Spend some time thinking about who you are as an artist. Choose a subject for your final piece of the course and determine the materials and methods you will use to complete your work. Create a rough draft. For instance, you might create a mixed media collage or sketch that illustrates your dreams for the future. Or you might create a painting or series of photographs to raise awareness about an issue that is important to you.

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As an artist, I see myself as a storyteller, using visual language to explore themes of identity and connection. For my final piece, I would like to focus on the subject of "Belonging," reflecting on the complexities of community and individuality in our modern world.

Title: Threads of Belonging

Materials:

  1. Canvas (24"x36") - for the base of the painting.
  2. Acrylic Paints - to create vibrant colors and textures.
  3. Textiles (fabric scraps) - sourced from friends and family members, symbolizing personal connections.
  4. Mixed Media Adhesives - for adhering fabric to canvas.
  5. Charcoal and Ink Pens - for drawing and adding intricate details.
  6. Photographic Elements - printed black-and-white photographs of diverse individuals to represent various communities.

Methods:

  1. Layering Technique: I will start with a textured base using acrylic paints, creating an abstract background that blends colors symbolizing different cultures and experiences.
  2. Fabric Collage: I will cut and glue fabric scraps onto the canvas, weaving them together to symbolize the interconnectedness of personal narratives.
  3. Drawing and Detailing: Using charcoal and ink, I will add outlines and intricate details to the fabric, giving it depth and enhancing the overall composition.
  4. Photo Integration: I will incorporate small black-and-white photographs to add a personal and intimate touch, showcasing faces of people who have influenced my understanding of belonging.
  5. Final Layer: I will finish with a glossy varnish to protect the work and unify the surfaces, bringing a cohesive shine that represents the strength found in unity.

Rough Draft: In my rough sketch, I will outline the overall composition with a loose arrangement of how the fabrics and photos will interact with the painted background. The top half will feature a warm color palette to evoke feelings of comfort, while the bottom half will transition into cooler tones, hinting at the challenges of belonging.

This piece aims to provoke thought and conversation about what it means to belong to a community while maintaining a unique personal identity.