In preparation for my next critique this Thursday, I wanted to write out a more solidified artist statement of where I am at.
After critique 1 I took a lot of time to step back from my physical work and do some introspection to figure out what inspires me to make the forms I am making and what they mean to me.
My main sources of inspiration for my art are nature, my family; specifically my uncle mike who allowed me to take a trip to Australia a couple of summers ago and opened my eyes to my last and strongest source of inspiration for my current project, Aboriginal art.
I did some research on Aboriginal art and found that it is the longest surviving artistic expression in the world. Their art was used to tell and retell ancient stories and carry on symbols of their culture. I liked the idea of interpreting their art style to tell my own short history within my art.
I created these 5 panels, faces, and triangles and aligned them in a figure-like structure to represent my 5 immediate family members. Obviously, this is a very loose, abstracted interpretation showing how each individual is made of a similar structure, uniting us as family.
I used shield-like forms to represent how my family protects, shields, and supports me. They are my tribe and as the youngest, are responsible for shaping the way I am.
I used dot-art, a famous trademark of aboriginal paintings, within my pieces to show difference in family members by use of face paint as the Aboriginal did. There are tribal symbols and generally more paint is used on the faces of men.
I have also begun the second part of my series which will be 4 carved panels representing the 4 seasons of chicago that I grew up spending in nature. I want to again use the abstracted, aboriginal style of landscapes to show each seasons influence on my life.
The last part will include a large circular form with concentric ridges and rafia, an Aboriginal hay-like string, to represent the central sun. As it is the center of our world itself, it has always been the part of mine that brings energy and happiness into my days. I have been told I love the sun so much, that I am like a plant that only needs water and sunlight to thrive.
Lastly, if time allows, I would love to create my own didgeridoo, the Aboriginal ceremonial instrument, to commemorate my Uncle Mike, who brought our family together in a way that no one else could and introduced me to this culture that is influencing me so much.