I have been know to get off topic when I write, but I will try to keep this blog specific to my own experiences in fatherhood. However, for this post, I wanted to share a piece that I have been working on. In my other research class, we were asked to choose a theme for creating art. I have so many likes and interests, so when I am asked to commit to something like "choosing a theme" for my art work, it is a challenge. I have created themes before where I would do a series of related work, but for the most part, I get an idea, sketch it out, and just do it. Recently, it has been weighing on me to do something in regards to my fatherhood. It may have something to do with me being a father, or my own relationship with my father, but I think what sparked most of my feelings towards this theme was my realization that my own grandfathers are not invincible. Honestly, at 32, I am lucky to still have any grandfather left. But still, their declining health has made me realize what I will really be missing when they are gone. (It's starting to get morbid... this is what I mean about off topic.)
The theme of this series does not have a name yet, but it will focus around the relationship between men and in particular dads and their sons. I decided begin the series the first part of a tribute to the grandfather who has made such an impact in my life, My Papa. My idea here is not to use the the same theme or project for both classes, but rather to share actual artwork with my blog because of the connection.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
I chose to do this piece in pencil, mainly because it is an old favorite of mine and I work fast with it. I wanted to do this as a portrait as a challenge to myself, because I have not done any portraits in over a decade. Not sure why? I love doing portraits and people in general in all different styles, but I have not done any in forever. A lot work still to be done here (with the picture and my skills), but overall I am very happy with it so far.
Chase, I really like your work. For me as a son, depicting the relationship between a father and son has always been interesting. your work reminds me some photos from Richard Avedon, famous American photographer. He started to take photo from her father during the last days of his life. The result are great photos. For me as a photographer is very strange to take photo from my father. I don't know exactly why, but I think I should represent something from him that nobody couldn't.
ReplyDeleteIt is the link of Avedon's work:
http://www.americansuburbx.com/2011/04/richard-avedon-jacob-israel-avedon-1974.html
Chase, your work here is exceptional. I never had a grandfather, as they all passed away long before I was born, so I am especially drawn to your art. Grandfathers always appear so naturally wise to me, and your depiction here is no exception. I would love to meet him! Thank you for including your process. I'd love to see more of your work.
ReplyDeleteChase, These are very nice drawings and I also agree that showing the process rather than simply the finished piece adds another element to your blog by showing your thinking and struggles with creating this image.i hope you continue to create these illustrations and maybe add some captions,the media, the size,how long it took to complete.
ReplyDeleteWonderful work Chase. I love the idea of grandfathers, there is so much love, playfulness, adoration, and wisdom associated with grandfathers. I don't know too much about agism in American culture, but I have an idea. It seems to me that in American mainstream culture that elders are not that cherished. Indigenous cultures typcially treasure their elders. There is a Buddhist saying that when a famil y has an elder, they have a gem.
ReplyDeleteLike Dr. Humphreys, I never had a relationship with a grandfather. I hope I will get to see my husband become one in the future, though! It's strange to think of what he might look like in several decades.
ReplyDeleteI love that you took photographs of your art in stages. I think that is something I miss as someone who makes music but not visual art- sometimes it's hard for me to appreciate what went into the process of art-making. Seeing your portrait of your grandfather come to life in stages like that was really beautiful and helped me see and understand the process behind the art.
My grandfather on my mother's side was the only man I ever saw cry, the only man who gardened, the only man who made things with his hands for his family and for me. He was a Voice Professor and a choir director. He also was smart enough to buy his neighbors' beautiful old furniture when everyone wanted modern chrome and glass. He gave us all this great furniture. I have a table he rescued.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really like your portrait of your grandfather. Great value contrast and terrific in-progress documentation.
Deleteold people are freaking beautiful with their lives etched on their faces, necks and hands. Beautiful job in capture that.
ReplyDelete