AP Studio Art Concentration

AP Concentration 

(12 pieces) 

                My concentration takes the theme of death and rebirth in my life. It takes an abstract look using different mediums: acrylic paint, egg tempera, marker and ink. It is the story of the death of one’s lower self that is trapped in depression being reborn to one’s higher self. It ends with the promise of hope and the continuation of this cycle. This concentration takes a sense of loneliness and isolation and transforms into one’s inner joy through the process of meditation.

            This story starts with the embodiment of depression and the acknowledgement of death (image #1, #2). Much of this discontent is caused by being trapped in the world of duality and time (image #3). This time is then transcended through remembrance of past lives and past experiences (image #4, #5). The dream state continues this journey, showing one that life and death questions freedom in the physical world (image #6). Yet only when a person discovers their true self are they able to unify with their inner happiness (image #7, #8). Then humans are able to transcend the lower self and transcend death all together (image #9) and set out on the true journey of soul (image #10). The soul or true self is then reborn into the embodiment of joy (image #11). The story ends with the reborn soul coming back to the world of death, but is now the teacher and brings with it the key to the journey -- the hope represented as the crane (image #12). This concentration started by depicting my depression and facing of death as seen through the monochromatic and subdued colors. It evolved into paintings that are joyful and show a rebirth of spirit. In ends with the embodiment of power and using the reborn spirit to guide others.

Remember 

16 x 18" 

 Ink on paper

I got the idea for this piece when I was in Germany over the summer. In an effort to remember the Holocaust there are small plaques called "Stolperstien" or Stumbles Stones, in front of houses where victims of the Holocaust lived. The plaque says the person's name and place he or she was taken. I am not Jewish or German, but I still felt like this was an important piece to make. All people should remember the Holocaust, we must always remember the horrific things that people have done to each other. Perhaps then, we can be more aware of our actions in the future. 

Tools in Place

6 x 6"

Pen and Paint 

This is the last February Challenge piece that I honestly did not spend much time on. This piece was for the tools in place assignment and interestingly depicts the exact tools I used to make the drawing. 

The Blue Spirit

6 x 5.5"

Pen and Marker 

This is a cubism piece for the February Challenge. It is a drawing of my spirit doll from Indonesia. 

The Age of Peace

7 x 9"

Pen, Marker and Color Pencil

This is another February Challenge project about "Peace with Shadow." I do not believe that this world has or will ever have peace. This drawing is about the police violence that has been occurring, especially against black people. It is ironic that the people who should be promoting peace and helping stop violence are also the ones who are creating violence today. It is something all people should be aware of and should change.

"Nothing is Wrong"

8 x 9"

Colored Pencil

This is a February Challenge piece about family. I did my mother. I wanted to capture the look she has some times when she is sad, but will only say "nothing is wrong. "

Temptation/movement

9 x 9"

Water Color and Pen

Another February challenge piece. Some people consider women and sexuality to be temptation. I feel it is beauty, but like the painting it is interpretive.