Muse

I find it so incredible, the things that drive us to learn, to explore, and to create. Sometimes I wonder why certain things are so compelling, and I've no answer. The last assignment I shared, was my take on Anthropomorphism, done in ink. I mentioned in the class critique that ink wasn't really a typical choice in media for me. I tend to work more formally, rather than freely when it comes to lines, strokes and density but I feel like loose gestures are beneficial in this type of work. Considering I'd taken a new liking to the inks, markers, and pens I used I decided to take it a step further. It may be a step many have already tread, but for me it was new. I grabbed nothing but paper, brushes, and a mostly full bottle of ink.

I began the piece by blacking out the bottom right corner, and slowly transitioning it into a lighter more textured gradient...and eventually a figure. When I decided I was "finished" I stepped back and felt it needed something, so I found a rather larger paint brush, and dipped it generously in the watered down ink I had. Spontaneously, I hatched the background with an extremely light wash and watched as the feel of the piece changed. In one way or another, this was inspiring and began a series of similar alterations. I stepped back again, thinking it still needed something. I then added colored pencils, a deep purple and a lemony yellow for a complimentary affect. It ended up looking like I used light washes of colored inks, but in reality it was merely pencil and a lot less messy!

Once I finished this piece, I immediately tacked up another piece of paper, all together uncertain of what I would put on it. I must've stared at the paper for over 5 minutes before I began applying ink to the paper. Soon it was another inky evolution, much different than the first, but just as inspiring. I wanted to continue but realized this 'muse' would be my alarm clock's opponent in just a few hours if I didn't call it a night.

Now I lay here, with several other ideas, wishing I didn't have to sleep! Regardless the amount of ink left over (that I could easily be using right now) I've decided it's time to go to sleep. Soon, I will add to this post the images of the ink drawings I created tonight. Until then, goodnight! (morning!)

“We work in the dark, We do what we can, We give what we have, Our doubt is our passion, And our passion is our task, The rest is the madness of art"   Henry James

Anthropomorphism

This is an assignment from Wyatt's advanced figure drawing class. Anthropomorphism was the goal, which is the attribution of human form or behavior to a deity, animal, nature, etc. To be honest, I hadn't a clue what to do for this project. Since a good portion of my work recently had been themed 40's - 50's (including the ink drawing on the X Ray Smile band poster)  I decided to research classic pin-ups. Sifting through all this images of women so "beautiful and dainty", I found the most similarity in a bird. (...don't ask what kind, because I just drew it and honestly have no idea) It seems to look much like the ones that chirp right outside the window on a daily basis, so I suppose that's where I drew inspiration from.
  
Eventually, my anthropomorphic creation became what you see above. I used pen, ink, and a variety of cool gray markers. I don't typically work in ink, let alone markers so the rendering was a slightly bigger challenge than usual. I also tried to place emphasis on different line weights in certain areas of the drawing. I plan to include this in an anthropomorphic pin-up series over spring break, featuring a variety of birds and classic as well as original pin-up poses. Ideas, suggestions-please share! and Thanks to Wyatt for such a cool assignment! 




If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it.  Toni Morrison 

The Best Way to Predict Your Future...

This is an example of several different composite sketches done by a forensic artist. Creating composite drawings of criminals is merely one of the many duties of a Forensic Artist. Composite drawings of the crime scene, decompostional/postmortem sketches, detailed 3D facial reconstructions, and the use of age progression software are also included. All of which are based solely on descriptions given by victims and/or witnesses. A forensic artist, though it is not required, should obtain a BFA with traditional drawing skills; more specifically, portraiture and fine art skills as these will help render anatomic proportions. As the artist speaks closely with victims of crime, and sometimes even a confessed accomplice, it is beneficial to have some sort of background in psychology and/or counseling.

In the case of 3D facial reconstructions, the artist relies only on the details of the skull, or whatever remains of the victim to reconstruct and shape the face to identify the deceased. Orifices in the skull are measured and carefully calculated to produce accurate layering of the skin and placement of eyes, nose, lips, etc. This is an example of 3D facial reconstruction:

Age progression software, which has become increasingly useful today allows the artist to input an image of someone say, at the age of 5, and progress their age to that of a 10 or 12 year old (or older in some cases) to better identify those who have been missing for extended periods of time. Typically this software is used in cases such as kidnappings or runaways. This is an example of a young girl's photo, used in the age progression process:

I currently aspire to pursue a career in the challenging field of Forensic Art. Through my schooling at Highline Community College where I obtained my AA Degree in Art, and my current schooling at Northwest College of Art, I  have realized that art is certainly what I wish to pursue. Since I can remember, I've always enjoyed volunteering, and applying my skills where they could help. Ultimately, I feel like forensic artistry provides the the most satisfactory combination of my life's ambitions: To serve and be a part of my community, or one in need....and to utilize my skill, and something that I love in the process.

