What was your working process?
I sketched my friend’s profile and transferred the image to a rubber linoleum block. I printed the lightest areas, then the middle and dark tones. I used paper cut-outs for the stitched outlines and the lines connecting the four faces.
What is the significance of the lines and birds?
Compositionally, I felt my piece needed something more to link the people together. I thought adding the lines would convey the feeling of looking into the future with an open mind. I added the birds to symbolize this outlook.
How did you choose these colors?
As I moved the pieces of my print around, I liked how the more vibrant red and blue parts complemented the more muted tones on the upside-down side. It created a balanced yet visually interesting look. The colors give you that Pop art feel and move your eye around the whole image.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists like yourself?
Follow your instincts and trust the process. You’ll create your best artwork when you feel totally free.