It took me some time to decide on what to do for this project and while looking through past students’ ideas I came across the work of Palmer Dick-Montez. I had seen some topographic art before and had always enjoyed it, but Palmer’s take on the physical representation of the piece really stuck with me. The addition of the moss seals the deal for me, and I think it adds so much to this piece. Palmer said their take on the project was representative of the ‘industrial chic’ aesthetic, but I’m going in a different direction. I’m going to be trying to achieve an abstract aesthetic for this project.
Palmer Dick-Montez’s Work from AesDes 2023
Abstract art is a huge canopy under which many types of art exist. However when trying to define it, I think the main themes of the style are using colors, patterns, even textures to create a visually stimulating work of art. For my project, the texture of the piece is the most important. Obviously, there will be an aspect of visual texture due to the nature of the layers of cardboard being stacked upon another, but I’m envisioning this project using only two colors so it will need more than that. In Palmer’s project, they used the moss to add some more stimulation to the piece, but in my case, seeing that Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean, I want to incorporate the sea into my piece. The project will be made from cardboard. I chose this due to how easy it’ll be for me to access, I work at Sprouts and could take as many boxes as I need, and due to how easy it will be to laser cut the material. I’m planning on using the laser cutters in the BTU lab in the ATLAS building.
Two pieces of abstract art that rely on the use of texture.
While this is a project for school, the due date just so happens to be a week or so before Valentine’s day. I’m taking this opportunity and making an art piece for my girlfriend. I’m envisioning a topographic map of Greece, where she is from, with the oceans painted in a thick blue. There is an artist, Werner Bronkhorst, who uses massive amounts of paint to add the appearance of waves, or roads, or slopes, and I love it. I want to take elements from his paintings and add them here. I might even paint a couple little figures like he does, but I’m not that skilled of a painter.
Swell Day and White Lines by Werner Bronkhorst
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Yo Rystan! I love this idea for your upcycling project, Werner Bronkhorst’s art is one of my favorites right now, I love his style and simplicity. recreating forms/patterns from the natural world is an idea that I’d love to explore more, and is especially fitting for an upcycling project. I love how you’re adapting inspiration from different artists while making it your own, especially as a meaningful gift for your girlfriend. I hope everything goes well and I can’t wait to see the result!
I love the focus on texture in your upcycle project, and really see the vision in your use of cardboard and laser cutting to make it happen! This idea reminds me of an interactive topographic installation that several ATLAS graduate students showcased last semester, which explored wildfire impacts and resulting action through cardboard and projected light. Is there any chance you’d risk it all and paint you and your girlfriend as little figures together in the ocean on this piece? Either way, looking forward to seeing the end result of your project!