Artist’s Statement for Final Project

The primary intent of my art piece was to convey to the viewer the magnitude of hope that is still held within even the most seemingly insurmountable of problems. I also wanted to capture the beauty and promise that nature provides to each and every one of us. Another objective that I had while creating this drawing was to somehow convey this idea of togetherness. I wanted the viewer to be able to look at this picture and let the words that are both loudly and silently spoken to say that you too, are a part of this movement. I wanted to instill a sense of gentle responsibility so that the picture is more than just an illustration, but a tool that inspires people to perhaps change the way they view the world around us, and perhaps, change the way their lives may be negatively affecting it. I wanted to draw people in with not fear or forlorn prospects of an unsound solution, but with love and a reinforcement of the budding aspiration we all have to make a difference in this life.

The process in creating this piece proved to be a lot more difficult than I expected. I had so many ideas that I wanted to embed in my art, but few ideas on methods that I could use to express them. I wanted everything to be perfect, and this drawing to look absolute, but about midway through I realized that it was just not going to happen. In actuality I did a lot more erasing than I did drawing. It was very frustrating, but eventually I decided to let go of all my unattainable expectations, and just give in to the flaws and imperfections. I found something strangely humane in my mistakes. I would fail, but I wouldn’t stop trying and I wouldn’t quit. Ironically enough, the process of this project was able to sum up just about everything I was able to gather from this class: We are human. We will often choose the wrong path, and stumble upon the roads we walk upon, but that doesn’t give us the right to give up. We stand and keep fighting.

Overall, I think I was able to convey the more general ideas I had in mind successfully. I think the picture was able to represent the words in the quote that I chose rather effectively. However, even if one is unable to find specific meaning or value in some of the more latent interpretations, then it’s also possible to look at this drawing and just appreciate the concept of nature. Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about finding gratitude and respect for this planet. It’s about embracing our unbreakable ties to the earth and cultivating a stronger devotion to its wellbeing.