So I started researching artists who combine colour and montage and I stumble upon Sarah Fanelli. Her work seems genuine but I don't like the style. She seems very vague and sketchy. To me it lacks the confidence and balls that Ale Diaz has in her work. Where Diaz seems to embrace the colour Fanelli seems to dilly-dally with it, in a sort of should I? shouldn't I? way.

For example, the image below has a genuine, childlike quality about it, she does experiment well with collage and media and it is still playful but it just doesn't grip me as much as Ale. Sorry Fanelli, but you just don't cut it for me...

I understand that I may come across as not having a particular 'style' and at the moment I think that I am still searching, I am still on that road of experimentations until I find something that I am comfortable with. I will just mention that I find a mixture of things very interesting and aspirational at the moment.

Towards the end of last year I was looking at Andrjez Klimowski and montage'y' type artists as I like the idea of mixing medias and techniques. But there is also a female Canadian artist Alejandra Diaz who I have fallen in love with. She is a young artist who seems to specialise in the very vibrant and enjoyable. Her characters are just adorable and her technique is fascinating. I definitely love her use of colour which you just don't seem to get here in England. When I was in Cuba earlier in the year, it seems to be a Carribbean trait to incorporate gorgeous bright, vibrant and gripping colours. I think that on a glum, dull day such as

this where the weather is so miserable and the people even more so, looking at work like hers can bring a smile to anyones face. She is an inspiration and if my work could take that shape (in a roundabout way) I would be the happiest person alive.

Predominantly working in paint, which is a media I need to start to use more and would love to start using more as I find it a very enjoyable media to use but just a little bit messy at times for OCD me! By surrounding myself with canvasses and paints however, I don't think I would have much choice but to face up to the concept.

It has been brought to my attention that I could also look at organized or structured art as this is a trait I seem to have. Art which follows systems and is very regimented. Working full time and studying full time means that I am very much like this in person and it would be a excellent choice to look at. For the time being here are some examples of Ale's work:

Stolen Peace

I have decided to take on the extra work of designing some pieces for an up and coming band from the north wet called Stolen Peace. Their first album debuts in February and I have been in touch with their representative to submit some possible designs. I am extremely excited at the opportunity to expand my portfolio and get some of my work out there into the actual world of art. I am dedicated to this brief as I see it as a real opportunity and have already had some fascinating ideas and design threads starting to unravel. I will be posting some of my ideas in later posts, so keep your eyes peeled!

You can see what the band are about at:

http://www.stolenpeace.com

Disappointment

Got my mark back for the first module of the year, and to say I'm a bit disappointed would be THE understatement of the year. I have decided however, that I have had some serious obstacles and challenges this academic year so far and moving forward I can devote all of my time to my course and will learn from my errors. I intend to take on board the feedback I have been provided with and work with it to produce some fascinating work in the coming months and rise to the challenge and expectations that I have set for myself.

Next week when the Berlin residential is taking place, I will utilise my time well by working on my essay and my Illustrator skills, which could definitely do with a good brushing up :) Positive outlook for the future

Red

I went to see Red at the weekend, starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren. I have to say I was surprised at how much of a comfortable comedy it was. Expecting high action packed filth it was a disappointment in comparison to Willis' usual get up, however the light hearted laugh it ignited more than made up for the lack of six packs. It is about retired CIA agents who are targetted as part of a political campaign in order to win presidency. 4.5/5!

Final Push!

Our collaboration has come on a treat and in the last few days everything and everyone has really come together. Our exhibition space is gleaming after a new lease of life with a lick of paint and our final outcome really takes centre stage. It is nice to reflect on what we have achieved as a team but also to look around and see what others have offered from the same brief.
I must say that we appear to be the only group who have not got some type of installation or animation on offer. Although, it was planned that way, we wanted to think outside of the box.
I have spent this morning creating our synopsis for the exhibition area. It goes along the lines of ... 'our final outcome is a reflection, understanding and journey. We have not focused on a major piece but the journey we have taken whilst working together. We have new experiences and friends that we can utilise for the future. Our work starts at the door together and finishes on the wall together, but the bit in between was us all having our own character and personalities along the way. All of us have brought something new, unique and special to the project'.
Overall, I am pleased at the outcome. It was a lot less stress than I had originally anticipated for and our exhibition space looks really neat. I am excited to present our work on Friday 12th at 11:30 am :)

I do much prefer the more subtle photographs such as this and the one where I cut the letter into the grass.
I think that they give a sense of intrigue that the other more blantant one's lack. They are more interesting because of it.
However, these are the one's which are more difficult to photograph as the ideas are very spontaneous and need to be captured at that precise moment which is not always possible.