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Among other things, for me, art is a manifestation of found freedom and joy in expressing ... |
I'm a slow starter when it comes to new projects, or even getting started on ones I have been nurturing in the form of ideas, rumination, and drawings. I don't make an actual effort to specifically change this, but there is a change that is coming about through thinking about my process.
I spent the summer of 2022, and am still listening to podcasts and watching videos of artists presenting or otherwise sharing their processes. I have listened to 100+ painters talk about their work and the processes behind it. It's been informative, as well as liberating. I used to think that my process had to be something that ultimately looked like others' in the sense that I believed that all successful artists might have the same or a similar process if they worked in a similar media. I have found that this is patently untrue.
My process is a work in progress. However, when I look at it from the point of view of creating a piece of work, there are a few things that are emerging as consistent: More often than not, I begin with a premeditated idea/concept. Over the past five years, the inspiration for my ideas has mostly been something experienced, a poignant realization, or an observation about something socio-political, or about being black in the world, in nature.
I spend time thinking about the purpose for the idea; thinking about whom I want to be seeing the work and what I would like for them to take away from their experience with it. I think about it in the context of a continuum of my work. My rumination is mostly solitary, however I do have a few special folks I will sometimes ask to hear me out, and I listen to how they respond.
I've not made copious notes in the past, but I am trying to create a habit of doing so. I have a page or two here or there and I will usually make a very very loose sketch. Then some times I will look at design, perhaps make tighter sketches, or in cases where it makes sense I will use design tools such as Fusion 360. My notes, I have learned, are very important...hence the reason I want to add density to the notes that I keep. The notes aid me in coming back to the emotional basis of the inspiration.
I will, or I should say that I now, tend to immediately start looking at artworks that resemble my ideas. Or look for artists who have addressed my particular subject or inspiration. Not specifically for execution ideas, but for certain to understand the aesthetic approaches artists before me have taken. As I am wanting to my own style and symbolical concept about representing humanity, I don't want to forget to understand what the rules and things that influence viewers' are. I want to use design theory, gestalt theory, color theory...but as guides.... I am emphatically wanting to place the idea that I want people to want to look at my work as my first guiding principle. There are further principles to apply but I'll bring them up later as I begin to develop my works this semester.
I spent the summer of 2022, and am still listening to podcasts and watching videos of artists presenting or otherwise sharing their processes. I have listened to 100+ painters talk about their work and the processes behind it. It's been informative, as well as liberating. I used to think that my process had to be something that ultimately looked like others' in the sense that I believed that all successful artists might have the same or a similar process if they worked in a similar media. I have found that this is patently untrue.
My process is a work in progress. However, when I look at it from the point of view of creating a piece of work, there are a few things that are emerging as consistent: More often than not, I begin with a premeditated idea/concept. Over the past five years, the inspiration for my ideas has mostly been something experienced, a poignant realization, or an observation about something socio-political, or about being black in the world, in nature.
I spend time thinking about the purpose for the idea; thinking about whom I want to be seeing the work and what I would like for them to take away from their experience with it. I think about it in the context of a continuum of my work. My rumination is mostly solitary, however I do have a few special folks I will sometimes ask to hear me out, and I listen to how they respond.
I've not made copious notes in the past, but I am trying to create a habit of doing so. I have a page or two here or there and I will usually make a very very loose sketch. Then some times I will look at design, perhaps make tighter sketches, or in cases where it makes sense I will use design tools such as Fusion 360. My notes, I have learned, are very important...hence the reason I want to add density to the notes that I keep. The notes aid me in coming back to the emotional basis of the inspiration.
I will, or I should say that I now, tend to immediately start looking at artworks that resemble my ideas. Or look for artists who have addressed my particular subject or inspiration. Not specifically for execution ideas, but for certain to understand the aesthetic approaches artists before me have taken. As I am wanting to my own style and symbolical concept about representing humanity, I don't want to forget to understand what the rules and things that influence viewers' are. I want to use design theory, gestalt theory, color theory...but as guides.... I am emphatically wanting to place the idea that I want people to want to look at my work as my first guiding principle. There are further principles to apply but I'll bring them up later as I begin to develop my works this semester.
Entry 1
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man in a hoodie
This is a piece that I thought about a year ago, and am just getting around to beginning actual work on it.
The inspiration may make it part of a series which speaks to the notion that I have never quite felt acceptable in the nether-space that I personally occupy culturally. However, I have always gravitated toward white society. In this series I note the things that were, and still may be, important to me. Iconic things such as what visual and musical art I felt was/is meaningful to me personally, for example. However, I also do not want to stray from the principle focus of my work of the recent past. This first piece will recall a painting The Son of Man, 1946, by René Magritte. It has been suggested that the piece aims to reflect the anonymity of the modern businessman and having to hide one's true identity in order to conform. This is important as my work goes because of the plurality of that meaning as it relates to me, as well as generally people who occupy black bodies. My image suggests devaluation and disempowerment through stereotype. Here is a contact sheet of a few of the shots I made potentially for use as the main part of the final photograph. -->> |
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Time Spent
I spent 4-5 hours one of one day making some self portraits, testing lighting setups and lens options. Then, on another day I spent approximately 3 hours photographing the glass Metahum that is part of another piece titled Playing Field for use in this project. This includes the setup and teardown of the photoshoot sets, as the studio is not for my exclusive use. Additionally, I spend about two hours every Tuesday and Thursday evening watching art related videos. This past week, I spent over three hours reviewing some resources I had located online and saved for later review. I watched some videos about Rene Magritte and his work in general as a surrealist, as well as watching videos about contemporary sculpture.
