exhibition text
The purpose of this project is to depict the idea that restriction can often lead to a negative impact on our impulsive reactions. This piece is inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s study of hands, and Kate Chopin's short story, “A Pair of Silk Stockings”. My piece is specifically inspired by the detail of the hands in Leonardo Da Vincis study along with the use of light to depict certain details. It is also largely inspired by Kate Chopin's message in her short story illustrating the idea that when one restricts our reaction to being set free will be guided by our momentary desires impacting us negatively. The medium for this piece is graphite on a 12” x 12” paper which is a medium began to explore through this project, all materials are brought.
inspiration
Leonardo Da Vinci's “Study of hands is able to depict the anatomy of hands and their exposure to light, here Da Vinci studies the way in which lighting affects the hands along with its movement. Kate Chopin’s short story is a story exploring the idea of how a mother begins to find guilty pleasure in satisfying her own needs before those of her family which leads her to impulsively spend all her money. I was mainly inspired by Kate Chopin's story as I came to understand the significance of restriction in our lifestyles, whether its restriction of an object or an emotion restriction in the end will only bottle up all of the desire we should momentarily release which will then cause for explosive reactions in the end. I wanted to demonstrate this general idea through some of the ysmbolism used in Kate Chopin's Story. In Kate Chopin's story the mother is beginning to fulfill her own needs as she touches a pair of silk stockings and realizes the delacant feel to them. This is the first time she begging to satisfy herself as she was able to feel a sense of fulfillment in her own emotions, after this she begins to impulsively buy anything she wishes for. In my own piece I wanted to utilize this symbol of silk and how it's able to represent delicate and sincere feelings. As I came to find Leonardo Da Vinci’s study of hands I realized how I really wanted to include a symbol of hands. The hands in my piece could be used to represent how we utilize out hda in order to fulfill our everyday taks, our hands are such essential art of our bodies and are the one shwo provide the most for us. We need to provide for ourselves just as much as we should provide for others. Therefore, I wanted to utilize the hands to illustrate this idea through the way in which Da Vinci does in his study, which highly incooprarates lighting and movement.
planning
In order to begin planning for this piece I began to draft some ideas that I could possibly utilize for this work. Coming into this piece I knew I wanted to relate to Kate Chopin's short story and its concept. Therefore coming into this project I already knew what concept I wanted this piece to have. It was rather deciding the medium and the specific details of the piece. I wanted to try something new therefore I was looking at either photography or graphite drawn, however because i came across Da Vinci’s study I realized I wanted to focus on graphite and exploring the movement of hands. As I began to analyze Da Vinci's work I began drafting in my head what I was thinking for my own piece and how to make it original yet relatable.
As I began drafting my own piece I wanted to utilize the silk cloth material in order to cover the hands that I would depict in my piece in order to symbolize the suffocating feeling of restriction along with the delicate touch of freedom. I believe that the silk material is able to emphasize both those concepts depending on the way it is looked at which I think can relate to real life concepts and scenarios. I then wanted to utilize the hands to symbolize self care and how it important for very human to show appreciation and love to oneself. Therefore I wanted the hands to be from the same person caressing each other, this way I would depict the idea of self love, by doing so I would also explore the movement and overlapping of hands, along with the exploration of shadows and highlights with graphite. Another big thing to be incorporated in my piece was the use of lighting. I wanted my piece to be heavy on the lighting. I wanted to use the lighting to my advantage in order tomephasize a lot of the image's highlights and shadows. I also think that a large soure of light is able to symbolize purity and hope, as light is often positively associated with other things.
process
I began taking pictures of what I could possibly utilize for my final piece. IN order to do this since I wanted to utilize both of my hands and I was taking the images for myself I had to record the process of me striking poses with my hands and the cloths and then I would capture the moments I liked. I also realized that by following the process of taking the video I would be able the capture the natural movements of my hands. As I was striking poses I realized I really wanted both hands to be creating each other to show care however I realized that in the midst of the lighting and the strong highlights the details of the hands got lost within the image. Therefore I decide to have both hands be more separated which is more common to what Da Vinci portrays in his study. I wanted them to seek for each other and to have the piece be balanced to symbolize the balance and consistency in life to strive for growth. The curtain also helped me distance the hands here as there is a fold between them, this fold would be able to symbolize restriction. After I finished with the video and looking for poses I edited the quality of the image to make it black and white while I tried to bring out the most I could out of the highlights and shadows. I then had to add a grid and I began by main the image a square size in which I applied an 8 x 8 grid.
