Artist Statement - Revised

Art is personal.  As an artist everything I create is influenced by my experiences and view of the world.  I make work about what I know. At this point in my life I’ve centered most of my work on one of my personal challenges: stuttering.  I sometimes stutter when I speak which is an emotional and physical experience that is widely misunderstood by others. Through my art I hope to communicate my personal feelings so everyone can understand it.  We should make art about what we know and what affects us personally; in my case, I know about stuttering, so I’m making art about it. 

There is no one medium I use for my work.  I’ve been exploring multiple, different approaches to my art.  The use of technology in art is one that highly intrigues me, so I’ve explored computer animation and modeling, as well as video art.  This time-based media gives a new dimension to my work that I find exciting.  I’ve also explored the fields of painting, drawing and sculpture. By exploring different methods and mediums I hope to broaden my perspective, and learn more about myself as an artist.  This exploration of techniques is vital to my perspective on art.

Identity Discussion (chapter 2)

In class we’ve been talking about many facets of the modern art world.  All of this combines to give us a more holistic understanding of the trends and current focal points of modern art.  Of the many themes we’ve discussed, one that appeals to me is identity. Whether that involves racial, cultural, gender or even personal identity, I think it is one of the more important movements in art.  Everyone is constantly looking for themselves, and if art can represent at least a part of that in their work, it’s intriguing.  Identity is complex.  We are many things all at once. 

I find it interesting that artists are currently working towards communal identity, versus personal identity.  People can relate to the work on a much larger scale, and appreciate it in a different way. While one representation of identity may not relate to our personal experience, it relates to many others.  That is the nature of the work.  This trend into the exploration of identity on a large scale and the search for what it means to be human is a compelling idea.

I particularly enjoy the pieces dealing with what it means to be a woman, and those that address the issues of gender discrimination.  Laura Mulvey’s article is very important on this subject because she draws attention to the role of the female in film is often representational of the role of women in other forms of expression.  By examining the “gazes” present, one can determine whether the female figure is being objectified, or treated with respect.  This is true in film and in art.  Many examples of art, which deal with identity, are centered on this theme of gender.  This is something I find compelling in my work: what does it mean to be a woman, and how does the world see the role of the female.  By creating contrast between the role of women in film and the reality of being a woman in modern society, important and distinct points can be made. 

This plays into the idea of the personal versus communal identity.  Is what one artist says about gender a statement about the communal identity of women, or a personal statement about themselves? We can find out more about ourselves, through looking at modern art.  This is one of the ideas that has influenced my thinking and my art the most this semester.

Other Artists of Interest

Cory Godbey

Cory Godby uses images from myths, fables and history and to inspire his graphic art. He combines art and technology, and often uses computer graphics to create his pieces.  He works in animation and illustration as well, and has done covers for companies such as HarperCollins, Random House and Marvel.  He pieces have a are whimsical, and have a lightness about them that is intriguing. 

Cory Godbey, Untitled, 2010

Cory Godbey, Untitled, 2009

Justin Gerard

Justin Gerard used to work with Cory Godbey, and while the images for their inspiration are similar, their techniques are very different.  Gerard utilizes computer graphics as well, but his composition and approach are different.  His pieces have such detail that they immediately draw the viewer in.  He is and interesting and exciting artist.

Justin Gerard, The Reluctant Dragon, 2009

Justin Gerard, You've Been Warned, 2009

Artist's Statement

Art is personal.  As an artist everything I create is influenced by my experiences and view of the world.  I make work about what I know and experience.  This means that my personal challenges and understanding influence my work greatly.  I’ve been working in a wide variety of materials, but recently I’m exploring the art of sculpture.  By exploring different methods and mediums I hope to broaden my perspective, and learn more about myself as an artist.  This exploration of techniques is vital to my perspective on art.

At this point in my life I’ve centered my work on one of my personal challenges: stuttering.  I sometimes stutter when I speak which is an emotional and physical experience that is widely misunderstood by others.  I use my art to bring light to this condition and hopefully spread awareness and understanding of it with others.  I hope to communicate my personal feelings so everyone can understand it.  We should make art about what we know and what affects us personally; in my case, I know about stuttering, so I’m making art about it.  In the past this was not my focus. I made work about other things, like music and growing up.  Our inspiration is always changing, and I believe that by sharing our personal struggles we can learn to better understand others and ourselves. 

Elizabeth Harney, Music Series, 2009

Artists of Interest - Revised

Shepard Fairey

He is widely known for his work during the 2008 election, especially his "Hope" poster of Barrack Obama.  His style is very graphic and bold, and many of his works focus on anti-war statements.  He works in poster formats, which enables wide distribution of his art.

Shepard Fairey, War By Numbers, 2009

Shepard Fairey, Make Art Not War, 2007

Becca Bernstein

Her works are primarily paintings, centered around the "awkward dance of human interdependence." She uses bright, bold colors and studies human expression. She explores human relationships in the contemporary age, and the influence of generational differences on human interaction. 

Becca Bernstein, Artist, 2007

Becca Bernstein, One Was Hazelia, 2007

Ron van Dongen

He takes beautiful and seductive photographs of flowers and the human form.  His emphasis on shape and color are truly beautiful, and he explores the aesthetic appeal of art in intriguing ways.  He conveys emotion and visual sensations through the simplicity of form.

 

Ron van Dongen, Untitled, Polariod Positives series

Ron van Dongen, Untitled, Polariod Positives series

Artists of Interest

Shepard Fairey

He is widely known for his work during the 2008 election, especially his "Hope" poster of Barrack Obama.  His style is very graphic and bold, and many of his works focus on anti-war statements.  He works in poster formats, which enables wide distribution of his art.

Kara Walker

She works with messages surrounding the issues of race, gender, sexuality, violence and slavery.  Her pieces are most often installation based, with life sized human silhouettes.  She uses graphic and bold colors, and an exaggerated style of drawing the human form.

Becca Bernstein

Her works are primarily paintings, centered around the "awkward dance of human interdependence." She uses bright, bold colors and studies human expression. She explores human relationships in the contemporary age, and the influence of generational differences on human interaction.