This
quarter we have focused on creating images that have deeper meaning
in a variety
of different ways. To prepare for our final project we made some lists during class:
• List
5
specific events in your life that shaped/affected your personal
aesthetic.
• List
5
people who have influenced your creativity and creative work.
• List
5
inanimate objects that you keep around your workspace that have
‘meaning’.
• List
10 activities
you do to stimulate creativity.
• List
1
thing that hinders your creativity.
From
this list of 26 things, we had to “personify” each
event/person/place/thing into a
character that is part of our own
autobiographical game of “OLD MAID”. In the game
of Old Maid
there are 25 character cards (there are two of each that match) plus one
“old maid” card. When the game ends, the player who has the old
maid in their hand loses.
I chose a color to represent each category of my cards. I also used a limited color
palette on each set, using only one accent color paired with gray tones.
I'm apologizing ahead of time for the lengthiness of this post!
EVENTS
Etta: This card represents marriage. My husband and I had a wedding on New Year's Eve
inspired by the 1940's. A large part of the decor were white peacock feathers. I gave the
character the name Etta because the music that night was jazz, including Etta James
Allen: This card represents my move to Texas. I chose a Grackle bird because
they are something that, in my experience, is unique to Texas. These birds are complete
lunatics, but they're quite striking. He's named Allen after my blissfully peculiar Texas
neighbor. He's 85 years old and drinks every day while playing bluegrass on his 12-string guitar.
Nafplio: This little guy represents my trip to Greece a few summers ago. For a portion
of my trip, I stayed in a charming and beautiful city called Nafplio. While there, I
partook in one of Greece's popular dishes... Octopus. I gave this character the
Greek "evil eye", which is said to ward off negative spirits and energy.
Maple: This card represents growing up in Tennessee. One thing that I've noticed Texas is
lacking is TREES. This is increasingly apparent in the fall months when I'm accustomed to seeing
the leaves change. Some of the most beautiful colors in Tennessee come from the Maple trees.
Scarlet: This symbolizes one of my fondest childhood memories. A local radio station had
"Saturday night at the oldies" every Saturday night. We would all get together in the family room,
where we'd move the coffee table out from the center and dance around to the oldies. One of
my favorite songs that played was "Little Red Riding Hood" by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs.
PEOPLE
Sissy: This card is my sister Leslie, or as I call her Sissy. She has always been an amazing
sister and friend. Each person is pictured with an animal that is symbolic to them. My sister
holds a rabbit, which throughout history has been associated the cycles of the moon. They
also represent spirituality and overcoming challenges.
Nathan: This card is my daddy. He is the strongest man that I know and I have a lot
of respect for him. He has showered me with unconditional love and support and always
encouraged me to do what makes me happy. He is pictured with a ram, which represents his
sign Ares. People who are Ares are adventurous and courageous. My dad is no exception.
Renee: This card is my mother. She has played a large part in my pursuit of a creative career.
Like my dad, she has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my entire life.
She is an incredibly gentle and nurturing person. For this reason, she is pictured with a deer.
Ben: This card is my husband. He has brought so much happiness to my life. He keeps
me grounded and reminds me not to take life too seriously. He's a free-spirited and clever
guy. I like to think of him as foxy.
Nancy: This card is my grandmother. You'll see her holding a cat, which represents
independence. She the most independent lady I know. With my grandfather, she
raised eight children (eight!). She has lived the past 21 years without my grandfather
after he passed away. She's embraced her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
OBJECTS
Athena: This represents an peculiar owl figurine I brought home from
Greece. I have reason to believe it's a bit spooked, but that's another story entirely.
Genevieve: This card personifies a necklace my sister gave me. It's an antique metal
envelope that opens up and has a metal rectangle tucked inside that reads"Je t'aime"
which means I love you in French.
Arlo: This is a representation of my ukulele. He can usually be found around
my work area. I like to play a little tune when I need a break from life.
Buddy: This card represents my camera. It's one of the few expensive material
things that are really important to me. I saved for a long time to buy a digital SLR
and I finally got it when I was eighteen. My dad made an agreement with me
to earn and pay for half. The other half was his birthday gift to me.
Crosley: This is my record player. He lives in my office, which is where my creative
work happens. It's fun to collect vinyl records and relax to them while you work.
ACTIVITIES
Gemini: Representation of my two kitties, which offer me frequent breaks from the task at hand.
Lavender: Personification of a break from a project, which ideally involves coffee or tea.
Orion: A firefly that is symbolic for stargazing, which is difficult to do in Austin.
Frost: Personification of poetry. Named Frost after one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost.
Wink: Representation of getting a "wink" of sleep. I often find inspiration in my dreams.
Dirby: I often go for walks to clear my head. My dog Dirby is usually in accompaniment.
Vivien: A character symbolic for the inspiration I get from movies. Particularly old movies.
Fitzgerald: Personification of reading. I feel like this guy could nestle into some books.
Walter: He's on the go, like me. He represents traveling and seeing new places.
Jebraska bunting: A verb, which means to ramble on about nothingness with my sister. However,
through the ramblings we typically come up with some of the best ideas ever.
HINDRANCE
When thinking of things that hinder me creatively, or just in general, I kept going
back to the same things: Fear of failure, lethargy, and procrastination, which are all self-imposed.
So, ultimately, I am my own hindrance. I chose to illustrate a scorpion because I am a Scorpio,
who are known to have a duality to them. Since coming to art school, I find this incredibly
apparent. Some days I am very productive and have all of my ducks in a row. Other days I am
verging on self-destructive and find myself jaded with life in general. I call this side Jane, which is
my middle name. When Jane forces herself to do work it's often the best I've ever produced.
So, I guess I'd like to think of myself as a blissful combination of both Amanda and Jane.
