Artist Statement

Tatiana Mesa

Artist Statement

Throughout the years, I have realized that color is a main interest of mine and has served as an influence for me. Also, I really enjoy using mixed media in my art, especially the use of dry beans, rice, corn, and related substances. It is captivating to see how “real life” objects can convey a strong message. I find such foods to be a metaphor itself and for some reason, I have great respect for peasant foods. The reason for this is because I admire hard-working individuals and think humility is a quality that many poor proletariats carry, especially from my country of origin, Colombia.

I have realized that process is the most important thing for me as an individual. My process has allowed me to discover the reasons why I think, what I believe in, and what can I do. Process has led me to gain good understanding of anatomy in figure drawing, shape, form, content, value, composition, and the use of technique; I have gained the knowledge of knowing the impact of visual language. For example, how visuals can produce more sensory effects than just “viewing”. For example artists that have influenced me are Kaethe Kollwitz because I actually feel and experience her work due to its content.

Although I am going to school to become a health care professional, I have meaningful lessons from art that will enhance the actions I choose to do as an individual. I plan to reach certain goals, but I would not know such goals if I wasn’t trained in the arts. Through the arts, I have realized my true passions and honoring process alone will help me discover new aspects of life.

Food Project

This is part of my other food project. I am using pen, graphite, and colored pencils to create this piece.

Critique Reflection

Overall, the critique we had yesterday on each person's work was very interesting because I had the chance to see my classmates' strengths and weaknesses. In addition, we had the opportunity to speak about our work and reflect on ourselves as artists. It is very useful to have critiques because we get to really get advice from others and see our work from different perspectives. I think that the critique went out pretty well because we all shared our ideas and remained respectful of each others art. I look forward to future critiques.

Food Piece

I am currently working on a piece using beans as my medium. I am planning to create a rosary by using beans. I am using beans because I feel that beans represent humility and I am doing a rosary because it represents hope and religion. Overall, I am focusing my piece on the theme of culture. That is because I am a Latina and want to make a representation of the humilty of many Latin people and the hope many of us carry. Also, I want to show the importance of Latin traditional foods, such as beans, and the belief in Christ many Latin people have. Food and religion have a big impact my culture. I am strguggling with the composition of my rosary. Overall, I am considering on making more than one rosary. Overall, I believe I have a very strong idea on what I want to do. I will continue planning my composition. Hopefully my piece will be as strong as my idea.

Forks

I think the composition of this piece is really strong because the forks intersect. Although this piece is not finished, I am struggling on making the forks look like metal.

Walnut Sketches

These are the sketches I made before I began working on my walnut pieces.

Walnut Piece

This is one of my walnut pieces. I used mixed media.