Making Marks

Embossed Metal Class

I recently took an embossed metal class from the renown Elaine Woodhouse in which she taught us how to use a variety of tools to shape 36 gauge sheet aluminum. Elaine is a delightful teacher who encourages student experimentation.

I decided to try the techinque using some images I've been sketching. The images are a combination of some Zentangle-type designs in a lanscape format. I do like parts of this piece, and I may try a few more examples. However, I think the designs might be better suited to a medium that incorporates more color. (I know the metal can be stained and colored with a variety of inks. . . I'm just not ready to buy MORE supplies right now.)

Art Class Project #2

Art class has been fun on some days and a challenge other days. We have been working in black and white only, and this giraffe assignment was to create a design with "transparent" layers so that each element of the design could be seen (such as the branch and leaves are in front of the giraffe, and the branch color changes when it goes over a giraffe spot). This was difficult for me to visualize. Then we had to create at least three "color shifts" by drawing lines through the images. An example of this is near the top of the giraffe's head where what was black changes to white. After all the struggles, though, I like how the final product looks.

P. S. It was made with a product, called Contrasto paper, which is made from two layers of plastic film. When you use an Exacto knife to cut through the top layer (of white plastic), you reveal the black underneath. Cutting this so carefully  was a challenge!

New Art Class

I decided to take a basic design art class this quarter. Since I work at a college, it should be convenient and fit into my schedule. But, I'll admit I was ambivalent - college classes take a lot of time. And, I didn't want to be in a class with any students I knew. That would just be weird.

It turns out that I do know a student in class, and it's not as uncomfortable as I thought it might be. I also see how this experience will benefit my work outside of class. Also, since I teach in a program that prepares students for college,  it's good to have recent experience being a student.

Our first assignment is an interesting approach: we're taking elements of two artists' work and making our own design with them. I picked some basic shapes and am working on sketches. (This class requires a sketchbook, and that will reinforce my desire to build a habit of working in a sketchbook.) I'll post work that's fit for consumption.