Art, Photography, Faith, And Other Stuff

Few quick facts about me: 1) My whole family is really into horses. I grew up on a ranch and have spent my whole life showing horses. 2) I developed a love for art as a teenager, and have since decided to try and pursue that as a career. 3) I was blessed to grow up in a great Christian home. I do my best to keep my love for Jesus and my desire to follow Him at the center of everything I do🙃.

[kaceyreyyy]

Final Sculpture Project Based off of the work of Mark Dion

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Tape Casting

I made this weird little object, that now lives under my desk as my waste basket. 

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Artist Presentation: Mark Dion

https://www.tanyabonakdargallery.com/artists/34-mark-dion/ 

This is a great website that gives a brief artist statement about what Dion’s work is about, as well as a bio about his life. It also has several links to different major projects he was worked on. 

https://plantingfields.org/greatbirdblinddebate/

This website goes in depth on one of Mark Dion’s projects called “The Great Bird Blind Debate.” It was a collaborate project with artist David Brooks, and it was one I did not cover in my presentation but is really quiet weird and interesting.

https://www.artnews.com/art-in-america/features/oceanomania-mark-dion-57996/

This is a website specifically about the “Oceanomania” project. It goes in depth about the inspiration behind the project, and has some really great pictures.

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What’s abstraction good for? Describe some of the reasons why artists might employ abstraction in their work. 

I think abstraction creates interest. Displaying something in a way that is different, and that captures attention, is how you get people to stop and look at your work - and abstraction is a way to do this. Also, it gives artist the freedom to create whatever they want, instead feeling like they are confined to a box of what is deemed acceptable. 

What does having a physical space to make art mean for your process and how do you make your space work for you?

Honestly, I don’t have a specific space. The most important thing for me is comfort. I can’t create if I feel cramped or uncomfortable. So a lot of the time I do my work on the floor where I can spread out, or on the couch where I can put my feet up. 

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

How does the location or context of a work of art affect its meaning?

“Don’t take things out of context,” is a common phrase that most people understand. However, in most instances it is referring to writing or speech; but, the idea applies to art as well. We see things and understand their meaning based upon their context. For example, somehow a banana taped to a wall becomes worth millions simply because of the way it is displayed. The way in which an artwork is presented completely changes the look and feel of the work, and thus affects the way in which it is viewed.

Are there any particular activities you do everyday as an artist?

One thing I try to do everyday is make an effort to be observant. I watch the way shadows and light look on specific objects, and I look for things that inspire me. Also, more recently I am trying to get in the habit of creating everyday, even if I just do little scribble drawings. 

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?

In my experience, the best thing for motivation is action. The common misconception is that artists are just bursting with inspiration all the time, and that brilliant work comes after motivation. However, in reality, the majority of an artist's work is the result of discipline and perseverance. Motivation is not something that is around all the time, but something that is grown. Usually, the best ideas don’t come randomonly, but they show up while in the process of creating. 

Can art provoke change or transform our way of thinking? How?

Art can absolutely transform the way people think. Even Hitler understood this - which is why he disbanded all art that could influence people to disagree with him. Art has a way of moving people emotionally, and whenever someone is made to feel something, they are usually inspired to think more deeply about whatever caused said feeling. 

[kaceyreyyy]

PAPER MACHE

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Questions of the Week

How have the tools and materials of artists changed over time?

I think the most obvious answer to this question is technology. Just within the last couple decades we have gained the ability to create digital art and film movies. In addition, we now have new fine art tools such as lasers and printers. These new advancements have changed the way many artists think about and approach their work, allowing for a whole new endeavors within the creative field. 

What impact do you think commercialism and the media have had on your work? Is this good or bad?

Media really has not had that huge of an impact on my work. I try to limit my social media consumption as best I can, only spending a little bit of time on Instagram and Pinterest. I’d say the biggest impact media has had on my work is when I scroll through Pinterest looking for artistic inspiration.

