I Solve Problems.
Did your work take an unexpected turn due to a mistake or did something happen that was unplanned?
I ran into a few unplanned events in my paper cut out. First, drawing very thin lines and details is much easier than cutting them out. When trying to cut out a lot of the lines or small designs, the paper would rip. This made it difficult to glue down and get the actual design I was intending. Another mistake I made was having too many white portions against other white portions, and black portions against black portions. I didn't realize that this would make a different shape than I intended until after I cut out the paper, so that also caused my design to look different than I wanted it to.
I Developed My Art Making Skills.
Did you learn new techniques or processes as a part of the work for this project?
This project was the first time I have ever used am X-Acto knife. It was difficult for me to use at first, but throughout the project I got better at cutting the paper with it. At first, it was difficult to cut smooth lines and cut around curves. As I went on with the project, I found better ways to hold the knife and cut the paper. I found that turning the paper when trying to cut curves was easier than trying to turn my hand. Also, I learned that the more pressure I added he smoother the line would end up being. By the end of the project, my lines were much better than at the beginning.
I Create Original Art.
Did you use a source for inspiration, then combine it with your own ideas to make it original?
I started my project off by thinking of popular landmarks and features of American culture. I got pictures of those from the Internet. For example, I found pictures of the Denver sky line, the Liberty Bell, the Hollywood sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. I used these as inspiration but drew my own versions of the bridges, buildings, and landmarks. I also made it original by taking features from all across the USA and putting it into one picture. My arrangement and design of each different element made my project original.