Summer Homework

'Why can't Hannah Speak?'
Pencil and watercolor

Well, what can I say, this piece explores the frustrating impediment of being socially awkward. It also is about learning to say what you really want to say to people, other than the usual garble you force out just to say something. I think it's very difficult for most people to speak up about things that are important, rather than just hiding away, scared you might offend someone with your opinion, or make a situation worse.

'You Burned My Skin'
Pencil and watercolor

I'm puzzled sometimes how touch can be either so memorable or nothing at all in our minds, depending on the person. One person could slap us and we wouldn't feel it. Another person could slap us and our skin would sear for days. One person could hug you and their touch is like a feather. Another person could hug you and their warmth would remain with you for a long time. 

'Breaking Away'
Pencil and watercolor

Sometimes we are so consumed by an emotion or a fear, or we feel so inside ourselves that often we imagine we might explode. I wanted to express that experience by drawing it literally. 

'A Year and a Half'
Pencil

This image is about how strongly we are sometimes drawn to particular people, but how that doesn't always work out for the better, and how there often isn't time or space for that person in your life at present. It's also about missing someone, and having no way to change your circumstances to be with them.

'The man in the Mask'
Pencil and watercolor

For this piece I wanted to explore the various stories one could assume from a single image. One person might think that the fox in this picture is tricking the girl by putting a mask on, in order to steal the eggs in her basket. But another person might see the fox as putting on a mask solely so he can kiss the girl. Also, I just kind of felt like drawing a fox in a suit....

'Babushka'
Pencil and watercolor

I drew and painted this image after going to  a Russian bakery with my stepmother during the summer. I have always had a bit of an obsession with foreign language and culture, particularly Russian, so I explored that a bit in this artwork. I researched Eastern European folk art prior (that's where the design for the little chicken came from).

'Dad'
Pencil

I like taking quick sketches of people whenever I can, particularly my Dad who has a face I have never quite been able to perfectly capture on paper. However, this one has come the closest. I drew it at the breakfast table while he was eating his six pieces of toast and drinking his bucket of coffee.