One Light

Tonight, I went to the opening reception for the Voices of Courage campaign art exhibition put on by the BYU Women's Services and Resources office. I had an art piece featured in the exhibition, and I decided I wanted to share a little bit more about why I created it. It's a digital painting of a girl (thanks Megan) going into the darkness, holding aloft a single candle that is keeping the encroaching darkness at bay. I read the prompt: "The Reflections of Courage Art Exhibition welcomes submissions that, in their way, complete the phrase “Courage Is...” What does courage look like? What acts take courage? How have you shown courage in your own experiences? Where might you need to be more courageous?..." and I thought about my own experience and how I've had to show courage. This is the image that came to mind, and the word that came with it was faith.

"You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you."

-Boyd K. Packer

This is something that I have personally struggled to understand and learn recently: what is faith? Where does it come from?  I did not understand these things until recently when I've had to make some important decisions for my life. I have since come to understand the unbreakable bond between faith and courage. Having faith takes courage and finding the right amount of courage takes faith in a greater purpose. Consequently, moving beyond the bounds of what is comfortable for you takes faith, and it takes courage to take that first step. 

There is a lot that is dark and despairing in the world we live in. But there is no need to fear, when you have even one small light to share, you can conquer the darkness, as St. Francis of Assisi wrote, "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." 

Courage is holding tight to the light of what you already know and being willing to take one step into the darkness of uncertainty with the faith that the way will be revealed. And it always is. Eventually, your path will become lit enough for you to travel onward. There is hope and life ahead, even if the way is clouded now, exercising faith on what you know to be right and true, and having the courage to move forward will lead to brighter and more glorious days. 

Just Promise Me One Thing

Where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness, there is magic. 

I finally did it. I am in love with this movie and have wanted to draw the dress ever since I saw it the first time. I finally finished it to a point that I can be proud of! I just love the designs in this movie! I hope you enjoy my rendition of the beautiful dress designed by Sandy Powell.

Fashionista

Alexander McQueen Masterpiece studies. For fun. I love dresses. Especially designed by amazing designers. I was just looking at fun dresses on Pinterest designed by Alexander McQueen, and decided to draw them, they were so amazing. Costuming is something that really inspires me in a piece, and in life. Never underestimate the power of a well designed article of clothing, and the story it can tell. What are the stories behind these dresses, do you think?
There will probably be more studies like this posted in the future. 

Nautical

This is a character design I did for a redesign project of Peter Pan. Just a little glimpse into the way I see the world of Neverland. I've always loved the long tailed merpeople best.

Psyched

Playing around with illustrator and photoshop. For fun: Shawn Spencer, Psych. 

NYC: The End Has Come

Sorry to be so melodramatic with the title. I was trying to think of something clever.. didn't quite work... Anyways, the last week of my stay in New York City has come and gone. I am heading back to school in Provo, and back to real life, I think. Or maybe I'm leaving it? Who knows. All I know is that this trip has been one of the most beneficial and encouraging things I have done so far for my education and career, not to mention my life in general. Here are a few of the things I have learned:

• Inspiration can come from anywhere, especially the unexpected.
• If you want to avoid looking like the fool in NYC, don't overpack for your internship.
• Use your eyes to really see: there are stories and lives all around you, its incredible.
• Anyone can be your friend in New York...maybe not the drunk guy cursing violently at his invisible friends, but really, New York has some of the friendliest people I have ever met... also some of the strangest..But I guess that's part of what makes it so interesting.
• A room full of Degas' dancers is magical. 
• New York is where the world collides with itself. Literally. Especially in Time's Square on Friday night. 
• I think there is such a thing as nature-deficiency. And central park doesn't quite make up for it. 
• If you want something, the best thing you could just do is ask. Don't be afraid to just call, or open your mouth, or email, whatever you need to do to get your answers.
• Listen to those who have been through what you want to do. They understand and they know what it is like to be you. 
• All artistic experiences are different, but they are also the same. 

As for what I did this week, I started out visiting some really good old family friends from my time living in Holland.
I went to the Rubin museum.

I went to the Neue gallery, which now has the famous Woman in Gold painting by Gustav Klimt as part of its permanent collection. That was magical to see. 

I was able to wander around the garment district, visit the NY public library and watch fireworks from the top of a building.

I went to the Frick collection. Beautiful! I snuck a picture of Flaming June. 

I was able to visit an artist named Alessandra Maria (http://www.alessandramaria.com/) and talk to her about being an artist and what that meant to us. She also showed us her process and some of her work. 

I went to the Met, again.

I went to a NY Philharmonic concert in the park. That was incredible. 

Oh, and more fireworks. And the Met. Last time.

I was able to meet Walter Rane, talk to him about his work and career, and see some new paintings he has been working on. For those who don't know who he is: www.walterrane.com/ I guarantee you will recognize his work  (if you're LDS).  

I went to a Broadway show, Something Rotten, which was entertaining and a great way to end my trip.

I saw original da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michaelangelo, Klimt, Raphael, Prud'hon, Durer, Schiele, etc. sketches in the Met print study room. 

I finished up my internship with Brett. It was a bittersweet time, because despite how short it was, I feel like I really made some good connections with him and others like him. And I have learned a million things from him that I have been needing to hear forever. 

Last thing, Brett was able to set up a meeting with an art director for me! From Harper Collins! I went to the office, showed her my work, and got some really great feedback from her about it. 

Anyways, that was wordy, sorry, but now that I'm heading back, I have so many ideas and things that I have learned that I need to put into practice. Keep an eye out for more work heading your way! Thanks for all the support! 

NYC: Number Two

My goodness! The time is really flying by! I have learned and seen so much I feel as if I have been here longer than just two weeks! So, this last week, I continued with my internship. Ran some art supply errands for Brett, and went to the NY library to their picture library, which was really cool! They have a section in the library of pictures. Pictures from history, architecture, people, clothing, marathons, food, anything you can imagine. It really was incredible and I took a long time just looking at all these pictures. Anyway, he sent me there to get some reference photos for a personal project he is working on. 

I also had my own private painting demo. He painted a head/character study from start to finish just to show me his process. 

Among other things, I went to the Cloisters museum, a branch of the Met showing only Medieval art. It was a really interesting museum, because it was built to look like a medieval castle, and it was in the greenest, quietest part of Manhattan I have been to so far. Definitely my element.

Other things I did this week: I ate Puerto Rican Mofongo

I explored Brooklyn (where my internship is) and found the Brooklyn Library and the Brooklyn Art Museum

Visited two artists, Chris Buzelli (http://www.chrisbuzelli.com/) and, in Queens, Sam Wolfe Connelly.  One an editorial illustrator, the other a fine artist/ gallery artist. It was cool to see the different perspectives, and get an idea for different kinds of art and illustration.

I went to the Museum of Modern Art, which I actually enjoyed a lot.

And the Guggenheim, which I enjoyed less so, but the building itself was amazing. This seal on the floor of the main entry summarizes the whole thing. 

I ate at the Magnolia Bakery on Avenue of the Americas, and people watched on Times Square. Oh, I also helped the missionaries here with a little project in Union Square Park. We drew out the plan of salvation while they talked to passerby. I don't know how successful it was, I was too busy drawing to talk to people, but we sure attracted a lot of attention, and the missionaries seemed pretty busy. It was fun to do, and be a part of something like that. Very cool experience for me. 

SO that was my week. One more week to go!