Masquerade
Choice Piece
Title: Wishing death away
Size: 9in x 13in x 5.5in
Medium: Felt, paper, and glue
Completion: February
Size: 9in x 13in x 5.5in
Medium: Felt, paper, and glue
Completion: February
Exhibition text: With the world in a suspended state of chaos, it made sense to connect my emotions to a tangible human expression. After losing two people to suicide in the past couple months, it felt right to create a mask to expression the sheer anger and regret. With inspiration from Schoenberg, I created a felt mask to bring forth true emotions.
Inspiration:
While searching for an artist that could mimic the type of art I was hoping to produce I came across Schoenberg’s artwork. Both as a person and as an artist, Schönberg did not listen to any accommodation and fought his whole life against the idea that the spirit was an idea that lowered his ability to create. This pushed himself to create paintings seen as both creepy and beautiful. The emotional intensity of his paintings and drawings impressed people for years. The art works are of interest not only in their own right, but also for the parallels that can be drawn between his musical and his artistic output during these years. His art was never intended as a visual representation of his music. Nonetheless, the paintings and the music arose from the same inner need for expression, and they show some significant similarities as well as some striking differences in approach. Both musicologists and art historians use the term "expressionistic" in describing his works at this time, and some of the similarities are the obvious ones associated with the expressionist movement in general. Other connections between the music and art, however, are particular to Schoenberg and relate to his individual artistic views. As I took all of this research into consideration, it helped me formulate what type of piece I wanted to create from this inspiration. Similarly to the way in which Schonberg created in multiple medias, I wanted to do the same thing. This inspired me to focus on finding a new medium to be experiment in. Specifically I focused on using the main color themes in his self portrait to adapt my own creations to connect to the painting. As I I viewed the painting over and over again, I realized that a self portrait would only be fitting for me to do. This lead me to the idea of creating a mask to represent an emotion I had been feeling a lot. Richard- Schoenberg
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Self portrait- Schoenberg
The Red Gaze- Schoenberg
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Planning:
As I began working out my planning process for this piece I knew I would have to be specific about he connections that I was going to make so that it could be more obvious to the viewer. I needed to find an inspiration that showed use of color to create tone, while also being disturbing for the viewer to look at and enjoy. I came across the painting "Self Portrait". This painting showed a self portrait of the artist with a overwhelming use of warm tones to create warmth and mystery in the piece. These elements truly spoke to an emotional piece, exactly what I was looking for. My theme changed throughout my planning and eventually became "regret". This was important for my work because it was to display the fear of regret and how it can become a mask over your regular emotions. I worked on listing ways in which I could display fear in my artwork. Eventually I came up with a list of things that give me the theme of regret;
1. Bloodshot, red eyes- in order to show the act of past of crying
2. Wide mouth- to show gasping or being able to speak
3. Caged like appearance- to show emotion holding the person back
These three things helped me to shape my artwork into a piece that would truly show emotion and regret as the main themes of the work. In order to properly plan this piece I began by laying out what I wanted to accomplish each day that I would work on the piece. I began with picking out a color pallet that would properly fit into the theme of my piece. This would allow me to keep my creativity balanced while also being productive. Next, I worked on what my main focal point would be. I planned on following in my inspirations footsteps, and using the eyes, the most vulnerable part of the face, as well as the mouth, to show the amount of emotion in the piece. This would allow me to use all of the three elements listed above to truly show the theme. Lastly, I planned out my construct, because my piece was three-dimensional I had had to take extra time on this step. I wanted the piece to be able to fit over my own face in a way that felt natural. To do this I had had spend time making sure the felt stayed on the front of the piece, and not wrapping over, which would cause it to distort the face shape. Eventually, I worked on hot glueing the pieces together to create a final product that was both strong in balance and focal points.
As I began working out my planning process for this piece I knew I would have to be specific about he connections that I was going to make so that it could be more obvious to the viewer. I needed to find an inspiration that showed use of color to create tone, while also being disturbing for the viewer to look at and enjoy. I came across the painting "Self Portrait". This painting showed a self portrait of the artist with a overwhelming use of warm tones to create warmth and mystery in the piece. These elements truly spoke to an emotional piece, exactly what I was looking for. My theme changed throughout my planning and eventually became "regret". This was important for my work because it was to display the fear of regret and how it can become a mask over your regular emotions. I worked on listing ways in which I could display fear in my artwork. Eventually I came up with a list of things that give me the theme of regret;
1. Bloodshot, red eyes- in order to show the act of past of crying
2. Wide mouth- to show gasping or being able to speak
3. Caged like appearance- to show emotion holding the person back
These three things helped me to shape my artwork into a piece that would truly show emotion and regret as the main themes of the work. In order to properly plan this piece I began by laying out what I wanted to accomplish each day that I would work on the piece. I began with picking out a color pallet that would properly fit into the theme of my piece. This would allow me to keep my creativity balanced while also being productive. Next, I worked on what my main focal point would be. I planned on following in my inspirations footsteps, and using the eyes, the most vulnerable part of the face, as well as the mouth, to show the amount of emotion in the piece. This would allow me to use all of the three elements listed above to truly show the theme. Lastly, I planned out my construct, because my piece was three-dimensional I had had to take extra time on this step. I wanted the piece to be able to fit over my own face in a way that felt natural. To do this I had had spend time making sure the felt stayed on the front of the piece, and not wrapping over, which would cause it to distort the face shape. Eventually, I worked on hot glueing the pieces together to create a final product that was both strong in balance and focal points.
