This is my artist statement for my fourth and final attempt at Works in Progress Review tomorrow morning. Every time I've gone up, I've had a different statement written, and to tell the truth, I question just how much they listen to these things anyways. This one was a bitch to write, as I would get halfway through, reread what I'd written, hate it, and trash it. Who knew all it took was a reference to Philip K. Dick to get the juices going?

Philip K Dick, in his many sci fi novels and stories, asked a lot of questions about what it is to be human, and about the world we live in, the nature of reality. I identify with the themes of his work and try to express them in my own way through my art. Though there are clear signs of conflict such as flesh versus metal or man against technology, things do get a little ambiguous. I think that ambiguity is necessary in engaging the viewer.
    I enjoy illustration and graphic design the most, because it’s all about communicating something to the viewer as simply and directly as possible, which in some ways goes against what I just said about the necessity of ambiguity, but it’s all about striking a balance. My biggest influences come from contemporary artists and designers, such as Bill Sienkiewicz, the Designers Republic, Jean Giraud, and Roy Lichtenstein. I am also influenced by loud rock music, comic books, and obscure filmmakers like Alejandro Jodorowsky.
    I most enjoy working in a way that uses both traditional and digital tools, combining the two in a way that reflects the subject matter and sci fi themes that I tackle. I want to combine a traditional illustration aesthetic with a slick, graphic designer’s perspective to it, an old-meets-new approach. I want to keep experimenting and I want to keep being inspired by new and different things. I have struggled these past few years to get a grip on where I want to go, what I want to do, and I feel I’m finally getting the momentum I need. Most importantly, I hope I can inspire people as they have inspired me.

So tomorrow's the day. I think I'm ready. I'm confident. I can do this. Wish me luck!

[Brett]