Virtual Sketchbook 1
1.1 WRITING & RESEARCH — Introduction and First Artwork
[First Artwork: The Great Wave off Kanagawa]
Five Facts I Learned • The piece is part of a larger series titled Thirty‑Six Views of Mount Fuji. • The wave depicted is a rogue wave, not a tsunami. • Hokusai used the ukiyo‑e woodblock printing method, a major Japanese art tradition. • Mount Fuji appears in the background as a symbol of stability and spirituality. • The print became internationally influential after reaching Europe in the 19th century.
Reflection Paragraph Before researching this artwork, I mainly viewed it as a dramatic ocean scene. Learning about the symbolism and the woodblock printing process helped me appreciate the craftsmanship behind it. The contrast between the powerful wave and the calm Mount Fuji adds depth to the meaning. Now I see it as a blend of natural force, cultural identity, and artistic precision.
1.2 ART AND WRITING — Personal Artwork Reflection
[AI‑Generated Mustang Canvas Art]
The artwork I selected is a canvas print of an AI‑generated S550 Mustang GT. Although it is digitally created, it holds personal meaning because it blends technology with physical media. It serves as a daily reminder of my dream car and the goals I’m working toward after college. I find it beautiful because it represents motivation, ambition, and something I look at every day that inspires me.
1.3 WRITING A SELF‑PORTRAIT — Perceptual Profile
I am DJ, a 19‑year‑old male from Bradenton, Florida. I am white, with family roots in Germany and Ireland. My interests influence how I view art, especially my fascination with cars, technology, and understanding how things function. For fun, I run a car page on TikTok and Instagram (@jd.rift) and recently started a separate car‑photography page (@biery.photography). I am not currently part of any organized groups. What makes me uniquely myself is my curiosity, my drive to build toward long‑term goals, and the way I combine hands‑on problem‑solving with creativity. These traits shape the perspective I bring when I look at visual art.
1.4 ART PROJECT — Self‑Portrait (Romare Bearden Inspired)
[Digital Collage Self‑Portrait]
Artist Statement For my self‑portrait, I created a digital collage within a clean side‑profile silhouette to represent the interests that define my daily life. The interior includes imagery of a Mustang GT, computers, technology, coding, and a cross, reflecting my goals, values, and the subjects I’m most drawn to. I intentionally used AI in the creation process because experimenting with AI tools and technology is something I actively engage with, making the medium itself part of my identity. By assembling these elements inside the outline of my face, I aimed to show that my sense of self is shaped by innovation, curiosity, faith, and the motivation to work toward my future.