Process/Techniques/Inspiration:
As I began putting the final piece together I had had to focus on using my skills as both an artist, but also focusing my creativity. I wanted my piece to cohesively work well together, while also giving off the complexity I was hoping for. I had not worked on three-dimensional pieces very much in the past, so this was a test of my skills as an artist, as well as my understanding of the process I had set for myself. I began by sketching out the mouth of the face, and then working to the eyes so that the piece would surround the mouth and eyes most. This would guide the viewers eyes to the details of the mouth, rather than the cheeks or the jaw. Next, I began coloring in the skin tone of the mask. I knew I had to be focused on the colors because I had a limited amount of felt and so I had to use each color wisely.I wanted the piece to be semi-realistic, it should look like a face, without actually being extremely realistic. This would allow for further creativity in the viewers mind. Continuing, in order to create the best quality piece that I could, I focused on my technique a lot. For example, I focused intently on not having the hot glue show on the surface of the piece. This would promote better composition of the piece in the end. Furthermore, for the skin and the eye bags I wanted to have it protrude from the face so that the mouth could fit underneath the cheeks. This, although not anatomically correct, would add more depth to the piece. As I finished the cheeks, I began transitioning to the mouth. I wanted to include a row of cartoon teeth so that it would be more african style mask like. I did this by laying down a row of red felt, and then adding white half ovals on top of thin black strips. This gave the most simplified version of teeth I could figure out. Finally, the hardest part of putting the project together was definitely figuring out how to finish the sides of the piece. I decided that I wanted to add texture so that the piece would not be perceived as flat. I did this by cutting have circles and putting a slit down the middle as I folded them on top of each other. this added small spikes to the top and bottom of the mask, similar to the common association of spikes and danger or fear. |
Experimentation:
In my past experimentations with art, I have not focused on creating a three-dimensional piece. This creates a struggle for me when I choose to challenge myself with the medium I wanted to use. I took this into account when I started my piece. I first began my piece by focusing on just the final composition of how I would connect my inspiration to my final creation. I knew that I wanted the piece to look cohesive, while also being made up of several different components. So I experimented with different shades of color for each element of the mask, as well as adding other unusual shapes that would shadow around the piece. Doing these things helped me better understand how to put together the final composition for the piece. During the process I learned three very important things:
1. Manipulating felt is not easily done without learning specific techniques along the way.
2. The colors brown and white are very easily associated with a primate, and thus difficult to maneuver around this idea.
3. Planning out every layer is important for the final integrity of the piece.
Continuing, these three things helped me evaluate my success as an artist and my understanding of my inspiration as I worked on it. I also experimented with the techniques I used to attach the felt together. Originally I tried attaching the two pieces together with fabric glue, but as soon as I ben bent the piece, it would start to rip apart. This led me to using hot glue, which ultimately was most successful. Furthermore, the eyebags are supposed to represent the both the layers of complexity of the piece, as well as a shield to the mouth. This can be interpreted in many ways but ultimately represents not speaking up about the regret that a person is facing. This was something I struggled with originally because it was an aspect of the piece I wanted to include, but I was unsure how. Eventually I was able to have enough mouth showing that it was a focal point, while also looking like it was caged. Finally, with these concepts, I was a was able to create a piece that flowed and used line and balance to create a face like mask. Using my new skills surrounding technical art, I had a better understanding of using felt to create a three-dimensional art work.
In my past experimentations with art, I have not focused on creating a three-dimensional piece. This creates a struggle for me when I choose to challenge myself with the medium I wanted to use. I took this into account when I started my piece. I first began my piece by focusing on just the final composition of how I would connect my inspiration to my final creation. I knew that I wanted the piece to look cohesive, while also being made up of several different components. So I experimented with different shades of color for each element of the mask, as well as adding other unusual shapes that would shadow around the piece. Doing these things helped me better understand how to put together the final composition for the piece. During the process I learned three very important things:
1. Manipulating felt is not easily done without learning specific techniques along the way.
2. The colors brown and white are very easily associated with a primate, and thus difficult to maneuver around this idea.
