INSPIRATION - WENDY XUE

Wendy Xue created this piece 'I'm Fine' - originally it was an immaculate hyper-realistic drawing of a deflated happy face balloon. The piece was created to reflect a low period of mental health. However once she finished, she decided to journal in the background to expose the raw thoughts and feelings she was experiencing at the time.

I personally think this rawness has only enhanced the work. Her theme is very similar to my own and plays into the Happiness Paradox I have been researching.

This got me thinking that perhaps my piece should have some imperfections to reflect my own mental state, however I am very apprehensive in case I ruin my neat work.

CURATION

SURROUND

I was determined to light my piece in a way, emulating the signs I have been researching.

Rather than drill holes in my current piece, I decided to mount it on some clear laser-cut acrylic in a diamond shape, with holes that would perfectly fit the lights I bought from Amazon.

I mocked up a shape behind my painted piece, and then attempted to create the shape digitally with 15mm holes evenly spaced. The acrylic panel will also add strength to my final piece, anchoring it down.

Here you can see the shape and how it will look behind the sign.

I'm hoping that these tiny bulbs I have bought will fit flush into the sign. However they only last for a week or so, so I would have to fit them then remove the paper tab when I'm ready to show my work. Once they die off they will be redundant, but I quite like the idea of the piece being ephemeral.