Open Studio Thoughts

The following text is the artist statement I placed with my exhibit:

I have crafted a space that acts as both an enclosure, and an escape. The work stems from a need to free myself from anxiety; a process I can achieve by being in control of my environment.  Making these pieces was very meditative, as each mark, each stitch, created a soothing rhythm which I could move along to.  I have chosen everything that goes in to this space, thus alleviating stress.  In this place, I feel in control.  In this place I am free.


In retrospect I would have added a sentence or two about why I chose beeswax and shadow as my inspiration.

My work was received very well by my peers in Thesis.  One person said that it was the most exciting work I had produced thus far.  Another person said that with this work I was on my right path as an artist.  Many of the reviews has Haiku's at the end.  This was very interesting to me, and I think my next artist statement will be a haiku or poem of some sort.

I have researched a lot since the open studio.  An artist I found particularly inspiring was Wolfgang Laib.  His installations are perfection and he uses many of the same source material as I do; beeswax.

After each installation I am left with a few answers and much more questions.  And after a lot of soul searching I wouldn't have it any other way.

Open Studio #2

The process of creating an open studio takes a long time.  There is a lot of contemplation that goes in to creating an installation of your best works.  With beeswax and shadow as my focus I created an installation/ open studio for my peers to experience.

I used a beeswax curtain as my entrance.

(Deatils)

Walking in to the curtain one was able to see shadows projected on the walls.  These shadows were made by placing two spotlights outside the curtain.  The effect created a warm shadow inside the space.

I left part of the curtain hanging to make a canopy.  This way people could walk beneath the canopy and see shadows on themselves.  I also placed cut outs on the canopy to create shadows when the viewer looked upwards.

The book I had created beforehand, along with various cut-outs also provided shadows on the wall.

Re-energizing

I find that the more I work on my beeswax work the more it calms me.  However, I also need some excitement.  For this project I used oil pastels on a 2 foot by 3 foot plank of wood.  I created blocks of color using rapid movements.  I laid the plank on a layer of sand.  I then created a circle with gravel of a different color.

To see the blocks of color I created a window out of a white piece of paper.  From the work with the beeswax I have learned how to cut out paper in a similar manner as the line work of my color blocking.  I cut out shapes and lines with a knife in order to create the finished piece.

I thoroughly enjoy this manner of working.  I love the rapid movements I needed to acquire in order to make this piece.  Between the rapid movements of knife on paper, or oil pastel on wood, I was forced to make quick choices.  

The beeswax work calms me but this work wakes me up.  I plan to work on both modes, to fully center myself. 

  

Cut-Outs

I have created an installation which I thoroughly enjoy.  I cut out shapes from a thick piece of white paper.

The finished shape takes form as a unique shape.

I then pair these finished stencils together.  With the proper lighting shadows form on the wall behind the shapes.  Some shapes are closer than others to the wall and the light source, creating variance in the clarity of the shadows.

In reviewing these cut outs with the help of my peers I found a way to create a continuity between this work and my beeswax work. 

I dip each cut out piece in beeswax.  With the addition of a second light source each cut out makes two shadows on opposing walls.

There is a certain beauty in mental state that comes from making these cut outs.  I decided to push the cut outs further by making an accordion book in the same style.  The book made beautiful shadows on the nearby wall.  It also added dimension to the cut outs in the initial state.

Overall I am very pleased with the form this display has taken.