Evaluative Review
It felt really good to get the idea rolling, and almost immediately, the photoshoot started stimulating other ideas/execution options for the object d'art that I want to create. Such as considering a more meaningful background, since I am not a painter what will I use? I started off with a typical photography backdrop, but what if I found an urban setting to use as a backdrop. What do I have to consider, will it elevate the concept?
The difficult part of working in the environment that I am envisioning as perhaps an elevation to where I have started is working alone. So, I will have to solve that problem. It was also difficult to work alone with regard to getting set for the shot, and making the shot, I am not sure that I will use any of the 40+ shots taken. So, I'll have to think about how to do that more effectively.
Constantly going back to Magritte's piece and evaluating it in terms of my appropriation of his concept, and considering how I will accomplish the aesthetic goals that I think are important are what I am thinking about now...however, it is as I work with what I have that gives me the most 'sparks' of inspiration toward creating the piece that I will feel satisfied with.
Ongoing Goals
To continue, over the upcoming week, I will do some photo editing, and test compositing the Metahum (as Magritte's apple) with my self-portrait. Additionally, time and weather permitting, I'll go out and scout some locations to test as backgrounds for this conceptual photograph.
I spent 4-5 hours one of one day making some self portraits, testing lighting setups and lens options. Then, on another day I spent approximately 3 hours photographing the glass Metahum that is part of another piece titled Playing Field for use in this project. This includes the setup and teardown of the photoshoot sets, as the studio is not for my exclusive use. Additionally, I spend about two hours every Tuesday and Thursday evening watching art related videos. This past week, I spent over three hours reviewing some resources I had located online and saved for later review. I watched some videos about Rene Magritte and his work in general as a surrealist, as well as watching videos about contemporary sculpture.
Evaluative Review
It felt really good to get the idea rolling, and almost immediately, the photoshoot started stimulating other ideas/execution options for the object d'art that I want to create. Such as considering a more meaningful background, since I am not a painter what will I use? I started off with a typical photography backdrop, but what if I found an urban setting to use as a backdrop. What do I have to consider, will it elevate the concept?
The difficult part of working in the environment that I am envisioning as perhaps an elevation to where I have started is working alone. So, I will have to solve that problem. It was also difficult to work alone with regard to getting set for the shot, and making the shot, I am not sure that I will use any of the 40+ shots taken. So, I'll have to think about how to do that more effectively.
Constantly going back to Magritte's piece and evaluating it in terms of my appropriation of his concept, and considering how I will accomplish the aesthetic goals that I think are important are what I am thinking about now...however, it is as I work with what I have that gives me the most 'sparks' of inspiration toward creating the piece that I will feel satisfied with.
Ongoing Goals
To continue, over the upcoming week, I will do some photo editing, and test compositing the Metahum (as Magritte's apple) with my self-portrait. Additionally, time and weather permitting, I'll go out and scout some locations to test as backgrounds for this conceptual photograph.
Entry 2
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Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon
I had my camera ready and a friend to assist, in order to continue working on man in a hoodie . Unfortunately, the weather altered those plans and now I have to find a new assistant. Disappointed, I spend the remainder of the week, watching easily 3-5 hours of videos per day about sculpture. That is, about sculpture as an art-form, and the many artists who had their names in the ring. I was very surprised by some names I did not know had significant works as sculptors.
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At some point I needed a change of pace and, for reasons too lengthy to go into here, I looked at the story behind the Pan-African flag. I decided then to make a piece, mainly for a friend who would not disagree with being qualified as a (white) racist (toward blacks and hispanics) experiencing a transformative change of mindset. I discussed the piece with him and he said he would appreciate me sharing this work with him.
This is where I am starting with the piece. I envision it as a triptych with each image being at least 36 inches tall, with the full text in the background and the foreground metahums made of text as well. I the long run, I would like to paint the base colors on a stretched canvas, and hand write the texts.
This is where I am starting with the piece. I envision it as a triptych with each image being at least 36 inches tall, with the full text in the background and the foreground metahums made of text as well. I the long run, I would like to paint the base colors on a stretched canvas, and hand write the texts.
Time Spent
I spent 3 or more hours Tuesday-Thursday watching videos of talks on modern sculpture and the artists who created them. Wednesday - Friday I worked about 3-4 hours per day, researching how to do certain things in Adobe Illustrator, and working on an initial rendition of my tribute piece. I considered how I could evolve it, as I was working on the Illustrator version which would become a print for a friend. I looked at a few artists that created works based upon known flags, and decided I'll come back to that research.
I spent 3 or more hours Tuesday-Thursday watching videos of talks on modern sculpture and the artists who created them. Wednesday - Friday I worked about 3-4 hours per day, researching how to do certain things in Adobe Illustrator, and working on an initial rendition of my tribute piece. I considered how I could evolve it, as I was working on the Illustrator version which would become a print for a friend. I looked at a few artists that created works based upon known flags, and decided I'll come back to that research.
