Assignment
Select volumes, planes and spaces that will present a definite sense of foreground, middle ground, and background (deep space) in the drawing. Also depict part of yourself in the drawing (at minimum 25% of the drawing area and maximum of 40% of drawing area).
Draft 1
Exploring with part of myself (hands and legs):
- legs hanging out
- crossed on leg, legs hanging out of the rooftop
- being interactive with the landscape
- climbing/grabbing on to something
Draft 2
Exploring the landscapes with foreground, middle ground and background:
- attempting to use frame within frames with trees
- creating reflections using a pond/ river
- pathway as guiding lines to a small cottage
- landscape of Singapore (use of atmospheric perspective)
From my drafts, I like the idea of my hands trying to grab/climb over a wall. The hands seem to be struggling or exerting a force, as if trying to escape desperately, which inspires me for my final piece. I have decided to draw a pair of hands trying to climb over a wall, as if trying to get over to the other side. Beyond the walls, I wanted to draw a peaceful scenery of trees, grasslands and a small cottage (which is from Draft 2).
Final Piece
Title: Beyond The Walls
I drew a pair of hands, trying to climb over the wall, to escape to the other side where it seems peaceful – with green lands and a small cottage (give me a very warm and countryside feeling, calm and undisturbed).
After I have completed the piece, I realized that it has an eerie feel instead of the tranquility I wanted. But it also gives another meaning to the drawing. The pair of hands seem to be dirty and fragile, as if their owners are weak and had suffered a lot. The hands seem to be desperately struggling to get over the walls. The landscape beyond the walls may seem like a serendipity but it also has a slight unpleasant feelings given off by the curvy trees, as if it is a trap.
Meaning of the drawing
“Beyond The Walls” gives me a feel of the famous Berlin Wall. Therefore, with it comes the meaning behind the drawing.
It shows how people around the world are suffering, experiencing hunger, poverty and diseases due to the conditions of their country. The drawing seems like a person suffering from hunger is trying to escape from his war-torn homelands, to the other side – the better side. But at the same time, the other side holds unknown future, we have no idea what our future harbors, whether it is good or bad. But if we don’t fight for it, we will remain where we are.
Sufferings do not only confine to physical, it can be mental too. If we can get pass our mental barriers (the walls), the world offers us a lot of things to explore. It is good to go beyond the boundaries that bound us, and give our life a some adventures – laugh, live, eat, play and even fall in love. You will never know what is in store for you beyond the walls. Well, you only live once, so why not go for it?
Date: 18 November 2015
