final piece, first junior studio

Last night, I worked in the studio until about midnight on my final piece. I made the switchblade. The original design was what IS tuck with, however it seemed too bulky. I just did not like the way it looked. I decided I would cut and piece into the copper. It has edges that represent graffiti inspired lines. I then just pierced some circles into the metal. This goes along with the rivets and previous graffiti etches I did earlier in the semester. The knuckles are made out of pine, so I am actually painting them. So far, I had used a black spray paint to cover most of it. I left some wood visible. I have not decided if I will eventually cover i all up or what. I will post a photo when it is complete! Crit is tomorrow at 7:40 am! I've got to print out my papers and finish painting.

other knuckles

flatware

For my final project, I have decided to make a set of wooden knuckles, like brass knuckles. From the knuckles, a switchblade will flip out! I am pretty excited for this. I feel like I chose easy shapes to work with. I only need a few rivets and minimal soldering. So far, I have all of my pieces cut out. The rest is the construction. Once I am completely finished putting the pieces together, I will then paint the knuckles. I am not certain as to what type of design I will paint of them, but it will be urban inspired.


http://12oz.com/

this website has multiple graffiti pages. These artists are from all over.

I really like this color scheme here. The style is nice as well.
http://s567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/TUFFCITYSTYLES/?action=view¤t=29110_1366646420205_1653013203_9080.jpg

Hopefully, I will come up with a solid graffiti scene for the wooden knuckles!

researchhh

I woke up with an awful cold, so I have been running through websites finding some amazing work. Since my topic is urban culture, I have found a lot of urban artists. Most of them started off practicing typical street graffiti...the illegal kind. Now, they are all commissioned to do work in public spaces.

Here is a video featuring Alex Pardee and David Choe. I came across Pardee a few years ago. Choe I just stumbled upon on Tuesday. Thus far, he has inspired me the most.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFQg0wPuLk&feature=player_embedded

David Choe: BRILLIANT! His work is beautiful. I love it. I believe last week was the opening of his latest show in L.A. He uses a lot of portraits in his work, however he adds a lot of graffiti inspired lines and images as well.

http://davechoe.blogspot.com/

Here are some of his works. I cannot stop looking at his blog!













Judith Supine is another street artist I found. I've seen his work before, but I never placed a name with it. He does ridiculous collages! Weird green people with multiple heads and other body parts. It makes me laugh. It is all just so bizarre.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/judithsupine/


C215 is another street artist. He has done some commissioned work. He creates these images using stencils and paints. He does all of this on paste paper, then he places the paper on the streets....up on walls, trains, phone booths, etc. http://www.flickr.com/photos/c215?PHPSESSID=4f20ff11d1fa18cf1fac6e8e000818aa

I honestly keep looking at their work. The colors are the best part. For my final piece, I'm making wooden knuckles and attaching a switchblade to them. It is a flatware based project. I wanted to make a spoon, but in the end it really does not portray urban culture at all. Tara suggested I work with the switchblade because it is flatware and it does give off the urban context. So my idea is to add color to the wooden knuckles. I was inspired by the rusty, graffiti doors








Tomorrow I am headed to the metal market, so I hope my knife will be cut and filed by tomorrow. Then, I would like to manipulate the stainless steel for the sides of the knuckles. We had discussed corrugating them..which could be very interesting! I just cannot wait to add some color!