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On Tuesday of this week, I spent time (roughly 2-4 hours) looking at more sculpture centered video articles) as I began making loose sketches of a particular piece I may title Diamond Reality. I was, also, thinking about the works that I want to start, as well as the ones I expect to finish in this semester, with this being one I expect to finish. Diamond Reality is strongly inspired by the Giacometti piece, City Square 1948. This fits into my work as an addition to my series representing an overarching concept of inserting black people issues into what I consider relevant existing art works. I think this concept is me adding my voice to that of other artists subverting the traditional course of representation and refiguring art history.
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Diamond Reality
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Evaluative Review
Each time I have begun to work, I first open one of the books that i am listening to, such as Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve L. Ewing, or go to a playlist of videos I have curated to continue immersing myself in thought and learning about sculpture. I believe that this is me leaving the question of who I am behind and accepting that I make art. My thinking, my vision, and my drive are all pointing in the same direction...all toward the action that results in art.
The only challenge I am feeling right now is to make sure that I am keeping in mind that I want to produce work that can be completed in the semester, as well as work that can be reasonably not challenging to enter into art calls.
I feel good about my process, because I no longer think there is only one way to get to my goal. My goal is more of a concept and I work my way there, knowing and even planning to do things such as consider materiality and other ways to elevate the concept in its final form.
Ongoing Goals
I am also working on continuing my build of a large Metahum made from books. The top of the piece was to have arms emerging and holding a disembodied head. But I've come up with some other ideas for the arms. Instead of being traditional with some casted or carved material, I will do a bit of exploring welding objects together to create the arms.
There are a couple of artists that I want to reach out to in order to ask for a zoom or studio visit. I am just not sure how I might contact them since the only representation I can find online is their respective galleries. I have already sent one email with no response...
Each time I have begun to work, I first open one of the books that i am listening to, such as Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve L. Ewing, or go to a playlist of videos I have curated to continue immersing myself in thought and learning about sculpture. I believe that this is me leaving the question of who I am behind and accepting that I make art. My thinking, my vision, and my drive are all pointing in the same direction...all toward the action that results in art.
The only challenge I am feeling right now is to make sure that I am keeping in mind that I want to produce work that can be completed in the semester, as well as work that can be reasonably not challenging to enter into art calls.
I feel good about my process, because I no longer think there is only one way to get to my goal. My goal is more of a concept and I work my way there, knowing and even planning to do things such as consider materiality and other ways to elevate the concept in its final form.
Ongoing Goals
I am also working on continuing my build of a large Metahum made from books. The top of the piece was to have arms emerging and holding a disembodied head. But I've come up with some other ideas for the arms. Instead of being traditional with some casted or carved material, I will do a bit of exploring welding objects together to create the arms.
There are a couple of artists that I want to reach out to in order to ask for a zoom or studio visit. I am just not sure how I might contact them since the only representation I can find online is their respective galleries. I have already sent one email with no response...
Entry 3
Generations
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To avoid the total loss of two weeks or rigorous work (school closing followed by the flu), I've done what I could. This past week, with the flu, was a challenge but I did work on another piece that I had in mind and which I think meets an earlier mentioned goal of mine.
I am working toward this piece being a 5' high (plus 4" or so rolling plinth) and roughly 3-4' at the widest point, sheet steel sculpture. One of my principle goals is to create sculptural works that are stronger in the consideration of some key elements, including: the way in which the sculpture interacts with the space around it and how it relates to the viewer; the form and how it represents my subject; the material as well as how I work with it; and the size and proportion of the sculpture. I want to also make better use of how light interacts with it. I began with a concept in mind of deconstructing one of my Metahums and then reassembling it. I sketched a few details, but then thought I really needed to see it in 3-dimensions to understand better what it could be. Here is an example of one rendition. Most likely I will make some formal drawings of the concept, as well as probably a Fusion 3D animation of it. |
Generations, (planned) 64" x 40", 1/8" steel sheet
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Time Spent
Friday and Saturday I picked up with what I usually do, watching videos of talks on modern sculpture, and art in general, and the artists who created them. I intend to watch most if not all of the videos on the MoMA YouTube Channel, and I spent a 3 or 4 hours working on gaining a deeper understanding of Panofsky's ideas regarding Iconography, as well as the difference between Iconography and Iconology.
Sunday and Monday I decided to work on the beginning parts of my processes for a sculpture called Generations. I worked on some loose sketches and design, as well as noted some to the basis thought for the concept of the piece. I also spent a few hours creating maquettes.
Evaluative Review
The processes for sculptural works is emerging to be more consistent for me. Think, imagine, sketch, think, design, maquette, work, draw...generally speaking. This allows me to reduce the amount of time I spend ruminating on the feeling/inspiration, and do more toward actually making something that is a manifestation of the inspiration in the form of an artwork. I would love to have more confabulatory interaction around the subject matter, around art, around sculpture, but I do not have much of a network. I try to supplant the lack of a network with lots of video and podcast input. Not quite the same, but it's what I got!
