Hammer
Exhibition Text
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Planning Sketches and Artist Connection
Inspiration
Experimentation
Initially, I did not know how to create a cast or armature of a hand. Therefore, I experimented with a flexible metal mesh to shape my own hand. I tried wrapping the mesh around crumbled up newspaper, however, this did not give me a realistic hand shape. As a result, I used the mesh to wrap around my own hand. This subpar method allowed me to create an armature that roughly resembles a hand. To hold the mesh armature together, I tried using hot glue to adhere it together. Next, I experimented with planning for the painting on canvas using sharpies. I made many short lines using blue, red, and black sharpies, which gave me a preview of how the painting would look after being painted. Finally, I experimented with the twigs placement before gluing them onto the canvas. I laid the twigs on the canvas and made adjustments to allow equal negative and positive space. Subsequently, I took a photo of the arrangement as a reference when gluing the twigs. Before painting the twigs, I tested how the acrylic would react to the twigs with a few brushstrokes.
ReflectionI’ve learned many things from my first experience with the combination between painting and sculpture. The metal mesh was a fine material in making an armature, however it was sharp and left many scratches on my right hand. If I were to redo the project, I would use quick-drying clay to sculpt a hand. I’ve also noticed that my brushstrokes on the canvas are too short comparing to my plan. One thing that I would change is to use a bigger pointed round brush to put on the lines. Furthermore, the paper mache was roughly finished, therefore there were still many opening holes. Nonetheless, the exposing of some of the skeleton mesh give it an aesthetic look that I appreciate. I’ve also learned from my process to clean natural materials before painting on them due to dust particles that would make the harder for the paint to adhere. Overall, my final piece does reflect on my vision, however, the craftsmanship could’ve been improved.
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ProcessFirst, I collected all of the materials necessary for the project. I went to a local park to scavenge for twigs; specifically, I looked for smooth broken twigs that would be easy to paint on. For this project, I used cheap gloss acrylic paint due to the massive amount of paint that will be used on the canvas and the twigs. Next, I began to paint on a 3ft x 3ft canvas with short brushstrokes of neutral dark colors such as black, brown, blue and green. The canvas will be opaque will no show of the raw canvas. After painting, I used the metal mesh to create an armature to make a hand using paper mache technique. I waited for the paper mache to dry, then painted them black and glued onto the canvas using hot glue and craft glue. Finally, I painted the twigs separately before gluing them on the canvas. In contrast to the background, I used more vivid colors such as red, pink, orange, yellow, and bright purple. Next, I used hot glue and craft glue to adhere them onto the canvas; I had to pay close attention to the distribution of weight across the canvas so that no part will be heavier than other. To take the final photo of my piece, I hung the canvas on a wall and photographed the piece.
CritiqueThe abstract painting and sculpture Hammer shares some similarities and differences with its inspiration Timbuktu and Stick II by Charles Arnoldi. Similar to Stick II and Timbuktu, Hammer uses twigs and canvas to create an abstract piece that has both the element of painting and sculpting. I incorporated the usage of twigs on a canvas to create an armature. In comparison to Arnoldi’s style, I also used vibrant acrylic colors to paint the twigs. However, there are also differences between Hammer and Arnoldi’s artworks. Untitled (1981) has a size that is twice as big in comparison to Hammer. Bigger size canvas allows the audience to appreciate the grandeur of the piece, thus giving certain feelings and emotions. There is also a difference in the conceptual idea. Arnoldi explores the juxtaposition between life and death, whereas Hammer explores the concept of barrier between convention and invention. In addition to medium in Timbuktu and Untitled (1981), I also incorporated paper mache in my work. Furthermore, I also added a cool color background in contrast to the vibrant twigs.
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Meaning
Hammer is a painting and sculpture with twigs on a canvas. The artwork is an abstract piece that explores the barrier between convention and invention. This piece is inspired by my senior year of full of anticipation for college life. The twigs could either represent an armature of a nest or a barrier between two spaces. Along with my excitement for college, there is also a struggle with the barrier between my family obligation and desire for exploring the world. The dark background represents the conventional world that I’ve grown out of, while the colorful twigs symbolize my soon to be college adventure. The hands reaching out toward the twigs represent my effort to break the conventional habits and explore the world. A hammer can break, but a hammer can also build. Therefore, it is inevitable that I will have to break away from my family to go off to college. Nonetheless, I will be able to build a new armature for the foundation of my relationship with my family through my exposure to life.
Connection to ACT
- Similar to my inspiration, I incorporate twigs and acrylic to create a piece that inhibit both painting and sculpture. The usage of twigs help to create an armature that can be taken as a symbol, which I incorporated into my exploration into new concept.
- Charles Arnoldi creates the stick series during his time of joy and suffering from family situations. He used vibrant acrylic paint and twigs to create a sculpture that can be interpreted as a juxtaposition between life and death.
- I’ve made a conclusion that the historical period of 1980’s had a huge impact on the style of Charles Arnoldi. There is a common usage of vibrant colors, lines and forms that are categorized as intellectualism and conceptualism. His family situations also had an effect on his artworks as he used art to express his sadness or joy.
- Charles Arnoldi is an abstract painter and sculptor who used vibrant lines and twigs to draw attention to the shapes and forms of natural materials comparing to man-made materials.
- I’ve made an inference that Charles Arnoldi is fond of nature who seeks to work with ephemeral materials and found his own style in a mixture of painting and sculpture.
Cited Work
- “Sticks II.” Charles Arnoldi, CHARLES ARNOLDI STUDIO.
- “Charles Arnoldi.” 121 Artworks, Bio & Shows on Artsy.
- “Charles Arnoldi.” Charles Arnoldi | artnet.
- “Charles Arnoldi.” Caldwell Snyder Gallery | San Francisco & St. Helena, CA, Caldwell Snyder Gallery.
- “Charles Arnoldi BIO.” Edited by Madeline Loomis, PETER BLAKE GALLERY.