Artwork:
"Shadow I See" is an expressive block print that explores the inner emotions of one. As there is a contrasts present between the colors black and white in order to express pain. The struggling figure resides within the shadows and is expressive through vivid lines. Influences for the piece include Alcorn, Stephen and Kollwitz, Kathe. As they present grief and use the color black as a form to express pain within the shadows. The piece does not manipulate other works.
Inspiration/ Critical Investigation:
A source of inspiration for the artwork made is Alcorn's "The interpretation of Dreams". The block print was created in 1984 and is part of the relief of block printing collection. This is also apart of a literary collection. In particular it is correlated to the novel The interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. This is presented with the artwork through the sleeping body and the shadow reflecting the inner emotions/dreams. This is also done through the contrast between the colors. This can be seen through the white and black used. As even the source of light present brings along a shadow that present a visual of the "dream" state. While the shadow is presented through the black background in a surrounding white light. The sleeping body is done with white, and black shadows that surround. This use of color and light within the piece further enforces the use of dreams within the artwork.
There is a presence of darkness through the shadows and use of color within both piece of inspiration. As within the shadows there is an expression of grief or pain. There is also a contrast between the light and dark areas of both pieces. While Alcorn's artwork holds a present contrast between the two forms. Kollwitz focus on the grief of one form which is the "widow". There is also a contrasts in the inspiration for both artworks. As Alcorn focuses on the literature of Freud. While Kollwitz use the war aftermath, and expresses the grief and pain present. These two artworks of inspiration hold similarities and differences and both focus on a deeper emotion of pain expressed. |
A source of inspiration is Kathe Kollwitz's "The Widow II from War". This piece was created in 1922 to express the aftermath of World War I. The particular location of the artists, was in Germany, which recived the short end after the war. Kollwittz personally experienced grief and pain due to the war. This lead to her creating artworks that express the pain the the War brought and the loss of life. AS can be seen within the image above of the "widow". The is an expression of grief and pain through the body movement and placement. This included being on the floor holding a small child, alone. The use of color is also present through the use of black, and a light can be seen to the right of the woodcut print. The facial expression of the "widow" is the most highlighted through drastic use of shadows. The artwork also consists of a black and white colors, which add to the mode of the artwork.
|
Planning:
|
|
|
Process/ Techniques/ Experimentation:
Process:
The process for creating the block print efficient and the steps outline below occurred in order to achieve the final piece. The tools needed in order to begin creating the block print where a the block to be carved and a pencil. As the area to be carved needed to be sketched in order to serve as a guide. This can be seen above within the process images. Once a sketch is completed to an extent, then it is time to carve the into the block. The tool needed for this is the carving tools. A variety of carving tools are present, and are to be used for different aspects. As such the carving tools mainly used when creating the particular block print are pictured above. Both of these tool have a triangular point, though vary in there sizes. As one is more slim than the other tool, these slim toll serve for fine lines. They also allow for a easy guide when carving, rather than carving out large chunks at a time. While round carving tools where used for larger and more expressive areas. As they allowed for more to be carved and deeper in a smooth motion. Once the carving process is completed one may begin to print the block print.
The tools needed to begin the block print are water soluble block print ink, a brayer roller, metal plate, paper and the carved block print. The water soluble block print ink is taken and placed onto the metal plate. There is not much ink needed to be placed onto the plate. As this amount should be enough the coat the plate. This amount of ink is placed at the top in order to be spread onto the plate. As the brayer is taken, and rolled in order to spread the ink through the plate in a smooth motion. Once this is completed the ink should be thoroughly transfer onto the roller. This amount of ink is then placed onto the carved block. This is again done alike to the process on the plate, with a smooth motion. This is to be done until the entirety of the block is filled with the ink. The amount of ink added should not be able to entirely fill the carved out areas. Though it should also be enough in order to create a clean print. Multiple print can be made in order to find this medium between the amount of ink to be added. Once a sufficient amount of ink is added to the block, then it is to be placed with the paper. This can be seen in the image above with a press on top of the paper. The next step is to press the paper with the tool pictured above. This is done in order to evenly transfer the ink on top the paper, in order to form the print. Once this is completed then the paper is removed from the block, which reveals the print made. This should be done carefully in order to not ruin the ink placed as it is not dry. This process may be repeated in order to create the right print. As there is different ratios of ink that can be added, in order to achieve different block prints.