Ongoing Goals
Begin the work on the wood execution of the piece Diamond Reality. I will also formalize the design of Generations, so that I can create the files needed to cut the steel pieces at DallasMakerSpace.
Friday and Saturday I picked up with what I usually do, watching videos of talks on modern sculpture, and art in general, and the artists who created them. I intend to watch most if not all of the videos on the MoMA YouTube Channel, and I spent a 3 or 4 hours working on gaining a deeper understanding of Panofsky's ideas regarding Iconography, as well as the difference between Iconography and Iconology.
Sunday and Monday I decided to work on the beginning parts of my processes for a sculpture called Generations. I worked on some loose sketches and design, as well as noted some to the basis thought for the concept of the piece. I also spent a few hours creating maquettes.
Evaluative Review
The processes for sculptural works is emerging to be more consistent for me. Think, imagine, sketch, think, design, maquette, work, draw...generally speaking. This allows me to reduce the amount of time I spend ruminating on the feeling/inspiration, and do more toward actually making something that is a manifestation of the inspiration in the form of an artwork. I would love to have more confabulatory interaction around the subject matter, around art, around sculpture, but I do not have much of a network. I try to supplant the lack of a network with lots of video and podcast input. Not quite the same, but it's what I got!
Ongoing Goals
Begin the work on the wood execution of the piece Diamond Reality. I will also formalize the design of Generations, so that I can create the files needed to cut the steel pieces at DallasMakerSpace.
Entry 4
Diamond Reality
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Beginning work on this piece in the ceramic medium. I really want to start with wood, but the piece of poplar I ordered has yet to arrive. The base is substantial enough that my neophyte skill will be significantly challenged. That being the case, I am very happy that my process leads me to want to create maquettes and prototypes of a concept. This week I began working on some slabs that will become a test base, and anticipating success, the other may become the actual base for the piece.
The base must be imposing enough to be perceived as a strong grounding or the earth beneath our feet. This is important despite the small scale of the sculpture, in order to read the Metahums as living, standing or moving around upon that ground space. That is the goal. Problems to solve such as that, and how I might use texture to increase the desired perception, as well as how to treat the surface of the Metahums, since no side that is glazed may touch the kiln shelf... . |
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Time Spent
Friday I spent an hour and went to take some out of doors self portraits in the South Dallas area, but did not find what I was looking for. Then, Saturday, I visited the Tally Dunn Gallery in order to meet the artist Leonardo Drew. It was a fantastic gallery visit, I love his work. But I did not ge to meet him as he was constantly surrounded during the time that I was there.
Monday I worked on my Diamond Reality maquette and began scaling up my design for a larger maquette of the Generations sculpture. Tuesday, spent time viewing some videos that Leigh had recommended, after our studio visit discussion. Also spent time with Ahn contributing to his work as a volunteer hand-model. I did not watch any other videos this week, but instead spent an hour and a half in conversation with an friend who was once one of my professors at Richland College. She is a sculptor and painter and always has plenty of perspective to offer. It is usally quite informative and inspiring to listen to her, and we also have lots of laughs as we continue growing our friendship. We talk about the two different worlds within this nation that we have experienced as we have lived our lives and make revelations and solve society's problems.
I also spent time in contact with a few students discussing my work for their benefit. It is always a growth experience to provide information as well as to hear how they receive it and let that inform the work I have yet to create.
Evaluative Review
I have reached a saturation of things that are on my schedule to get done, as far as making work. Now I have to make certain that I am on track to keep my efforts productive. I have to find a way to filter inspiration that is good for now, and inspiration that may be more for growth thought, or perhaps future projects. Find some appropriate level of focus, but not so much as to stifle flexibility and fluidity in my creative thought and process...just want to avoid hyper-focus.
Ongoing Goals
Make some major progress on the Diamond Reality prototype and complete the larger maquette of the Generations piece. Research for the March 4th field trip...
Friday I spent an hour and went to take some out of doors self portraits in the South Dallas area, but did not find what I was looking for. Then, Saturday, I visited the Tally Dunn Gallery in order to meet the artist Leonardo Drew. It was a fantastic gallery visit, I love his work. But I did not ge to meet him as he was constantly surrounded during the time that I was there.
Monday I worked on my Diamond Reality maquette and began scaling up my design for a larger maquette of the Generations sculpture. Tuesday, spent time viewing some videos that Leigh had recommended, after our studio visit discussion. Also spent time with Ahn contributing to his work as a volunteer hand-model. I did not watch any other videos this week, but instead spent an hour and a half in conversation with an friend who was once one of my professors at Richland College. She is a sculptor and painter and always has plenty of perspective to offer. It is usally quite informative and inspiring to listen to her, and we also have lots of laughs as we continue growing our friendship. We talk about the two different worlds within this nation that we have experienced as we have lived our lives and make revelations and solve society's problems.
I also spent time in contact with a few students discussing my work for their benefit. It is always a growth experience to provide information as well as to hear how they receive it and let that inform the work I have yet to create.
Evaluative Review
I have reached a saturation of things that are on my schedule to get done, as far as making work. Now I have to make certain that I am on track to keep my efforts productive. I have to find a way to filter inspiration that is good for now, and inspiration that may be more for growth thought, or perhaps future projects. Find some appropriate level of focus, but not so much as to stifle flexibility and fluidity in my creative thought and process...just want to avoid hyper-focus.
