illustration II - From Fashion to Family: A Whirlwind Tour of My Latest Illustrations

Hey there, art aficionados and curious onlookers! Grab your favorite beverage and settle in, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of my latest artistic adventures. Fair warning: this post was crafted in a caffeine-fueled frenzy as my juries loom on the horizon. So buckle up – it's going to be a beautifully chaotic ride!

Shadow Play: Choose Your Own Influence

Next up, we're diving into the realm of conceptual art with my "Shadow Oneself" series. Picture this: people projecting abstract shapes onto themselves to cast unique shadows. It's not just art; it's a visual metaphor for how we choose our influences.

Here's a little nugget of wisdom I stumbled upon while creating these pieces: we don't just choose our inspirations; we choose our influences too. Sure, sometimes outside forces sneak in (hello, unavoidable TikTok trends), but there's power in consciously selecting the shadows we cast.

Full disclosure: this series went a bit sideways. But hey, sometimes you have to get lost to find something new, right? I uncovered a deeper understanding of 'shadows' along the way. There are still ideas percolating in my brain for this concept, so don't be surprised if I revisit it down the road.

Later I got a chance to get this sketches to life. Check it here.

Strutting into Fashion Illustration

First stop: the glamorous world of fashion! During some stolen moments of free time, I dipped my toes into fashion illustration for Redrock. It was a delightful detour from my usual style, all sleek lines and fabulous poses. Who knew drawing clothes could be so much fun when you don't actually have to wear them?

Sisters: From Silly to Sophisticated

Speaking of transformations, let's talk about my sisters. One Saturday, I went out expecting to hang with the kids I've always known, discussing playground drama and the latest cartoon craze. Instead, I found myself in the company of young women, their minds exploring depths I hadn't realized existed.

It was a day of rediscovery, watching them navigate between profound thoughts and endearingly silly concerns. To commemorate this moment of sisterly evolution, I created illustrations for their gadget covers. It's my way of saying, "I see you growing, and it's beautiful."

Animating the Static

In an attempt to breathe even more life into my work, I've started experimenting with animating my illustrations. It's like giving my 2D creations a caffeine shot – suddenly, they're bouncing off the page!

Bonus: These pieces are now available as NFTs. Welcome to the future, where sisterly love meets blockchain!

Dimension Hopping: 2D to 3D

Not content with just two dimensions, I've also dipped my toes into the 3D pool. My latest 3D creation was inspired by the song "Wide Open." It's amazing how music can shape the very dimensions of our art, isn't it?

Paper Poetry: Adventures in Cut-Out Illustrations

Remember those extra wedding cards lying around? Well, they've been reincarnated as art! I've embarked on a new journey into the world of cut-out illustrations. My first attempt? A couple sitting in the clouds, because where else would newlyweds be?

I didn't stop there. The laser cutter became my new best friend as I created layers upon layers, bringing depth to flatness. There's something magical about transforming a single sheet of paper into a world you

Art as Currency: The Barter System Lives On!

Who says you can't pay your bills with art? I've started trading my illustrations for services. Need your hair colored? I've got a sketch for that! Getting married? Here's a personalized cut-out illustration!

This barter system has led to some of my most unique commissions. There's something beautifully direct about exchanging art for services – it's like we're living in a creative commune!

The Art of Evolution

Looking back at this collection of work, I'm struck by the sheer diversity of it all. From fashion sketches to animated illustrations, from conceptual shadow play to deeply personal family portraits – each piece represents a step in my artistic journey.

As I rush to finish this post (hello, impending juries!), I'm reminded that art, like life, is often a beautiful mess of experimentation, personal growth, and unexpected detours. Sometimes, the pieces that don't go as planned teach us the most.

So here's to the fashion that inspired, the shadows that provoked thought, the sisters who grew up too fast, and the wedding cards that found new life. Here's to art that pays for haircuts and animations that make static images dance.

What's next on this artistic odyssey? Your guess is as good as mine. But one thing's for sure – it'll be colorful, it'll be diverse, and it'll be utterly, imperfectly me.

Stay curious, stay creative, and never underestimate the power of a spare wedding card!

Cai

P.S. If you need a unique wedding gift or want to pay for your next haircut with a masterpiece, you know who to call!