Hard Times Never Last

Submitting Student(s)

Riley O'Rourke

Session Title

Art Expo

Faculty Mentor

Claudia O'Steen, M.F.A and Seth Rouser, M.F.A

College

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Department

Fine Arts

Abstract

Scraps is a collection of work based on real objects and scenes that are typically overlooked. The installation consists of a series of paintings and a tattoo flash rack. I use painting as a tool to shine a spotlight on everyday objects. The tattoo rack is placed in the center of the room as the focal point of the exhibit. In its natural setting in a tattoo shop, the flash rack would be overlooked. Rather than containing examples of tattoos, I use the rack to hold a series of paintings. This series is about taking something mundane and bringing focus to it, making it fun.I see art-making as visual storytelling. Whatever art is made is meant to be viewed. Viewers do not often focus their attention on something like a ring of keys or a spray bottle. I put the viewer in a position to see the world around them with a more observing eye. I outline many of my subjects to draw attention to specific objects and scenes. I put a lot of focus on the colors and brush strokes of my work so that it is visually appealing. I focus on lots of everyday scenes, and I always use a brighter color palette than is found in nature.In scraps, I invite the viewer to look in a way that they might not typically look. The installation creates a story between the viewer and myself.

Previously Presented/Performed?

Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.

Type of Presentation

Oral presentation

Start Date

15-4-2023 12:00 PM

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Apr 15th, 12:00 PM

Hard Times Never Last

Scraps is a collection of work based on real objects and scenes that are typically overlooked. The installation consists of a series of paintings and a tattoo flash rack. I use painting as a tool to shine a spotlight on everyday objects. The tattoo rack is placed in the center of the room as the focal point of the exhibit. In its natural setting in a tattoo shop, the flash rack would be overlooked. Rather than containing examples of tattoos, I use the rack to hold a series of paintings. This series is about taking something mundane and bringing focus to it, making it fun.I see art-making as visual storytelling. Whatever art is made is meant to be viewed. Viewers do not often focus their attention on something like a ring of keys or a spray bottle. I put the viewer in a position to see the world around them with a more observing eye. I outline many of my subjects to draw attention to specific objects and scenes. I put a lot of focus on the colors and brush strokes of my work so that it is visually appealing. I focus on lots of everyday scenes, and I always use a brighter color palette than is found in nature.In scraps, I invite the viewer to look in a way that they might not typically look. The installation creates a story between the viewer and myself.