Ongoing Goals
Make some major progress on the Diamond Reality prototype and complete the larger maquette of the Generations piece. Research for the March 4th field trip...
Entry 5
Whispers 2.0, Generations, & Diamond Reality
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Though this project is not likely to finish this semester, I have felt the need to move it further forward as I have discovered potential new ways to complete it. The fabrication challenges are primarily in dealing with the immense weight and girth of the finalized piece. Here I am reshaping the core structure, so that I can assemble it as a set of panels which will each have the books mounted onto them. -->>
Also, had to do some 3D printing for the core post that will hold the larger plywood pieces for the upscaled maquette of the Generations sculpture. -->> |
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How I Spent My Time
Although, as usual, on Mondays and Wednesdays, I get to work on Diamond Reality, which is my ceramic piece refiguring the work City Square by Rene Magritte. This week was a little different for me.
Thursday I met for about 3 hours with a group of Dallas artists at a coffee bar on the other side of the river from downtown Dallas, a couple of blocks from the Margret Hunt-Hill bridge. It reminded me of a movie I've seen where there were these artists that gathered for drinks and were all talking but none were truely listening. I was listening, however. I wanted to understand what seemed to be important to them. The meeting was actually arranged by Jeremy Biggers, a Dallas artist I met a couple of summers ago. Then after leaving the Soiree Coffee Bar, I Met up with and spent almost 4 hours with a friend and artist, talking almost each others work and the few problems we were having. We allowed each other to help us consider the problems and potential solutions.
Friday, I spent 9 hours in the Sculpture lab, worked on a 3D print which conveniently took 8 hours, and cut out the plywood pieces for my enlarged maquette of Generations. Was too tired to assemble it though.
Saturday I visited the Tally Dunn Gallery, but did not get to meet Leonardo Drew. I am going back on Satuday with hopes of convincing the gallery to forward an email from me to him.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I am working by schedule on my 3 projects and feel like I am making good progress, while still being able to work as a GA and do other things to enrich my journey as an artist.
Plan For The Next Week
Prep for the field trip and keep make time to go out and make some more self-portrait shots for man in a hoodie. Continue working on the three pieces. DO NOT NOT WORK ON EACH PIECE. Those are my goals.
Although, as usual, on Mondays and Wednesdays, I get to work on Diamond Reality, which is my ceramic piece refiguring the work City Square by Rene Magritte. This week was a little different for me.
Thursday I met for about 3 hours with a group of Dallas artists at a coffee bar on the other side of the river from downtown Dallas, a couple of blocks from the Margret Hunt-Hill bridge. It reminded me of a movie I've seen where there were these artists that gathered for drinks and were all talking but none were truely listening. I was listening, however. I wanted to understand what seemed to be important to them. The meeting was actually arranged by Jeremy Biggers, a Dallas artist I met a couple of summers ago. Then after leaving the Soiree Coffee Bar, I Met up with and spent almost 4 hours with a friend and artist, talking almost each others work and the few problems we were having. We allowed each other to help us consider the problems and potential solutions.
Friday, I spent 9 hours in the Sculpture lab, worked on a 3D print which conveniently took 8 hours, and cut out the plywood pieces for my enlarged maquette of Generations. Was too tired to assemble it though.
Saturday I visited the Tally Dunn Gallery, but did not get to meet Leonardo Drew. I am going back on Satuday with hopes of convincing the gallery to forward an email from me to him.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I am working by schedule on my 3 projects and feel like I am making good progress, while still being able to work as a GA and do other things to enrich my journey as an artist.
Plan For The Next Week
Prep for the field trip and keep make time to go out and make some more self-portrait shots for man in a hoodie. Continue working on the three pieces. DO NOT NOT WORK ON EACH PIECE. Those are my goals.
Entry 6
Generations / Diamond Reality / Whispers 2.0
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Because of my schedule, I find that working on each piece each week works out. I get to work as a Graduate Assistant and have to move back and forth between buildings and classes as part of my commitment. However, there is time before each commitment for me to work in each ot the pertinent areas. I get to work on my work in the ceramics lab before the class gets in, and likewise in the sculpture lab, once before and then again aftward.
In the process I also get to pick the brains of my professors along the way. So, I continue to work on the three pieces named above.... To the right first is a clip of me working on the 3rd maquette for the Generations piece. I have two versions of the piece that I have to make models for. One that is 4 triangles, two white and two black, and the other is a trio of triangles, and there is even a thought of a variation of that one. Secondly is me working on the armature for the Whispers piece. Im working on the actual full sized piece, and as I go, I am encountering problems. None of which cannot be solved, however, it just gives me some mild anxiety because I want to see it finished already. I want everyone to see it. |
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Some times I want to jump right in and start cutting, hammering, grinding, etc...but in making the maquettes I am able to put some preview some thoughts which pertain to what I have gathered in studying scupture. Ive had to formalize the thoughts and write them down. I have deduced that as I am designing a sculpture, there are several important considerations that I take into account:
- Conceptualization: The first step in creating a sculpture is to conceptualize the idea. I want to consider what I want to express and how the sculpture will convey my message.