Several people ask, what about computers? Aren't they taking over these days? In response to that question, yes. Regardless, traditional skill is useful no matter what, and will only heighten my accuracy even if I end up using only computers. In the process of gathering the skill set I will need most, I learn so many other things that I value and utilize. Though technology is rather advanced in the field, I feel that the traditional skill set will remain of high importance for many years to come, but work along side the computer aspects.

As I continue to study the career path, and produce composite sketches of my own, I will compile a body of my best work and post them here for feedback.





The best way to predict your future is to create it.  -Peter Drucker

 

Watercolorist Steve Hanks

Steve Hanks is a well established artist who now primarily works in watercolor, producing very realistic pieces typically depicting children, oceans, and semi-nude women. Hanks was always recognized early on for his artistic greatness, but in art classes received a “C” for lack of completing required assignments. I find it hilarious that instead of doing the required word, waited until the end of the term and “proved” he was good by creating his own show and selling a painting to one of the art teachers at his school.

He actually began as a painter using mostly oils, not doing too much exploring among other options. It wasn’t until he experienced an allergic reaction to the oil paints that he tested his bounds in watercolor. Using the techniques he gathered through working with oil paints, he created extremely detailed, life-like water color pieces.  He graduated from the California School of Arts and Crafts in the 1960’s with a BFA. Soon he became a well renowned watercolorist.  (and definitely a favorite of mine!)
    His work stands out to me because of the realism for one, and two, the saturation and weight of the watercolor in his work. Based on the watercolor I have experienced and pieces I have seen, watercolor doesn’t often carry that same weight and depth. It certainly has the potential, to which I am suggesting Hanks takes his works to the very highest of quality in this particular media.  I am just astounded by the tones, saturations, and detail he creates within his pieces. I love too, that he uses such direct and prominent light sources in each depiction. It is always apparent in his work where the light is coming from. The subject matter is still made even more interesting by his handling of the media. I also enjoy that his pieces depict not only a moment, or a subject, but an emotion, and a memory. It’s as if his pieces are placed in a space much greater than a piece of paper; the corner of someone’s mind. It evokes emotion and memories reminiscent to the nature of his work.

I haven't worked much on my own in watercolor, but am greatly inspired by Hanks' work, and I hope you'll check out more of his stuff too!





Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.  -Theodore Roosevelt

My heros, and inspiration.

"Live with no excuses, Love with no regrets. Make all you set your hands to worthwhile. And in any circumstance...smile."

Besides being a mash up of all the things that keep me motivated, this is a short phrase I created shortly after the loss of two people, very important to me. Both of them taught me the importance of life, and to never take a single moment for granted. Since, I define my life in measure of whom I meet, the decisions I make, the opportunities I seize, and most importantly, what I learn from them. Good or bad, I give my all and remind myself each day is an chance to turn it all around...a new day to dwell in clarity.

I woke up this morning to the sunshine, pouring through my window and I smiled. I know it's silly to think they sent it to me, but this sunshine reminds me of Carly, and Esteban. Two people I hold close to my heart, and will never forget. Every day, I am reminded of the impact you both had on me.

Coincidentally, they were both two of the first people I met in high school. I remember standing in a lunch line, a scared little freshman who knew no one and out of no where, Esteban tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could buy my pizza. We sat and had lunch together, and from then on we were wonderful friends. Years later, when he was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma, I can't describe the fear, and even anger that I felt. But he, not even once, sulked about the diagnosis. He shrugged it off and just said "I got this." When he had his leg amputated I visited him in the hospital. You'd imagine someone in his situation would be down, but there he sat, cheerfully, in his hospital bed, watching surgery shows, and asked me..."Just one thing...." as he lifted up the side where he leg used to be, "Do I still have a butt?" and he laughed. It was uncanny...the hope, the inspiration, and the drive he had through it all. I admire him and his strength every day, reminding myself, "I got this." Less than a year after his diagnosis, on June 10th, 2010....the cancer prevailed. He still inspires me, every day.

I'm daily reminded of the kindness they both shared with me, and the world around them. Carly, as some said, was just a burst of sunshine. She was also one of the first people I met in high school.  I couldn’t believe how kind Carly was to me, someone she barely knew. She had a gift for empathizing, and feeling deeply what other people felt. Having a bad day? Carly was there to hug you, instantly. She genuinely cared about how your day was, and what was new in your life. I miss that. She taught me that being yourself is the biggest and the sometimes hardest part of life. But that it was also the most important. Her words stuck with me, and I'm sure anyone else who heard them. Whether it was one of our long life talks, or lyrics she wrote in her music. Carly was, and still is a shining example of purpose and success in her music, friendships, and all else she set her hands to. I find inspiration through Carly in my art and the lesson she taught me, even in times when I mess up, to keep on, and just to smile. "Love Wins". It was that simple.

