Special Occasion
22 cm x 15 cm
Block Printing
October 2015
Exhibition Text
This art piece was influenced through the art of Jose Posada and the movement German Expressionism. Which ties perfectly in with the theme of the piece: Obsession. The obsession of the artist is her culture. The world of the artist is surrounded with many things and her background is one of the most important elements in her life.
22 cm x 15 cm
Block Printing
October 2015
Exhibition Text
This art piece was influenced through the art of Jose Posada and the movement German Expressionism. Which ties perfectly in with the theme of the piece: Obsession. The obsession of the artist is her culture. The world of the artist is surrounded with many things and her background is one of the most important elements in her life.
Meaning Behind the Piece
Since the theme for this project was obsession I wanted to portray my obsession towards my roots. I tend to involve my culture in every one of my projects even if its something small. I strongly believe that my roots are the influence on who I am. I am the way I am because of my surroundings but most importantly the morals and customs my culture has brought to me.
The meaning in this piece is basically a little of everything I consider the important parts of my Mexican traditions. All the way from the aztec culture to the day of the death. This piece consists of many things that unite and become one whole thing. Even though I was born in the United States I do not forget my historical background. As the years pass, I've learned to appreciate every single thing around me and my culture is one of them. I love learning about my roots and all the customs I can one day teach my children or even the people that surround me. Many people tend to forget where they came from once they arrive to another country. That is why even though I was not born in Mexico I never want to forget about my traditions. A culture speaks for oneself, at least that's what I believe and this is what I wanted to demonstrate in "Special Occasion".
*Tradition Mexican Doll = Mexican Culture
*Penacho (Aztec dance head piece) = Modern Aztec Elements
*Aztec patterns = Aztec History
*Calavera face, Candle, Flowers = Dia de los Muertos
Since the theme for this project was obsession I wanted to portray my obsession towards my roots. I tend to involve my culture in every one of my projects even if its something small. I strongly believe that my roots are the influence on who I am. I am the way I am because of my surroundings but most importantly the morals and customs my culture has brought to me.
The meaning in this piece is basically a little of everything I consider the important parts of my Mexican traditions. All the way from the aztec culture to the day of the death. This piece consists of many things that unite and become one whole thing. Even though I was born in the United States I do not forget my historical background. As the years pass, I've learned to appreciate every single thing around me and my culture is one of them. I love learning about my roots and all the customs I can one day teach my children or even the people that surround me. Many people tend to forget where they came from once they arrive to another country. That is why even though I was not born in Mexico I never want to forget about my traditions. A culture speaks for oneself, at least that's what I believe and this is what I wanted to demonstrate in "Special Occasion".
*Tradition Mexican Doll = Mexican Culture
*Penacho (Aztec dance head piece) = Modern Aztec Elements
*Aztec patterns = Aztec History
*Calavera face, Candle, Flowers = Dia de los Muertos
Process
1) Brainstorming
Writing possible ideas to be in the outcome
1) Brainstorming
Writing possible ideas to be in the outcome
2) Planning
Five Sketches
Five Sketches
3) Steps to final piece
1)Drew my final sketch into my linoleum block
2) With the help of various tools I carved the parts I wanted to show as negative space (takes quite a while to get the perfect sketch you want)
3) Once the carving is complete, it is time to do the actual print 4) Using a palette knife, I spread the proper ink into a tray
5) Using a roller helps the ink get spread all over the tray
6) Once well spread use the same roller to transmit the ink to the linoleum block (make sure there is enough ink in there)
7) Then place a piece of white paper on top of the block and with a barren tool press for the ink to transfer into the paper
8) This is a pretty complicated project, therefore it might take just a couple of prints to get the "perfect" one
2) With the help of various tools I carved the parts I wanted to show as negative space (takes quite a while to get the perfect sketch you want)
3) Once the carving is complete, it is time to do the actual print 4) Using a palette knife, I spread the proper ink into a tray
5) Using a roller helps the ink get spread all over the tray
6) Once well spread use the same roller to transmit the ink to the linoleum block (make sure there is enough ink in there)
7) Then place a piece of white paper on top of the block and with a barren tool press for the ink to transfer into the paper
8) This is a pretty complicated project, therefore it might take just a couple of prints to get the "perfect" one
Reflection
This project was filled of mixed memories. It included moments in which I was happy with and moments where I just wanted to give up. This project helped me gain patience, in fact in thought me that in order for I to have a good result I must have patience. This lesson I can tie it to anything in my life.
Struggles: Having the carving to come out clean and making it seem like the final sketch
Failures: The parts I wanted to be negative space came out to be the opposite & having the perfect print
Successes: Reflecting the message I wanted to portray with this certain project
This project was filled of mixed memories. It included moments in which I was happy with and moments where I just wanted to give up. This project helped me gain patience, in fact in thought me that in order for I to have a good result I must have patience. This lesson I can tie it to anything in my life.
Struggles: Having the carving to come out clean and making it seem like the final sketch
Failures: The parts I wanted to be negative space came out to be the opposite & having the perfect print
Successes: Reflecting the message I wanted to portray with this certain project
Citation for images
* Posada, Jose Guadalupe. La Calavera Catrina. 1913. Prints, drawing, photography. N.p.
* Posada, Jose Guadalupe. La Calavera Catrina. 1913. Prints, drawing, photography. N.p.