Artists Relevant to my Work

Of the artists looked at during this semester's course, the artist I have found most interesting thus far is Tanja Softic. Her imagery and earthy color palette relate closely to some of my work. I am drawn to her birds, nests and organic shapes. I like her use of line to create shadow or to tie in separate images side by side another. Her drawings and photos on mylar tell a story with no single focal point. After watching the video clip, I connected with how she described the way she works as an artist, "letting the process tell you" and "at some point you have to abandon your initial idea or sketch no matter how elaborate."
When creating my pieces I feel as if they are speaking to me, telling me how they want to evolve. As Softic said, "...it becomes a conversation between the artwork and yourself."

The artist I found the most disconnect with between my work and their work was Amy Chan. It is her use of bright color and selection of imagery that feels very opposite of mine. I found some of her pieces to be visually overloaded with too many different things happening, having no connection with one another. There is a lot of energy in her work which does not leave much room for the eye to rest upon any given spot. Though I can appreciate the level of depth she creates in some of her most recent pieces.

Work In Progress...

Untitled #1 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Might work on the sides a bit but I'm liking this 'as is' for now, will sit with it for now.

Untitled #2 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 12 x 4 inches

                                              Artist Notes: I am feeling like this one is done...

Untitled #3 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

                         Artist Notes: I am sitting with this one right now; have not decided if it is done yet.

Untitled #4 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Since last critique I went over the top with a dark brown wash to rub into grooves giving it more of an antique look. Not sure what else to do with this piece at this point....
This is the piece that has words loosely written along the outer sides.

Untitled #5 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic and Crackle Paste 8x10 inches

Artist Notes: Still need to add copper touches to some of the sides.

Untitled #6 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Fiber paste with sewn pieces of embroidery 6x6 inches

Artist Notes: I went back over top texture with white acrylic to push out the contrasting blue with white. Sides need more work.

Untitled #7 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 12x12 inch

Artist Notes: This is a former piece in which I completely covered over the top with a white acrylic wash and wiped away in order to push back the colors and make them unified. I am really liking the effect of the colors peeking through. Still need to work on the sides and am thinking of having them a stark white instead of wrapping the color around...

Untitled #8 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 6x6 inch

Artist Notes: I still need to punch out the colors on the sides by going in and darkening them up a bit to connect with top better.

Untitled #9 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic 6x6 inches

Artist Notes: Still need to work on the sides; a little too washed out.

Untitled # 10 Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Fiber Paste 5x7 inches

Artist Notes: I am really loving the bottom of this piece and the way it looks like ripples or layers. This is currently one of my favorite pieces. I feel like it's done. Can you see the feather imprints?

Untitled #11 By Hope Harding Mixed Media Acrylic/Pumice Gel 5x7 inches

Artist Notes: I went back in and darkened the sides of this piece to finish it off.