I used the embroidery hoop to begin with, to make the process of applying the black acrylic paint easier and less messy. I actually really liked how the piece came out in the end, it’s a simple style yet really detailed. To begin with, painting straight onto the canvas fabric was difficult, because the paint is thick in consistency, so I applied some water to the paint for a smoother line image and the paint prevented from clumping together by doing that.
I think that keeping the image in the embroidery hoop would have been the best option, because it just emphasises the idea of surrounding and that concept fit really well within fear. If I had access or could afford more hoops, I would have liked to see what the portraits would look like if they were aligned on a wall or something.
Because of curiosity, I decided to fill in the surrounding area of the portrait with brush marks, to try replicate the fear I guess. When looking at how fear is could feel like, personally I thought the circular shape works and especially with the positioning of how I applied the brush marks. I think that fear is a very powerful thing and is hard to overcome or get to grips with, especially because everyone handles and reacts to their fears differently, even if it is the same fear, it’s more of how it effects us and our reactions to it that determines it’s power over/on us as individuals.
Overall, I’m pleased with the making process and outcome of this development work, and will consider to push further with what’s working here. I think it will be Interesting to see where this leads to in the project.
Courtney Blair Art 