Ashley Merando Artist Statement

What the hell is it? That was always the answer from my parents upon showing them my latest jewelry creation. After I explained what it was and why I had made it as it appeared they usually gave me an awkward “oh, that’s nice” and moved on with the conversation. While I wanted them to rave over my work I knew that it was something appreciated or understood by a small group of people.

I made thinks that express how I feel at the time I am making them like my series of grass ear rings, meant to tickly the wearer on the neck or shoulder. They are filled with a certain amount fun and imagination. I like my work to be big but no so big that it borders on sculpture. I want the pieces to be worn; by doing that it gives the work a new life besides something meant only to look at.

They are constructed out of a variety of different materials from metal to grass. I think that in itself makes them innovative because when people think of jewelry they usually go straight to the prong set diamond ring. My work is far from that. Composed of mostly found or common elements they are brought together to create something that was not there before. I have a desire to create the art that I do. I do not think that jewelry has to be made of precious materials for it to be special or beautiful that all depends on the thought put into the piece and who ever wears it.

Artist Statement

Your first assignment on your blog will be to create an artist statement. You may be asking yourself what is an artist statement? Your artist's statement can be anything you want it to be, but primarily, it should help people viewing your work to understand what you believe to be the most important aspects of your art and the techniques you use to make it. The statement should summarize these things in as few words as possible, preferably short ones, and not be a lengthy dissertation on your place in the future history of art. A paragraph of three or four sentences should do it. The time you spend in developing a worthwhile statement is invaluable in helping you define your art for yourself. You may not have given this much thought before. Do some brainstorming or journaling on these questions, as though you were interviewing yourself:

Why do you like to make art?
What subjects do you prefer? Why?
What processes and techniques do you use? Why?
How is your work different from others?
What do you see in your artwork?
What do other people say they see?
What are your goals and aspirations as an artist?
Who or what inspires you?

To find sample artist statements or get help creating one you can search websites like:
http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/
http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtMagazine/za_400.htm
http://www.artbusiness.com/artstate.html

This activity will help you to focus in on why you make the art you do and realize any influences you have had along the way!

Introduction and Expectations

Hello! Welcome to blogging your fine art photography! This is going to let you guys share your work with each other and the rest of the world if you so choose. First and foremost I want this blog to be one that you post your photography on, not what you use to vent. PLEASE no bad words, gossiping, complaining, or anything else that would be deemed inappropriate. If you choose to ignore these rules you will have to delete your blog and loose credit for this portion of the class.
With that said, for each image you post, I would like for you to explain to me: Why you chose the subject? Aesthetically how does it appeal to you? What do you like about the composition? What do you dislike? What kinds of lines are in your work? Shapes? Textures? Finally how would you improve this image if you had to do it over? This portion of your blog should be 8-10 sentences long per photo. For most photo shoots you will need to post at least 2 images.
I hope blogging your work and taking the time to write about it will allow you to grow as an artist and student! Good Luck!