#2 in the Circles Series

So, I used found papers, wire, metal sewing embellishments, thread, lace, ribbon, buttons, pins, etc... to create this one. I decided that it would be neat to do a horizontal row of circles. So, after I used encaustic wax, covering each circle, it was time for the background. I layered the transparent brown paper from a sewing pattern about six times. I covered that in parafin wax and a small amount of white and yellow beeswax. I Then, I placed all of my circles, horizontally, across the background. My teacher suggested that I give the circles some kind of order since they were horizontal. But, we decided that using "A,B,C" to letter the circles or "1,2,3" to number the circles would look silly. So, I came up with another idea. If you look closely, there is a silhouette of a small, black sparrow in a different stage of flight in each circle. The bird starts walking and eventually flies away (going towards the left). Not only did the bird give the final product interest, but it gave each circle a focal point. If you click on the photo, you can see it even bigger. Just like in the last piece, a pretty good deal of detail went in to each circle. I really like how this one turned out. It might even be my favorite project this semester. How does it look?

My Inspiration for "The Circle Series"

So, as you may know, I have recently started to create a small series (so far there are only two, but I'm working on that). I use different found papers and a variety of other materials to create perfect, geometric circles. But, believe it or not, the idea of layering circles was not all that original. Wassily Kandinsky ( 1896 - 1944) is the artist of the paintings above. When I first saw the painting (the one on the very top), I commented that it looked like a seven-year-old could do it. But, upon further investigation, I discovered that the painting was not famous because of Kandinsky's ability to paint a perfectly round circle (obviously). It became famous because of his brilliant use of complimentary colors. Notice that all of the colors in the painting play off of one another, creating harmony. He also combined different thickness of lines, and created contrast and variety by placing straight lines next to circles. Kandinsky had an ever-changing style. In his younger years his paintings were very realistic, resembling Monet(INSPIRATION). In later years, his focus seemed to be very architecturally based. Some of these works resembled the style of Van Gogh or George Seurat (pointillism)(& INSPIRATION). Some of the later work was based on really abstract architecture. It could be compared to the shapes that Dr.Suess uses (INSPIRATION). It also resembled the artist that came to our class and presented "The Traveling Man."(INSPIRATION) Finally, Kandinsky created several pieces that used symmetry and geometry.

And then there is me... Abby. I have taken Kandinsky's art and made it my very own. Just like Kandinsky's pieces resemble those of other famous artists and techniques, my pieces resemble his. I took the concept of layering circles and using complimentary colors and I decided to take my own spin on Kandinsky. So, there you have it folks, it's okay to be inspired. Kandinsky proved that to me. (:

The FIRST in My Series of Circles

The task: 48 circles(there are 16 big circles,16 medium,16 small), each in different combinations of papers and embellishments, all coming together to create "my spin on Kandinsky." So, to complete this I needed a LOT of materials. A wide variety of found papers, buttons, pins, thread, wire, string, lace, ribbon, fabric and liquitex. This project is a 12x12in. and, believe me, it took what seemed like ages(about two weeks in class). I was very meticulous about cutting each circle with precision after I traced them. But, the bigger task was trying to come up with 16 different combinations of papers so that none of the circles looked alike. Another big challenge was laying the circles out so that some of the repeated papers were not close to one another. As I was in the process of creating this, I also decided that I wanted it to have a shiny finish, thus the liquitex. But, when I put the circles on the plain chocolate brown cardstock I encountered a minor problem... The mat looked WAYYY too simple compared to the very detailed circles. So I placed thread in the liquitex and I think that gave it a nice final touch. This is actually double-matted, which you cannot see from this photo. There is a light pink mat behind the brown one. I decided that pink would be an appropriate and flattering color. The pink mat complimented the pink in the circles. I really liked this project. One of my favorite so far. (:

SO... This is my first independent piece as an artist. Without any prompt from my teacher, I created an assignment for myself. In this picture the color looks a little distorted. It isn't that dark. Obviously, this is mixed media. I used acrylic paint, liquitex, buttons, lace, found objects, found images, pins, thread, and matboard. I really like it. As I intendended, it turned out looking very vintage. I really love the way that aged things look, so I try to incorporate them into my artwork. I also cut a dress form out of thick cardstock paper and painted it (on the left side). The research workbook pages below were where I developed my ideas and techniques for this piece. There are also two seperate image transfers. The first is the damisk print bordering the top. The second is the print, which reads "Une Femme Elegante" (Elegant Woman). Comments, questions, concerns?

Coming to an end...

Even though this semester is ending, I have something to look forward to. Ever since my art teacher has allowed the class to start our independent studies, I have really started to find myself as an artist. I have discovered that I really enjoy mixed media. More specifically, I love incorporating buttons, lace, ribbon, found papers, found images, vintage sewing accessories, pins, sewing needles, thread, acrylic paints, encaustic wax, Liquitex, and quite a few other mediums in my artwork. I am really eager to get to work on my summer pieces and become part of the AP art program. While I still have to work out a lot of kinks in my process, I am enjoying every minute of the adventure. In this semester I have made so many discoveries as an artist. I have really grown and developed a personal style. I have also grown to better understand and respect art of all different kinds. I am really glad that I was given the opportunity to take this class. I made so many improvements, not to mention some great friends and confidants. Everything I have taken away from this semester really makes it worth the while. Can't wait until next year. (: