Category: Art/Media

Let The World Burn

by kdehart

Let the World Burn

Keeley DeHart

22 x 30 inches, watercolor and ink on paper

This project was created using watercolor and ink on paper. I wanted to create a romantic tragedy inspired by classic literature such as Romeo and Juliet. The scene depicts a couple within a crumbling ballroom, fire and and destruction in the background. The couple is dressed appropriately for the event, fit with formal wear. They are seen kissing and holding each other passionately and perhaps with desperation. The colors are bright and vivid, almost clashing with each other in order to depict the intense chaos within the scene. The fire and the characters are both center in order to grab the viewers attention while also emphasizing the passion and chaos of the setting and the relationship between the characters.

Final Series: FantaSEA

by kdehart

 

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1NE4kURxOSNt1SLgBwKa1KLHXg9P3iLOa

Google Drive Folder with JPEG files

80’s Dreamin’

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This piece is largely inspired by a combination of the whimsical and colorful fairy tales mixed with a nostalgic vibe derived from the 80s aesthetic. This aesthetic is usually marked by low contrast, neon lights, and iridescent motifs. A prime example, as well as an inspiration for my project, is the singer Sunmi’s album and music video entitled; “pporappippam.” The haziness and low contrast between the colors is meant to symbolize what you would see in a dream or a memory. The colors are also commonly used within the beginning scenes of a children’s movie. The light being placed at such a low angle in comparison to the subject is meant to convey the sunrise after waking up from a pleasant dream.

 

Morning Dew

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This piece is closely related to the last, meant to represent the beginning of fairy tales that show positivity and happiness in the future for the protagonist. However, this is also the part of the plot in which the protagonist reflects on themselves and realizes a problem or aspiration for them to change or achieve. This is meant to be represented through the reflective surface and the darker composition, especially when compared to the prior piece.

Flaming Curiosity

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This piece is indicative of the introduction to the antagonist of the story, that typically shows interest and yearning for the protagonist or the protagonist’s life from afar. The cool tones of the image in addition to the dark and warped background indicate the malevolence of the composition and what it represents. As opposed to the previous composition, within this composition, the reflective sphere is meant to represent the devices antagonists use in order to keep up with the protagonists life. This device is meant to represent the same type of devices like the magic mirror from Beauty and the Beast, Ursula’s orb in the Little Mermaid, and the mirror from Snow White. All of these devices are reflective, which is why I decided to use the same object as the last one in a different way.

 

Lucinda, the Good Witch

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This image is representative of the “Fairy Godmother” figure present within many fairy tales and folklore. The sphere was brought forth as an object within this composition once again. This is because of the inspiration derived from “The Wizard of Oz.” The Wizard of Oz has two sister witches, one being the wicked witch of the west, and the other being the good witch of the east. This dynamic has also been present within other stories, such as the white and red queen in Alice in Wonderland. Beyond directly juxtaposing the previous image within the series by presenting the antagonist and helper as related yet opposite in nearly every way, by using the sphere once again I call forth the similarities and differences between the protagonist, antagonist, and aid. The protagonist and aid, also known as the good witch, are in bright, warm lighting and are surrounded by flowers, while the antagonist has cold, harsh lighting and much less discearnable items surrounding it. This points out the clear differences between the “good” and “bad” sides, but the fact that all three are represented by the same type of item calls forth the similarities between them. All character types have their own aspirations despite reaching for them in different ways.

Midnight Transformation

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This piece is representative of the protagonist undergoing a “transformation” or other form of character development through the help of the good witch, who was introduced in the previous shot. The transformation is shown through the glowing shoe and magical dress, which was achieved by utilizing double exposure and different filters for overlay, such as soft light and difference. I warped the overlaid images to the subjects, such as the dress and shoe, and edited them accordingly. This image is representative of the beginning of the climax within a fairy tale, as the protagonist’s aspirations and goals have been momentarily realized, only to be threatened by the antagonist.

Antics of an Antagonist

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This image was intended to be abstract in composition. The dark colors including maroon, neon green, and dark blue indicate a villain. This is because Disney, among other popular franchises, use these color palettes to represent their villains. Some of these villains include Scar from the Lion King, Hades from Hercules, Mother Gothel from Rapunzel, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and so on. The previously mentioned franchises also use this color palette to represent the antagonist as well. The abstract subjects are suggesting the elements, including water, fire, and lightning. This is because antagonists often call upon the elements in the climax of a story to defeat the protagonist. This effect was achieved by using iridescent foil. light gels, a glow stick, a spray bottle, and cling wrap.

Ariel’s Sunrise

Keeley DeHart, 2021

This piece, as suggested by the title, is largely inspired by the final scenes in the Little Mermaid. Her iconic glittering dress reflecting in the sunrise as she steps out of the ocean was the pivotal scene that inspired this work. Additionally, this piece was meant to “mirror” the first piece in the series in order to reflect a happy end and a satisfyingly aesthetic that was presented within the first image and is often presented within the first and final scenes of fairy tales.

495 Artist Statement

by kdehart

For my 21st birthday, I was able to travel to Mexico where I had the privilege of taking a scuba diving course and fulfilling my requirements for becoming scuba certified in open waters. Throughout the course of becoming scuba certified, it is required to learn about human interactions with nature, and what is and isn’t okay when diving. Scuba diving is a lot like visiting someone’s house; You take only what you brought to begin with, don’t leave trash or forget anything, and it is considerate to clean up trash that is laying around. A common saying among divers is “take memories, leave bubbles” because unfortunately, people believe that nature is theirs to take as keepsake (such as sand dollars and starfish). Even the uninhabited shells found within the sand are to be left alone because they can be used as a home or meal for fish. This was a valuable experience for me considering I grew up with friends and family who enthusiastically picked up shells and other sea life for decoration without a second thought. It amazed me how respecting nature is a requirement for earning a scuba diving license. 

 It was in Mexico and later in Antigua where I was able to dive, and where I met incredibly beautiful life that filled the waters. From the coral reefs to the animals that inhabited them, I saw many diverse creatures. Unfortunately, these beautiful surroundings were not without human influence. On my dives, I found litter and pollution that sullied these beautiful marine environments. Even though I, alongside my family and the dive masters, picked up the litter in order to preserve the coral reefs, I couldn’t help but think of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and our usage of single-use plastics, fast fashion, and other wasted materials. Both as individuals and as a group, we should strive to create a more environmentally conscious society that considers more than just the human race. We are not the only ones inhabiting the earth, and we should respect those we live alongside and appreciate. After all, we exhibit other creatures for our admiration, and pick them out of their homes to display within our own due to their beauty. We pay no mind to the state of their homes as long as ours is beautiful. It is due to this mindset that we have not only created the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but have also killed the Great Barrier Reef. Due to global warming caused largely by human influence, over half of the Great Barrier Reef has died. Humans have caused 95-100% of the global warming changes observed since 1950, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fifth assessment report. Through our short-term, selfish mindset, we disregard the future of our own as well as the needs of others. It is this mindset, along with the hopes and need for a more eco-friendly future, that created this triptych. 

I wanted to show a marine environment, lush with biodiversity and activity, transforming into a different type of marine setting influenced by the inconsideration of humans. The triptych is designed to be viewed from left to right, simulating a timeline and transition from one state to another. The first of the three, entitled Simply Being (2021), is anything but. This painting depicts a coral reef filled with biodiversity largely influenced by the types of fish and marine life I saw on my dives in Mexico and Antigua. From the firecoral to the hawksbill sea turtles to the eagle rays, I saw so many creatures in their homes. I wanted to highlight the beauty of their lives without human interference, as they were simply being alongside us humans temporarily visiting their home. 

The second, transitional piece is entitled Shift (2021). This title has a double entendre, as it represents both a figurative and literal shift in perspective; It shows a shift from marine life without human interaction to a marine environment that shows only human interference, while also forcing the viewer to shift their perspective by physically moving around the painting in order to correctly see all of the painting’s features. The painting depicts a shift from a healthy aquatic environment filled with biodiversity to waters soiled with trash including fishing waste, single use plastics, and clothes. Most of the subjects within the painting can be seen from a direct perspective, however, in order to see everything properly, it is required for the viewer to move around, almost like visually placing puzzle pieces together to make a complete picture. This illusion is achieved through the curved surface I made my canvas out of. Similar to the title of the piece, the materials also have dual meaning. The curvature of the surface along with blue paint is created in order to mimic waves of the ocean while achieving a visual illusionary effect. This is achieved through using plastic bottles cut in half and glued together in an inverted pattern. I wanted to use plastic bottles as they are single-use plastics and are commonly used by everyone, so all viewers of this piece can relate to the piece, and perhaps feel guilt for their own actions that contribute to this shift. 

