Sustained Investigation #5

Process Images:

Artist's Statement:

Jillian Wight

Medsker

AP Art and Design 

14 November 2022

With this piece, I wanted to further experiment with materials.  I also wanted to create an image that combined childlike fear of the unknown with curiosity.  I chose to represent the phrase “don’t talk to strangers,” or the idea of stranger danger!  I created a looming figure to suggest mystery and a bit of threat, but then added childish pops of color to his boots, something eye-catching that draws the viewer in.  I broke the border with the figure's head to illustrate how he towers above the viewer's eye level.

I used black and white Conté crayons to create this image because I wanted to push a very ominous vibe with limited color, dark shadows, and softer lines to create a sort of misty feel.  I then used stickers that have a very nostalgic quality for me— I think my teachers used to use them in school when I was little.  The presence of these stickers contrasted with the scene, highlighting the idea of approachability and curiosity from a child’s perspective.

I experimented quite a bit with the perspective of this piece.  I knew how I wanted it to look but wasn’t sure how to execute this, especially with a material I was unfamiliar with.  I ended up doing a lot of sketching and finally decided on a composition I liked.  I think the eye travels up the figure which I like, and there's a sort of uncomfortability to the piece.  I also experimented with the borders.  I decided to leave the cowboy’s head above the border, but I’m wondering now whether this is effective.  I may revise it!

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