Project #1 Zines: Artist Statement

I started this project off in the direction of a focus on hands, although my original brainstorm tied emotions to hands rather than computers to hands. Once I had played around in illustrator and Photoshop, I figured my original concept was too bare bones and plain for what those programs were capable of doing, as well as the criteria of this project. Not only that, but I had lost interest in the idea and needed something much simple to start with. So I early on switched gears to tying two things aesthetically that I enjoy: computers, old crt monitors in particular, and hands. 

As an artist who primarily focuses on character illustration, I found myself constructing a vague narrative even when I wasn’t intending to. It worked in my favor, as the images weaved together to create multiple narratives and interpretations! As I worked, I found that the ‘character’ that was emerging from this theme had an undertone of godhood; I discovered a new ‘digital deity.’ I bounced my ideas off my family who suggested I use and modify classical paintings that involved this theme (i.e. the sistine chapel Adam & God painting, as well as a painting of Kali from Hinduism). Inevitably I knew art that involves a mixing of hands and computers would lead to a message about ai, and a message about humanity’s attachment to technology, although I didn’t want to make any particular message. I tried to make it vague enough so people could come to their own conclusions, and I felt like that worked out. 

Printing was a hassle as it was for everyone. The final pieces had some images that I printed backwards without even knowing until I had put it all together. The zine also could have been bound together more efficiently and securely. I wish I had started on this project a little earlier so as to give myself more time to fix these kinds of mistakes. Overall I am not unhappy with the final product.