3 minute read
Annika Camarillo
yarn and sticks
Yarn and knitting needles
“An independent artwork taken on over the course of the year. I acquired and self-taught the skill of knitting. In this artwork, it demonstrates the different stitches and patterns I had practiced and finally combined them to make a hat. This artwork is titled,“yarn and sticks” it was inspired by a conversation with my father while knitting. I came to realize and hope to share with my audience that even a yarn and sticks is technology, and it is amazing all the things you can do with these two simple tools. In my overarching theme of all my works it represents the use of technology in the past. In the past making clothes was a sacred practice for many people and would take days to make intricate patterns, and even to dye and collect the materials. We often forget about this because of the mass production of goods, and we no longer have “time” to do these things. During COVID I’ve found knitting to be almost meditative as I can focus on one thing. It also feels nice to have a new skill, that I can practice and get better at.”
Shadow
Colored pencils [23.7 x 37.3 cm]
“This piece titled Shadow represents the shadow of technology and industrialization. This is the most extreme consequence of technology and the worst side of it. It is hand drawn to show how technology will lead to destruction. I felt I could best represent this eerie feeling and loneliness, in the medium of colored pencils. The colored pencils allowed me to explore with shading and using opposite colors in the color wheel to highlight the colors of the buildings. I also played with dimensional art and how to use shapes and to create 3D dimensions. Throughout my artwork I have random letters and symbols in green, and wanted to create a matrix type of code. This was to show how with technology the veil between reality is broken down. As this was my first artwork I did not feel very comfortable and confident in my artistic abilities. I tried different mediums and played with shapes and had many drafts and practices for this artwork. Throughout these drafts my final changes in medium and theme to what it is now. Using colored pencils allowed me the flexibility to erase or hide something if I messed up.”
Kovid Keys
Old computer keyboard, google slides, colored pencils
“A conceptual artwork, made up of a keyboard, with individual keys showing different messages written by friends and family on how they are doing during covid. Each message consists of an individual having a five minute free write to jot down whatever is on their mind. The piece titled Kovid Keys refers to how all of us must check in with ourselves and others and find meaningful ways to stay active. This piece serves as a reminder to take care of yourself by using creative outlets. The keyboard was found at a local thrift store, and the rest of the materials were from home. My inspiration for this art was that I always felt that I was on my computer during COVID. I felt that technology and online meetings, school have become such a day to day thing that we lack the same care we had for ourselves and others. My sister had recently bought a computer keyboard that had drawing on each key that inspired me to see if I could draw on a keyboard. The drawings on the keyboard linked to the google slide presentation survey to show how we still use technology to connect. It is not a happy or sad piece but I want it to create awareness and allow others to reflect on themselves.”
