Henry Wise Wood Student Work Gallery
Through the artworks in my exhibition, I am hoping to connect the audience with their emotions and to inspire. When surrounded by my work, the viewer might be transported from reality or recognize them self in a piece. Reflecting on the process of creating this exhibition, I had hoped to challenge myself technically with certain pieces, such as Rocky, while others were a means of visualizing thoughts and ideas, as seen in Existence, particularly regarding feelings and my mentality at a certain time in my life. Perhaps my work will provide points of inspiration to others, whether in theme, medium, or otherwise. My intention is to transport the audience in the same way that listening to a song might, offering comfort, inspiration, or a positive outlook, as portrayed through Solitude and Existence. I hope to provide a journey for the viewer, who can perceive the art how they may. This collection of work is both a reflection and documentation of myself and my inspirations at the time each piece was planned or created. As well, it is an invitation to explore your own world through feelings and thoughts evoked by the art.
The common imagery and colours associated with nature, with hints of juxtaposition, lends itself to an otherworldly journey. The use of repurposed wood enhances my organic, honest nature of expression. In creating Angel, I left my comfort zone, and thought it would be neat to juxtapose the common portrayal of a soft and elegant angel reduced to a single cut of wire, still comprised of soft lines and organic shapes. I find a serene and magical beauty in the little things of the universe. Watching the sun rise, the moon illuminate the sky, clouds - I inject these daily moments of magic into my work. One approach that allows me to really develop a piece in a certain direction is the music I listen to while creating. Solitude was the result of listening to The Cure and new wave music, while Existence was painted entirely while listening to the indie folk, adventure-inspiring Lord Huron, who’s rustic sound has influenced much of my work. In the months surrounding my work on Existence, I had been thinking about my experiences with sadness and anxiety, and through the piece I reflect on putting these feelings into perspective. For this reason, I used a panel of repurposed wood to amplify unembellished, raw emotion.
Through Self Portrait hung at eye level, I imagine the viewer catching their own reflection, moving closer to examine the details in the work and notice the unpainted space in the eyes around the pupils. Offering a brightness and literal reflection of the artist that contrasts the other pieces, this would be among the first pieces displayed when moving through the exhibit. This piece begins a journey through a world of work done with my head in the clouds. Like in Harold and the Purple Crayon, this exhibition finds the magic in reality, and as the viewer dives deeper into my work they will be able to apply their own imagination and subjective personal connection to each piece and the collection as a whole. Whether it be joy, calmness, nostalgia, inspiration, or otherwise, I hope to leave an impression that may vary for different viewers and pieces, and make an impact.
The common imagery and colours associated with nature, with hints of juxtaposition, lends itself to an otherworldly journey. The use of repurposed wood enhances my organic, honest nature of expression. In creating Angel, I left my comfort zone, and thought it would be neat to juxtapose the common portrayal of a soft and elegant angel reduced to a single cut of wire, still comprised of soft lines and organic shapes. I find a serene and magical beauty in the little things of the universe. Watching the sun rise, the moon illuminate the sky, clouds - I inject these daily moments of magic into my work. One approach that allows me to really develop a piece in a certain direction is the music I listen to while creating. Solitude was the result of listening to The Cure and new wave music, while Existence was painted entirely while listening to the indie folk, adventure-inspiring Lord Huron, who’s rustic sound has influenced much of my work. In the months surrounding my work on Existence, I had been thinking about my experiences with sadness and anxiety, and through the piece I reflect on putting these feelings into perspective. For this reason, I used a panel of repurposed wood to amplify unembellished, raw emotion.
Through Self Portrait hung at eye level, I imagine the viewer catching their own reflection, moving closer to examine the details in the work and notice the unpainted space in the eyes around the pupils. Offering a brightness and literal reflection of the artist that contrasts the other pieces, this would be among the first pieces displayed when moving through the exhibit. This piece begins a journey through a world of work done with my head in the clouds. Like in Harold and the Purple Crayon, this exhibition finds the magic in reality, and as the viewer dives deeper into my work they will be able to apply their own imagination and subjective personal connection to each piece and the collection as a whole. Whether it be joy, calmness, nostalgia, inspiration, or otherwise, I hope to leave an impression that may vary for different viewers and pieces, and make an impact.
Neon Moon (March 2020)
Acrylic paint on repurposed wood panel
24” x 18”
Inspired by the works of artist Adam Fu, I dabbed the outline of the image with a sponge dipped in a deep, night-sky blue, fading outwards, and used a brush with white paint to create fine lines, to produce a glowing effect. The manufactured neon sign style juxtaposes a common theme within my work: organic and nature, creating variety within my work. In order to reflect myself in the piece, which is something I have grown to do, I gave it facial features, using my own for reference.
Acrylic paint on repurposed wood panel
24” x 18”
Inspired by the works of artist Adam Fu, I dabbed the outline of the image with a sponge dipped in a deep, night-sky blue, fading outwards, and used a brush with white paint to create fine lines, to produce a glowing effect. The manufactured neon sign style juxtaposes a common theme within my work: organic and nature, creating variety within my work. In order to reflect myself in the piece, which is something I have grown to do, I gave it facial features, using my own for reference.
Solitude (June 2019)
Acrylic paint and image transfer on heavy watercolour paper
19.5” x 15”
This piece showcases a lone astronaut in space. After struggling to plan due to the inability to commit to an idea, I decided to stop overthinking and just experiment with acrylic paint. Using larger brushes and a palette knife, I attempted a textured and painterly look. The image transfer is a line from Lovesong by The Cure, as this piece is a visual expression of the song, which I listened to while painting.
