EDX1250 Assignment 1 DONNA JOHNSTON

Review of Kelly Hutchings Artwork Component 1 Reporting Kellys artwork is a wall piece or plaque. It appears to me to be a multi limbed creature (either an octopus or spider). The body of the creature is a black, baroque style wooden frame This frame is attached to a piece of black painted board that serves as both a background for the artwork, and also a way of hanging the wall plaque. Attached to the front of the body is the word HOPE which is white in colour. Extended from the body, are some lengths of black rope like material. Each length of rope is loosely draped from the body and links to a photo frame, except for one, this connects to the word create. There are eight of these ropes in total, and these look to me like they are the legs or arms of the multi limbed creature.

Component 2 Response This assemblage piece of art that Kelly has created, is an expression of her love for her daughter Hope. The Octopus like creature seems to embracing the photos of Hope in a nurturing like manner. The emotions I feel when I view this artwork, are ones of the love and special bond a mother has with her child. The 3D form of artwork that has been completed provides an abundance of texture, from the smooth baroque surroundings of the wooden frame, to the coarse and rough like texture of the limbs. Initially, I find my focus is on the emphasis and the darkness of the main body of Kellys creation. Secondly, the flowing line of the rope like limbs draws my eye to the smooth, plastic like photo frames that are attached. The frames each contain a photo of Hope. The line of the rope like material, drape around and embrace the frames. The neutral colour of black, gives the wall hanging an intense and bold look. The frames are in contrast to the majority of the art work, with four of the frames in the intense colour of hot pink, and three frames being the neutral colour of white. The last line of rope like material is attached to the word create in a 3D form. The lines and shapes of the letters in this word are curved and flowing and are painted in the same hue of pink as the four other frames. The proportion of this art piece once mounted on the wall, creates a bold focal point. The scale is large, and the light tone of the wall in contrast to the low key value of the actual art form demands audience attention. I am left wondering if this masterpiece of Kellys tells a story of the life and creation and love of Hope. Or maybe the word create relates to the creation of a family.

EDX1250 Assignment 1 DONNA JOHNSTON Component 3 I find Kellys Art form to be very unique and interesting. I have in the past made a collage of different framed photos on a piece of board. The lighter shades of colours I used were in contrast to Kellys mainly bold and low key colours. The lines used on my collage of framed photos were symmetrical, straight, smooth and in proportion, again in contrast to the wild beauty of the varying lines and textures and shapes of Kellys work. I love displaying photos in something that I have created myself, it brings a sense of pride, and gives that personal touch to the presentation of the photos. Kelly has used her skill to create those same feeling within her artwork. Component 4 The piece that has been created, uses the form of expressionism. The assembly of the various sections of the artwork express to me as the viewer, a sense of attachment and of being embraced. I believe Kelly is expressing through her work the connection and love she has for her daughter Hope. The materials that were used in this artwork are varied. The have been sourced from different places, with most of the materials being recycled (as per Kellys description). With the focus on the recycled materials, I am under the belief that Kelly wanted to express her view on looking after the environment, Also relative may be the link between bringing Hope into a natural world that is environmentally safe and sustainable. As I view this piece of art, I wonder whether the large centre piece, or body may be a symbol for the mother and father. It is a lot larger in scale to the rest of the work, and to me would represent the parents of baby Hope. Viewing the smaller photo frames and the way the rope/limbs attaches to each one may be the metaphor for a baby being cradled. Being the audience for this visual 3D artwork I sense that it may have a narrative element to it. As a whole Kellys work seems to tell a story about the creation, attachment, unity and nurturing aspect in relation to their beautiful daughter Hope.

Component 5 After evaluating Kellys artwork, it has made me more aware of the individual component that art can encompass. The idea that an artwork can be interpreted in so many different ways. It can create different moods, emotions and meanings. After doing this review, I have come to realise that there is no right or wrong in what we read into, or see in a persons art work. What one person may see or feel may be in complete contrast to another person. A child who draws a picture of their idea of a beach, may look totally different to another childs drawing. Developing childrens personal aesthetics requires thought and planning. I think that the mood or the stimulus needs to be set for the child, so that they can create their own individual piece. As a teacher I would be encouraging children to put feeling and emotion into their art work, and set the scene for this so they can then let their imagination run wild. Encourage the children to

EDX1250 Assignment 1 DONNA JOHNSTON express themselves with the elements of art such as lines, tone and shades. Experiment with colours, shapes and patterns. Discuss other peoples artwork as a class, and ask questions such as what they think may be happening in the drawing, or what a sculpture may mean. Invite the children to discuss the different types of lines the artist may have used, or the colour scheme of the artwork, and why they may have used those colours. Also allowing the children to tell you their story, about their own artwork helps to develop their aesthetic qualities. Ask them why they chose to use paint rather than pencil, why they chose those colours and how did they create that special texture for example. Summing up, most importantly, I would encourage the students to view art in their own unique way. Thanks Kelly for the opportunity to evaluate your work of art.