57. Sifting through my own artistic history
Turns out my authentic expression springs from nostalgia and/or goofiness.
something different today…
As per the video I wrote about here, I’ve reviewed my past artworks and – while trying not to cringe – picked out a few which felt the most authentic and personally meaningful. These mark turning points in the methods and values behind my artistic expression.
touchpoint #1
After drawing anime characters for much of high school and college, I suddenly changed track in the December of my senior year. I was home for the break, with my digital tablet and too much time on my hands. In a series of late nights, I completed several realistic digital portraits of my favourite electronic artists. I’d long found inspiration in lyrics, and spent countless hours drawing and painting to the soundtrack of indie pop/electronic, to the point where music and art were (and are still) inextricably linked in my mind. This was a new way for me to pay homage to the artists.
I tracked down the reference for this one on Last.fm, a music social media site I used to love:
Not bad for one of my first attempts at a realistic likeness, even if I forgot (or strategically neglected) to paint Aluna’s boots?! Still, I remember being really proud of the colour combination and textures I added to their clothing. The atmospheric background was likely inspired by songs like “Your Drums, Your Love.”
A close second, more melancholy in mood, is a BANKS portrait from a few weeks later in January 2014. For some time I was obsessed with “Warm Water,” and this was the result:
touchpoint #2
This zine was born out of my decade-long friendship with Joey, my good friend in Toronto. We like to share photos with each other – mainly of food! I would send her some while I was finishing my Cambridge studies, and subsequently traveling around Ireland, Italy, and Spain with my parents. For Inktober 2017, Joey started rendering my photos in pen. Since she is a super fast artist, it took no time at all to accumulate 31 pieces for the challenge.
Joey printed a run of zines juxtaposing the artwork with the photos and our commentary. This was one of my first forays into print book sales, even before my Japan photo books, and helped us raise some money :)
Beyond the joy of artistic collaboration, this was also notable as I was spurred to make a quick little self-portrait (above right) matching Joey’s endearing style (above left). This became my avatar for Vibrant Afternoon craft fairs, and still features on my business cards & greeting cards.
My aunt often (and rightly!) points out that I could do more with this self-portrait cartooning idea. So far, the closest I’ve come is making this digital zine two years ago.
touchpoint #3
I’ve been painting highly-detailed watercolour food since early 2018, but in terms of cultural resonance, this has been the crowning achievement. Fond memories of family gatherings informed my loving rendering of each dumpling and egg tart.
Many Vancouver residents seem to identify with this: four years later, my dim sum stickers and washi tape remain some of my best-selling products.
touchpoint #4
I don’t remember why I decided to paint the SeaBus one day, but a last-minute addition of goofy eyes and a sudden brain wave about “The Magic School Bus” sealed the deal.
These postcards still get the most comments, smiles, and laughs at craft fairs around Metro Vancouver. Truly, the SeaBus is magic – convenient, smooth, and more reliable than TransLink buses!
A transit enthusiast even posted my work on a FaceBook group called Expo Line Memes for Translink Oriented Teens:
reflection
Wow, I’ve made a lot of things in REALLY different styles over the years. No matter what medium, though, my art felt the most authentic when I incorporated qualities of nostalgia and/or goofiness.
In a welcome rebuttal to my perfectionist side, it seems the work doesn’t need to take the longest or be the most “polished” to have emotional resonance. More likely, a certain lack of polish adds to the appeal.
Looking ahead to 2024, I hope the next phase of my artistic output is informed by these qualities. I also want to renew my commitment to the feelings and values on my website home page: “Calm, freedom, and gratitude.”
If you’re an artist, or do anything creative like cooking or journalling, which of your works feels the most authentic to you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
I'm the auntie that loves your work and especially your avatar! It's so YOU, Rachel!