My 1st Coloring Book: February 2012

In the past week I have been been trying to narrow down what the focus of my work is. I think that what is actually compelling me to continue what I am doing is that I am interested in three main things:

1. The exploration of aesthetic appeal:
Creating 2D images based on actual objects with simple shapes, shading, and line work is a relatively easy process that when finished, can look very complex and oftentimes appealing.

2. My passion for technology, and the desire to others to appreciate it as well:
Many people take the technology we use daily for granted. They have a limited grasp on even the most simplistic elements of technology such as the idea of a bit, how to navigate an operating system, or why their touchscreen phone understands where their fingers are. Giving an outline of how these products work stimulates interest in them

Since I oftentimes find past and present technology to be so interesting, I intend for this artwork to appeal on a level separate from purely artwork; it is a visual learning experience. While not only somewhat attracting and complex in their own ways, these pieces tend to introduce the viewer to the subject of technology with the intent that they learn something about the object or product. For instance, an average consumer has no idea what the contents of a desktop or laptop computer are. They probably understand that there are a number of parts included within the body that perform as a whole, but they most likely have no clue what these parts look like, how they perform, or how they are interwoven with the system.

As someone who is fascinated by these processes, I would like to try and recreate some of these objects on a very basic level to try and convey on how complex and interesting these pieces can be. However, with the way these objects are manufactured today, most people would not be highly interested in the objects because they are oftentimes so plain and uninteresting. Take for example an iPad, or iPod. These objects have no visual focus point, no standout features, and nothing that would make a person go, "Wow." Apple knows this, in fact, they purposely design their products to be sleek, smooth, and simple with the intent that their products are not complex in any way (one of their largest selling points is that products with simplicity and ease can be used by anyone and will be available to a wider market). Of course, these products do give off a neat futuristic sense of sleekness and interaction, but the monotone color, the flatness, and lack of value make the object very plain. But as you might guess, the components of an Apple product, as well as any other technology, is incredibly complex and raises the question of "How does this thing work?"

This series has no intention of answering the previous question, it only attempts to provoke the viewer to ask it. These pieces should make a person want to know why technology functions as it does, what possible outcomes can arise from using the technology in a different way, or similar thoughts such as, "Why does this part of the object even exist?" When a person is posed with these types of questions they may also ask, "Where can I find these answers?" Well, the user manual of course. So with each piece I want to give the impression that the viewer is examining this model's particular user manual, on whatever page it happens to be open to, explaining the various parts and specifications of what each component is or does. This is the act of learning or sense of newness I would like to try to invite the viewer experience.

The final aspect I'd like to bring to this series is the progress of technology over time. While this is not necessarily the focal point of these pieces, it gives the viewer some insight as to how much more complex our world has become in just a few short years. Having a comparison of what we have today compared to what we used to use hopefully prompts the viewer to think about what we will someday have in the future