3. Planning out every layer is important for the final integrity of the piece.
Continuing, these three things helped me evaluate my success as an artist and my understanding of my inspiration as I worked on it. I also experimented with the techniques I used to attach the felt together. Originally I tried attaching the two pieces together with fabric glue, but as soon as I ben bent the piece, it would start to rip apart. This led me to using hot glue, which ultimately was most successful. Furthermore, the eyebags are supposed to represent the both the layers of complexity of the piece, as well as a shield to the mouth. This can be interpreted in many ways but ultimately represents not speaking up about the regret that a person is facing. This was something I struggled with originally because it was an aspect of the piece I wanted to include, but I was unsure how. Eventually I was able to have enough mouth showing that it was a focal point, while also looking like it was caged. Finally, with these concepts, I was a was able to create a piece that flowed and used line and balance to create a face like mask. Using my new skills surrounding technical art, I had a better understanding of using felt to create a three-dimensional art work.
Critique:
Similarities:
1. Focus Point- The f0cus points of the pieces both want to reflect and image of self into the work. Schoenberg creates a painting that represents his emotions about himself in a way that is expressive and not as literal as saying “I feel dull”. My piece does very similarly just that, where I take an interpretation of regret and make into this face for the viewer to analyze. 2. Line Work- The line work in both pieces completely focuses on the face and not on the importance of a complicated background or foreground the piece. The entire purpose of the artwork is for the face of the piece to be looked at. This is consistent in both Schoenberg’s piece as well as my own. 3. Color Themes- Both of the pieces have a very specific warm toned theme through out the piece. The idea was to make the piece seem cohesive so that nothing would stand out alone. Brown and cream where both major colors in the pieces creating a more calm, but confusing mood for the viewer to analyze. |
Differences:
1. Materials- These two pieces are done in two different materials. Schoenberg uses oils paints and a canvas to create his self portrait. Whereas for my piece I took a more three-dimensional approach so that the piece would actually fit on my face. Giving, in the end, two very different pieces. 2. Composition- The composition of the two pieces are structured very differently. My piece is completely focused on the elements of the face and the mouth, whereas Schoenberg focuses on other elements. More specifically, Schoenberg focuses on the mans entire composition and does not specifically have one singular thing sticking out. 3. Technique- Aside from the obvious difference in materials being used, Schoenberg used soft and blending lines that flowed into each color. This made the piece all blend into the background as well as into itself. Whereas in my piece the lines are cut and clean so that each part can be seen as both separate and one big piece. |
Reflection:
Looking back on the final piece that I created, I am very proud of the process and product I was able to produce. I was able to adapt quickly to using a skill set I was not used to using, which helped me learn about what my strengths and weaknesses were. Continuing, I was able to see a clear connection between my inspiration and my final piece. I included similar themes, as well as similar colors in creating my piece. I knew in the beginning of this piece I had to focus on getting to a final product and not correction every single mistake that I would make. Although I am not a perfectionist, when I work on art I tend to over analyze the piece I am creating and never finish my projects. Knowing this was something I would have to work around I planned out each day and how much work I would get done on that day. This helped me to finish my painting in a timely manner and create a piece I was truly proud of.
Continuing, my favorite part of creating this piece was definitely creating the mouth of the mask. I had never created a piece completely out of felt before, so it was a fun test of skill. I enjoyed the amount of creative freedom it gave me when I worked on putting all the different ideas in my head together. Originally I did not know what to put over the edges of the piece, but as I worked slowly it all eventually came together. Continuing, when I try and create a three-dimensional piece it can be difficult to stick to a specific theme. This was something that i worked hard on staying consistent through this piece and this was reflected in the final product. Even now, I am still working on improving my skills when it comes to felt, but this process showed me the strengths and weaknesses I already had.
In conclusion, I hope that others take my work as a chance to look back on their own life. My work is supposed to enlighten the viewers so that they have to think of a deeper meaning, not just what someone could see at first glance. My piece is to be seen as reflective a common emotion that a lot of people experience. Especially during 2020 and 2021 regret has been present in everyone’s house and so this piece gives light to that struggle. Finally, in the future I would like to work on having more than one mask so I can represent the emotion in several ways. This would had another layer of complexity to my piece.
Looking back on the final piece that I created, I am very proud of the process and product I was able to produce. I was able to adapt quickly to using a skill set I was not used to using, which helped me learn about what my strengths and weaknesses were. Continuing, I was able to see a clear connection between my inspiration and my final piece. I included similar themes, as well as similar colors in creating my piece. I knew in the beginning of this piece I had to focus on getting to a final product and not correction every single mistake that I would make. Although I am not a perfectionist, when I work on art I tend to over analyze the piece I am creating and never finish my projects. Knowing this was something I would have to work around I planned out each day and how much work I would get done on that day. This helped me to finish my painting in a timely manner and create a piece I was truly proud of.
