Art Summative Written Reflection

When I received the final summative assignment, one design came to my head to use in my shadow box – a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I have always been interested in his architecture and designs, and on many occasions I have tried to create a design inspired by his work. On the skateboard project this year, my initial design was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, but in the end I chose a different design. This project was the first time I was really able to use one of his designs.

Planning was key in the process of creating my design. At the beginning of the assignment, I had to choose a design. I went on the Internet and found an image of Taliesin West in Arizona, which I have seen in person. This was the only source image I used in my project. After I found my image, I created a sort of “manual photoshop” where I used different layers of tracing paper to map out my different layers in the final composition. My initial sketches were then repurposed as I transferred the pencil lines onto my final layers as we did in the renaissance painting.

I tried to incorporate every technique I learned and skill I used throughout the year. I used perspective drawing, taping, sponging, shading, tracing and cutting, and acrylic paints. Throughout the process, I did not encounter any huge design problems and I was able to assemble it with very few problems. The only problem was that the frame did not stick with glue, so I used double sided tape instead. I did have a problem removing the green tape though. I constantly ripped up the borders of my layers. This was not a huge issue since I put a frame over all of my layers.

I tried to creatively use all of the materials to my advantage. To create a window, I used a piece of frosted mylar plastic. To make an even border on all of my layers I used green tape.

My piece represents a unified composition. I think that all of the layers blend together to create a three-dimensional view of the building. The piece reminds me of what Taliesin West looked like when I was there. The contrast between the shaded areas on the stairs really creates a sense of depth on the piece.

My composition suggests new meanings of composition, a way of living, how to use space, and how to use the environment around you, much like Frank Lloyd Wright did. I am very satisfied with the way the piece turned out in the end and I was finally able to use one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and ideas in my own work.