Grade 12 - 2012 Crystal

 At the beginning of my IB Visual Arts course, I was interested in the significance of dolls and effigies in human society.  This led on to an investigation of mother and child, as there are many religious statues and Santos based on this theme. I began my practical folio by taking photographs of mothers and children. Some were posed and some were photos of random moments. I had a happy childhood, and an intimate and loving relationship with my Mom. I am comfortable looking back on my happy childhood realize after two years that this is perhaps generated by a wish to recapture those carefree times. Influences include Mary Cassatt, the American Impressionist painter who focussed on intimate moments, and the Australian artist, Michael Doolan, who happily watches his children play with toys.    

I began my prac working in an Impressionist Style generated by an interest in the graphic influence of Japanese prints on Impressionist paintings. After investigating Cassatt's pastel painting, "Maternal Kiss", I started my practical work using pastels in order to learn more about colour, layering, and texture before moving on to oils. My love of dolls then led me to want to make them but this never eventuated as I got caught up with pencil paintings on wooden panels and of course Ukiyo-e.

Through the IB Visual Arts Course, I've learned to analyze and understand art. I have enhanced my English skills, and developed as a researcher by employing TOK methods of thinking by linking diverse facts. I have learned to draw and paint to a level I am personally satisfied with. Visual Arts has acted as a vehicle for me to express myself, which is something I have always found difficult. My skills and arts-language are still developing, but I am now confident that I can paint & express my feelings through my work.