Sustained Investigation Post #7 - Self Image

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Mark Making

The mark making I started off with in this illustration was guidelines. I laid out the horizontal and vertical half points on the canvas before I started the sketch. I first sketched out the mirror, which I wanted to be center on the canvas before doing the detailing of the Chao's body, the forest in the mirror, and the one behind her. Stylistically, it's not as cartoon-ish as I would normally opt for, instead being in more of a semi-realistic style.

Idea

The concept of this piece is in reference to one's self-view in regards to having OCD. In reflection of the idea of intrusive thoughts, the way one views themselves and their morals can be skewed. When put in a situation where you're thinking things you don't want to be thinking, you can't help but to question that part of yourself, not seeing yourself as a reflection of your own morals whatsoever, hence the idea of the illustration. Mirrors are something we use to do something as simple as look at ourself. There is eventually a lack of sense of self, given how your thoughts are a complete intrusion. The thing about it is that they aren't a true reflection of what you're opinions, thoughts, and grasp of reality are, so the greenery around Chao isn't a reflection of what can be "disgusting" thoughts. If anything, its contrasting to the rest of the illustrations towards the beginning of the SI timeline because of how pretty nature looks.

Materials/Techniques

I used acrylic paint for this illustration, something I'm not well versed in or familiar with. Realistically, it's been years since I've done any full piece in a traditional media (not digital). I branched out mainly by talking to other students who frequently paint, or if it's their media of choice. The paint itself and the texture give it a more comforting feel if anything. Comfort and reassurance are welcome in reference to realizing intrusive thoughts aren't your own. I also think the media itself is very nice to look at when it's nature, so it was something I wanted to work with.

Resources

I didn't research any particular artist, although conceptually, a lot of stylistic choices I do can be tracked back to @artof666k on Twitter, Instagram, etc. As for subject matter or references, I did have to look a bit into antique mirrors and furniture, one thing I chose to look at being a friend's antique cabinet that had some very nice carvings in it. I also did use some miscellaneous stock photo's of forests to just get an idea of how with this framing tree's would look, whether proportionately or just in the shape.