This project is pretty straightforward - it displays how our easy access to technology keeps us from accomplishing even the most simple of tasks. By wasiting so much time on social media, texting, uploading photos, and playing mindless games, we leave very little time for our hopes and dreams. I was inspired by the moment I realized how much time I waste on my phone and how that wasted time could have been spent doing something productive.
For this project, I knew I wanted to do something popping out at the viewer. Originally, I was going to create a sculpture, but time restraints had me go in a more direct route. I started by painting the background and then roughly painting the white hands over it with dry brush. This helped me create the illusion that we are ghostly when we are on our devices - almost like we don't exist in the present world. Next, I created the hand by using plasterwrap and assembling it on the canvas board. Adding the phones was a simple 'afterthought.' Using a reflective paper for the 'selfie phone' almost includes the viewer into the composition.
The Elements of Art that were used were color (the color in the background and phone screens), form (the value created the almost 3D effect for each hand), and texture (the roughness of the paint and drips in the background). The Principles of Design were contrast (the darkness of the background vs. the lightness of the hands), repetition (the three hands, the three phones), and movement (the placement of the hands and arms bring your eye seamlessly around the composition).
Some challenges I faced when completing the project was the time I allowed myself just wasn't enough for full execution. Originally this was meant to be a full sculpture. But since I didn't allow enough time, I took the easy way out. The successes were few and far between in this project. I am disappointed with the overall execution and craftsmanship. However, I did like how the over 'feel' of the project came across and I do enjoy the 3D effect of the hand, which seems to involve the viewer into the work.
