, and the unique perspective and captivating mystery sealed my decision to go with a similar theme for my art project. With this in mind, I decided to cut my paper into a circular shape not only to further the oceanic theme and setting, but to imitate the shape of a lens, and of a fishbowl. Both of these concepts ended up shaping the rest of my piece. For me, the ocean is a place that is very peaceful and relieving. It is a place where I can wash clean mentally and physically. I decided to combine this subdued setting with feelings of chaos and distress, which is why I added intense overlays of detail and swollen heads on the people. The lens shape of the piece suggests that it should be viewed through the lens of beauty, and thus alerts the viewer that every choice is symbolic. For example, the fishbowl type of energy suggests feelings of dissatisfaction and feeling trapped. The image is a continuous narrative, showing the figure diving down, in a manner that almost looks like falling, and then struggling to return to the surface for air. I think for me this speaks to my relationship with food and satisfaction with myself.
I used a circular piece of paper and sketched with graphite pencils. I then erased my sketches and went in with some Dual-Brush markers and felt tip pens to illustrate the piece. Finally, I brought out highlights and added detail with the white gel pen.
It was very difficult for me to get the form for the figures down, so I ended up experimenting a lot. I settled on the one that can be seen now because I felt that it looked like falling, which added depth and intrigue to the piece. I played around with color a bit too and decided to use it to convey emotion based on what warm versus cold colors are automatically associated with for most people. I’m really happy with this work, and I tried my best to build on the critiques I got from my peers in the past. I focused on one subject but didn’t abandon my style.