On October 6th, 2010 Carly took her own life. It's still so hard for me to comprehend, 6 months later, how such a beautiful soul, and radiant girl could feel so alone in this world. There is not nearly enough said about the fragility of life, the precious moments that ought to be cherished and the sacredness of a true friend; the ones we think we will have forever, until the unthinkable happens.Carly was truly a ray of sunshine, she lit up so many lives. Everything seemed to darker when she left, but I think her light will remain in peoples’ hearts forever.

Carly, Esteban....There isn't a single day I don't miss you, or wonder why things happened the way they did. You both remain my inspiration in so many of the things that I do, and much of the purpose behind my art. It's hard not having you here, but you both left behind so much to be remembered, and celebrated. The world is not the same without you, but at least it's a better place because of you.
LoveWins.                                        I Got this.
          Carly Henley                                                Esteban Garcia                         

From Dawn to Dusk

I stare at this wall I've built,
Wondering
How I ever found the time.
"It shall keep me safe" I said,
"The ones I love, will enter another side."

 

Though, one among them

Not one that I knew

Crept around my quarter tower,

And so became

A loving interest, new.

 

"You are a precious flower,

One so beautiful mustn't be trampled

I shall build a second wall,

My dear, you'll be twice as safe.

Then your loved ones and I

Shall only come in."

 

I agreed upon as much

In only thoughts that you cared.

I still saw the sun's smile each morn

But I missed the moon's rise each night.

I still beheld my share of beauty,

So I hadn't the will to put up a fight.

 

Together we grew, and love

Began to bloom

"Such a beautiful pair shan't be trampled!"

I say.

"Oh, I say too!" He said.

 

Brick by brick

Yet another wall,

"There is still one open." We agree.

"And as strong as we've grown,

These shall not fall. We will be safe

You and me."

 

Weather wore on. The summer

was gracious...The fall, so grand.

Winter seemed a bother, and come spring

She lost her man.

 

For behind one wall,

From which she could not see

He'd spotted another.

By the time she'd opened up,

The sun had passed.

 

She soon saw

On the other side of the garden

A wall was being built.

Beside it was her love...

And a daffodil.

 

Was now his beautiful rose

empty in meaning?

Was yellow much brighter than red?

She built herself another wall

Promising she'd keep only him out.

"It worked, it worked!" She said.
But doubt did soon set in.

 

"This wall I built would indeed

let me heal. But I miss the sun's smile

The moon's goodbye

and the breeze I used to feel.

The light here has become less

and this soil is so dry.

I feel weak without you."

 

She awoke the next morning

To lo, a darkly lit room.

"This fourth wall, 

where did it come from?

Why has my sun not greeted me

...and why not have I bloomed?"

 

Her leaves became weak

and her petals had begun to wilt.

She'd too soon become rooted

and unknowingly

a victim of this silt.

 

She peered into the darkness

Hoping to find even one 

glimmer of light.

"I built this wall", She said.

"What have I done,

this isn't right..."

 

The walls seemed to close in,

She saw the sun briefly overhead.

Gathering up all the shine she could...

She lay down gently

In earth's desolate bed.

 

 

 

 

-Christina M. Storms

 

Band Poster in Progress

Recently, in Mark Tedin's illustration course, we were told to create a band poster. He gave the class a project brief with the information that needed to be displayed, and bands we could choose from if we'd not chosen otherwise. I decided to go with the band that I'm in along with my younger sister, and older brother. Really, we just get together and jam, but my brilliant brother came up with the name X-Ray Smile. I thought it would be interesting to depict, and upon illustrating it, I ran into a few minor issues.  When we first conjured up "X-Ray Smile" I thought it was an awesome way to describe someone who constantly fronts a smile, even when they aren't happy. When it came to depicting this I realized, our skulls kind of smile naturally, and I wouldn't as easily have been able to depict sadness on the inside, thus the meaning was flipped. Aesthetically it works better, though it changes the meaning I'd originally loved so much.

This is the second poster, with the same imagery that I have designed for X-Ray Smile. The woman, and x-ray are done in sepia, and black and white ink, on a medium-toothed toned paper. I added all the text when I took it into Photoshop for editing.

TIP! Personally, I think InDesign is much better for adding text, seeing as it is designed to do so. I chose Photoshop for the ease of rendering the image, and editing the text simultaneously. Make sure when working in Photoshop that you don't rasterize important parts, especially if your peice will be printed large because it will be insanely pixellated. It makes things much more difficult than should be.

And so the blog begins...

This blog is designed to display my current works of art, thoughts and ideas, and cool finds I think are worth sharing with all of you! I'll keep posted with cool class assignments and creations that have resulted in attending NCA. (Originally, I created this blog as a final assignment for Visual Communications, but hope to extend it beyond schooling purposes.) For now, I'll begin with a favorite quote of mine...

"In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet."
Albert Schweitzer