Spring settles in as winter waltzes away

Just a quick update with the last of my work for the quarter!

For my very last printmaking assignment ever, I wanted to create something that made me leave the department with a bang. Unfortunately, I don't think I completely managed that, because my ideas were too large to follow through with. Not to say the piece isn't successful, because I do like it, but It wasn't the "bang" I was hoping for. The end of this class was strange. It was much like being in a bad relationship, spending all your time wanting it to end, but when presented with your new found freedom from the bond, you experience a sense of confusion and restlessness, instead of relief and happiness. The beginning of my minor was extremely enjoyable, but as I experienced more and more distaste of commercial art by the fine artists, and had to spend more and more time away from my major, the passion truly faded for me. I think I just need some time away from printmaking to enjoy it again. But I promise, I will do some woodcuts and screen prints in the future. This is not my last print ever.

Anyway, in my Portfolio class my professor was talking about taking rejection in the field of illustration. She was emphasizing that it is important to not be hurt by being turned away or not selected to win awards. She said "just remember, it means everything if you win, and nothing if you don't," meaning, although celebration is expected and good when you are recognized, it isn't the world if you lose, and life goes on. I have personally been struggling with this lately, and decided to make a poster for myself with the phrase to look at when I am upset. Unfortunately, nobody in my class understood that the message was an uplifting one. They all thought that it meant "winning is the most important thing ever." Sigh. I just can't win with some people. But it's still on my wall for inspiration.



"In Other Words: it's okay to not be the best," screen print, 2011.
So concludes my printmaking education.

And last but not least, my art licensing Halloween illustration! These can be on plates, napkins, buckets, stickers, cards, anything really. It is very unlike my comfortable niche in both color palette and subject matter, but I really love it! And my professor had a really wonderful suggestion, saying that the work is extremely versatile because each individual character could also be on different products. It could be a whole series!



"Halloween Friends," Gouache and Digital, 2011.

Here's a quick mock up:



"Halloween Friends Mock Up," Gouache and Digital, 2011.

Oh yeah, and here's that magazine mock up I mentioned last time:



"Abandon the Binky Mock Up," Gouache and Digital, 2011.

That's all for now!
adios
caitlin

Another late progress check

This quarter is so insanely busy! Sorry it took me a while to get back with another update.

First, here's my page on Letter Playground. I've already receieved quite a few "likes!"

Also, because of the SILA competition, we were recognized by the President of SCAD, Paula Wallace, a few weeks ago. It was nice to feel appreciated by the school. Usually our little department keeps to itself.


Kellan and me with Professor Danawi. Click here to check out the SCAD online article on SILA.

Now on to Printmaking! This is my first screen printing assignment (I tried to teach myself how to print on fabric last summer and was mildly successful, but I'm not counting it really). I enjoy how so much faster of a process this is, especially compared to Lithography. I don't have to clean any rollers, mess with any chemicals, and can reuse my screens over and over again! This piece is about not letting other people get you down. Luckily my metaphor was vague enough that my professor was unaware that it primarily was inspired by her rant a few weeks ago. The raindrops are people's opinions and negativity, and I am the cat person, persevering and enjoying myself despite the downpour. I titled it "Monday," implying that this may happen any, or every, day of the week.

"Monday," Screen Print, 2011.

In my Portfolio class, I worked on an editorial piece for a parenting magazine. The imaginary article would be discussing how to support your child in giving up their binky or thumb-sucking. I decided to choose this topic because I know it's a common problem of dependency with children on things like pacifiers. I personally had this issue! My stubborn thumb-sucking lasted until about fourth grade, and because of it, I had to go through some major orthodontics to keep me from resembling a beaver. My parents threatened me with putting lemon juice on my thumb or with completely fictional contraptions with spikes in the roof of my mouth. At one point I wore a mitten, but that didn't work at all. Then it was just soggy. Not even pointing out adults with really awful teeth, saying, "if you don't stop, that will be you someday," worked. Just one day, I decided on my own. Anyway, now you know a little bit about my inspiring childhood. Here's the piece:


"Abandon the Binky" Gouache, 2011.

The colors aren't exactly like the real painting. Sometimes gouache scans perfectly, and other times, it just refuses to cooperate.

I did a mock-up magazine article, but what I referenced to create the page layout was extremely unprofessional. I plan on redoing it, so I'll post that later.

Tomorrow I give an oral presentation on one of my favorite artists, Matte Stephens. His work is what I wish mine looked like! The color, repeating shapes and careful designs are just music to my... eyes. Here is one of my favorites:


©Matte Stephens

That's all for this time. More art soonish!
adios
caitlin