Similarities and Differences

In our first assignment, I was asked to discuss the similarities and differences among four artists, all of which use photography as the main medium in their artworks. While I did enjoy several of the works by each artist I found I was truly moved by Teun Hocks. He uses oil paint over top his photographs which gives it a dreary painterly look which as a painter myself, is probably why I'm most drawn to his work. All of the artists seem to have a depressed feel to their work, and in some cases even a little dull, in which they make use of space and diffused light to bring that effect. Gregory Crewdson and Teun Hocks pieces depict wintery, misty, and lonely scenes however the content differs. Gregory uses landscapes from rural residential towns that look almost like scenes from a documentary or a movie. I found that same movie quality in Cindy Sherman's works; the black and white photos depict women that could be direct clips taken out of the Twilight Zone original series!  Jeff Wall's work was the least enticing for my taste, however, I did find "The Destroyed Room" intriguing. I like how it depicts something that already happened, the chaos that went on before this photograph was taken, and what a wonderful way to release energy. It must have been so much fun creating that space!

What Inspires My Art?

Theres really only two main ideas that inspire my artwork. First is my environment, which is very vague, I realize. So allow me to digress, from the sweet smell of the air, the light reflecting off the clouds  to every single life experience, to my emotional state, and the relationships I've built and lost, all immensely inspire the art I've created and will create. The second main inspiration and really a source of motivation comes from music. From a  depressing Bach cello suite to the birds singing outside my window to John Coltrane and Duke Ellington classics, music has helped me express an emotion or a time visually. Furthermore making music has allowed me to express myself and in turn has really geared my excitement in using tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator. After I'm done screaming into a microphone in my hardcore punk band for aggressive young teenagers, its rewarding to create flyers, stickers, CD covers, and t-shirt designs for our next show. 

About Me

My name is Patricia Quigley, I grew up in Trenton NJ and after 10 years I finally have decided on a major, Art Education. I've worked with several artists including Steward Johnson on the traveling museum exhibit, Beyond the Frame, as the painting manager. I just transferred into the College of New Jersey from the College of San Mateo in California and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.