The process of creating a template and converting it to a digital template was more involved and difficult than I thought it would be. The idea of working with numbers or calculations gives me horrible anxiety. Professor Hils was with me the whole way and explained the entire process step by step. He also helped me load my metal on the CNC router. Once it started cutting, it was a lengthy process but it worked wonderfully and I was able to get approximately 250 feathers. I broke down my original piece and began the process of rebuilding it to look more like a feather. I came several days outside of class for approximately 20 hours so far, working to get my piece completed. It has been a challenge to match up the metal and incorporate a backside panel to it. Once complete, I think it will look great.
My preliminary artist's statement:
My art addresses both cultural and social issues. I collectively address issues of both personal experience and the things around me in life that are less than desirable. The primary issues I explore are sex trafficking, homelessness, and mental health issues. While these are both personal and sensitive topics, they are also topics that evoke connection and understanding due to the nature of them. These topics affect me differently because I experienced them and through creating my work, I want to connect with the viewer beyond the beauty of it, to an emotional level. My artistic approach is incredibly powerful and deeply resonant. Mixing mediums can evoke a rich emotional landscape that mirrors the multifaceted nature of the issues I tackle. It allows me to convey not just the beauty of my work, but also the pain and resilience inherent in these experiences. My desire to reach viewers on an emotional level is crucial; it fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging a deeper engagement with the issues at hand. Addressing such significant issues as sex trafficking, homelessness, and mental health through my work not only highlights the urgency of these topics but also creates a platform for connection and dialogue. The way I blend various disciplines— drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture—demonstrates a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the complexities of my subject matter. My personal experiences influence the themes and techniques that I choose to work with. I am not a victim; I am a survivor.
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