Crit-Eve Process Pictures

So here is what I have done so far, I spent another 7.5 hours working in the studio today which brings me to a grand total of 30 hours so far.  The first group of images that you see were my progress up until today and are how the piece is meant to be viewed.  The second group of images are my progress from today, the piece is currently upside down so that it can be steady and clamped properly as I am taking a mid point and working both upward and downward from that point.  I will be going into the studio early tomorrow so that I can make sure my joints are secure and to attempt to get this thing clamped together so it can be seen as a whole for the critique.  I will, of course, post process images of the whole thing clamped together after the critique as well as give my thoughts on how it went and whether or not I will modify my direction at all.  So without further ado, here goes!

First Set:

Second Set:

Prepping for Tuesday's Full Faculty Critique

Oh boy, the first full faculty critique is coming right up!  I only have 3 more days to work.  In the last week I have spoken with Robert Rainey, Bob Katz and Karen Adrienne about my work.  All of the meetings went well, they seem excited to see where my work is going to go which is even more exciting for me. 

Since my first presentation of the 6 "pod" drawings my direction for Senior Project has changed a bit.  The wood piece that you see images of in the post preceding this one is the work that I had done as of Wednesday.  I began cutting boards into a shape which resembled my pod drawings.  I chose not to make the forms solid, I felt that if I did they would (1) be to visually 'heavy' and (2) they would not be as aesthetically interesting or pleasing.  After creating the portion of the 'pod' structure I decided that it looked too structural and mechanical, I wanted to go in and modify the structure so that it would take on a more organic feel.  This decision was crucial since my concept revolves around the natural world.  After I began working the surface my direction toward the 'pod' form changed drastically.  The 'pod' was never a central focus or specific need for my concept, rather it was a series of ideas that I thought would help to discover my concept through form.  As I said before, once I started working the physical form took on a whole new direction and meaning.  My initial artist statement referred to layering within nature and referenced the connection between humans and the natural world.  It is my feeling that this new direction still, in part, fulfills my original artist statement as I will currently be investigating layering and growth within my piece. 

I got another solid 5 hours of work in today, bringing me to a current total of 20 hours.  I cannot say how good it felt to get a good chunk of work time in again, it has been approximately a year since I've been in the studio sculpting a piece.  It was a great feeling to unload everything, get the coffee brewing, break out the tools, crank up the music and get to work.  I have definitely chosen the right concentration (sculpture) as that is the time that I really am able to just relax, focus and really get into a 'zone'.  After working today I can easily say that if this piece is successful (which I suspect it will be) I could spend a great amount of time just building and working with these pieces for quite some time to come.  I have found my passion and it feels great!

I will be working again tomorrow, and hopefully again Sunday (after I complete my homework for my other classes) and on Monday as well.  It is my hope to have enough of the surface worked for Tuesday's critique so that I can get some decent and helpful feedback from the faculty.  I am confident that things will go well and that I'm headed in the right direction...that being said I'm still very nervous!  For those of you reading this before Tuesday's crit - happy working and good luck!  I am excited to see what everyone has on Tuesday!

Today's Progress Images

I spoke with Bob Katz today about my piece, sketches and direction.  My artist statement really didn't change necessarily but I did come up with something a little different.  Please let me know what you think.  After talking with Bob I still don't feel like the "pod" form is that central/necessary to my concept.  After working today I see my piece taking on a whole new direction (though keeping with the same thoughts and ideas that are in my head).  This new direction will include one piece, still 6-10' in height and possibly a maximum 3' diameter, although I do not think it is that important to determine final size at the moment.  My work needs to take on its own life which will come out of myself, I realized that even more today as I began to do more work to modify the structure that I had begun to create over the past few days. 

Here are today's process pictures:

Secondary Artist Statement:

Sometimes in life we are surrounded and supported by warmth, other times we are confined by coldness, and yet other times we are pushed to succeed and are able to strive and reach for success.  All of these stages are part of life, some more prominent than others.  Sometimes our growth is stunted because we have been overshadowed and other times we are given the chance to shine and the ability to grow.  All of these instances contribute to the growth and development of our personality and character and are part of who we are as humankind.

Artist Assistance Please:

I am currently looking for some new artists to reference in regards to making my work.  So far I have found minimal images.  I was hoping that if I posted some images that some of you may have some artists pop into your head that I may be able to take a look at.  I spent a good 2 hours on Monday looking through all of the Sculpture Magazines located in the sculpture studio.  I have a few artists to reference from that.  I am looking forward to seeing what responses I may get from you.

Work in Progress Images

Here are my current work in progress photos.  The first is a look at the inside of my structure, the second is a look at the outside of the same structure, the third is the structure standing up so you can see another detail shot of it.

This next photo is my newest sketch which is where I feel I am headed.  This new sketch is a departure from one of the drawings in my series that was shown both at the in class presentation and previously in this blog.  My plan is to have the lower structure welded with bent steel, the middle structure being built from wood (shown in process photos above) and the upper structure created from plastercast and possibly other materials.  This drawing is not exact as it is just a sketch and ideas that I am working with.

