Pattern & Ornament: In Depth Project - Cardboard Sculpture (Part 2) {Version 1}

Cardboard Sculpture : Use of light to enhance the patterns on the walls

When I thought of this in depth project I realize my wallpaper pattern was a little difficult but honestly  for me it was doable. Since my wallpaper was mostly squares I decide to focus my attention on the form abstracting the details from the photos to take the triangle/ circle to complete the composition. I did the panels because I wanted to give it an overall square form but I did not want to close it completely to make it more interesting and to add the light so the patterns can reflect on the walls. Sadly or luckily I was totally wrong !!!!! My piece did not reflect my wallpaper and I am planning to create a second version to fulfill the challenge of this project. 

Process of cardboard sculpture: Photo 1

Process of cardboard sculpture: Photo 2

Process of cardboard sculpture: Photo 3

Process of cardboard sculpture: Photo 4

Process of cardboard sculpture: Photo 5

Photos 1 to 5 describe the process of an unsuccessful cardboard sculpture!

Pattern and Ornament: Small Works- Circle, Square & Triangle (Part 3)

Final Small Works: "Pattern & Ornament"

Since the first step of this small works module was to copy the quill using drawing mediums, I wanted to explore with materials. I love crayons and markers but I really wanted to experiment and be creative. Of course there was an issue, the materials had to be accessible and cheap. That why I decided to used aluminum foil and clay to make these pieces possible.

The Process of the Square - Step 1 : Cover the board with aluminum foil

The Process Of the Square - Step 2 : Molding the Symbols with clay

I thought that even if the square, the circle and the triangle were separate geometric forms; I wanted to give them a sense of unity. For that reason I choose to used aluminum foil in the 3 pieces and used the green clay in the 3 forms to embrace that unity. 

My form base language was too abstract and they were a combination of symbols. In order to complete this assignment successfully I disintegrate these symbols to be able to used them.

For the square I used my symbols for freedom, union, generosity and travel.

The Process of the Square - Step 3: Final Piece

For the circle I used my symbols for equality, artist, creativity and friendship.

The Process of the Circle- Step 1: circle covered with aluminum foil

The Process of the Circle - Step 2: The Circle in the Making

For the triangle I used my symbols of personality, weirdness, over- think and beginning.

The triangle

Pattern & Ornament: Outside Visit - Art and Design in the Modern Age at the Wolfsonian Miami

Selfie at the Wolfsonian

As soon as I enter this exhibition I felt in other era and all I wanted was to take the majority of these objects home. I love how the exhibit was divided in 10 different sections such as:

Stained Glass Window 

• Forces of Modernity
• Political Persuasion
• The Irish Free State
• All the World's Fair
• Clean, Sanitary, Efficient: Improving the Modern Home
• Living with Modernity
• Modern Decorative Arts
• Portraiture and Person hood
• Constructing the Modern World
• Americans All

My favorite part of the exhibition was "all the world's a fair", "clean, sanitary, efficient: improving the modern home", and "living with modernity" because they show  objects such as cameras, souvenirs from art fairs, radios, kitchens, TV, coffee pots, etc, with such a beautiful design. 

Radios, Film Projector and Telephones

All these objects seem to have a fine material selection, handcraft manufacturing, uniqueness (few's of the same object), completely different from today house ware; mass produce, copy one from another and using the cheapest made in china industry. Also, I was impressed of how brands that we commonly see in our household like General Electric or WestingHouse had been producing, changing their designs and their process. I was engage with mostly the majority of the objects in this exhibition. I was specially excited with the electronics. I really wanted to be the owner of these treasure objects. Also, I was intrigued by some of the artwork included in the exhibition like "Doppelakt": a nude painting of two ladies embracing Nazi ideals of fertility and female body. 

Doppelakt ( double nude) c.1940
Ivo Saliger

I was impressed by the stained glass window as well; the details and the colors, plus the narrative on each panel make a really interesting piece. My favorite object from the exhibition was the "Kodak Bantam Special Camera" from 1936 designed by Walter Dorwin Teague.

