glass half full

I think my work this year has really changed from my work last year in terms of materials. In my sketchbook and in my work in class I have struggled experimenting with different materials and how stepping out of my comfort zone, by using these tools, can enhance a piece, strengthening its message. I think this is most evident in my hurricane project which is so much about the layering of materials, and the interaction and variation in look between them, that gives this image life. This change in my products comes from my change in process. This term I have definitely struggled with the process more then last year. During the painting project controlling the paint and manipulating the colors was really challenging. During the beginning when my painting looked nothing like the boxes I was completely thrown off and frustrated. It was not until the last day of working on this, did I start to appreciate the process and enjoy it. I also felt this struggle in the 'what if' project where I think I was to tense in focusing on the product that I did not get to experience the process. All throughout the half of the term I think my engagement has been really strong. I genuinely like what we do in this class not only the way it pushes makes me think but that we have visual evidence of our efforts. As I initially said when asked what it looks like when I am engaged, "Specifically for art class the best way to tell when I am invested and engaged in a piece or assignment is when you see me really study it and sometimes become frustrated with it if it is not exactly how I want it to look." You cannot deny that I have had moments of frustration so far this term but working through those moments forces me to grow and shows how much I invest of myself in my work.