|
Creative Process
MyPOP takes a complex issue and aspires to simplify it by using graphics and visual tools as a vehicle for communication. The deliberate use of color, medium, content and format are implemented to deliver significant messaging.
The logo, MyPOP, is indeed an abbreviation of My Print On Poverty, but more importantly it embodies the legacy of my parents (Mom and Pop), both who have deeply influenced my life. The logo incorporates three dominant colors, a world graphic and a partial thumb print, all representing the project goals.
COLOR
Understanding how the mind perceives color allows for visual associations of meaning. Two examples of color perceptions are:
- Combination of light blue and dark blue conveys trust and truthfulness, whereas
- warm colors can convey emotions from simple optimism to strong violence.
MyPOP uses a color palette with attributes from both warm and cool to convey messages of chaos (orange/red) importance (blue) and hope (yellow) and incorporates transitions in hue, value and intensity as messaging techniques.
Horizontal format represents the issue from a “social” perspective - exploring definitions, causes, facts, figures, stereotypes
Vertical format represents the issue from an “individual” perspective - exploring individual resources, action plans and self empowerment
Awareness Books
Each installation is concluded with an interactive artist book which invites viewers to leave their thumb print in the recognition of the awareness of poverty.
The original paintings are coated with a malleable texture of wax, representing changing circumstances and preservation. The use of collage is integrated for the purpose of storytelling and cross cultural symbolism.
The series is anchored in icon development, to represent everything from material needs to communication patterns to dysfunctional characteristics to cross cultural symbolism. The use of image repetition, graphic placement and text renderings are all used as messaging techniques.
Used in many ancient traditions, art and symbol are potent tools to stir consciousness in a non-linear way. The Mandala - timeless and all embracing symbols of the human experience- have manifested themselves in many ways - concentric structures suggests a passage from state to state, from the material to the spiritual; its center is eternity; its periphery is perfection.
The evolution of the MyPOP has resulted into the creations of 2 Mandala’s that symbolize MyPOP's goals:
- The Individual Mandala: Pregnant Lady Wheel – represents building self empowerment by addressing internal barriers and complications
- The Social Mandala: Public Wheel – represents social change by addressing external issues and complexities
Both mandala’s incorporate rotational symmetry that represent progress and suggest the interplay and passage from emotional to physical states and vice versa, physical to emotional.
These symbols are used as aids for effective visual associations of complex topics.
Symbol Key:
Image Represents
Blue Dot Language Acquisition
Car Transportation
Carrot Food
Child Education/Childcare
Credit Card Financial Security
Flowchart Documentation/Goal Setting
Hands Physical Practice
House Shelter
Phone Communication
Pregnant Lady Healthcare
Switch Utilities
Wheel Progress
Urgency
Problem Identification
Intervention
New solutions
Perseverance
Empowerment
I've always been inclined to pick up some paper to draw, sketch, doodle or write...I guess it flows in my blood. But particularly significant are my college years when I was introduced to printmaking. I had the opportunity to play around with a number of printmaking techniques: Collagraphs, Woodcuts, Intaglio, Lithographs, Photo Etchings, Digital Art and Graphic Design.
The unequalled value of printmaking is that at first the artist just slaves over the process, feeling as though it is nothing but prepping and cleaning, but then as results start to surface so does an appreciation for technique, concepts and execution of materials. This process is essential for any individual who demands to better their skills.
Printmaking allowed me to derive an appreciation for my process and the media I choose to implement. By merging my graphic and fine art skills, I’ve been able to develop successful working styles that focus on using art and visuals as communication tools.
|
