Original artwork for $20 or less

So I was rooting through my old portfolios the other day and ran across a few neglected lesser known artworks that I haven't seen for a while. I realize that I've done a huge volume of these fascinating pieces that have never even had the chance to be shown to the world before (outside of art classes and family, but neither of those count!) This happens a lot to the work that didn't end up in my "real" portfolio. They didn't get sent to fancy College people, they didn't get gold ribbons at the fair and they most certainly weren't hung up on any refrigerators. But it isn't fair- those pieces, deserve attention too! Just because I didn't spend as much time on them, or that they aren't exactly perfect doesn't mean that they are less worthy of documenting and (maybe) selling. They're so much better than that. They deserve their own special section all to themselves. Let me introduce to you-

Original Artwork for $20 or less!
(including shipping!)

"Drawing of someone drawing" - 13 1/2 x 9 1/2 "

I've always really liked this one. It was a class exercise to draw some sort of still life but instead of drawing the boring stuff I picked a living model instead. The background and orange is acrylic paint and the blue outline was done with oil pastel.  I achieved the cool effect on the background by using a paint roller to put the paint on. Why don't I use this technique more often..?

Sold

"The golden robe" 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 "

This is another pretty cool technique piece.. it was an experiment with texture. I used some saran wrap and a glob of paint to create this unusual wrinkly effect when it dried. I saw a vaguely Greek woman wearing a long tunic robe in my dried abstract yellow blob shape, so I added the few extra lines and viola!

$7.00

"Oil pastel monotype girl (ghost print)"-  12 x 9 "

Here's a monotype I did with oil pastels. It was drawn on a plastic sheet and then pressed onto a wet piece of paper.. it comes out with this really crazy print effect. I did two of these- the original and a ghost print. They both came out pretty good, the colors are insanely vibrant and full of textures.

$5.00

 

"Skeleton Woman" 8 x 10"

Hmm, what to say about this one? Well, it's a skeleton woman painted in acrylics... This was created with a stencil I made. It's loosely inspired by the artist SHT! I've been considering painting the white background maybe a fuchsia color... What do you think?

$7.00

"Cat's Cradle" 9 1/4 x 11 "

I think the concept is cool for this but unfortunately the execution just didn't go the way I hoped. It's another monotype- this time done the professional way (with a giant printing press and everything!) I spent a lot of time painting this one exactly right for the print. Except, somewhere along the way I screwed up (paper was too wet I think) and it didn't print it correctly at all. As a result, I had to add the hands back in with colored pencils, which was even more time consuming. To top it all off, the awesome poem in the center didn't show up very well. It says: "In works of labor, or of skill / I would be busy too. / For satan finds / some mischief still / For idle hands to do." Still, this piece is completely unique and will never have another like it- I couldn't possibly make the same exact mistakes twice in a row... right?

 $18.00

"Angry nude woman with her ribs showing" 9 x 12 "

Yikes, this one is a real looker. Honestly I made this acrylic painting in art class mainly to piss off a neglectful art instructor. He wouldn't even let me submit it as a in class project, not because of the nudity or subject as a whole, but simply because of "the tiny pink line at the bottom." I thought this was absurd so I got mad at the painting and proceeded to angrily tear it in half. Later, I went back and decided that I liked the extra "pain" I put in the painting and taped the thing back together again.. It really highlights the serious repercussions of feminist oppression.

$15.00

"The Mask" 9 x 12 "

Ahh, I always save the best for last. This pleasant little gem is a watercolor portrait I did of my ex boyfriend wearing a mask many years ago. All I'll can say about it is that it became more hilariously ironic over time.

$13.00

There you have it! The cream of the crop!

Each one of these pieces comes personally signed by me. None of them are mounted or have any wall hanging devices attached, however, if you contact me we could easily work something out. Otherwise, they're sold as is.  Which is still pretty awesome.

My AP Studio Art Concentration

As some of you already know, during my senior year of high school I took College Board's daunting year long AP Studio Art course, and I barely survived. Fortunately, I did manage to force out a pretty interesting concentration in the process. If you don't know, a concentration is a body of work all relating to a specific medium and concept. The Studio Art portfolio requires you submit a concentration as a part of your portfolio. I knew that it was supposed to have some sort of profound concept to go along with it, but honestly I started this series with just an intense urge to work with a material I had hardly used before- fabric.

I don't know exactly why I gravitated so strongly towards this medium, but something about the perceived "permanence" of the textiles was very appealing to me. Using fabric is different than drawing on regular paper. Its much more durable and forgiving at times..you can do a lot of different things to fabric to change it's appearance without the fear of it falling apart. It also opened me up to an exciting variety of colors, patterns and textures, and a new way to approach creating a cohesive image. Still, I used many of my "traditional" art skills while experimenting with this new unknown. I manually painted in the details of many of the works that were further embellished with stitch work and applique. On some pieces I even used a few oil pastels, which had a great effect on even the loudest of patterns.

Speaking of using traditional techniques, all of the subjects in this concentration were done directly from life observation. Yes, I was a crazy person that forced people to pose for me while I hastily sketched them on a tiny scrap of fabric. I drew peers, strangers, friends, or anyone that held still long enough for me to copy them down.

"Ten and a half Chins" acrylic paint and scraps of textile. Machine stitched.

"Eight your Face" Acrylics on textile. Machine stitched.

"The Mirror" The only piece that didn't include sewing.  Modeling paste, gesso and acrylics on textile.

"Seis Face" One of my favorites of my concentration. India ink and acrylics on textile scraps. Machine stitched.

"The Waiting Clock" Textiles and thread.

"A Guitar Man"Acrylics on textile.

"John's Silk Beard" Oil pastel on textile and (silk) thread.
Machine and hand stitched.

"Lend Me Your Ears" Oil pastel on textile scraps.
Machine and hand stitched.

 I discovered the concept behind my concentration after I had nearly completed it. After I put all the images together at once, I realized that I had created something that sort of  resembled a quilt. This was eerily appropriate because life itself is kind of like a quilt. It has blunt patterns and repetition, but it also has vibrant colors and intricate details subtly sewn in with the threads of time. Tiny pieces taken from here and there all add up to one big picture. I like that.


The originals are not currently for sale, but high resolution 8 1/2" x 11" prints are now available. Contact me for more info.

The Emphasis

Differences from the "norm" are actually what make you special.

I have never been a person who could fit in with the crowd. For some reason or another (you make your own assumptions) I just stick out like a sore thumb. This is a blessing and a curse- needless to say, it guarantees to attract (sometimes unwanted) attention. When I was younger, being "different" was a lot harder to accept than it is now. I was ashamed of my differences instead of embracing them. Now I realize that being unique is something to be proud of. Being normal is plain and pretty much boring.

I made this piece while keeping all of that in mind. It may appear simple, but it has many layers and a wonderful texture. I achieved this by incorporating some gorgeous (and recycled!) paper doilies into the background. This was also my first real attempt at using  multi-color stencils, which were airbrushed in one by one.  I really enjoy this piece not only for it's concept but it's composition and technique. Its strong color palette and intriguing composition commands your attention.
This artwork was also featured in my AP Studio Art portfolio demonstrating the design theories emphasis and contrast.

If you're interested in buying the original, contact me for a negotiation of price.
Prints are also available. Each print is signed personally by me and come in a clear plastic sheet protector. 

$10.00

Maybe this piece can remind you to be strong in the face of adversity. It's COOL to be WEIRD!