This plate I did more for myself than for a project in the class. I have always really be interested in palm trees. When I was in 7th grade art class we had an assignment to take one part of an M.C. Escher work and redraw it. The part that I chose had a palm tree in it. Ever since then I find myself doodling them and just being fascinated with them.
This plate utilizes a technique called sugar lift. Basically, the design I drew is in a sugary mixture. Then I covered it with a liquid ground, very thinly. Once dry, I ran the plate under water and the sugar washed away leaving the ground still there.
For my final project, I will be working with one of the fashion majors. The project is expanding on the theme of her final project of "Black Widows", as in actual women. The clothing that is involved is that of a "typical 50s housewife" but with some aspect that is a little risque about it. So more about wives who remain their aspect of domesticity but also aren't really feeling the sorrow they should be for just losing their husbands. For this project plan to use household objects that come to mind when talking about housewives, washer/dryer, stove, frying pan, etc yet having a lot of control over the posture of the models and their expressions. Also a lot of emphasis on dramatic lighting. One of the photographer that I am choosing to look at is Ellen von Unwerth. She is a fashion photographer who does a lot of work with women and showing them in nontraditional ways. Here is a link to website with some images of her work on them: http://photoslaves.com/?p=111
At the moment my work is at a semi-stand still. Transitioning through projects. For photo class still working with Digital Negatives. I really enjoyed the last project working with models. It was the first time I have done it so intensely. I was rather pleased with the outcome of the work. For Printmaking, I am working on a new plate design. I think this time I want to experiment on a larger scale. I am also going to be working with a sugar lift so I am excited to see how that works.
Painting has never been my strong suit. I am really impressed with Ralph Goings abilities. Through a few of his works I needed to stop and ask myself whether they were actually painted or if they are photographs.
Here is the link to his website: http://www.ralphlgoings.com/
These are some really well done Portraits. I really enjoy the range of tonal value in them. Also, the emotion he is able to get out of the models is impressive. I like the different use of Depth of Field and Camera Controls.
Here is a link to a website with some examples of his work: http://do-while.com/black-and-white-portraits-by-suresh-natarajan/
Took this with new camera. It was shot in color but I used Photoshop to make it a black and white image. Also played with the levels and used the spot healing brush.
How to Steps to Make a Similar Plate: Take a metal plate File of the edges Spray painted it Put into acid Let drops of acid set on the top Covered it in asphalt Draw the design up then traced it onto the plate Use a needle and etch design into the asphalt Put it back in the acid Wash it with kerosene Print it once but if not dark enough Re asphalt it Varnish the edges Re etch Back in the acid Spray paint Acid Kerosene Ink Repeat Steps as Necessary Then finally got the desired print
Upon enrolling in art school, I was determined to receive a degree in three-dimensional work. I considered a career in artist jewelry. However, as I began fulfilling my other course requirements, I found another field that peaked my interest. I have always enjoyed capturing aspects of my life through photography. At the time, I did not consider what I was doing as art. I began to recognize my camera as a tool for capturing beauty in the world. I found this new way of seeing the world came natural to me and that it was something I really enjoyed. I wanted to document the splendor of everyday objects, things that others just usually look past. An example of this would be a decaying building. Most would look past. I am interested in the history and how it came to be so. With this goal in mind, I began to observe the world in a different manner. I try to look for the story in the object and showing it as beautiful rather than decrepit. I am beginning to see scenes in my daily life that would look intriguing through the lens. My work concentrates on the use of line, shapes, highlights and shadows. This creates meaning in what is seemingly insignificant. Currently, I am really focusing on developing my technical skills and learning how I can best utilize the camera.
