Residency - Avivo ArtWorks - Jes Reyes - 5 Hrs
I started my day at the ArtWorks studio by organizing various supply cabinets. This is becoming routine for me as I enter the studio. It is good to have everything accessible and ready to use. I will straighten stacks of paper, sort bins of paint, fill pitchers with water, organize the magazine racks, and every once in awhile, I will do some sweeping. Once these tasks are done, I feel like the studio is prepared and invites artist to work as they see fit.
This week, while I clipped magazines for the collage bins, I decided to join Christi's comics class. I was inspired by an image that I clipped from a vintage film magazine. It depicted a bald man with a confused look on his face. He wore thin glasses and held an old pipe in his mouth. I thought the image could function as an interesting first scene in a comic, so I began to draw him in the first panel. I didn't have time to finish, but will continue working on it next week.
Last week, One of the members and I started some matt-medium image transfers on sturdy illustration board. This week it was time to unveil our new images. We both discovered that the board was not ideal for image transfers because it would erode as we wet the surface. In order to see what has been transferred we had to rub the paper from our original image off with a damp rag. I am hoping to bring in some wood panel so that the members can try the transfers on a better surface.
These are three examples of our image transfer before and after we removed the original paper. The orange and red image has be completely revealed while the image on the far right has only been partially revealed. The bottom left image has not yet been revealed.
This image has only been partially revealed. The black and white image has been transferred, while the sepia toned paper still remains.
After working on the image transfers, I attended a new workshop lead by Jes. This weeks topic was developing a stable portfolio. Jes discussed many ways to form an authentic artist statement. We spent a lot of time jotting down the fundamental aspects of our artwork, process, and professional practice. We also discussed mature ways to share our body of work with specific audiences such as jurors, employers, and other possible exhibition panels. Jes brought everyone up to date on the current methods of displaying portfolios including digital documentations. This workshop, like the last one, was extremely helpful. I will re-address our topics as I prepare for the merit competition and junior review this year. I am looking forward to attending more of Jes's workshops in the future.
Overall I enjoyed another week in the studio. Each weak, I have been able to meet new artist and connect with them creatively. I can't wait to be back engaging with the members.