Thursday, June 12, 2008

Finally: My Surrealism Final


So we were supposed to do a truly surrealistic painting for our final. I decided to really push it and not hold back at all. A lot of the examples from other artists that he showed us had scenes in them that were very busy and some were simple with only one main focus.

As you can see I went for the very busy. I wanted to go with my cupcake theme from my past work. My instructor said that sometimes you just start with a scene and go from there and then things just start flowing and take on a meaning for the artist. That is what happened with me....a desert, then cupcakes, then babies, then women etc. This painting was a labor of love. It took up so much of my time and by the end I just wanted it done, but I loved it. I actually ended up cutting out some of the elements I wanted to include (see initial sketch.) My instructor suggested that I add in cast shadows...DUH! I am an idiot. I don't know why I didn't, but I will probably go back and add them in later.

Ultimately, I think the piece is a commentary on parenthood, children and relationships. I will keep the specific meaning for me to myself :)

All I can say is this is THE CRAZIEST piece I have ever done and I am glad I had to do it. I learned a lot from it and it was fun.

The other part of our final was to do another surrealist piece or to do a painting that we feel could be showcased in an unusual "gallery" situation. So I did a cupcake. Surprise and would put it in a bakery. I am also interested in doing other sweets, candy and cake. I LOVE DESSERT!

Sold

Close up and the painting in my studio.

5 comments:

mir said...

Hi Ms. Sawyer! It's Saumirah! I'm currently in Belgium and loving it! I added you to my blogroll. Nice art work on your blog, by the way. Keep in touch. Enjoy Italy!

- Saumirah

Sola said...

Saumirah, Great to hear from you and thanks for the comments! I bet you are having a wonderful time in Belgium. When do you get to Germany? If you set up blog or something let me know because I would love to follow what you are doing. Take care and keep in touch.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sola,
I can't tell you how happy I was to have received your call and how sad I was that I missed it. It meant a lot to me that you called me from Italy. I can't tell you enough how great it was to hear your voice. I missed ya!

Anyhow, (This might be a long comment) I think your painting is amazing for so many reasons.
1. Your painting makes me feel like I'm indulging in all of life's deserts.
2. While calling a painting busy suggests that it tells too much in a cluttered and messy way, I think your painting is quite the contrary; your painting gives "busy" a new meaning. For me the busyness represents the beautiful busyness of life and all the little deserts, sweet things, that we tend to forget about because we get caught in the busyness.
3. Looking at your painting feels like I'm reading your journal, only because it is left up to interpretation, I'm not completely entitled to all your thoughts. I do, however, see that the deserts of life are what you relish and they are what keep the fire you have inside burning.
4. Finally, I loved your painting because I can see that it was a labor of love and it makes me want to go out and buy a dozen cupcakes to share with you when you get back. Which is your favorite flavor?
-Michele

Sola said...

Wow Michele,

You have NO idea how much your comment means to me. WOW!!! The fact that you were willing and able to analyze my work is great AND you did it so well. I truly appreciate it. Oh and I am SO sorry that I missed you the other day too. I figured you wouldn't answer it even if you could since it is an unrecognized number :) But if I know ahead of time when I can call you then I will email you first. Well I hope you are well and I am looking forward to talking to you. Thanks again :) Sola

mir said...

Hey! Here is the url to my blog:

http://saumirahmcwoodson.blogspot.com

Here is the link to my site... a little hobby of mine for now :)

http://sm-designs.net/

 
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