The appropriation of natural objects for symbolic code, and the realization of natural landscapes from manmade symbols

Abstract

The artwork in this creative project explores the concepts of taking natural objects and creating a symbolic code, and using manmade symbols to create natural landscapes. The paintings were accomplished by using encaustic wax, acrylic paint, and collage material. Influences for this work came from contemporary artists, Chinese landscape paintings, and the study of symbolic codes, as well as manmade symbols. Through the use of consistent technique and imagery, a body of work was developed using two main methods of construction starting from the manmade symbols or the symbolic code. Each artwork embodied the same sense of conceptual cohesion. This body of work consists of a wide range of paintings, from large singular panel paintings to a set of small panel paintings to be viewed as one large grouping.