- Form and composition: I consider the shape, size, and proportions of the sculpture in order to have a strong composition that creates balance and harmony in the artwork.
- Material selection: The choice of material is critical for a sculpture, as it can affect the look and feel of the final artwork.Actually, I find this to be one of the greater challenges. So I defer to feeling for now, and occasionally think of a relevant connection between the material and my message. However, generally, I select a material that best suits my design.
- Technique and skill: I am working toward having a good understanding of the techniques and skills required to create the sculpture. This includes knowledge of tools, materials, and the technical aspects of the medium. If the material speaks then I want to make certain that I am facilitating its voice and that what it says matches my intentions.
- Context: I consider where the sculpture will be displayed, and how it will interact with its environment. I allow that context to influence the design, as I am thinking of the impact of the sculpture.
- Emotion and expression: I want my sculpture to convey emotion, and I try to consider how the artwork will evoke a feeling or reaction from the viewer.
How I Spent My Time
I spent a few hours on Wednesday and Thursday working on a solution to the construction problems I'd encountered for Whispers. I spoke with a couple of people at Dallas Maker Space to get some structural input. Friday I went to Trinity Ceramics to pick up 100 lbs of clay to be used for both Diamond Reality and Whispers. I was looking for a couple of specialty solutions and they had some to offer. I purchased their Laguna B3 which fires with a nice smooth texture and a very dark, almost black, color. That will be used for Diamond Reality. I, also, purchased their house formula titled umm, I have forgotten at the moment. But it is a good clay body for sculpting a solid piece, and will fire a goden to medium brown. It has natural tendancy to have very subtle unevenness in the tonality which might help it to ommunicate what I want which is brown skin.
Saturday I visited the Nasher but after about an hour started to feel not to well and so went home.
Monday worked on the maquette for Generations, and Tuesday wrote up my PJ and Gallery Visit assignment.
I'm being somewhat short winded here because I am still feeling under the weather and my new glasses are giving me a headache. But I cannot use the old ones at all.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I think I did not get as much done as I'd hope to, in physical work, but I did make a good amount of headway in design and understanding of what I am trying to achieve.
Plan For The Next Week
I am having to adjust as I go and this is something that I am learning may be best for the best results...I have ordered the parts I need to make my armature for the Whispers piece, and Wednesday I will work on that an my maquette some more. Planning ahead, I hope to be working on Diamond Reality over thecweekend.
I spent a few hours on Wednesday and Thursday working on a solution to the construction problems I'd encountered for Whispers. I spoke with a couple of people at Dallas Maker Space to get some structural input. Friday I went to Trinity Ceramics to pick up 100 lbs of clay to be used for both Diamond Reality and Whispers. I was looking for a couple of specialty solutions and they had some to offer. I purchased their Laguna B3 which fires with a nice smooth texture and a very dark, almost black, color. That will be used for Diamond Reality. I, also, purchased their house formula titled umm, I have forgotten at the moment. But it is a good clay body for sculpting a solid piece, and will fire a goden to medium brown. It has natural tendancy to have very subtle unevenness in the tonality which might help it to ommunicate what I want which is brown skin.
Saturday I visited the Nasher but after about an hour started to feel not to well and so went home.
Monday worked on the maquette for Generations, and Tuesday wrote up my PJ and Gallery Visit assignment.
I'm being somewhat short winded here because I am still feeling under the weather and my new glasses are giving me a headache. But I cannot use the old ones at all.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I think I did not get as much done as I'd hope to, in physical work, but I did make a good amount of headway in design and understanding of what I am trying to achieve.
Plan For The Next Week
I am having to adjust as I go and this is something that I am learning may be best for the best results...I have ordered the parts I need to make my armature for the Whispers piece, and Wednesday I will work on that an my maquette some more. Planning ahead, I hope to be working on Diamond Reality over thecweekend.
Entry 7
Continuing 2D - Exploring the Metahum in print...
During the Spring Break, I decided to explore more 2D methods... I am somewhat driven toward this because I do not feel that I am always in a position or inspired to work on my sculptural works...but, at the same time, I am practically always inspired to consider how something I am looking at, some medium, could be powerfully used to communicate the art that lives within me. Additionally, I believe that there is so much "bottled -up" inside.I just need easier ways to put some of it down.
So, I am working on drawing when I can, painting is a wish...not sure I'll try that, ceramics is a yes, but I'm as slow with that as other sculptural work. Slower, perhaps. However, computer based tools are something I can pick up quickly. So, I spent the better part of the week exploring ideas centered around how I can apply the Metahum and other visual references that are part of my art's about-ness!
So, I am working on drawing when I can, painting is a wish...not sure I'll try that, ceramics is a yes, but I'm as slow with that as other sculptural work. Slower, perhaps. However, computer based tools are something I can pick up quickly. So, I spent the better part of the week exploring ideas centered around how I can apply the Metahum and other visual references that are part of my art's about-ness!
How I Spent My Time
Saturday before the break, I went to the Liliana Bloch Gallery and enjoyed meeting Alicia Eggert, and listening to her presentation. Then, the week consisted of watching tutorials for Blender, Fusion 360, and a few other graphical tools. I experimented with concepts for at least 3-4 hours a day and came out with the above executions.