Other interesting aspect of this exhibition was how in "improving the modern life" designers consider the material, the innovation and the form for these beautiful pieces. In the other hand, is sad to realize how before designers and industries seem to invest more time into their products while now days seem to only worry for their own popularity completely separating art from design.

clock selfie

Kodak Bantam Special Camera designed by:
Walter Dorwin Teague

Pattern and Ornament: Reading - Ornament and Crime by Adolf Loos

I feel identified with the tattoo analogy because even today that tattoo art is more accepted, sometimes I feel the awkward looks of random people. People are still too judgmental even in the 21st century. Personally I consider tattoos a beautiful ornament, my skin is my canvas and I tell my story in my body with ink. Piercing are an ornament as well, more accepted than tattoos probably because is something  not permanent and as long they are not exaggerated they are perceived as ok. Its sad how handcraft work such as embroidery and lace-maker lost its hierarchy due to mass manufacture objects. Its also comforting that "hipsters" small business are trying to rescue these traditions and make them trendy. The debate if the ornament is aesthetic or not will be endless. Some people might say ornament is a waste and that the lesser the better while others might think ornament is a beautiful detail that represents tradition and culture. 

Pattern & Ornament: In Depth Project - Wallpaper ( Part 1) {Version 1}

Finish Wallpaper

I have to say that I enjoy the first step of the in depth project, walking around the city and acknowledge my surroundings was an awareness call. There are so many things that we do not see because we rush everyday, every time and we do not stop to smell the roses. I mostly focus of floor patterns. 

My confusion start on step 2, trying to see a pattern within the photos. I focus on doing the pattern with shapes rather than with the photos itself. 

I enjoy the analog process but my craftsmanship can be improve. Also, after seen the works from my classmates I believe my piece is boring but I like my color choice and texture.

Pattern & Ornament: Small Works - Quill (Part 2)

Finish Quill

For the second step of the small works we had to copy the quill pattern with our own symbols. I had to disintegrated some of my symbols in other to be able to used them. Some of the symbols that I consider interesting were to abstract or a group of symbols. I took elements from my friendship, style/outfit, artist and equality first versions. Also, I took the elements from the second versions of race and generosity to include on the pattern, as well as second versions of body insecurity and connection. 

First stage of quill:Body insecurity, connection and equality

 I try to choose symbols or meaning that identified my personality and put them together in order to describe me. 

I used basic colors and contrast them to describe not only my personality but the way I perceive style. 

I was thinking in Gothic windows and Arabic rugs while I was on the making of the quill and kind of inspire the final result.

The second stage of the quill with color selection

Pattern & Ornament: Small Works - Symbols (Part 1)

Symbols 1 to 12

Symbols 13 to 24

Symbols 25 to 36

 For this first stage of the small works related to pattern and ornament I decided I want to used the signs as a description for important memories or events  that impact my life. It was difficult to keep the cliche away from the picture, so half way in the process I choose to make the symbols more abstract . This last series of symbols rely more on the lines to express emotions.

Symbols 37 to 48

Symbols 49 & 50
Description of symbolism: objects 1 to 9

Description of symbolism: objects 10 to 21

Description of symbolism: objects 22 to 34

Description of symbolism: objects 35 to 45

The majority of the symbols have a description explaining why or how the symbol identify with me.

The first 29 symbols also have an explanation of the relation between the object and the meaning.

At the end I  did second versions of some of the symbols. These second versions try to brake the initial cliche that I feel was affecting the first image.

Description of symbolism: objects 46 to 50

Second versions of  symbols

Meta Assignment: Prompt #1

Formula of Creative Process

My creative process not always start in the same way. My first step is usually the research; between the topic and artist research, I mostly focus on the topic in order to have background information and start working . Then I jump to the experimentation, sometimes if  I  feel I need further motivation or inspiration to conclude with my artwork I go back to the research specially of artists and techniques . While I am on the making: I reflect, set my goals and try to figure out if my artwork is going in the right path. The documentation start with the research, on my sketchbook, I doodle ideas and plans but the final blog documentation I leave it until the end when my project is finalize. I have to admit that I do not think to much in the overall presentation of my piece to the audience. I rely on the power of my piece to speak by itself rather than putting a presentation together to make it powerful. This affects my creative process cause sometimes I over-think to much during the research instead of just experiment and also I should start thinking in the presentation as a part of my artwork to be more successful. 

