Illustrator Project #2 Vector Drawing- Live Trace, Live Paint

  Next time, I might choose a photo with a simpler background! However, this was a learning experience.

"Inherited Traits" Artist's Nina Katchadourian and Heidi Kumao

I have viewed the art experiences of "Inherited Traits" in the TCNJ art gallery two times. The first time I had a surface interpretation of the art, not fully understanding their individual meanings. However, the next time I viewed the work I really was dumbfounded as I pondered the question of how these two very creative artists even arrived at their ideas. The concept of Nina's 'Geneology of the Supermarket' is really quite genius. Who would think of that? This question raced through my mind as I viewed their works again. Where do ideas come from? I think they start with a passion that sparks inside us. I also think Nina's presentation choices of 'our own living rooms' look appeals to everyone, I think we may all have some of those everyday frames in our homes. We can all relate as we look on at the famous faces that not only grace our grocery stores, but our own pantry at home. We grew up with these people in a way that unites us all, although humorously.

I thought Nina's exhibit of 'The Nightgown Pictures' was thoughtful, inspiring in so many ways. To begin with, the book of photographs her grandmother gave her was invaluable in so many ways. By going back to those places to document, Nina was able to create art from what already was art. I might also add, to take those pictures every year was a very disciplined feat...not an easy thing to do, as we saw in the last photo.

Heidi's very profound presentations of historical events in 'Transplant' and 'Trace' exemplifies her as an interdisciplinary artist. Her interesting use of digital arts to present, with such clarity, emotional historical events has an impact. Her technique is precise and exact as she uses digital media in a dimensional genre.

I think both artist's have an interesting way of processing life experiences, and their ability to portray their ideas helps us to all relate. The conceptual part of art is the fetus of all great pieces of art that I think is so often taken for granted.

My Observations of 4 Major Artists

Gregory Crewdson- I found his work to be very odd, yet picturesque. Every piece left me wondering...what happened? where are they? what's going to happen next? Was this some sort of mockery of American life? I felt as if a crime just took place. His work is cohesive, very interesting and captures attention. With detail, I wanted to comb through the scenes like a detective, but finding nothing. His work is dreamy and mysterious, telling a story. In his interview he said "he strives to create an underlying edge of fear". Through his use of stages, set designs, and various lighting techniques, it is obvious his attempts are successful. His large Twilight series prints leave the viewer with more questions than answers.

Teun Hocks- Brilliant! I think his work is captivating and his use of himself in every image is not only practical but also gives it immediate attention. His work seems to try to address human struggles and issues like homelessness. For instance, in his piece where he is in a makeshift box, dressed in a suit, waiting for his alarm clock to go off. If he had a job, why is he homeless? In my opinion, he also solved one of the many problems for some artists: the whole issue of drawing the human figure in a painting, playing the role as his own subject gives him more control. Or did he feel the only way to get the image right was if he did it himself? His photography is exciting to look at and humorous at times. His black and white photographs are surreal, he tones in brown and uses a transparent oil paint. I really enjoy viewing his prints because they are entertaining in their attempt to make a social statement.

Jeff Wall- For me, his photographs were mundane. Although that seems to be what he was just trying to express, focusing on the 'here and now'. His subject matter contains alot of dirt and grime, which is also unattractive yet just plain realistic. In his piece 'Clipped Branches', although I've seen that a million times on the side of the road, I do not see it as a "line study" per say. I really think his work looks like anyone can do it. However, this is attractive about his work because we all can really relate not only to his everyday subject matter but also just the plain simplicity that his transparencies mounted on light boxes. He works very large and sometimes even full scale. I think for an artist to portray his idea in an image so understandable for it's viewers...that is the making of success.

Cindy Sherman- Untitled film stills dipicting a post modern era of the various roles of a woman's life. Albeit she does appear to be a woman of some kind of fame, although it is not clear who she is. Her photos are interesting the way this certain time period of the 60's-70's is documented. Interesting that the artist herself is the woman in the photos in many situations. I enjoyed reading her interview and was curious to learn that in the 1980's photography became the sought after art and paintings took a backseat. Sherman, along with Hocks, Wall, and Crewdson have a certain "staging" to their work. From concept through creation, they all plan, manipulate, and control their scenes to the point of satisfaction. They then continue to manipulate the photographs until they achieve the desired effect.

What Influences Me?

Architecture. I love the shapes, size, and form of all well designed structures. The unity they have with the land they dwell on pairs with nature.

Nature's seasons. Being an artist is an attempt to move the viewer's heart similar to that of nature's way of taking our breath away. Autumn is my favorite season!


Trees. I have a facination with trees of all shapes and sizes. They do so much for us; air, shade, breeze. I always feel a gratitude when I ponder them in awe. I like to paint trees.


God's Daily Canvas


Every day the sky is different. I marvel at the large canvas that God paints everyday without hesitance...if only I can stand before a canvas with such confidence!

This Inspires Me!

A dream can become a goal if we aspire for greatness! Renoir's painting here depicts the great Monet living his dream of painting his gardens that were intricately designed by the great master for that very purpose. Planning and scheming each detail of every square inch of his garden for the sole pleasure of the artist about to create. Even the amazing Renoir knew this was greatness in the making. Can we possibly plan each venue of our lives to be in perfect formation of the artist budding within?

About Me

I am an Art Education major in Digital Arts Imaging I. My experience in this digital realm is very narrow and I am excited to be learning more. Some years ago, I studied Interior Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. I am a creative person with interests in design, and consider myself an artist/painter/sculptor. I am pursuing my personal goal to becoming an Art Teacher. I am a sophmore/junior transfer student and this is my first semester at TCNJ! Ok, well let's just say I took a long sabbatical and I'm back in school. I am most definitely an artist...I only wish I could draw, paint, and create what's in my mind. My best work is deep in my brain, I strive to get it out.