Matthew De Souza’s ePortfolio

The first image that caught my eye was an acrylic painting known as “Huxley Guide to Switzerland” made by Christopher Winters in the year 2011. The painting showcases a surrealism tone and that both art and magic can co-exist with each other. The color scheme used in the painting is very eye appealing as Winters uses various shades of acrylic blues to create an overlapping effect with the water, the mountains and the light blue sky above. All of these colors have a strong connection with one another and while under the same family of color, the way that Winters uses them you are able to fully understand what is what and separate that they are depicting appropriately. This added with the use of reflection creates a understanding of what the painting is upon first glance. When you look closely you can see the mountains reflecting off the clear water and also the feet of both the male and female characters floating over. Balance is the first word that comes to my mind upon looking at this piece work. The water with the use of reflection is creating an illusion, a parallel world to what is real on top, adding a bit of balance to the work. There is also the positioning of both of the characters as the mirror the movements of one another. Taking all of this into account, the composition feels thorough, fulfilled, and has a overall peaceful and calming tone to it.

This painting is known as “The Old Guitarist” made by Picasso, during the blue period. This painting represents a great deal of sorrow and grief while also depicting the miseries of the poor, the ill, and those cast out of society. This is clearly represented the with color. It has been painted with a monochromatic blue palette, with the guitar being a warm brown instead. The color choice of the guitar is intentional as it brings a sense of hopefulness as it is the point of warmth throughout the painting. The figure is slouched over with his eyes closed giving the feeling of being worn out and tired. The use of shadows plays on the figures face and body making him appear starved and cadaverous. The overall tone of this piece of work is filled with isolation and anguish.

SKETCHES

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The sketches I picked in my opinion really defines the quote “Still I Rise”. Some utilizing physical representation of the quote like a phoenix and a eyeball. The steps I took to make these Visual Sketch Quotes was a little bit difficult but overall a fun experience. First I had to think of a quote that I like and can resonate with, that being “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. This quote resonates with me as it mainly focuses on self respect and confidence. That nothing in the world can bring me down as long as I believe in myself and the abilities I have. The second step was to figure out a way how I can turn this quote into multiple designs that means what the quote says. I began sketching a few ideas, trying out a few different typeface styles involving the quote. Afterwards I began to draw things that can bring out the meaning of the message in a more upfront way. Once I made about six designs I then began to craft them in Adobe Illustrator using a 8.5 and 5.50 page.

CONCEPT 1

The first design is of a phoenix rising into the sky, spreading its wings beginning to soar. The placing of the words are crucial to this design as I placed each letter on a single wing, but distinguishing the letter “I” to the main body of the phoenix itself. This creates nice bit of symbolism.

CONCEPT 2

This concept is more of a simpler one as it includes a rebus. A rebus is when you use a picture to replace a word but the meaning is still the same. The picture of the eye gives a clear replacement for the letter “I” in “Still I Rise”. The placement of the words “Still” and “Rise” are also used in a way to make them seem like eyelashes.

CONCEPT 3

This design is a little more abstract as I created a connection from still I rise to another piece of work Maya Angelou created which was a poem called “Alone”. In a section of this poem Maya Angelou mentions people are rich and live lavishly, and explains how money and other materialistic things cannot be an escape goat and fill the feeling of being alone. By pushing and bettering yourself only then you can find happiness. The pearl in my design is a common trope used to associate with the rich like diamonds and other gemstones. I included to saying of “Still I Rise” to showcase that even if you’re successful and rich there is always room for improvement as no one in this world is perfect. I also made a small decision to have the I’s cross themselves giving a little bit of symbolism that you don’t need pearls and diamonds to feel happiness.