Process
Inspiration and Idea Development
Cubism has been a strong influence of mine since learning about its history. For this project I wanted to use the dimensionality of a cubist painting and bring it to life. I was inspired by the paintings “Le Gouter” by Jean Metzinger, and “Portrait of Ambrose Vollard” by Pablo Picasso.
I started by drawing out my ideas, and looking at which would be the most visually appealing. I liked that “Le Gouter” has a different perspective. It’s almost like she’s turning to the side but is still facing forward. I thought this would add some interesting development to the planes of the face, so I chose that painting and mapped out the dimensions of the face.
Work-in-process
I found this sculpture the most challenging because of all the precision and planning required in its construction. It was very cumbersome to precisely cut each individual piece, ensuring that it is straight and fits with the other pieces. I found that making a grid on the drawing I created and a grid on the cardboard was extremely helpful to control the proportions and placing of each piece.
Critique and Reflection
Critiques
- I was asked if I was going for a realistic depiction of a person or if I was going more abstract with the dimensions of the face.
- I also received some feedback regarding the colour of the artwork. I was unsure about which colour to paint it. Red was said to be more warm and happy, while blue was said to be more cold and sad.
Reflection
I think it was very helpful for me to determine whether I was going for a realistic depiction of a person, that was inspired by the painting “Le Gouter” or whether I wanted to create the character in “Let Gouter”. After I thought about it, the answer was that I wanted to create the character. I was fascinated by this woman in this painting, so why not bring her to life, rather than mirror a realistic depiction of a person from her? This decision helped a great deal because it allowed me more creative expression over the proportions and dimensions of the face. It gave me a greater sense of control over how I saw the character. There was more flexibility than to have to precisely recreate a proportionate face, and gave me the ability to express how I envisioned this character in a 3-dimensional way.
Choosing a colour was another area that I appreciated getting some feedback. I agree that the red brings a warmer, more passionate feeling to the piece, whereas blue is more cool and creates a somber effect. So how do I see this character? I chose to paint it in various tones of pink/red because to me she is mysterious, passionate, and cheeky. In the painting there a highlights of red, and I really wanted to take that an incorporate it into the artwork. Red is powerful, feminine, and invigorating; That is how I wanted to convey this character.
Product
Artist Statement
Name: Jeremy Wilson
Media: Cardboard
Title: Pink Lady
I found my inspiration from the painting “Le Gouter” by Jean Metzinger, and the mysterious woman he depicts in the image.Cubism has always been a very strong influence of mine, and I love the geometric complexity that exists within this style of artwork. I hope to convey a sense of curiosity and intrigue by this character. Who is she? What is she thinking? I portrayed this woman as someone who is passionate, and dynamic. I wanted to take the 2-dimensional character from “Le Gouter” and bring her to life through sculpture.
In this sculpture I really want to focus on the form and different shapes created by the cardboard pieces. Using a cubist style painting for inspiration, I hope to emphasize the geometric shape and dimensionality of the artwork. I chose to use a powerful colour like red, but include contrast with soft pinks. I also feel that using a similar colour palette gives the sculpture a sense of unity, while still having interest and contrast.
This sculpture was very difficult and time consuming to fit each individual piece of cardboard. In the end I almost view it as a labour of love. I believe this sculpture shows my passion, and curiosity for the cubist style of art. I hope that the viewer feels the sense of warmth and vitality of the character being brought to life through sculpture. “Pink Lady” is the 3-dimensional rendering of a 3-dimensional style of art that is on a 2-dimensional plane.