The tools needed to begin the block print are water soluble block print ink, a brayer roller, metal plate, paper and the carved block print. The water soluble block print ink is taken and placed onto the metal plate. There is not much ink needed to be placed onto the plate. As this amount should be enough the coat the plate. This amount of ink is placed at the top in order to be spread onto the plate. As the brayer is taken, and rolled in order to spread the ink through the plate in a smooth motion. Once this is completed the ink should be thoroughly transfer onto the roller. This amount of ink is then placed onto the carved block. This is again done alike to the process on the plate, with a smooth motion. This is to be done until the entirety of the block is filled with the ink. The amount of ink added should not be able to entirely fill the carved out areas. Though it should also be enough in order to create a clean print. Multiple print can be made in order to find this medium between the amount of ink to be added. Once a sufficient amount of ink is added to the block, then it is to be placed with the paper. This can be seen in the image above with a press on top of the paper. The next step is to press the paper with the tool pictured above. This is done in order to evenly transfer the ink on top the paper, in order to form the print. Once this is completed then the paper is removed from the block, which reveals the print made. This should be done carefully in order to not ruin the ink placed as it is not dry. This process may be repeated in order to create the right print. As there is different ratios of ink that can be added, in order to achieve different block prints.
Techniques:
As a technique different types of told are used when creating the piece. This includes when carving the piece,the use of fine carving tools. Majority of the time the triangular pointed tools are used rather than the curved point. This is used in order to achieve finer details despite the size of the base on hand. Though exact detail is impossible to achieve with a block print carving within the particular size. Thus the technique of using a smaller tools allows for an outline of detail to be attempted. As this smaller tool allows for the most precision out of the other tools. Though other types of tools are also used. This includes the use of large round tools, which allow for an expressive texture.
Another technique used when creating the piece, again relates to the tools used. As when making the prints, a smoothed wrapped press is used rather than the red plastic tool. As through previous experience, it is found this type of tool is more sufficient. As cleaner prints are this created. With other tools, for instance the plastic press, does not allow the most efficient and clean print to be made. As there is still splotches and empty areas without ink transferred. At times there is also an overlap of the carved areas, which do not allow them to appear on the print. Thus the techniques of using a entire type of press and amounts of ink, which allow fort the correct amount o appear on the print and still present the correct lines carved.
Another technique used when creating the piece, again relates to the tools used. As when making the prints, a smoothed wrapped press is used rather than the red plastic tool. As through previous experience, it is found this type of tool is more sufficient. As cleaner prints are this created. With other tools, for instance the plastic press, does not allow the most efficient and clean print to be made. As there is still splotches and empty areas without ink transferred. At times there is also an overlap of the carved areas, which do not allow them to appear on the print. Thus the techniques of using a entire type of press and amounts of ink, which allow fort the correct amount o appear on the print and still present the correct lines carved.
Reflection/ Critique: |
Evaluations: |
There were aspects of the process and the final peice, that I am able to reflect on. This includes the failures, success, trials and errors of final block print. For instance the craving proceess was dependent upon fine line which needed to be fine yet also craved deep. This would allow for them to be present on the block print despite the amount of ink added. There is also a use of expressive line which are thick. Through creating the block print/carving I found that these lines needed to be placed properly in order to express an emotion. Even the use of body form and position, presented a deep pain in itself. As when creating sketches and concepts for the piece there was a focus on the contrast between the reality and the pain within one. Though in contrast there could have been a black form with white highlights. This would have further express the contrast of the “shawdows and the light”. This would also make the form more expressive. Overall this process of creating the block print served as leading experience through these reflections.
