PAINTING

When painting my letters, I decided to use a more abstract and free graffiti-style approach.

I could have gone for perfection as I usually do, but I felt this would have taken from the context rather than adding to it.

I started by mixing some acrylic colours, choosing bright, happy, colourful tones. This would make the piece more appealing and aesthetically pleasing.

I originally used a small trowel to apply sporadic stokes of paint all over the letters, trying to be as expressive as possible. This was a challenge for me! I am usually extremely considered and have a high perfectionist complex. However, once I got going, I found myself enjoying the process thoroughly. I began to water down the paint to create splashes and texture with large brushes.

This was the highlight of the entire process for me. Allowing myself to relinquish control to create something new and exciting was liberating. This painting style only further reinforced the urban, graffiti inspired style of the final piece – creating layers of texture and colour like those often found in graffiti hot spots.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the letters. The colours are bright and not muddy, but layered beautifully. The freedom allowed me to create something unexpected, and something that hasn't been highly planned and detailed to every inch.

I considered adding some text and drips, with some help of the graffiti artists I know. I decided against this though, as I was prefer the nuance of the layers, colour and texture, over a literal graffiti'd sign.

As I curate my piece I will add to them if I feel called to. As they are travelling to their destination to be photographed, I don't mind if they crack, get scratched, or even break. I feel as though some wear and tear will add to the overall effect rather than take away.