6Hannah

**1. Ar****tist statement:**
I had made a decision in my life that I wanted to wait until marriage to have sex. It may sound traditional and, maybe, a little lame, but it's my decision. I wanted to wait for so many reasons. I have always said that I won't give into peer pressure or be pressured by my boyfriend, or anyone. It's my body, my choice! It isn't always easy. I have pressures and weaknesses, as does everyone else, but I am strong and I won't give in. The thing is, I wish everyone thought this way. It used to always be like this. To have sex before marriage was impure and frowned upon. It was unacceptable. Why? It is because of AIDS, pregnancies, it shows that they have no respect for themselves and do not care about their future spouse. The biggest reason for me is that I made a promise to God. I have a purity ring as a symbol of my promise. I made a promise to stay away from anything sexually tempting or immoral, so that I may try to be more like Jesus. I made a promise to my future husband. It would be completely unfair to lose everything and save nothing for the one I spend my life with. Finally, I made a promise to myself. This makes me confident, strong, and I feel of worth. I feel beautiful on my own. This decision isn't easy. In fact, it has been a tough road to take. I have had kids, teachers and peers ask about the ring all of the time. I get made fun of or bullied. I am asked if means I am married or "too" pure to talk to anyone else. It doesn't mean any of that. It is, merely, the symbol of my promise. ==== I felt as though this was a good topic to use, because it is, very, much a social issue within my school, and many others. It deals with the biggest topic of the American schools. This is a very important topic to me. I never, really, encountered any issues with my project. It all went kind of smoothly. I had an idea on my head as to what I wanted to do and did it. It did take me a long time to figure out whether I wanted to put the pictures on the boards and then put them together or put the boards together and then put the pictures on them. I chose the first way just because it was easier in the long run.==== ====I did actually find this piece to be very successful. I didn't think it was too hard to see the issue. There didn't have to be any sifting through the work to understand. It stands right out at explains itself. I even used a basic color scheme: Black, white, and blue. I like the white and blue because they are pure, crisp colors. Black is supposed to represent the peer pressure and problems the "girl" would have to face. I wish I had more time when I first started, because I wanted to do more to the inside. I was going to put writing and pictures of things that motivate me to keep my promise and inspire me to do what I do. This all makes the piece easy to understand and easier persuaded by. I just wish that I had had more time when I first began.==== ====If I could do it all again I would be sure to start immediately and get all of my supplies together. I wish that the girl was done a little nicer too. I really liked how she looked, but her shoulders were just a little wide. I also could have made her look a little happier.====

2. Critique of a Social Issue Painting:
The issue in hand here is dealing with the youth of America not being heard. I think that there are problems going on and no one wants to stop and listen to what the children of this country know. They would just rather be adults and ignore the kids, but sometimes it takes a child to see the simpler way. This may also have to do with children being abused and not able, too scared, or not strong enough to speak out. They know in their minds what is going on and can comprehend, but are not always able to explain what is wrong. The colors in this piece make the picture feel like this boy has a lot going on in his life. He knows something and needs everyone to hear it. Anyone. He is a small boy and may not have ever seen much of this world. He may not know who to trust or who to go to. The microphone shows that he wants to be heard, and pointing to his noggin displays the process of the important idea forming into words.The artist uses a faded look to the boy, perhaps, to make him look like nobody of any importance or to generalize him as anyone. His head is up and his eyes are gentle. This is a sign of confidence and being genuine. He is simply a little kid who needs to speak out about something in his life and he wants just anyone to listen. He represents all the kids in his situation. Maybe he just needs love.

Figure Study April 13, 2012 Friday In this piece I tried displaying the girl as if she just told the guy she is pregnant. The guy is trying to seem happy and hide his shock. The people in this picture were all drawn based from real people. Two were my classmates and the baby was my nephew, Luke. I chose to make them realistic because it seemed more challenging and I thought it would probably look best that way.

I wanted to put the baby in there because I just wanted to use that one. I chose the background from a large book of wallpaper examples. I really liked all of the colors I used in this and, all together, how it turned out.

After I created this I figured I would want to give it to my mom to display in her office. Everyday she sees kids and teens my age that are expecting. Pregnant, single teen moms are always in her office. She helps them understand everything to expect with a baby and what is right and wrong in development. She also teaches about breast feeding and why it is so important. I wanted this to be a message to those young parents that show up in her office. I want them to feel that even though they made a mistake, they can be completely ready for what is to come.

I had a few problems with getting the whole thing to stay glued together and when there was too much glue the watercolor would smear.

Figure Piece Completely Finished (March 12, 2012) The computer does not do the picture justice. I really love how it turned out. ...

I was just really drawn to this picture. It took a bit of time trying to figure out which picture I would like to create. There were many pictures I liked, but the ones I loved had to do with the beach. I saw it to be a reoccurring pattern. It just had a happier, lighter feel to it. Also being a child, it made it all so much more innocent. The colors are bright and solid. All together I found no reason on why not to make this one. I love it. At first I was unsure of which picture I wanted. It came down to two beach pictures. The other was of a young, strong man and was very brilliant. I decided against it. I had very few problems with actually making the product. The ones I had were small. His face wasn’t the right shape or I couldn’t get that perfect glow in his hair. Either way, they were easy fixes and touch ups. I kept coming back to the “big picture” view of the piece to see it all at once. Here and there were little things I found that could make it brighter, or make it pop more. Later on just before the Educational Show Case at my school another picture was laid on top of mine and black oil was smudged on to the sides and front of my picture. I was so happy that I could blend it to make it look “normal”. Although there were little tweaking problems here and there, I am very happy with how it turned out as a finished product. I am proud of it and quite satisfied.

Feb. 13 Daily Art Activity (The Kicking Girl)

Figure Study (January) I was just really drawn to this photo. I was stuck between this and another beach picture, which was of a man and was more tropical looking. It was bright and brilliant. This seems simpler and more innocent with less detail. I wish I could do more than one. I don't have worries. I just went with it. I get concerned when something goes wrong. I won't have challenges, because I'm awesome. I'm pretty sure I want to use pastels for my medium.