Going into this unit, Freestyle students were encouraged to learn more about themselves through self-reflection. By weaving together personal college essays and creating original artwork pieces, it encouraged students to connect on a deeper level.
Mandala
We were tasked with programming and designing our Mandala using Adobe Illustrator. By using 8, 10, 12, and 16-slice templates, we were able to practice our strokes and patterns. When I first started, there were many designs that I ended up scrapping but I learned that it was beneficial to keep all past designs. Using core value strategies, I tried to make my mandala very detailed.
I centered my mandala using an elephant with identical butterflies on either side. I really liked adding elements of nature such as flowers and leaves on the outside in a pattern to help put more emphasis and draw the reader’s attention from the outside to the middle. By organizing it this way, t allows the reader to see the progression from basic nature to the more complex beauties of this world. I love this evolution and the interaction between all the figures in this drawing; it truly represents the theme of nature.
Artist Statement
After completing my colored mandala as well as my black and white mandala I am completely satisfied with how my work was produced with laser engravement on wood. I specifically chose wood instead of other options because I felt as though this material fit with my theme better. Overall I am proud of the idea I brought to life, all the details and the experimenting that came with it.
I am proud of how it turned out and was able to portray my passion for nature through this piece of artwork. If I could change one thing, I would create more patterns and see how they worked together; I feel that this would build a more harmonious piece. Overall, I am still happy with my work and felt that I grew a lot through this project. I am excited to continue to build on my skills, and use my love of nature throughout my artwork.
Photoshop Art
Artist Statement: For this specific project, I had many different ideas to start. Sifting through them, eventually I started experimenting with random colors and this led to my overall idea. In the end, I am satisfied with the final product.
During my time in Digital Media, and learned how to create different features such as Object Selection and Blend Modes all through Adobe photoshop to make realistic paintings. By combining these photos, I was able to form these photos.
By being able to use a digital tool. I was able to still incorporate pastels and watercolors which are used in traditional art with specific tools such as the “undo” button and unique colors. This led to detailed pieces of art. This was also such an enjoyable process and was something I would love to continue to tinker with. Adobe Photoshop allows my creative visions to come to life.
From elephants, turtles, and flowers, during this unit, I learned that I appreciate capturing the beauty of non-human and non-living things. This has made me appreciate beauty even in everyday life.