I will have my revised artist statement tomorrow after my discussion with Bob Katz.  This structure will be between 6-10" in height.

Time to get to work!

I picked up my power tools last night!  I got the last kit in the state which saved me a good $100, very happy about that!  I went today and picked up 60 boards (2"x3"x5') for $30, I was really excited to have gotten such a good deal.  I'm hoping to get into the studio as early as possible tomorrow so I can crank up the music and get to work.  I've been spending tonight rehashing my ideas for form and looking for inspiration images.  I'm itching to get into the studio, unload and get started!  I do have to say, though, I am a bit apprehensive about getting going...since I'm doing a sculpture rather than something in another discipline it's not anything that I can drastically change all that much after I start....what if it's not sufficient?  Hopefully I'll have some progress images to show soon.

Thought Drawings

In this post you will see my series of 6 drawings which were created as thought sketches, meaning they are ideas of what I plan to bring into existence for senior project.  These ideas are purely a departure point.  I am playing around with other scenarios that these forms can submit to. 

My actual body of work for Senior Project will consist of approximately 3 of these forms (or others when other compositions are explored).  These forms will be built from wood and stand approximately 4' in height.  It is my hope to be able to use ivy to complete the form.  I have a friend's help in starting out the ivy and it is my hope that we can get it growing and that it will grow enough before the show for me to utilize it.  If the ivy is unsuccessful I will have to come up with a plan B, C, or D even.  No matter how it must be done I know that it will be successful overall.

Take a look and let me know what your thoughts are!

Scenario #1

 Scenario #2

 Scenario #3

 Scenario #4

 Scenario #5

Scenario #6

...and then there was light.....

Artist Statement:
Like Nature, we build new layers on top of the old, our past hidden but very much a product of who we are.  We start our lives out as seeds that break free and begin to grow and develop.  Even as a child there are instances of trial and error, successes and failures.  Our growth may be stunted because we have been overshadowed by someone or something.  Nevertheless, we continue to grow and thrive from our environments and continue to build layer upon layer, adding to our personality and character.  Like nature, we can cover up the past, build on top of it and continually start a new beginning.

Departure Thoughts:
Produce (3) sculptural forms, related at least in theory to my drawings, approximately 4' in height
Explore conceptual/visual/aesthetic way of connecting nature to human life
Construct forms from wood and plant life, experimenting with ivy

• Nature is not perfect, neither are we
• As humans we are physically natural but alter ourselves through manmade practices
• It is human practice to alter nature through manmade techniques and devices
• Both humans and nature are altered as a result of our/its experiences
• Both humans and nature adapt and change to their environments (constant basis)

Wood/Forest Symbolism Research
 Forests are the abode of the nature spirits.  Forests are a refuge from danger as well as a source of dangerous wild animals.  Forests are mysterious and constantly changing.  5th anniversary gift = wood; symbolizes a relationship that has become solid and long-lasting and represents the growing strength of the bond.

 Ivy Symbolism Research
 Symbol of vibrancy (bright green hue).  Celtic druids wove sprigs of ivy into necklaces to represent clarity of thought and celebrate vitality of nature.  Corresponding symbolism comes from its tendency to interweave in growth, reflecting connections and friendships, example of twists and turns relationships take.  Ivy also reflects long-lasting connections and bonds and has the ability to grow in challenging environments.  Ivy is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions, for these reasons it is also a symbol of survival and determination.  Ivy seems to be virtually indestructible and will return after suffering damage, this is an example of human spirit and strength that we all have to carry on regardless of how severe our setbacks have been.  Ivy often grows in a spiral form, especially when it climbs, which relates to its symbolism of consciousness, development, expansion and rebirth.  Ivy with 5-pointed leaves becomes a symbol of protection.  Other symbolic meanings are: growth, renewal, connection, friendship, opportunity, fidelity, eternity.

Other Thoughts:
**The "pods" from my drawings are a form that has shown up now and again in my work.  It is a form that I would like to further explore, it feels harmonious and secure to me, like a safe haven from the elements.  It also closely relates to nature, seeds, organic forms, easily suggests/reflects growth and is also a form which is open to the audience's interpretation.

It is amazing and important to me that we, as human beings, come from so many different backgrounds and walks of life and although everyone is different we all share a common link.  A link of being presented with obstacles and challenges that we must overcome or be overshadowed by.  Like the determination of ivy in the worst of circumstances we will find a way to push through and come out on top...or at least out of the mud...  It doesn't matter how bad things have been in the past, we can always hold hope in our hearts and put our best foot forward.  This body of work is important to me in that, as humanity we all share this bond on some level, and more importantly it is something that has a personal thread for me and is well worthy of being explored.




**Images of my drawings/sketches will soon follow.