Acrylic paint and image transfer on heavy watercolour paper
19.5” x 15”
This piece showcases a lone astronaut in space. After struggling to plan due to the inability to commit to an idea, I decided to stop overthinking and just experiment with acrylic paint. Using larger brushes and a palette knife, I attempted a textured and painterly look. The image transfer is a line from Lovesong by The Cure, as this piece is a visual expression of the song, which I listened to while painting.
Angel (March 2020)
Wire
6.5” x 6” x 5”
With the intention to create a 3D piece using wire, that would be able to stand on its own, I cleared my mind of previous project attempts and intentions, recalling Fragonard’s cupids from a visit to The Frick Collection, which gave me the idea for this work. In the end, interpretation is in the eyes of the beholder. It is one continuous cut of wire, emulating a scribbled effect, and functionally allowing it to balance.
Wire
6.5” x 6” x 5”
With the intention to create a 3D piece using wire, that would be able to stand on its own, I cleared my mind of previous project attempts and intentions, recalling Fragonard’s cupids from a visit to The Frick Collection, which gave me the idea for this work. In the end, interpretation is in the eyes of the beholder. It is one continuous cut of wire, emulating a scribbled effect, and functionally allowing it to balance.
Existence (December 2020)
Acrylic paint and oil pastel on repurposed wood panel
30” x 24”
Inspired by the earthy, storytelling music of Lord Huron, this piece expresses the universal experiences of sadness, pain, and emptiness, but with the idea that it is not infinite, and will get better. The sun and moon in each corner reflect how the Earth keeps spinning and life goes on. I hope to convey raw emotion through unexpected colour, the medium of repurposed wood, and painterly, spontaneous strokes and blending.
Acrylic paint and oil pastel on repurposed wood panel
30” x 24”
Inspired by the earthy, storytelling music of Lord Huron, this piece expresses the universal experiences of sadness, pain, and emptiness, but with the idea that it is not infinite, and will get better. The sun and moon in each corner reflect how the Earth keeps spinning and life goes on. I hope to convey raw emotion through unexpected colour, the medium of repurposed wood, and painterly, spontaneous strokes and blending.
Self Portrait (March 2020)
Acrylic paint on mirror
16” x 10”
A bright pink monochromatic self portrait, created while blasting upbeat reggae, this piece makes the metaphor “head in the clouds” literal. Painted on a mirror, it reflects not only myself, but the viewer as well, allowing them to look through my eyes, and to be present in the moment while at the same time absent from reality, like the mental space in which I often exist when creating art.
Acrylic paint on mirror
16” x 10”
A bright pink monochromatic self portrait, created while blasting upbeat reggae, this piece makes the metaphor “head in the clouds” literal. Painted on a mirror, it reflects not only myself, but the viewer as well, allowing them to look through my eyes, and to be present in the moment while at the same time absent from reality, like the mental space in which I often exist when creating art.
Woman in the Moon Series (May 2019)
Block print ink transferred from plexiglass onto mayfair paper
8.5” x 11” (3)
A monoprint series combining two individual images to work together as one, based on the notion of The Man in the Moon, this was a nice change of pace in that due to the nature of the monoprint process, I did not overthink or dwell too long throughout. I quickly painted my idea onto plexiglass, transferring the ink into paper, and hanging it to dry.
Block print ink transferred from plexiglass onto mayfair paper
8.5” x 11” (3)
A monoprint series combining two individual images to work together as one, based on the notion of The Man in the Moon, this was a nice change of pace in that due to the nature of the monoprint process, I did not overthink or dwell too long throughout. I quickly painted my idea onto plexiglass, transferring the ink into paper, and hanging it to dry.
Rocky (April 2019)
Charcoal and pastels on low-texture paper
19.5” x 22”
Referencing images of Sylvester Stallone, this charcoal study of Rocky Balboa is an exploration of a medium that was unfamiliar to me. A lot of attempts were made to capture his iconic face in a way that I was pleased with, which took a lot of patience, however I enjoyed getting acquainted with charcoal and I am happy with the outcome. I wanted to capture the city of Philadelphia behind him, lending colour and context as well as presenting a place that is meaningful to me.
Charcoal and pastels on low-texture paper
19.5” x 22”
Referencing images of Sylvester Stallone, this charcoal study of Rocky Balboa is an exploration of a medium that was unfamiliar to me. A lot of attempts were made to capture his iconic face in a way that I was pleased with, which took a lot of patience, however I enjoyed getting acquainted with charcoal and I am happy with the outcome. I wanted to capture the city of Philadelphia behind him, lending colour and context as well as presenting a place that is meaningful to me.
Untitled (April 2020)
Acrylic paint on canvas
12” x 16”
This landscape painting is a product of my inspiration from a recent visit to some local galleries, and the intent to challenge myself. Working over top of a bright cityscape I had previously started, I moved towards greenery and a scene inspired by the wistful, indie sounds of Death Cab for Cutie and Lord Huron.
Acrylic paint on canvas
12” x 16”
This landscape painting is a product of my inspiration from a recent visit to some local galleries, and the intent to challenge myself. Working over top of a bright cityscape I had previously started, I moved towards greenery and a scene inspired by the wistful, indie sounds of Death Cab for Cutie and Lord Huron.