The third and final piece of the triptych is entitled, Water Waste (2021). This piece is representative of marine environments if we continue down our path of self-preservation and pollution. Aside from litter, the land and water are barren and dirty. Even though there is plenty within the painting, it also evokes a sense of desolation that is especially noticeable when compared to Simply Being. This is intentional, in order to cause self reflection and a sense of longing for the creatures inhabiting the prior paintings. The litter that is seen throughout the water should be recognizable, from water bottles, to Ugg boots, to ketchup bottles. I wanted to depict things found within the common home in order for us to think twice before throwing things away. 

Due to COVID-19 and my journey to becoming a scuba diver, I have been able to think deeply about marine life and the way my actions and the actions of humankind impact it. While creating a visually appealing triptych, I also strived to have the audience ponder the meaning of my work as well as the necessity of their own waste.

Simply Being (2020)

Keeley DeHart

24×30 acrylic on canvas

Shift (2021)

Keeley DeHart

Mixed Media

Water Waste (2021)

Keeley DeHart

22×28 acrylic on canvas 

 

Shift (2021)- Shifted Perspective Version

https://youtube.com/shorts/rYobFz9kuYI?feature=share

Project 3

by kdehart

Disney’s Deception, 2021

Keeley DeHart

12x18in print

 

Artist Statement:

 

We all grew up hearing renditions of the same fairy tales meant to teach us a valuable life lesson while preserving the childish hope that we, just like every protagonist, will get our “happily ever after,” the original stories, however, often tell darker tales with less desirable endings. I wanted to present the stories both as censored and as originally presented, with pivotable moments within the plot that show the original, darker plotlines juxtaposed with the utopian version we have grown accustomed to. I utilized a high quality image with a lowered opacity in order to mimic the stained glass textures often depicting fairytale murals. I used the bucket tool in order to fill the spaces drawn to mimic the designs of stained glass. The rectangle tool was utilized to create the white borders that distinguish each postcard. Different shades of each color were used in order to create the image while still remaining unique and creating visual complexity; Various shades of blue were utilized to create Cinderella’s glass slipper, and purple dipping into orange conveyed the feeling of a sunset in the background without the use of blending. These cells were made by creating random geometric shapes and patterns by using the pen tool with a stabilizer in order to prevent the lines from being shaky or jagged. I utilized the mixer brush tool with a chalk-like brush in order to create the blood and foam patterns on the “original” glass panes. Additionally, when creating the original frames and compositions, I made use of the symmetry tool again in order to make the compositions symmetrical in order to highlight both the similarities and juxtaposition within the original stories and their watered-down versions.

 

External sources:

 

https://pixfeeds.com/images/27/560173/1200-82925511-frosted-glass.jpg

 

Project 2

by kdehart

KeeleyDeHart325.Project2.BalancePoster

Balance (2020)

9inch x13inch 

 

Artist Statement:

 

With climate change and rising sea levels threatening our homes, lives, and world, I wanted to instill hope in the audience that positive change is possible if we try to save the environment.

 

I drew the figure of the young girl to represent the future generations most impacted by climate change. I drew her with traditional pencil and paper, then colored her in using colored pencils and markers. I then scanned her onto my computer. I utilized a filter to give her the appearance of appearing underwater, or that she herself is made out of water in order to depict the symbiotic relationship of man and nature. I then added warm yellows and oranges emitting from  her chest to depict a glow coming from the globe within photoshop. The globe is made by combining several images of textures together to mimic a globe and yin and yang symbol in order to depict the harmony and balance between man and nature required to save the Earth. I used a background and painted over it with the paint tool and smudge tool in order to create the light, ripples, and sky. The image as a whole was brought into InDesign, which I then put text over to convey my message, highlighting the impactful words in a complementary color to make them stand out. 

 

Source Images:

 

https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/6Y33/moss-lake-water-ground-environment-forest-river-grass-mold-seamless-pbr-texture

 

https://wallhere.com/en/wallpaper/1979089

 

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/AOaZm