Pattern & Ornament: Reading- Deep Surface (Ornament and Pattern) by CAM Raleigh

I being attracted to pattern all my life and I thought it has to be a result of my cultural background. The first paragraph of the essay describes how pattern is essential to our lives and the way we are attached to it since day one,even a scientific study approves this idea. In the other side; ornament is a complement for the pattern, is equally necessary to express ourselves adding meaning and symbolism to our lives. Ornament and pattern are a form of language that serve as visual tool to describe an object. It is desolate how some people perceived ornament as a decadent and weak form of art. Also, is disappointed how they describe ornament as "feminine arts and decoration" considering something less.

Other disadvantage was the initiation of mass production, making handcraft objects expensive. Actually ornament is assumed as something nostalgic. In the other hand pattern is still use like a structure in many designs. Some designers like Delvarey and Manferani decided to break the cycle and benefit of the machine to generate their designs. It is interesting how these new designers start to see ornament with certain purpose; approaching their exhibitions with a themes related to the ornament subject such as amplification, the everyday, kit of parts , inheritances, elaboration and fantasy. These categories describe the different uses of pattern and ornament in the design/art industry. Ornament and pattern are important components in the way humans perceive the pieces, helping the process of identifying a particular relationship with a culture or tradition.

Pattern and Ornament: Reading - Ornament and the Sources of Design in the Decorative Arts

Is contradictory how Ivins classified ornament, design, and craftsmanship; how he perceived these elements as individuals. I disagree with this opinion because these elements work as a whole to complete artworks successfully. Everything starts with an idea, that idea require certain type of design to be possible. While the style determined how much ornament or craft is needed to fulfill the artist intention in a specific piece. Is difficult to imagine how even in formal education style and ornament were separated into two different fields that go together (design and architecture). Also, is disappointed  to realize how early craftsman's did not had the opportunity to explore new techniques because these improvements or new discoveries went only to a privileged group. Is complex the thought of craftsmanship not been consider in early art education as something that needs to be study and master.

The evolution of decorative art and the relationship with cultural associations is highly interesting, the idea of a particular piece of art evoking a culture; like Moroccan mosaics that determine that an object comes probably from that area of the middle east. Craftsman evolve as well, in the way a certain job was specific to someone; such as ornaments only made by painters. Nowadays any person even with no formal practice or education can explore art or craft making. Other important aspect is the way ornament or design can work as a tool of inspiration for artists. Institutions like museums and galleries must be aware of how the art world is changing  and make their spaces more inclusive not only to the artists but also to their visitors and art aficionados; to expand the knowledge for the sake of all!

Creative Impulse: In Depth Project - Fiesta Popular!

"Fiesta Popular"
Characters from Ecuadorian Cultural Tradition

For the In Depth Project since it was related to folk art I inspired on the Ecuadorian tradition, I feel the need to embrace my culture. Since I left Ecuador I realize the beauty of my roots and how that little detail impact my life, making me who I am. This project brought me memories of these unique characters in Ecuadorian tradition and make wanna explore my culture with these non common representation. 

My first idea include seven characters:

1. Diablo Huma

2. Cucurucho

3. Mama Negra 

4. Angel de la Estrella

5. Inti

6. Mama Quilla

7. Payaso del Inca

I start my research with these characters, trying to find a common thread  and thinking in the way they impact me. After this research I decide to discard Inti and Mama Quilla; even though these Inca siblings are important in the Ecuadorian Andean culture they are seen as the sun and the moon and they do not relate to the popular parades (fiesta popular) theme. Also, I decide to get rid of Mama Negra and Angel de la Estrella because I felt  I did not had a strong connection with these characters because I never had the opportunity to go to Latacunga during the Mama Negra Festival. Diablo Huma, the Cucuruchos and Payaso del Inca are linked to my traditions and closer to my memories. 

Construction of "Diablo Huma"
(felt, thread & fiber fill)

1. Diablo Huma is a traditional character from the indigenous province of Imbabura. Huma is a good devil that appears dancing during the Inti-Raymi festival, celebrating the sun.

Diablo Huma made with felt & thread 

2. The Cucurucho is a character that appears every year during Good Friday on the parade in honor of Jesus del Gran Poder. A wooden sculpture of Jesus from the 17th century is carried around old town Quito by pilgrimages as symbol of faith. The cucuruchos are penitents wearing purple robes that accompanied this march paying for their sins sometimes carrying a cross or chains in order to clean their souls.

