Throughout the course of this semester I would love to get more acquainted with the human figure outside the context of in class figure drawings. It is something I have tended to stay away from because I have never felt very confident tackling that subject matter. Truthfully, my initial idea when hearing this proposal was a series of detailed surface drawings of planets. At the end of last semester, for drawing three, I did a four piece continuous drawing series of Mars surface drawings. I was extremely intrigued by the concept of that specific assignment, and have been anticipating the chance to do more drawings (or whatever the medium) of space related subject matter.
Going with the idea of the human figure, it would obviously be helpful to study more with live models. I know that Lafayette offers open figure drawing classes, so that would obviously be something to take advantage of. But if working with the space idea, there are infinite (no pun intended) places I could look to for research. For example, when I was working on my previous drawing three project, I got the inspiration from Mars surface photographs that appeared in a National Geographic issue. So obviously, if I go with the space idea I could do research on the internet, look through books, magazines, and even TV shows.
References for the human figure are not hard to come by. There are a grotesque amount of artists out there that focus solely on the human figure. There is one artist that I admire, Audrey Kawasaki, for her elegance when drawing the female face. She tends to distort the features dramatically, but she paints mainly on wood, and the contrast between her flawless blending and the wood texture is really remarkable. Also, there is one artist who has become commonly know for his artwork on band CD covers, but I feel that the stuff that is not so publicized is really captivating. Alex Grey does amazing figure drawings, and in a way most people wouldn’t even consider approaching. When he paints people, he focuses more on the inner skeletory and circulatory systems than he does on the outward appearance. He is also very spiritually aware of the human body, and that is definitely something I would like to develop more in my own art work.
I just recently came into an abundance of oil paints and have never worked in that medium before, so that is something I would like to try. I also want to get more acquainted with working with found objects and becoming more conformable in working them into typical mediums such as drawing or painting.
I want to develop more in 3D art, seeing as that’s not a format I’m comfortable with. I’ve grown very partial to the formal 2D drawings and paintings and would like to expand my horizons more.
If I stick with a human figure aspect, I’m not even too sure what I would do, therefore not sure how many I would make. But if I went with my space idea, there would be at least 4-5 surface drawings of various planets and other galactic entities.
In the CC Student Activities space I would most likely display the space pieces I work on, seeing as they would be a series and need more space than available in a display case to show them. As for the CC Display Case, I am at a loss. I just had a talk with you about the Chakra installation that I plan on doing, but feel that will be a little too extensive to fit into the display case. I’ve been wanting to make a 3D solar system, or galaxy, or something of that sort (as you may have guessed, I’m extremely intrigued by the universe), so maybe that is something that I can embellish more.
I hope to achieve a sense of self knowing when it comes to art. I’m not overly concerned with moving onto art school or setting up a career for myself right when I leave NCC. I guess the main thing I hope to accomplish throughout the course of this semester is my own technique. I haven’t, up until this point, felt that I have recognized my own particular style, and although I feel I am close, I’m not quite there yet.
Elizabeth Ronneberg
IS/PP Proposal 2010
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So it's "the human figure and detailed surface drawings of planets" that your currently interested in. Both rich subjects. I'd like to see what you did last semester in this regard to better understand your approach. "Chakras", as you've indicated, is another direction. Lots if possibilities. Could they be combined? THAT sounds pretty unique to me.
ReplyDeleteArtists references: "one artist that I admire, Audrey Kawasaki - smooth blending on grained wood, (sounds interesting, though I'm not familiar) "Alex Gray's" figure work - relates very much to your interest in Chakra of course. (I do happen to know him from my days in NYC, great guy) Alex had his own gallery in Chelsea for several years, but I heard he was closing it last year. Not sure though. Info is likely on-line.
"Drawing, painting, oil paints, found objects" sounds like plenty to ge - and keep - the ball rolling. I recommend "if you think it, do it", that's the only way you'll find yourself in ART.
"I hope to achieve a sense of self knowing when it comes to art." THAT is the true purpose alright. (see previous comment)
"I’m not overly concerned with moving onto art school or setting up a career for myself right when I leave NCC." OK, so what are your current plans post NCC?
"I guess the main thing I hope to accomplish throughout the course of this semester is my own technique. I haven’t, up until this point, felt that I have recognized my own particular style, and although I feel I am close, I’m not quite there yet." Nor should yo be. Now is the time to reach out in as many directions as you have the time and energy to handle. Style, that is if it's genuine, comes quite naturally from working hard, pushing the materials, and acquiring skills. It's a long-term goal. (see my comments to Marie on that)
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I also have a hard time with the human figure. You might know this already but, down at the Lafayette art building on I think tues or thursdays they offer figure drawing. There is a figure drawing Marathon in March a Lafayette. I forget the date but i'll let you know. I think it's $10 dollars for 10 models and it form 12 to 12 on a sat. I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteFYI: Lafayette Free Figure Drawing (donation), Thursday nights, Williams Center for the Arts (bottom of College Hill, on North 3rd Street)
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