Femammal
Rachel Z.
Multimedia; Color Pencil, Watercolor, Gold Paints
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In my continued investigation of femininity and what it means in the broader context of social norms, the world, and history, I've also aimed to explore what is beautiful to me. Although femininity is typically represented through things like curvature and male desire, I think it can and should be thought of in a more holistic conceptual manner. You can be male, female, intersex, etc., and be feminine. You can be flat, or curvy and be feminine. You can be old or young. My idea of femininity in design does not hold itself in your identity so much as it holds in aesthetics and what you do. As I continue to explore the concept of femininity in design and the world, I hope I can create ethereal works that exude the feeling despite using unconventional subject matter. Creating this set was a labor of love. Although originally intended to be simple pencil-only pieces, every time I turned, it seemed there was a new concept I could work with. Through deep gradations, careful balance of light and dark, and sweeping shoulders, I tried to forge ahead with a new and interesting style full of layering and fun. Making this polyptych was exciting, bouncy, frustrating, and so fulfilling. I hope people can enjoy taking it in as much as I enjoyed creating it.
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As a designer, I think of creativity in terms of use. It is humanity's greatest tool. Creativity is problem-solving, intentionality, and innovation. Everything we enjoy was spawned from someone else's brain. Creativity is like a piece of Play-Doh; we get to keep folding it over and making new things.