Cucurucho ready to be sew

Cucurucho getting fill with fiber

Cucurucho

Payaso del Inca in Progress

3. Payaso del Inca is a character that originated on 

New Years Eve. The tradition start with people wearing masks asking money for the year that goes away  in a neighborhood called El Inca in Quito. Payaso means clown and the mask gives permission to break the rules. This character evolve during the years becoming an important presence in every fiesta popular around the city.

Payaso del Inca before being fill

Payaso del Inca

For the presentation of my in depth project I decided to use Otavalenean table runners as a background  to complement  the memories that attach my childhood to the largest indigenous street market, where usually the women are the ones selling handmade folkloric crafts. I used to visit the market several times during the year and still is my favorite trip every time I have the opportunity to go back to Ecuador. These crafts are part of my roots, they are unique and celebrate Andean culture.

Diablo Huma, Payaso del Inca & Cucurucho

I feel I evolve from the small works to the in depth project because working with the orgonite skull for the small works gave me the hint of what should I do for the in depth project. I started with the idea of skull but then I attached to the candy skull . The idea of the candy skull made me realize of how important this skulls is for Mexicans and how they represent Dia de Muertos with this symbol. This symbolism was an eye opener; turning a light bulb on my brain making me think of how Ecuadorians have beautiful folk culture that usually goes unnoticed, feeling the need to embrace my roots.  The process of the small works also help me choose what type of medium I wanted to use for the in depth  and had an evolution process as well. I jump from the photography, to the drawing , to the mask until I had to used the restricted materials opening a new world of possibilities. My first idea was the banner but then I thought my work was to flat until I did the pillow with the jute fabric, this experience make me wanna do the cushions for "fiesta popular" using more suitable materials. 

Creative Impulse: Small Works- Orgonite Skull

Orgonite Skull made by :HoodXHippie

 For the small works project I decide to pick this orgonite skull because it combines two things that I enjoy a lot:

                      1. Crystals

                      2. Skulls 

This Skull is special because it came to me in a difficult time of my life. I find this piece thanks to social media. On Instagram I start following crystal pages and I discover this Etsy store called HoodXHippie, that makes orgonite on Hernando- Mississippi. I had no idea what orgonite mean, I knew about the meaning or power of certain crystals but I never heard about this term until I found this piece. Orgonite is a energy healing device made from resin, metal and crystals that protects against electromagnetic pollution. 

Why I pick a skull rather than other form? I have to admit that when I was a little girl I was scared of skulls just because the symbolism associating this figure with dead and cemeteries. On my late teens my perception of skulls change when I discover candy skulls. Actually I see skulls as a symbol of transformation and non-conformity. 

First three versions of small works

The first three versions of small works are based on how I perceive or see skulls. 

1. Skull in Altar Photograph=Believes/ Mysticism 

2. Candy Skull Mask = Art

3. Mexican Skull Drawing = Tradition/Culture

"Skull in Altar": Digital Photography
(Photoshop to Black & White)

"Mexican Skull": Drawing - Mix Media
(Pastels, thread & Fabric Paint)

"Candy Skull": Mix Media
(Markers,Paper, Duck Tape, Wood Stick)

The second part of the small works was a little tougher because I had to switch my first ideas in order to fit the given materials. My list of materials include jute fabric, thread, markers, construction paper and printing ink.

My first piece is a Candy Skull Banner: this version includes the construction paper, the printing ink, the markers and the thread. 

Construction Paper Painted with Printing Ink in form of Skull

Faces of  Candy Skulls Draw with Markers

"Candy Skull Banner": Mix Media
(Construction Paper, Printing Ink, Markers & Thread)

My second piece is a Candy Skull Pillow: for this version I used the jute fabric and the thread to build a cushion. 

Jute Fabric cutout to form Skull

Jute Skull in Progress, Adding details with thread

"Candy Skull Pillow": Fabrics
(Jute Fabric & Thread)

The purpose of both pieces is to serve as items of decoration inspired by candy skulls.

Five Versions of Small Works Based on the Orgonite Skull

*Published on Monday September 5, 2016- Last Edited on Thursday September 8, 2016.