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I chose to research Native American myths because of the
use in my artwork of images from nature as metaphors for introspection and
growth, and the energy in those processes. As I read, I recorded in a journal/sketchbook
pieces of stories, and sketched images that appeared to me while I was reading.
Throughout the duration of the research, I worked in the
journal/sketchbook, elaborating on and responding to the notes/sketches I had
made. I also created charcoal drawings, and clay and mixed media sculpture, which
derived from my notes, sketches, and drawings. One storytelling style I was
fascinated by can be found in my artwork; that is, clearly presented images whose
full intent is not immediately graspable. It is unearthed only by analysis
of the underlying layers of intent. The examination of this
type of story, along with those that included unexpected twists in final
concepts, was a noteworthy part of this research.
Because process is important to me, I wanted to share my journal/sketchbook.
But I realized that many notes about what I had researched and drawn were
too personal to share. So I created a new journal which revisits the process. It
randomly presents pages from the original workbook, images with visual
twists added after the fact, works in process, and final drawings�accompanied
by notes that connect them to my research.
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Valerie Christell, Sacred Ground.
Valerie Christell is Curator at the
Arts and Cultures Gallery,
Alverno College,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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