Out of the eight assignments the second half of the semester produced, it all narrows down to four. Four pieces will decide my fate. My grade is resting solely in my own hands. And do you know? I'm feeling sure of my choices. The grade itself, one will only know with time, but the pieces . . . I've gone over them again and again, selecting the four I find to be most worthy.
I want to begin with good ole Honest iPod Abe. He was my second major gouache piece, and arguably one of the biggest paintings in my pile of work. He is one of the most beloved among my friends and family members and the same could be said for me as well. Abe, I love you, despite the fact that you literally murdered my tube of purple gouache, and came uncomfortably close to killing my white. You sit through the monotony of D.C. tourism with a content smirk on your stone face, listening to Southern rock. You are Final Exam Piece #1. Congratulations.
Secondly, I chose my Life and Death illustrations. Why, one might ask. The truth is, I am rather satisfied with how they turned out. But the thorough truth of the matter is, this was the piece I conceived and thought about the most this semester. This piece went through three evolutions: The Elegance of the Hedgehog plot, the life and death of hats, and the death and life of allegory. I referenced and revisited literature I have loved for years, works that inspired me deeply. In the end, it was the hats that reigned victorious due to their less obscure content. Thank you Life and Death. You are Final Exam Piece #2.
Next, I wanted to include my Native American Heritage poster. It looks simple enough. The typography still might not be the most groundbreaking. But again, I feel accomplished with this piece. I feel the illustration is done well, from the original sharpie coloration to the digital touch-ups. This subject was also near to my heart. Memories of Mr. Malia and Crow Canyon filled my mind as I worked on this piece. I wanted to make something that would honor him, that educational voyage. I researched Pueblo pottery just to stay true to my experience. I did not grumble when others did. I wanted to do this piece and I regret nothing. Take your place with pride, Final Exam Piece #3.
And now, finally and fourthly, we have something new. Something no one has seen before. Book cover, this is your moment. Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird has yet another cover to add to the myriad it already possesses. A story so profound deserves to be honored, and I did not want to disappoint. I am satisfied with my result. Despite all the action, beauty, and suspense of the story, I was lucky enough to show something much smaller, but no less significant. Atticus and Scout, embraced together; the daughter listening to her father's watch, knowing he is near. This is my last gouache piece for the semester, as well as the last in general. Book cover, love, you are the last and Final Exam Piece #4.
There we have it. The final portfolio. So much has happened in this seemingly lengthy or short period of time. I've been introduced to new mediums, new challenges. I've bought more foam core than I would like to admit, with the intention of never stopping. I have laughed and I have cried. I have worked and I have been a lazy bum. I have woken up at six every other week morning, done all I can, and now, it is coming to a close. One more thank you must be said.
Thank you Rusty, for being there to guide, scold, and critique. Thank you Illustration class, for broadening my horizons, challenging me, and pushing as far as I could go until something tragic or beautiful happened to me and my life.
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| #1 iAbe |
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| #2 Life |
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| #2 Death |
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| #3 Native American Heritage poster |
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| #4 To Kill A Mockingbird book cover |
