WEEK 1: 1/19/22
When I heard that "Biodiversity" was the theme for the semester, I immediately thought of snakes. I wanted to expand on that initial idea, and I eventually thought of biotoxic organisims, more specifically, zootoxins (animals who are poisonous/toxic). These animals use their venom/toxins to be predators or to protect themselves from other species. I want to further research venomous and toxic amphibians and reptiles because I want to show the relationship between the beautifully patterned animals and their dangerous nature. I also wanted to show that even though humans are the most dangerous animal on the planet, they arent the only ones.
The CDC lists rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasisn and coral snakes as the most venomous snakes in the U.S. Rattlesnakes are the largest and they can quickly and accurately strile 1/3 or more of their body length from any position. They do often rattle as a warning when they are threatened, but not always. Copperheads normally strike if they feel threatened, but they usually freeze when frightened and arent aggressive. Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins are often found in or around water, so you would have to be near their environment to be striked. Lastly, Coral Snakes are often confused with nonvenomous king snakes but they are venomous and they hide in leaf piles or burrow in the ground.
The Gila Monster (pronounced "HEE-la) is currently a threatened species. They have a reputation and are often feared but they arent as dangerous as their rep states. They are heavy-bodied that are covered with black and yellow bead-like scales (osteoderms). They are venomous (their venom is made by a row of glands in their lower jaw) and their bite and grip is strong. To warn off predators, they open their mouth very wide and hiss. Their bite is painful to humans but rarely causes death. They live in the desert and semi-desert areas and are more active at night if its too hot in the day. They also have great sense of smell and taste, since their eyesight isnt too good. They share shelter with others and compete with mates by engaging in "carefully choreographed wrestling matches". They're a threatened species because their habitat has been cleared due to human activities, agriculture, canals, roads and highways.
The Fire Salamander is a small amphibian that lives in shady, forested areas to stay cool and moist to survive. Their skin are brightly colored to avoid becoming a predator's meal. Their bold color tells predators that they're not safe to eat and they have glands that secrete poisionous liquid. Unfortunately their worst enemies are humans, due to pollution and the destruction of their wetland habitats. Using filling in their ponds, using pesticides and rerouting water has caused a decline in their and many other salamander populations (more than 70 species are listed as being at critical risk).
Color, Concept & Mood Board
WEEK 2: 1/26/22
With my initial motifs, I wanted to have both abstract and traditional options to mix and create multiple prints with. I think that I am going to create more abstract motifs and start to research more on camouflage. Since these reptiles use their colorful scales as a way to protect themselves from danger, I want to explore that connection and how humans use camo in combat to protect themselves.
WEEK 3: 2/2/2022
After a discussion in class, I decided to research some vintage scarves to see if I would like to create a scarf collection instead of a womenswear collection. Starting with Hermes and Gucci, I noticed that I liked the scarves with borders and and a mirrored illustration in the middle. I think that I will create an accessories collection with scarves, shawls, keychains, wallets and handbags.
WEEK 4: 2/9/22
First I worked on texture backgrounds, using masking fluid, mod podge, wax crayons, dyes and gouache.
Next, I wanted to research iconic purses along with unusual or "campy" purses. I wanted to see the shapes to determine how the print would land on each one. I like the "campy" ones, and i'm thinking about adding a purse in the shape of a snake to the collection.
I decided to enlarge my motifs to paint them on a large scale. These are the first 2 that I wanted to paint. They are the abstracted camoflauge motifs that I created a few weeks ago.
WEEK 5: 2/16/22
I started to collage tissue paper to create different background and layering textures. I created both a large and small scale to work with and the larger scale has metallic sheets added.
I then painted two of my motifs on a larger scale and tried to create a "bleeding" effect with the gouache paint. I think because of the paper used, I wasnt as successful. I then started to use the black line work over the paintings, and I like how graphic they look. I will probably continue with the graphic look.
WEEK 6: 2/23/22
This week, I scanned my textures into photoshop and created a repeat by using the cloning tool.
WEEK 9: 3/16/22
WEEK 11: 3/30/22
WEEK 13: 4/13/22
Artist Statement
When I heard that "Biodiversity" was the theme for the semester, I immediately thought of snakes. I wanted to expand on that initial idea, and I eventually thought of biotoxic organisims, more specifically, zootoxins (animals who are poisonous/toxic). These animals use their venom/toxins to be predators or to protect themselves from other species. As my collection grew, I started to focus on not only toxins but also how these animals use camoflauge to protect themselves. Creating textures using tissue paper, resists and watercolor, I wanted to replicate camo and snake skin.Venom is a print collection about biotoxic organisms, more specifically, zootoxic animals. Animals like Gila Monsters, Fire Salamanders & Snakes, use their venom/toxins to either protect themselves or become predators. Venom also explores the textures and camoflauge elements of reptile skin. Along with camo & reptile skin, Venom prints use plants from desert, reptilian and amphibian habitats.