|
Stephen Alcorn served as a source of inspiration for the block print created. As Alcorn focuses on the aspect of a dream state, which is held through the use of a color contrast. As the dream state expresses an inner form of emotion that is present within. This is then done through the use of color contrast between two figures. Wihc is presented through the sue of black and white, with the black shadow being the expressive. This theme of an expressive emotion, inspired and is prevalent within my block print. There is also similarities present in the medium of the piece made as they are both block prints. Though there are contrast present between the two artworks. As the inspiration focus on one single being, which is present through two forms. This is the real state and the dream state. While my block print focuses on a single form in an expressive state. The inspiration of Alcorn's block print, influenced my piece though there are still contrasts between the two.
Kathe Kollwitz artwork served as a mother source of inspiration for the piece made. Within her artwork there is a focus on pain that is caused by the war. There is also two forms present that are expressive in pain and depervartion/loss. This emotion evoked by Kollwitz piece is done through the carving of the piece. As there are expressive lines which follow a theme of emotion. My artwork is inspired by this aspect of Kollwitz's work, and is in similarity due to the focus of being an expressive nature. There is also a contrast present between the sue of color. As black is used and surround the grieving widow. While white serves as a contrasting line, that does not include the widow. Another similarity is the focus of a detailed form rather than an expressive form like Alcorn's. Though there is contrast in the amount of forms present, as there is one form present. The piece dose not focus on the facial expression of the form, which differs from Kollwitz. Between the two inspirations there is a focus on the contrast of emotion through the color black. As this is used an expressive form to present the inner pain. Though the inspirations contrast in there base as one uses war, while the other uses a dream state. Overall there are contrasts and similarities between each artwork in these aspects. |
Ideas:
The ideas, concepts and concepts are outlined to the left. The first image presents general ideas and an outline for the tools that are to be needed for creating the block print. This included an outline for each tool that is to be used throughout the process of creating the block print. This is also the initial plan for how the colors will be used within the piece. As this is a black and white block print that is dependent upon the positive and negatives of the colors. This also goes to outline restrictions which are present, such as details and the size of the block to be carved.
The next image further outlines the types to be used when creating the block print and the inspirations. Initially the outline of type is on the lines that can be made and used when craving the block. This also correlates with the type of textures that can be formed. Finally the inspirations for the piece are outlined in there base aspects. These then will transfer into my own piece and inspire. As they both focus on contrast in color and inner pain. Overall the general concepts in ideas and process are outlined in the images. |
Experimentation:
When making the piece/block print, experimentation was done when creating it. An instance of experimentation is shown above within the two images. This form of experimentation is dependent on the same print through varying pressures and amount of ink. As it can be seen that these two are prints of the same carving. Though the print to the right consists of less ink, this allows for less of a solid color to be printed. This is due to the lack of ink left on the carving, in order to transfer onto the print. While the print to the left consist of a normal amount of ink, though leaves some splotched left in the prints solid areas. This still gives a sign to add more ink and to add more pressure in order to achieve a fine and clean print.
Another form of experimentation was conducted when carving he block print. This has to do with he various tools available in order to carve the block print. As for tie piece in particular finner and smaller tools were more efficient then larger and round tools. Though expemrintation I also found a way to carve with a fine tool in a deep fashion. This allows for it to show properly on the print, even with a fine carving. Experimentation was coduncted through the print and block carving in order to create the block print.
Another form of experimentation was conducted when carving he block print. This has to do with he various tools available in order to carve the block print. As for tie piece in particular finner and smaller tools were more efficient then larger and round tools. Though expemrintation I also found a way to carve with a fine tool in a deep fashion. This allows for it to show properly on the print, even with a fine carving. Experimentation was coduncted through the print and block carving in order to create the block print.