Continuing, my favorite part of creating this piece was definitely creating the mouth of the mask. I had never created a piece completely out of felt before, so it was a fun test of skill. I enjoyed the amount of creative freedom it gave me when I worked on putting all the different ideas in my head together. Originally I did not know what to put over the edges of the piece, but as I worked slowly it all eventually came together. Continuing, when I try and create a three-dimensional piece it can be difficult to stick to a specific theme. This was something that i worked hard on staying consistent through this piece and this was reflected in the final product. Even now, I am still working on improving my skills when it comes to felt, but this process showed me the strengths and weaknesses I already had.
In conclusion, I hope that others take my work as a chance to look back on their own life. My work is supposed to enlighten the viewers so that they have to think of a deeper meaning, not just what someone could see at first glance. My piece is to be seen as reflective a common emotion that a lot of people experience. Especially during 2020 and 2021 regret has been present in everyone’s house and so this piece gives light to that struggle. Finally, in the future I would like to work on having more than one mask so I can represent the emotion in several ways. This would had another layer of complexity to my piece.
ACT Questions:
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
- While completing my artwork I was able to clearly identify the cause and effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect on my artwork through the discussion of focus point and media. My inspiration directly influenced the face and color scheme. As well as how the piece was going to be interpreted by the viewer. This showed an obvious cause and effect relationship.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
- The overall approach my author had regarding my topic of inspiration is that he wanted to create pieces of work that immediately struck the attention of the viewer. He focused on creating portraits/paintings that look unquie, and this is just what I wanted my inspiration to allow my final piece to become.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
- While working on my art piece I have had to make generalizations about the message that my inspiration artist wanted to have come across with her work. This artist is not extremely well known to the levels that Picasso's is, and so there are not as many resources about him. This made me make generalizations about some of the information I read. I also made generalizations about the intentions that would come across in my work.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
- The central idea/theme of my inspirational research was emotion, specifically fear and anger. I wanted my piece to be as unquie and not visually appealing as possible so that the piece would give off the theme that I was researching. This would present itself as a piece with personal emotion, not just a random mask.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
- While I was reading my research I made inferences about time periods and other sorts of understandings that were not explicitly stated when reading. I wanted to make sure that my inspiration matched my research, so I inferred which cites and articles would be best to get that information from. I also inferred how the information would best connect with my final product of a drawing.
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
- While completing my artwork I was able to clearly identify the cause and effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect on my artwork through the discussion of focus point and media. My inspiration directly influenced the face and color scheme. As well as how the piece was going to be interpreted by the viewer. This showed an obvious cause and effect relationship.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
- The overall approach my author had regarding my topic of inspiration is that he wanted to create pieces of work that immediately struck the attention of the viewer. He focused on creating portraits/paintings that look unquie, and this is just what I wanted my inspiration to allow my final piece to become.
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
- While working on my art piece I have had to make generalizations about the message that my inspiration artist wanted to have come across with her work. This artist is not extremely well known to the levels that Picasso's is, and so there are not as many resources about him. This made me make generalizations about some of the information I read. I also made generalizations about the intentions that would come across in my work.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
- The central idea/theme of my inspirational research was emotion, specifically fear and anger. I wanted my piece to be as unquie and not visually appealing as possible so that the piece would give off the theme that I was researching. This would present itself as a piece with personal emotion, not just a random mask.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
- While I was reading my research I made inferences about time periods and other sorts of understandings that were not explicitly stated when reading. I wanted to make sure that my inspiration matched my research, so I inferred which cites and articles would be best to get that information from. I also inferred how the information would best connect with my final product of a drawing.
Bibliography:
Plotkin, F. (2013, November 13). Did Arnold Schoenberg paint by Numbers?: Operavore. Retrieved February 09, 2021, from https://www.wqxr.org/story/arnold-schoenberg-paint-numbers/
Wendigratz, S. (2021, January 22). Everything you need to know about working with felt. Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2016/10/everything-need-know-working-felt.html
Arnold Schoenberg: Do not approach with caution. (2017, February 21). Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/feb/21/music-arnold-schoenberg-do-not-approach-with-caution-pina-napolitano
Biography. (2019). Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://adamschoenberg.com/
Plotkin, F. (2013, November 13). Did Arnold Schoenberg paint by Numbers?: Operavore. Retrieved February 09, 2021, from https://www.wqxr.org/story/arnold-schoenberg-paint-numbers/
Wendigratz, S. (2021, January 22). Everything you need to know about working with felt. Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2016/10/everything-need-know-working-felt.html
Arnold Schoenberg: Do not approach with caution. (2017, February 21). Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/feb/21/music-arnold-schoenberg-do-not-approach-with-caution-pina-napolitano
Biography. (2019). Retrieved March 03, 2021, from https://adamschoenberg.com/