Ok, so I found that when I tried to recreate an idea in my head on GIMP shop, I was getting very frustrated as my limited knowledge didn’t allow me to manipulate the image the way I had intended. So I tried something new. I started by writing all the elements of art on little pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Then I blindly picked one (line). Next I did the same with the principles of art. I ended up picking contrast. So my self assignment was to create an image which explores both line and contrast in such a way that the process doesn’t cause my extreme anxiety but the content evokes anxiety in the viewer.
This is what I came up with.
In this image organic lines converging at the top left corner direct the viewers attention to the starkly contrasting geometric pattern in the bottom right. I chose these colours as they contrast each other and are somewhat difficult to look at in hope that the viewer would experience mild anxiety.
The process for me was much less stressful and I was able to learn about the smudge effect, how to implement straight lines using various tools (paintbrush, pencil, smudge, eraser, etc.) I explored how using the zoom in and out options in the view tab allow you to fix minor problems as you are able to zoom in to individual pixels.
I’m much happier with this one compared to the previous clock image which was a good learning process but an embarrassment to my artistic abilities. It totally looks like a 1980’s album cover for some crazy techno band…yuck!
Artist Statement
I was inspired to explore the ins and outs of anxiety through my process of art making as well as the content of my image.
In this image I was trying to portray my feelings of anxiety through the imbalance between the organic and the geometric, the opposing colour schemes and the shapes created in the negative spaces between the lines. I hope the audience can look at the image and can think or reflect about the imbalance and the anxiety or stress that is caused by the contrast between the organic and geometric lines and shapes.
One significant artist choice I made before creating this image was to gain inspiration in an experiential way by letting my inspiration unfold as I actualized the content of the image.
A major challenge that I repeatedly struggled with was my limitations using new technology and processes. My skills in image manipulation using the GIMP software aren’t developed enough to actualize my intentions. To deal with this struggle, I broke down the ideas I had for content and approached them in a more basic way using the elements and principles of art and design to show stress between contrasting elements.
I originally chose to use this software program to try and learn a new process. I attended tutorials about the software and practiced on my own. Through trial and error, I learned about many of the tools and functions available through GIMP shop though generalizing these functions from one image to another was sometimes a difficult task.
One of the strengths I have come to realize about myself through this process is my ability to reflect and adapt. Originally, my ideas seemed to outshine my abilities and this created great anxiety in me. Through my reflective practice however, I was able to step back and adjust my image development strategy so that I was dealing with manageable learning objectives each time I began a new image. This process allowed me to deal with my frustration so that learning could continue.
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