Title: "Among Us" Dimensions: 11"x8.5" Media: Black and white charcoal
Artist Statement: This piece continues my sustained investigation theme by drawing another pair of shoes that creates a story. The meaning behind this piece is supposed to represent the presence of teen homelessness in our society. The close up composition is supposed to represent how close we can be to those people in need and not even realize it. I did the piece in black and white charcoal, not only to try a new media, but because I needed a media that would display the somber and serious mood that I was going for. In the piece I drew two shoes, new, clean ones and old, torn ones. These are supposed to represent the contrast between these two people, and to emphasize one’s possible situation. To achieve this somewhat realistic drawing look, I used LOTS of blending and layering to create highlights, shadows, and texture. I think my artistic choices really helped translate the seriousness of my piece (such as the emphasis of the shoes taking up most of the picture, the black and white, etc) . Basically everything in this piece is there for a reason. While it might look a little rough because it is a new medium that I am not used to, I like the final result of this piece.