ARTIST STATEMENT
This is the first of a series of three portraits which I am creating as my senior project in the APEX course. The portraits are drawn/painted in Adobe Photoshop with reference to original photography. The goal of these portraits is to communicate what it feels like when you don't fit in. Whether it be a group of people, an environment, or a specific lifestyle, feeling like you don't fit in can be very lonely, stressful, and frightening. I think most people can relate to this feeling in some way, which gives everyone something to connect with within these pieces. My process in communicating these feelings was first, to employ the use of strong contrast between the subjects and the background which represents the overarching theme of not fitting in. For example, each portrait features the subject as a realistic greyscale drawing, while the background is very colorful and abstract. These elements help create that contrast. Second, Each portrait's background and color palette represents a different feeling that comes along with not fitting in. For example, the first portrait uses a busy design, sharp lines, and the colors red, orange, and yellow to communicate a stressful feeling or a feeling of anxiety. This project is currently a work in progress.
