Final RA

Sophie, 2015
denim, towel, cotton fabric, wire, cardboard, paper, orange peel, candles, bra, synthetic wig, dollar bill, tempura, acrylic, ink, wheat paste.
32"x20"x20"

My final work this semester was inspired by my Not Me Artist, Joby Downs, and his creation of Sappy Sophie.  While portraying my character of the Not Me Artist, an alter ego of his developed.  His background story of being abandoned, sold to a circus as a sideshow act, as also the life of prostitution set the scene for another identity to arise in order to cope and survive the harsh judgements cast by crowds for their amusements.  Sophie was born to mask and protect the sanity of his identity.  No one would know exactly how to feel towards her (or him), though it would not matter as Sophie would not care.  This androgynous character's purpose was to amaze and entertain each ones own imagination and test erotic limits.  She was created to push buttons and question the individual's sense of self shame and  acceptance.


When creating this work material was taken form this character in both physical and spiritual ways.   Most of the elements came from my performance of Joby Downs Does Sappy Sophie , such as the denim, cotton fabric, bra, wig, and tempura paint, but also the identity of Sophie was appropriated while constructing this work.  Her sass is present in her nonchalant exposed posture, as she waits for the viewer to finish their gaze upon her.  A sense of closure to my Not Me Artist's character of Sappy Sophie.  Though question remains, what happen to Joby Downs?

In my future projects I may consider revisiting this scenario to entertain a continuation to this particular story for a full circle completion.  Research aspects of these last few projects have imploded focus on my own relations and interpretations of masks and alter ego identities I may or may not of created, but somehow aware of them, as they are mere characters who live in my imagination and would only be seen through the acts of me.  This drama and emotion is converted into art for the appreciation of approval and disapproval of the viewers.  I aim to please, but know I will not please all.  I take satisfaction as I got them to look at it, and even more if I got them to think about it, and the most if they remember it.  This being said I will take further risks in exposing my subjects and creations of characters in my future projects.  I feel there is a sense of life that is brought to the art which is related to the viewer, and can be used to send important messages I may have to offer. 


A note to my professor:)
Thank You, this Junior Seminar has been an important aspect in my art making, and I will keep close what I have learned and hold the value of research as I continue in my art practice.  See you again soon!