I am unbelievably sick :(

I just wanted to explain why I haven't posted any preliminary sketches of my shape project...

I'll post the assignment as soon as I can stay awake for more than 20 minutes.

Be Well.

jillian

In-Class Value Assignment

Completed Line Assignment

The media is ink marker on bleedproof marker paper... which I'm in love with now :)

Sketch of Line Assignment

Pardon the mess, this is just a sketch.

Hopper Exhibit

Sketch of "Hotel Room" by Edward Hopper

Comparison of Two Paintings by Edward Hopper

I chose to compare "Hotel Room" (1931) and "Western Motel" (1957). Both paintings focus on one woman, alone in a room. The paintings were created over 25 years apart and share some commonalities as well as some differences. They both have strong vertical and horizontal lines in the background. The foreground images are softer, have rounded edges, and are balanced by dark, reddish-brown images on either side of both paintings. In "Western Motel" those images are the bed frame and the chair. In "Hotel Room" they are the bed frame and the dresser. There is great pictorial movement in both, leading the viewer's eye down every line and around every curve, until the entire image is fully digested. Hopper uses light to create more lines and it makes for a hypnotizing contrast within each piece. The light is so realistically painted that it draws the viewer into the room and creates the sense of voyeurism that Hopper is known for. Even with these similarities, the feel of each painting is drastically different.

The older "Hotel Room" shows a vulnerable woman, stripped down to her undergarments, head facing down and in shadows. Sorrow and a deep sense of contemplation comes from the image. The figure is holding a letter, almost hinting at the reason behind her traveling. I was left with a feeling that she had received some news via that letter, and was traveling in response to it. There is a definite beauty in the sense of fragility that emanates from her, and the painting has a very emotional feel to it.

"Motel Room" sharply contrasts "Western Motel" because it depicts a strong and very independent image of a woman. She is firmly facing the viewer, almost expressionless, face clear and well lit. A sense of empowerment comes from her, and if she has any vulnerability, it is well hidden. Her clothing is on, even her shoes, offering a sort of armor around her. She drives a car, travels alone, and the reason behind her trip is not hinted at in the least bit. This painting feels more like a snapshot of time, a photograph-like illustration of a solitary moment, which is a theme that runs throughout much of Hopper's work.

Favorite Things Assignment

Form Project

I chose fabric, journaling and flowers as three of my favorite things. I attempted to create balance and harmony by having the rulers frame the top and bottom of the image. The orchids are placed on opposite corners of the space, curving in opposing directions to create movement within the piece. The wire frame was added to keep the eye moving in a circular direction. The pencil sketch is an excerpt from one of my journals. I chose this particular page because the drawing was of a bouquet of flowers and I wanted to keep to that theme.

Artist Statement and Identity Assignment

Identity Assignment:
I chose to depict myself as internal and contemplative, although I am most definitely an extrovert as well. I wanted to show myself in my most intimate moments, questioning my path in life, my decisions, my purpose. Those moments seem to resolve themselves when I fall back on the belief that everything happens for a reason. I think the quote in the picture expresses that train of thought rather elequently. It is taken from the Desiderata, a copy of which my mother had hanging on her wall in college and later passed down to me. It is drawn on newsprint sketch paper , with my favorite pencil (4B). I chose this media to reference the drawing class that I took a few semesters ago, which inspired me to attempt applying to MassArt full time. I finished the piece by adding pastels and powdered make-up to introduce color and personality to the image.

Artist Statement:
I'm just now beginning to find myself as an artist, so my identity as one seems to be evolving at the moment. I like using a variety of media: paper, fabric, wood, twine, yarn, metal wire, photographs, pencil. I get great enjoyment from the act of sewing, so I often incorporate embroidery into my projects. I tend to make things that represent a certain feeling or memory of mine. Feelings that people might be able to relate to. What it felt like to sit on my Grandmother's porch when I was young. Or the way a broken heart aches. I make things when I am full of emotion and in need of an outlet. When I start a project, I don't always have an idea of what it will be. I like the freedom of changing media and concepts as I go along. Usually a change is made at some point that will remind me of something in particular, visually representing the emotion I'm trying to express at that moment. Being creative is cathartic for me, and making things helps me to feel more balanced. My goal as an artist is to have emotion apparent in my projects, and I would love for people to relate to my work on a personal level.