To begin with this week, we performed writing exercises involving writing without pause and spellcasting. I found this to be an effective meditative exercise that allowed me to express any thoughts that could hinder my creative process and allow me to enter this project with a clear head. In addition, it allowed me to establish a clear direction regarding how I will treat this term regardless of subject.
–Artist research–
Much like my artwork last year, I’m reluctant to limit myself in terms of mediums to explore a method of presenting I haven’t previously.
In both instalments of the Creative arts course last year, I worked with 3-D models, an installation of spray-painted cardboard boxes that invaded the minimalistic space:
And a series of clay figures depicting plants with human features:
Both were beneficial regarding dimensions affecting their surroundings/ transforming the space, which was easily noticeable to the audience. Therefore, I aim to challenge myself this year by evoking the same response without the assistance of such a visibly noticeable environmental disruption. I also remove myself from my comfort zone by not doing the usual paintings/drawings I’m comfortable with and branching into other styles.
One of the influences of this path for this term was the artist Julien Pacaud, a French artist based in Paris, who I discovered during the summer holidays and encouraged an inner debate on what is defined in art and a criticism of my disregard for specific methods (in this case, collages) with the viewpoint of their supposed lack of technical, artistic skill. This is a perspective I’ve been actively attempting to remove myself from over the years as I’ve developed an increasing appreciation for modern and abstract art.
The deeply saturated colours contrast against one another to create a boldness while complementing each other well to assist in blending the world together, catch the audience’s eye and pull them into Pacaud’s surrealist worlds reminiscent of Salvadore Dali.
Upon discovering Pacaud, I deeply admired his skills in creating a clean image that, despite obviously being a collage, blends so well together that you cannot separate the individual components and instead view the piece in its entirety. In addition, I was inspired by the incorporation of the people, which I can picture existing within these surrealist landscapes instead of being pasted onto a backdrop.
-Directly from the artist-
These surrealist pieces are completely intentional on Pacaud’s part, providing a unique gaze into his personality, considering “before becoming an illustrator, he was, by turns: an astrophysician, an international snooker player, a hypnotist and an Esperanto teacher. He hopes he can someday have enough free time to devote himself to his real passion: time travel.” (About – Julien Pacaud – digital collage artist)
“I don’t really work in terms of themes. I rely a lot on instinct, and I think that what drives my creation is my subconscious—the ways I express myself come rather randomly. I also don’t feel the need to explain my artworks, and am happy for anyone who interprets my work however they want—even if I created the piece with a specific idea in mind.”(10 questions with Julien Pacaud)
(About – Julien Pacaud – digital collage artist)
“About – Julien Pacaud – Digital Collage Artist.” About – Julien Pacaud – Digital Collage Artist, julienpacaud.com/About. Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.
(10 questions with Julien Pacaud)
gestalten UK Shop. “10 Questions with Julien Pacaud.” Gestalten UK Shop, Oct. 2015, uk.gestalten.com/blogs/journal/10-questions-with-julien-pacaud.