Saturday the 18th, was spent with a friend who does graphical design. We talked about the pros and cons of text in the concepts above.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I felt I needed a break from thinking about only the pieces I am working on as a commitment for the semester. I find and found great invigoration in thinking more broadly about how I can express myself, and trying ideas that were only moments before not existent, The act of making art has become somewhat intrinsic in my life. The past week showed me and my friends and family that.
Plan For The Next Week
Dig in and put the pedal to the metal on the works I have started as a plan for the semester.
Saturday before the break, I went to the Liliana Bloch Gallery and enjoyed meeting Alicia Eggert, and listening to her presentation. Then, the week consisted of watching tutorials for Blender, Fusion 360, and a few other graphical tools. I experimented with concepts for at least 3-4 hours a day and came out with the above executions.
Saturday the 18th, was spent with a friend who does graphical design. We talked about the pros and cons of text in the concepts above.
Evaluatiing The Past Week
I felt I needed a break from thinking about only the pieces I am working on as a commitment for the semester. I find and found great invigoration in thinking more broadly about how I can express myself, and trying ideas that were only moments before not existent, The act of making art has become somewhat intrinsic in my life. The past week showed me and my friends and family that.
Plan For The Next Week
Dig in and put the pedal to the metal on the works I have started as a plan for the semester.
Entry 8
Pro Toolkit / Generations / man in a hoodie
Roaming around a plethora of Dallas neighborhoods, I discovered a few things. I'll work more on my model and the presentation, and I'll not photograph on a bright cloudless day.
After recovering from my ordeal, I spent Friday evening poring over the Rachofsky Warehouse website; though this was nothing like being there, but I hoped to be able to engage in conversation about what my cohorts had seen and experienced. |
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How I Spent My Time
I worked on creating 3-D models of the Generations renditions, but with very poor success. Fusion 360 is a bear to learn, even with my decades of software experience. Unfortunately, as well, there are no good tutorials for free. At least not that I have come across just yet. I wont give up, but for now I am going to give Blender a chance, as I have heard that the user interface has been dramatically improved. The new interface has been designed to allow newbies and neophytes to get rolling faster. And the interface has been shaken out and tested by a great number of artists and design professionals. So I should have a better experience. I plan to 3D print the black triplane rendition, I do not have access to multicolor 3D printing.
Also, I spent time at Trinity Ceramics looking at all of the interesting tools and gadgets that ceramicists use. I purchased 100 lbs of clay in two different colors and clay bodies. I have two pieces that they will be used for. Diamond Reality and Whispers 2...
I spent time on the Rachofsky Warehouse website, taking notes. I followed an online tutorial for Fusion-360 and then tried to create a model of the triplane rendition of Generations. Tried a different edit on man in a hoodie, and fabricated a steel maquette of the black triplane rendition. Also made some bowls in the Ceramics Lab. These might accompany the triptych Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon. Oh, and I put in some time updating my website and planning new updated business cards.
Evaluating The Past Week
The week felt a bit disjointed, principally because I missed the field trip, and I had to spend money on repairs that I was not prepared to spend. But I focused on the maquette and that realigned my thoughts largely. Feeling a bit uncertain as to whether it is okay to follow my creative enerhy (as long as I am making progress) or should I try to block my thoughts in such a way as to get one thing done, and then another, etc... I feel like the approach I am taking is being productive, and is also allowing my thinking and understanding/growth to span all of my works.
Plan For The Next Week
Continue to do my best to make progress. Mostly go ahead and begin work on the larger (full scale) black triplane Generations piece.
I worked on creating 3-D models of the Generations renditions, but with very poor success. Fusion 360 is a bear to learn, even with my decades of software experience. Unfortunately, as well, there are no good tutorials for free. At least not that I have come across just yet. I wont give up, but for now I am going to give Blender a chance, as I have heard that the user interface has been dramatically improved. The new interface has been designed to allow newbies and neophytes to get rolling faster. And the interface has been shaken out and tested by a great number of artists and design professionals. So I should have a better experience. I plan to 3D print the black triplane rendition, I do not have access to multicolor 3D printing.
Also, I spent time at Trinity Ceramics looking at all of the interesting tools and gadgets that ceramicists use. I purchased 100 lbs of clay in two different colors and clay bodies. I have two pieces that they will be used for. Diamond Reality and Whispers 2...
I spent time on the Rachofsky Warehouse website, taking notes. I followed an online tutorial for Fusion-360 and then tried to create a model of the triplane rendition of Generations. Tried a different edit on man in a hoodie, and fabricated a steel maquette of the black triplane rendition. Also made some bowls in the Ceramics Lab. These might accompany the triptych Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon. Oh, and I put in some time updating my website and planning new updated business cards.
Evaluating The Past Week
The week felt a bit disjointed, principally because I missed the field trip, and I had to spend money on repairs that I was not prepared to spend. But I focused on the maquette and that realigned my thoughts largely. Feeling a bit uncertain as to whether it is okay to follow my creative enerhy (as long as I am making progress) or should I try to block my thoughts in such a way as to get one thing done, and then another, etc... I feel like the approach I am taking is being productive, and is also allowing my thinking and understanding/growth to span all of my works.
