Serial Working Firelei Baez

 Firelei Baez makes large scale, intricate works on paper mainly with the use of inks and gouache paints, sometimes combined with styles of graphite pencil work.  She has a deep interest in the human body which then combines with her own style of imagination and surrealism.  The idea of surrealism appeals to me alone, but the way she creates and actually "makes up" her figures with imagery and aesthetics that portray that imagination is what really speaks to me.  

I plan to use this style of surrealism and bodily make-up to create a somewhat spiritual and mystical based series of work.  I can use the variety of mediums including graphite, paints, and inks to compose hopefully at least 5-6 pieces that compliment Baez's works as well as my own ideals.

My pieces plan to depict the human body and moments of intense energy output (sleeping, dreaming, happiness, love, etc.) while "making up the figure" of appropriate imagery, colors, other aesthetics..  I can also use surrealism to connect divine, imaginary, and humanistic natures.

Making Space Through Contour

This in-class exercise composed of us drawing a specific still life and showing depth of space using contour line.  This piece shows a tree limb type arrangement close in space while the rest of the room is portrayed further in space by vertical placement on the page.   Done in 6B graphic pencil.

Walking the Line (Drawing off Paper)

For this exercise we took things that applied to our drawing aesthetic in some way or another and took them out into space to show through line and our bodies.  I chose to show the pushing of boundaries, and walking the path or "line" less traveled by walking my normal path of my day with a new perspective and unique boundary.

Line Shadow (Drawing on Paper)

This assignment was used to show the progression of shadow with the use of light and contour line.  Artificial lighting and the use of plant material with an apple, to cast the shadow, were used for my piece.  This was done in 2B graphite pencil 

Seeing Through Line

For this exercise we needed to look out in space to find some phenomenon or something significant that we could show through the use of line.  I came across a mechanical plant and flower-like piece of work next to a tree which shared similar characteristics on an organic and natural level.  Through the use of bright pink yarn (line) I showed the connection of relationship and energy between the two.

"Karma Dollar" Mark in Space

  http://youtu.be/nNmYMOfwpvw

In this assignment I wanted to experiment with the public's natural urges.  I labeled a dollar bill as "BAD KARMA" and hid the camera to see peoples reaction.  Yu never know what mark you'll leave on someone else, and you might be shocked at what you see in this film!

"Happy Meal" Mark in Space

http://youtu.be/pr2YuCqTPHQ

I made a positive and invisible mark in space by going to different drive through restaurants and giving powerful compliments in hope to make a mark on an individual and for them to do the same in return.

Marks Against Marks

For this assignment different marks were used to oppose each other.  I chose to tie a marker to my dreadlocks and sway my head so nice light airy strokes were created.  This was also combined with a rather sharp red mark done by hand.  These marks were opposed with heavy bold block squares to show opposition through balance.

Million Marks (hw)

The drawing shown depicts an allusion to the human brain while containing all of the same circular mark.  The left side of the piece is uniform and structured much like the left hemisphere of our minds.  The right side however, shows the same mark in a non structured and  disorganized way.  This piece contains over 10,000 marks.

Million Marks (class)

This first Million Marks drawing was done in class and uses the same short line stroke to create shading and imagery by using cross hatching.  This piece resembles the image of some cosmic eye  design and contains over 5000 marks