Reflection:
Through the process of creating this piece, I developed and refined my skills. As through the process of creating this particular block print I further refined my skills. As throughout the planning of the piece, I had to found a medium between the black and white contrast, which is reflective of my inspiration. As there could have been a different ways in which contrast could be presented between the two figures and even the use of color within the same figure placement. As it could be carved around, which makes it have white highlights. While the particular piece has it carved out, which creates the form being entirely present rather than a shadow form, This was not entirely and error or success but rather a trial and experience with the varying contrast and types of forms, that may be built based upon the areas craved. Overall these element and focus of the color contrast within the block print, served as a form of expression. These contrasting element experimented with allowed, for a visual presentation of how these contrasting elements impact the block print.
A success that was present for the piece made included the prints made, as they were present. The prints where present in form and conveyed the entirety of what was carved into the block, for the block print. This also correlates with how the block print itself was carved, as this aspect affects how it is then transferred. This was then transferred with the ink, and due to fine and thick lines, inks able to properly sit and then transfer onto the paper for the print. This in itself was success and experience for the process of creating the block print. This is due to the experimentation with the color contrast and the presence of line within the block print.
A success that was present for the piece made included the prints made, as they were present. The prints where present in form and conveyed the entirety of what was carved into the block, for the block print. This also correlates with how the block print itself was carved, as this aspect affects how it is then transferred. This was then transferred with the ink, and due to fine and thick lines, inks able to properly sit and then transfer onto the paper for the print. This in itself was success and experience for the process of creating the block print. This is due to the experimentation with the color contrast and the presence of line within the block print.
ACT
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
The inspiration impacted the idea of the peice made and the color contrast. As Alcorn and Kollwitz both focus on inner pain within a black contrast.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The artists of inspiration, approached this topic through the use of contrasting lighting and expressive form. As there is a contrast between the white space and black space within both pieces of inspiration(Kollwitz/Alcorn).
What kind of generalization and conclusions have you discovered about people,ideas,culture,etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I made a generalization about how the presentation of emotion is expressed visually through color and form. As through researching I found that darker tones are used in order to express sorrow. The expression of pain is also not shown publicly but rather hidden within.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea that surrounds the inspiration is the presence of emotion within the shadows. As this is a negative emotion that expressed though a monotone.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
When researching for the project inferences were made about the artist. In particular an inference was made about Alcorn's, way of presenting the novel by Freud. As I alluded to it being an expression of inner pain, which is presented through the "dream state" form.
The inspiration impacted the idea of the peice made and the color contrast. As Alcorn and Kollwitz both focus on inner pain within a black contrast.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The artists of inspiration, approached this topic through the use of contrasting lighting and expressive form. As there is a contrast between the white space and black space within both pieces of inspiration(Kollwitz/Alcorn).
What kind of generalization and conclusions have you discovered about people,ideas,culture,etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I made a generalization about how the presentation of emotion is expressed visually through color and form. As through researching I found that darker tones are used in order to express sorrow. The expression of pain is also not shown publicly but rather hidden within.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea that surrounds the inspiration is the presence of emotion within the shadows. As this is a negative emotion that expressed though a monotone.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
When researching for the project inferences were made about the artist. In particular an inference was made about Alcorn's, way of presenting the novel by Freud. As I alluded to it being an expression of inner pain, which is presented through the "dream state" form.
Bibliography
Alcorn, Stephen. “The Alcorn Studio & Gallery.” The Relief-Block Prints Of Stephen Alcorn, Alcorn Gallery , Apr. 2003, www.alcorngallery.com/rbp/relief-block-prints.php.
Kollwitz, Käthe. “Käthe Kollwitz. The Widow II (Die Witwe II) from War (Krieg). 1922, Published 1923 | MoMA.” The Museum of Modern Art, 2019, www.moma.org/collection/works/69686.
Kollwitz, Käthe. “Käthe Kollwitz. The Widow II (Die Witwe II) from War (Krieg). 1922, Published 1923 | MoMA.” The Museum of Modern Art, 2019, www.moma.org/collection/works/69686.