Plan For The Next Week
Continue to do my best to make progress. Mostly go ahead and begin work on the larger (full scale) black triplane Generations piece.
Entry 9
Maquettes to Manifest...
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Continuing to work toward making the large scale execution of the Generations piece. The biggest challenge at this time is choosing the best execution, in order to set myself up for success.
Working on a design, I believe I have come up with the idea that I can execute successfully. I intend to use 1/4" thick steel sheet for durability, drill stem pipe for the armature, and an exposed steel X base, elevated on 5" industrial casters, securing the armature with 4: steel gussets. Aquisition of materials is what I focused on this week. Considering the execution of this metal maquette, I am considering adding to the American Spirit Awards. I would redo the maquette with a greater emphasis on a more refined execution. |
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Also, considered further ways to utilize the potential of AI engaged creativity. I am spending some time these days thinking about how I could speak positively about what it means or feels like to be African-American. Since my youngest memories I heard messages like "Black Power," "Black is Beautiful" and more...I would like to pay some homage to that messaging with some of my own. One idea would be to produce a plethora of virtual photos of black women and men holding the Metahum of black humanity in their hands.
How I Spent My Time
As mentioned, not the most physically productive week, spent Thursday and Friday looking into materials for my larger scaled Generations piece; Monday, started ordering parts and continued working on the ceramic execution of Diamond Reality. Over the weekend explored more in the world of AI engaged creativity. Found that I could use ChatGPT 4 to produce thoughts and ideas in Blender, and spent hours toying with it.
Evaluating The Past Week
Slow in terms of physical production, high on planning the steps to complete a few of my projects. Generations, Diamond Reality (first execution), and print ideas.
Plan For The Next Week
Plasma cutting panels for Generations, making the bases for Generations and Whispers 2...
As mentioned, not the most physically productive week, spent Thursday and Friday looking into materials for my larger scaled Generations piece; Monday, started ordering parts and continued working on the ceramic execution of Diamond Reality. Over the weekend explored more in the world of AI engaged creativity. Found that I could use ChatGPT 4 to produce thoughts and ideas in Blender, and spent hours toying with it.
Evaluating The Past Week
Slow in terms of physical production, high on planning the steps to complete a few of my projects. Generations, Diamond Reality (first execution), and print ideas.
Plan For The Next Week
Plasma cutting panels for Generations, making the bases for Generations and Whispers 2...
Entry 10
Generations / 4 Planes in Steel
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On Thursday I began the work of translating the maquette into the scale that I will fabricate. I translate the final maquette dimensions to graph paper at a predetermined scale representing imperial feet, and then using a desired scaling factor, I calculate all of the dimensions and draw them at the scale of the drawing scale.
And then the cutting begins. Beginning with the armature, which for the quadplane piece will be a 4" 1/4" thick steel pipe, I had to decide on how I will attach the planes. I worked out a design that would result in a piece that could, hypothetically, be disassembled. |
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How I Spent My Time
Thursday and Friday I bought some materials and began work on the armature brackets on Friday. The work caused some inflammation of the left carpal tunnel. Much pain through the entire weekend, so I didnt get much else done...but ready to go got back after it on Tuesday. Began welding the pieces of steel that will become the brackets. Wednesday will be cutting those down to size, and possibly begin welding them to the armature.
Evaluating The Past Week
Making good progress. Would not change a thing, except maybe give myself back about 20 years of youth.
Plan For The Next Week
Cutting panels on Thursday, and pieces for the stand that will be used when moving the piece. .
Thursday and Friday I bought some materials and began work on the armature brackets on Friday. The work caused some inflammation of the left carpal tunnel. Much pain through the entire weekend, so I didnt get much else done...but ready to go got back after it on Tuesday. Began welding the pieces of steel that will become the brackets. Wednesday will be cutting those down to size, and possibly begin welding them to the armature.
Evaluating The Past Week
Making good progress. Would not change a thing, except maybe give myself back about 20 years of youth.
Plan For The Next Week
Cutting panels on Thursday, and pieces for the stand that will be used when moving the piece. .
Entry 11
Generations & Ceramic Work
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Continued this week with fabrication of Generations / 4 Planes in Steel...
About ready to cut the steel plate, fabrication of the brackets is complete. Also continued working on my ceramics skills in order to Work more effectively on the Diamond Reality piece. |
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How I Spent My Time
Spent the latter part of the week collecting more materials and fabricating the steel brackets mentioned above. Also went to the Nasher on Saturday. Sunday rested. Monday more grinding and cutting of the steel brackets.l
Evaluating The Past Week
Making excellent progress. Also made some incremental progress on the Whispers 2 piece.
Plan For The Next Week
Didnt get to cut panels last week, hoping to cut panels on Thursday
Spent the latter part of the week collecting more materials and fabricating the steel brackets mentioned above. Also went to the Nasher on Saturday. Sunday rested. Monday more grinding and cutting of the steel brackets.l
Evaluating The Past Week
Making excellent progress. Also made some incremental progress on the Whispers 2 piece.
Plan For The Next Week
Didnt get to cut panels last week, hoping to cut panels on Thursday