Mecca Sharrieff Marking Period One

    The goals of this art project were to incorporate bottle caps into my project because at first I was confused on the assignment, but I had a lot of cool ideas as well as sketches. Some were melting bottle caps to create bracelets telling people to recycle, or necklaces, things of that nature. I enjoy creating jewelry that I can wear, however, I realized that melting the bottle caps would be a timely process that I wouldn't be able to complete. I drew numerous sketches that I thought were a pretty good representation of my vision for the project. I wanted something that could represent who I am and something that I believe in. Recycling was the point of the project- so I knew that I wanted to do more than just create something. I wanted to send a message to those who saw my art work. I wanted my critics to learn something from my work without me having to explain exactly what it is.

    One day during art class, I noticed that near the sink, which is where the paint is, there were many boxes used to package laptops that were empty. I asked Ms.Hull if she needed them. She replied, 'no'. I was thrilled to know that I had some materials to work with on short notice. The first thought that came into my mind was to paint the boxes. Then what? I had to figure out something. I thought maybe I could use the magnets and attach them to the cardboard and create a magnet. Instead, I used the magnet as an accessory and attached tape to a magnet and a bottle cap, so that the two would stick together and I could have a different color for every color I would use. I already knew that I had magnets and wanted to work with them-regardless of how difficult the project seemed. There were so many different shaped boxes, so I chose the smallest weirdest looking one. To paint the boxes, I knew that I had to incorporate colors that would show up on the tan cardboard. I also had to think of a theme for the project to show that it has meaning. I used blue to start off as the outside base for each piece to show repetition and then the thought came to me. Like a stop light, I could use the colors red, yellow and green on the inside of each piece of card board. Then all I needed was a slogan. I knew that green usually represents 'go green'. Red typically means stop. Yellow I was stuck on. 'Stop, Go Green'. It was the most sensible slogan I could think of, considering that on a yellow light it just means go slower. Which also represents that going green can't happen over night. It is a process that can be very effective with the help of others and spreading awareness to others.
    
    In my Biochem class, I did a lot of projects prior to this one about recycling. I believe that recycling and going Green is really important to the environment. I knew that this art project was a chance for me to express artistically how I feel about these things. I did some work after the Stop Go Green and I do not have a name for it. The process was the same. I used the same type of card board boxes and paint. I did white and black for the outside, and a mix of different colors on the inside. It meant that when I am at SLA, people see me mostly for my personality (the inside with a lot of colors). However, when I leave SLA, I feel that the world sees me for my color on the outside. As my environment changes, people see me differently. Sometimes I wish people could see my vibrant side all the time, because it shows the person who I'd like to be. This art project challenged my ability to use my time wisely and to create something that shows a lot of work. I was attempting to do more than I could. I view that as a positive, because now I know where my range is and what I have to work with. I can use that to my benefit. Sometimes less is more. I've learned that from completing my project. I didn't have a big piece of art work like the rest of my peers in my Art class- but I know that I worked just as hard to find something meaningful.

See link for photos: http://msharrieffartphotos.blogspot.com/2010/11/below-are-photos-taken-of-my-art-work.html

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