Metal!

This is my second year of metal, and it is a nice change to the beginning of the year. My design was based around a NYC skyline, then just to one building in the center that will be nickel. Around the center 3 designed layered on top of each other with one negative piece taken out. The process of metal is difficult. It takes a lot of physical work and until you feel the burn, you are'nt sawing hard enough. It takes endurance to saw and this year I have the hang of it. So far, Metals this year are coming along great and you'll have to wait to see my finished piece, which I will put on my book for added decor.

Collages from our class. 

   A  collage is not a bunch of random pictures glued on top of each other. A collage is a poem in pictures. A collage is a life story depicted through imagery. A collage is power. My collage may look like random things placed every which way, but there is a story behind it, just like there is a story behind every person. My pictures weren't necessarily strategically placed, but with the placing of one came another which led to another. Days later I can see a story unfolding. My collage rests on a picture of my family. I made this the base of my collage because they are my stability holding me up. From there, I found a horoscope from the newspaper that sounded exactly like me! What are the chances of that? I am a Scorpio, I know that can be scary. I layered in a picture of a runner, NYC skyline, and a dancer. These were added because the represent who I am. Each thing that was added to my collage had an initial meaning that blossomed to create a beautiful, unique depiction of my life in a little cardboard square.

Livo!

My self portrait speaks for itself! Not to mention it is my twin! I chose the pose because I think it has the power to speak for itself. The pose represents force and strength which portrays my personality. The original assignment was to to create an original paint color to use, but if you know anything about me, you will find that I am not one who loves color. My wardrobe looks like a black and white movie. Not a silent black and white movie though. Although black and white can be associated with dullness and lack of life, the "colors" give me sophistication and voice. Working on my self portrait has been the best part of the year because my comfort and passion lies in painting.  The process of the piece looks a lot more challenging than it was. First came the drawing, then the outline, the creation of a paint color, and then the painting itself. After painting is through it is time to ink. The waiting game begins. After a day of drying, you are ready to wash. The suspense of seeing the final portrait is such a bittersweet feeling because the ink has an uncontrollable mind of its own and works in mysterious ways. Working back into the art, with appropriate colored pencils will complete the look. Texture, color, and depth are created through the colored pencils. Tada! The portrait is complete. I dedicated a lot of hard work and effort into this work to perfect it. Yes, I am a perfectionist! I hope when people look at my painting they see my personality and strength that I worked to achieve. 

Edgar Degas who was born on July 19, 1834 in Paris, France, was a French artist famous for his  in painting, sculptures, and drawings. He is regarded as one of the founders of Impressionism although he didnt approve the term, and preferred to be called a realist.His passion and focus was on dancers depicted their movement, fluidity, and shape. Edgar Degas always showed remarkable talent at what he did and was highly encouraged by his father, who also was an avid art lover. Edgar participated in "copying" artwork at the Louvre museum at the age of 18. This was when aspiring artists literally copied the artwork of previous artists to enhance skill. Edgar only spent one year in art school before his decision to travel the world in hope to uncover hidden skill and technique. After gaining all he could from Italy's art culture he returned to Paris in hope of creating a name for himself.  Some of his most known works are ones of dancers such as "Two Dancers on a Stage", his sculpture "Little Dancer of Fourteen years", and "The ballet rehearsal on stage". His works were usually Oil colors freely mixed with turpentine, with traces of watercolor and pastel over pen-and-ink drawing on cream-colored wove paper, laid down on bristol board and mounted on canvas. My attraction to the piece were the earthy tones that brought the painting to a deep level of perception. I feel his artwork allows the observer to decide the story of the dancers. There is always a sense of mystery and beauty that collaborate perfectly to create the work. 

As a young girl growing up dance has always been a passion of mine. I have taken ballet for 10 years and when I first saw Degas work I instantly felt a connection that I have never felt to art before. It was overpowering and spectacular. I became so interested in his work, because it was something I could relate to. I felt as if I could have been one of those dancers he portrayed. Because of my connection to this artist my parents and I went to his exhibit in Philadelphia, Seeing the works up close were beautiful. I remember being stunned by each one from the color, texture, and beauty. My favorite to this day is his sculpture "Little Dancer of Fourteen years". The sculpture is so pure, simple, and graceful. This piece is portrayed like any dancer, especially ballerina should be. From the very first time I saw Degas artwork I knew that it was something I will always treasure.