I began by sketching a surface proportionate to the reference image. I made the surface be a 12 " x 12" space in which I then applied a 8 x 8 grid made out of 1.5" x 1.5 " individual squares. After I applied the grid I began to sketch the outline of the piece and where the darkest parts of the piece would be. I wasn't really sure how to start since this was the first time I was really working with graphite on depth. I did realize that the grid was really dark once I began to add detail so I had to erase the grid and the sketch just enough so it would leave the paper slightly gained with an outline but not well enough for the lines to show clearly. When I began to actually sketch on the piece I kind of worked myself from square to square initially focusing. on the individual details of each square however I realized this wasn't really working for me and it was also very time consuming therefore, I began by placing some bubbles throughout the piece of where heavy shadows and heavy highlights were located in order to facilitate the process, after doing this I found myself jumping around the piece from space to space to fill in more detail. I found it however really hard to manipulate the graphite in order to bring out as much detail as I possibly could.
experimentation
It was my first time seriously working with graphite and it was a unique experience it was definitely difficult to manipulate to say the least and thats reflected on the final piece however I do believe that it was an interesting process and with a different approach the piece could be done better. I found it really hard for example to bring out the detail of the blinds in the background. because they were such blurred out details I found it really hard. I am really used to depicting clean and solid details I don't like working with blurry images because depicting that visual becomes really hard for me so I found that instead of trying to follow along the image as much as I could I would just look at it as a whole and try and replicate a similar idea onto the paper. I added a light layer to the background in which I then smudged with a piece of paper, by doing this I would allow for the piece to have a consistent and clear background. After this I began to add more depth and detail by the piece by drawing lines that came across the piece in which I emphasized shadows in the corners. I found it really hard as well to bring out the detail in the hands. The hands had really heavy shadows also due to the fact that they are behind the silk cloth a lot of the hands details were blurry. Again making it really hard to recreate. when I was looking at the image I found it really hard to differentiate the different shadows and highlights of the hands. Even when I was able to tell the difference I found that manipulating the graphite in order to depict these details was really hard and I was finding it difficult to bring out the shadows and highlights onto the paper. One thing I began to explore since I found it hard to manipulate was hatching from place to place in order to bring out depth in those parts I use this more specifically in the background with the curtain and the blinds. it was overall really difficult to manipulate graphite I would try different amounts of pressure with the pencils but it was till very hard to bring out as much detail as I could bring out.
critique
similarities:
One of the major similarities between my piece and both of my inspiration is the concept and the approach to lighting. in my piece I emphasize the concept through the heavy symbolism throughout the piece, incorporated specifically in the hands, cloth, and source of light. The symbolism behind this piece heavily relates to Kate Chopin's short story a pair of skill stocking and her message of guilty desires. I approach lighting in this piece with the motive to highlight the highest level of detail in the image I wish to depict. Apart from its technical use I also utilize lighting in this piece to symbolize hope coming from within. In Da Vinci's study the emphasis on lighting can be seen as he is able to depict strong highlighting along withe shadows in order to bring as much depth as possible to his image. Although I am not able to successfully portray the highest level of detail in my piece I approach it the same way in which Da Vinci approaches it in his study.
differences:
As I had mentioned previously I was not successful with incorporating lighting the way in which Da Vinci does in his study, even though I approached it with a different intent I was not successful at this and thus explaining why I believe thats one of the largest differences between me and Da Vinci's work, along with the technique for the lighting I was not able to replicate as much movement or rather the same form of moment Da Vinci does in his work. Although I do believe that there's some form of moment in my own piece it only really comes from the fingers and the rest of the hand is kind of stiff. In the contrary Da Vinci's work depicts a higher sense of movement throughout the entire piece seen from the forearm to the wist all the way up to the fingers. Apart from the technical aspect of my piece I think that its concept can differentiate from Da Vinci's and Kate Chopin's in a sense as well. Da Vinci's work is a study therefore there is no ulterior meaning behind his wok other than the exploration of hands while mine own piece is heavily focus on symbolism such as Kate Chopin short story, however the concepts despite being similar can still differentiate. Kate Chopin is more focused on women and gender roles where as my concept is more broad and focused on natural human reaction.