As far as commercialism, I think it has had a little bit of impact on my work. I would like to eventually make a living doing art, and thus I have to pay attention to this side of things. For example, digital art is not my passion; but, it is one of the more profitable ways to make a living as an artist in today’s culture, so I have been doing my best to advance my skills in this area. 

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What role does art play in our society?  What role does art play in the church?

In modern American culture, art is often marginalized and thought of as less-than when compared to scientific pursuits. However, despite this, art still has a huge impact on our nation. Every society is made up of individuals and because art has the ability to shape the way an individual thinks, it plays an important role in civilization as a whole. Whether they consciously realize it or not, everybody consumes art to a certain degree - this can be by viewing photos on social media, being exposed to public artworks, or even watching movies and television. All of these things subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) affect how a society thinks and behaves.  

I think this answer depends on how you define church - with a little c or big C. Oftentimes, in little c church, we rarely see art play a role (something that probably needs to change). But, in this case, I’m going to be referring to the big C meaning of Church, which is the whole body of Christ followers that live throughout the world. As beings created in the image of God we are made to be creative, and as part of God’s Church I believe we have a responsibility to take this seriously. Art can be used as a way of strengthening our relationship with the Lord as well as encouraging other believers in their faith. In addition, art is something that is generally meant to be shared, and thus when used wisely can be a form of ministry. 

How do you want people to remember your work?

To be honest, I’ve never given this too much thought. I don't think I care too much if my work is remembered at all. I mean, it's nice to think it would be, but the reality is very few artists are remembered in the long run. I would rather be remembered for who I am as a person, and my hope is that when people look back they can say they saw the impact of Christ in my life. As for my work, my desire is simply that it serves people in the here and now. 

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What are the most important skills an artist can have?

There are a lot of different skills and attributes that make up an artist, and obviously every individual is different. However, there are a few qualities that every successful artist has. Some of these are:

Creative thinking

Communication skills

A certain amount of empathy

Curiosity

A level of mastery in their chosen medium

Discipline

Endurance 

What risks have you taken in your work and what has been at stake?

To be honest, taking risks is something I need to get a lot better at; it is probably one of the things I struggle with most in my art. I know what I am good at, and I tend to stick to my comfort zone. Recently, though, I’ve been trying to push myself more. For the art show this semester, I did my main piece in pastels. While this may not seem significant to some people, for me it was a big deal to undertake such a big project in a medium I’m not comfortable with. Though the finished product didn’t turn out as “technically good” as it would have if I’d done it in pencil, I loved the outcome and am super proud of myself for trying something new.

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What shifts have occurred in your work?

The most recent shift in my work has been a narrowing of focus. For a long time I would draw just about anything in an effort to improve my technical skills. However, my artistic ability has reached the point where I am now looking to further explore the concepts and meaning  that inspire me to create. The pieces I’ve been working on lately have shifted from simple drawing exercises, to works that better reflect who I am not only as an artist - but also as a person. This is something I hope to continue throughout my artist journey.

How do the social identities of the artist relate to the work of art they create?

I feel like there is probably a really in depth answer to this question, but sometimes I think the best explanations are the simplest. In this case, I would say social identities affect the work of an artist because every artist imparts some part of themselves into what they create. Thus, because social identity is part of who we are, it can not help but be revealed through our art.

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

How would you describe your subject matter or the content of your work?

At first glance, the primary subject of my work is usually horses. Beyond that, though, my art is actually a way of appreciating and honoring my culture. Growing up as the daughter of an equine veterinarian and an ex-three day event rider, I spent most of my childhood on top of a horse. When I was about eight years old my whole family moved away from my mom’s English riding roots and started riding cutting horses. When I was younger, cutting horses were just a fun way to spend time with my family while being surrounded by the amazing animals I loved so much. However, as I got older, I came to really appreciate our unique and special way of life - the horses, the people, the comradery, the traveling from horse show to horse show - it was a culture that I was blessed to grow up in. Horses are the foundation for our way of life, and in my opinion, they really are one of God’s most beautiful creations. Over the last several years, I have worked to develop my passion for drawing into a skill that allows me to capture these animals in a way that not only depicts their unique beauty, but also shares with the world the western way of life that, to me, horses have come to represent.

