22. Reflection and Statement

Reflection and Statement

Reflection:

Looking back over my project, I find that I have ended in exactly the opposite place I wished to begin. I began with hopes of exploring nature and natural form, and I have ended up on the complete opposite end of the spectrum by using digital media and digital effects. I began using shadows and silhouettes, in an attempt to remove the personality of my subjects... and once again, I have ended the project with a specific interest in faces and identity (and the distortion of it). This is an interesting reflection to make, especially so as I made the conscious effort to create unconsciously. By that, I mean I tried to make art freely, without too much forethought. I wanted my subconscious to guide me, and I wanted to be able to STOP (or start) during creation to explore new themes that I had not yet thought of, instead of pushing myself to stick to a theme. For example, the sudden exploration of photography, then the uncanny, then digital media... These themes were not intended. They fell upon me, and I clung to them. I feel that I have discovered a new way of creating, which is much more free - in turn, my art is more free, my thought processes are much more free, and my creations are more genuine as a result.

Statement:

This semester, I focused heavily on creation before thought. I have lost myself far too many times before by putting thought and careful planning before creation. Previously, this outlook has led my work to become less genuine and more forced, in an attempt to stick to a theme. This time, I gripped onto my inspirations (which are deeply rooted in nature, colour and surrealism) and allowed them to guide me without forethought. I looked to artists for guidance, finding inspiration in artists such as Pipilotti Rist and Kara Walker, but I did not make the effort to stick to their themes like glue. I made the attempt to explore and create my own themes, exploring surrealism, the uncanny and the evocation of feelings from my viewers. I enjoy the idea that placing passion, colour and feeling into my art will evoke the same from my viewers - or perhaps the opposite, as my work slowly deteriorates to the uncomfortable and the uncanny... The use of the 'Uncanny Valley' has been instrumental in my later developments, and I find that it is incredibly successful in evoking responses from viewers (sometimes good, sometimes bad). I have enjoyed presenting work to peers throughout the semester, without any explanation of what my art means, or SHOULD mean. Their interpretations guided me, and opened new doors that I had not previously anticipated. The role of the viewer has been instrumental in the creation of my art, this semester. I feel that these aspects led to a successful method of creation, and the art that has materialised as a result has been genuine and enjoyable to create. I may not have fully resolved my explorations, but I feel that there is no resolution available. If I had the time and ability to, I would continue to explore and experiment until the ends of the Earth - specifically, I may have liked to explore more digital influence, as well as the uncanny. I have discovered that my work becomes more enjoyable for myself, as well as the viewer, when I have the ability to evoke strong emotions from them. Enjoyable may not be the correct word entirely, because the strong emotions I wish to evoke are not always positive. This is something I will continue to explore in later practice.