1. Define which techniques you tried and mastered? Struggled? 2. How did you draw inspiration from other artists techniques or aesthetics in your work? In what ways did you derive meaning or gain historical perspectives from their work? Why these artists? 3. Describe the evolution of your piece. Decisions made. Compositional elements. 4. If you could consider doing something over, explain why you would do this and what you would do next time? 5. Elaborate on how this piece links with your other pieces? What is the common thread?
1. A technique I mastered was starting with lighter colors in my piece and then adding layers of darker colors. I also learned about the control that chalk pastel and water gives to a piece. Techniques that I struggled with most was blending the chalk pastel at certain areas in my piece, such as the the reflection of the trees in the water. However this played to my advantage as it gave my composition a more unique look. 2. I had drawn inspiration from Thap Muy, Vietnam and their lotus fields. More specifically the scenic pictures of the location were very inspiring. As I felt the vibrant green highlighted and contrasted to the lotus flowers. I had also continued my exploration of chalk pastel and water which I had discovered in my previous piece, due to research I had done about the style. 3. Initially this was not the sketch I had intended to work on however by coincident I had found the pictures of Thap Muy and found that this best depicted my theme and message. The main goal I was working on for this piece was the layering of different colors. In addition I also placed the river onto two thirds of my paper, allowing the water to capture and reflect a large portion to my piece. 4. If I were to do this piece again I would not go too lightly on the water color and possibly make the far right lotus flower bigger and more defined. 5. This piece connects with my previous pieces as they all follow this common theme of "identity". The lotus flower has many meanings however, one that strikes me the most is that it is known to be a beautiful flower that is even able to grow despite its muddy environment. While I am growing and evolving, I'd like to believe that I am still keeping a part of me despite the different environments and people I will face. In addition, while time is "flowing" around me and I am forced to follow its stream, its important that I impact every part of that stream. I believe that this is true for everyone however the type of impact they want to leave on their environment is dependent on them.