One of the major similarities between my piece and both of my inspiration is the concept and the approach to lighting. in my piece I emphasize the concept through the heavy symbolism throughout the piece, incorporated specifically in the hands, cloth, and source of light. The symbolism behind this piece heavily relates to Kate Chopin's short story a pair of skill stocking and her message of guilty desires. I approach lighting in this piece with the motive to highlight the highest level of detail in the image I wish to depict. Apart from its technical use I also utilize lighting in this piece to symbolize hope coming from within. In Da Vinci's study the emphasis on lighting can be seen as he is able to depict strong highlighting along withe shadows in order to bring as much depth as possible to his image. Although I am not able to successfully portray the highest level of detail in my piece I approach it the same way in which Da Vinci approaches it in his study.
differences:
As I had mentioned previously I was not successful with incorporating lighting the way in which Da Vinci does in his study, even though I approached it with a different intent I was not successful at this and thus explaining why I believe thats one of the largest differences between me and Da Vinci's work, along with the technique for the lighting I was not able to replicate as much movement or rather the same form of moment Da Vinci does in his work. Although I do believe that there's some form of moment in my own piece it only really comes from the fingers and the rest of the hand is kind of stiff. In the contrary Da Vinci's work depicts a higher sense of movement throughout the entire piece seen from the forearm to the wist all the way up to the fingers. Apart from the technical aspect of my piece I think that its concept can differentiate from Da Vinci's and Kate Chopin's in a sense as well. Da Vinci's work is a study therefore there is no ulterior meaning behind his wok other than the exploration of hands while mine own piece is heavily focus on symbolism such as Kate Chopin short story, however the concepts despite being similar can still differentiate. Kate Chopin is more focused on women and gender roles where as my concept is more broad and focused on natural human reaction.
reflection
I was able to experience a new medium along with new concepts followed through new inspirations, which I think was able to bring out success regardless of the final outcome. It was a new experience as I explored graphite this time, I was never really fond of working with graphite because I find it so much harder to manipulate however I do think that by being able to work with it I was able to grasp a better understanding on how to manipulate it in order to do certain things and depict certain visuals. I also explored a struggle I've dealt with throughout my life in this piece in a general way which I think can allow for many to relate to it. However I do think that my piece at first glance can be interpreted in various ways and the reason why I made it is a lot more complex than what it looks like. There were many things I wish I could have done in order to produce a better outcome. One for example is choosing a different image with more clear details in which I could accurately portray the heavy shadows and highlights. I think that if I would have focused more on my reference image by using a subject to work with and utilizing more of the lighting to my advantage I not only would have produced a better piece but it would have also been easier for me. I don't think I would end up working with the medium again because its not really my style but I'm open to explore it if the chance came along, I'm just not sure if I would necessarily seek out to pursue this in future projects. Overall the process was very enjoyable and I do believe working with something other than what I'm used to allowed for a growing experience as an artist and as a person.
ACT questions
1)Clearly explain and describe how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
The cause effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect upon my artwork can be seen through the way in which I depict Leonardo Da Vincis' emphasis on lighting to illustrate movement in his work. In my own work I incorporate this through the lighting coming from the background and the movement of the hands illustrating a story. Along with that Kate Chopin’s concept of the correlation between restriction and impulsive desires.
2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has
The overall approach/ point of view that Da Vinci has regarding my research is not necessarily specified anywhere but it can be assumed that he takes great appreciation in the study of arts and different mediums as he varies with his style and explores new concepts throughout the years.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
the generalizations and conclusions I have discovered are that many people can share a similar struggle however there's so many categories that fall within those form of suffering that allows for different communities to be formed with different perspectives regarding the same issues.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
the central idea and theme around my inspirational research was to convey Kate Chopin's concept of the correlation between impulse and restriction.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I have come to the conclusion based on reading my research that self love is a very important essence for human life and our well being meaning we should start to look out fo ourselves before we try and look out for others. It's important to find balance and be forgiving of our mistakes in order to allow for growth.
The cause effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect upon my artwork can be seen through the way in which I depict Leonardo Da Vincis' emphasis on lighting to illustrate movement in his work. In my own work I incorporate this through the lighting coming from the background and the movement of the hands illustrating a story. Along with that Kate Chopin’s concept of the correlation between restriction and impulsive desires.
2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has
The overall approach/ point of view that Da Vinci has regarding my research is not necessarily specified anywhere but it can be assumed that he takes great appreciation in the study of arts and different mediums as he varies with his style and explores new concepts throughout the years.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
the generalizations and conclusions I have discovered are that many people can share a similar struggle however there's so many categories that fall within those form of suffering that allows for different communities to be formed with different perspectives regarding the same issues.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
the central idea and theme around my inspirational research was to convey Kate Chopin's concept of the correlation between impulse and restriction.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I have come to the conclusion based on reading my research that self love is a very important essence for human life and our well being meaning we should start to look out fo ourselves before we try and look out for others. It's important to find balance and be forgiving of our mistakes in order to allow for growth.
bibliography
Alexander J. Noelle & Chelsea Emelie Kelly. “Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Study of Hands'.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 16 Oct. 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/leonardo-da-vincis-study-of-hands-183299.