Split Builds
Holly Berlyn
Two Final Artworks: 'Split Builds' and 'The Old and the New'
Mediums: Black Fine liner, Acrylic Paint, Cartridge paper, Board
My artwork is an exploration of the past, present, and future of architecture and the evolution of structure symbolized through colour and monochrome. I achieved this through constantly testing and exploring various techniques, such as lino printing, to conclude that developing drawings with coloured and monochrome acrylic paint backgrounds would be the best mediums to use to get across my idea of evolution through architecture. Many artists influenced me throughout my work such as Julie Mehretu, Sarah Morris, and architect Zaha Hadid.
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU CAME ACROSS?
The most challenging aspect of my project was definitely trying to delve deeper into the meaning of why I was doing what I was doing. Trying to figure out the why of everything from materials I had chosen to artists and subject matter was difficult. I felt that this aspect was especially difficult for me to overcome as my style and way of working within my fine art practice does not involve a wider realm of thinking in terms of what and who has inspired me and the reasons for why I do what I do and so attempting this mindset did not come easy to me, however, I found this to really help widen my thinking in terms of my inspirations and influences overall and I was able to grow from this challenge I faced.
WHAT/ WHO WAS YOUR MAIN INSPIRATION?
The architecture of Bath and Salisbury and areas around various parts of the world with interesting and unique architecture is what I really became drawn to and inspired by. On top of this, I drew a significant amount of inspiration from my general surroundings taking photos of architecture whenever I could, the world around me and the architecture that surrounded me became my inspiration. Architects such as Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, and artists like Julie Mehretu also played a big part in my work with their inspiring builds and use of art techniques. This inspired me to explore out of my comfort zone with new processes like lino printing, as well as, explore areas such as colour that I was previously unfamilair with.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PART OF YOUR PROJECT?
Getting to both stay in and out of my comfort zone was the most enjoyable and interesting part of my project. Being able to use not only my favorite materials but also materials I was less familiar with, such as acrylic really allowed me to broaden my use of materials and processes within my practice. Getting to draw, and have the freedom to do so in the style I am developing, was really interesting and fun especially when it came to seeing how my drawing evolved and changed throughout the length and process of the project. This element of drawing really helped me to not only develop through my work at university but also through my own personal work as an artist.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE OF MY WORK