How do the materials used to make art influence the meaning of the work?

The outcome of an artwork can be greatly influenced by the materials used. Sometimes, it is something simple - like choosing the most cost effective option; other times, the materials used can not only represent something specific, but can contribute to the overall meaning of the work. For example, for the River Valley Church project last semester, we specifically chose materials that best represented the themes of community, worship, and mission. In addition, on a less conceptual level, the materials are what the viewer visually sees, so it has a huge impact on the general aesthetic and feeling of the work.

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

Has there been a person or experience that has steered your work in new or significant directions?

I think the number one person to influence my art has probably been my mom. Even though I have been passionate about my art since I was a teenager, I was hesitant to pursue it professionally. My mom, however, was extremely encouraging and she gave me the push I needed to fully commit to my decision. If it wasn’t for her support, I most likely wouldn’t be where I am right now at all.

What distinguishes visual art from craft?

I think the line dividing visual art from craft is often blurred; there is a lot of cross-over between the two, and so it can often be hard to distinguish one from the other. Nevertheless, in its truest form, visual art is a personal expression that displays the feelings and ideas of the artist. In contrast, craft is a professional skill that has been developed over time in order for one to make a living. That being said, visual art can also have craft - and some would argue that it indeed should; meanwhile, not all craft is meant to be viewed as art. However, I would suggest that the most impactful work, whether or not the maker’s original purpose was to make art or practice a craft, is almost always a meaningful mix of the two.

[kaceyreyyy]

Crotchet Samples

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                                                   Accidental Art 

Image 1:

“The Ring”

Shaped Metal

Old, rusty, twisted wire bent into a half circle and set in a beautiful grassy field - symbolizing how beauty can still be found in things that others have discarded. 

Image 2:

“Digging Holes” 

Wood and Metal Sculpture

This piece displays the interesting correlation between nature and humanity. The Bible says all of Creation works to glorify God. This wooden post is the result of a woodpecker fulfilling its God-given instincts to do its job - digging holes. Meanwhile, the shovel represents humanity’s need to give honor to God through the work that we do. 

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

What is the role of the viewer of an artwork?

I believe the role of the viewer changes with the artwork they are observing. For example, the way someone experiences a movie is vastly different than the way they interact with a painting hanging on a wall. Ultimately, though, I believe the responsibility of the viewer is to intentionally spend time with an artwork. No matter the medium, a viewer cannot fully appreciate any work without first willfully, and purposefully considering it within its context. 

Which other artists might your work be in conversation with?

To be honest, I’ve never really considered this before, and I’m going to have to think about it a lot longer to actually come up with some names of specific artists. 

However, as my art practice continues to grow, I hope that it will one day be in conversation with other artists that are using their work to intentionally glorify God. In addition, when viewed by my target audience, I would like my artwork to incorporate themes of nostalgia, patriotism, hard-work, faith, and family; ideally, I would like my work to be in conversation with artists that promote the same thing

[kaceyreyyy]

Questions of the Week

Do you see your work as autobiographical at all?

I believe the majority of my art to be autobiographical. Most of the themes and scenes depicted in my drawings are based upon things directly from my life - whether that be relating to my interest in horses or my faith and belief in God. The only time this normally changes is if I am doing a commissioned piece of work. 

How do history and the passage of time affect the meaning of an artwork?

How an artwork holds up against time, depends on the work itself. Some work is only relevant to its own time, while other pieces, such as those of Van Gogh or Michael Angelo, are completely timeless. In my opinion, artwork that withstands time must be able to retain its meaning no matter the century. In order to do this, it must deal with emotions and situations that all of humanity experiences - loss, joy, faith, beauty, etc.