swilsy

Eyeing New Techniques

November, 15, 2025

The third piece started with more of a plan for the design and medium. I have always drawn eyes and they were often a starting point for my line drawings. I tried doing the same with this piece, as well as making it somewhat symmetrical. Unfortunately, I didn’t take great photos of the earlier work. This was photographed under blue light and it takes away from the contrast, however slightly.

The board was coated with wall texturing spray before I started the lines. I really liked the result. It gave the surface a better texture for the putty to bond, and looks more interesting overall. I’ve since started mixing my own base layer by thinning the putty and pour coating the boards or spraying them.

I dyed the gypsum for this piece using Rit fabric dye. The purple dye was the liquid type which helped mix easily and thinned the putty. I liked the color but I am limited on how much liquid dye can be used for premixed putty before it is too thin. The yellow dye was the powder or granular type and was mixed into the putty and thinned by adding water. The dyed gypsum has been favorable for colored over painting the lines, but they each serve a purpose.

I recall my mood during this work as low and detached. I can see it in the lines, how I was rushed. This is my least favorite work to look back on. Even though I was very new to the medium, it’s clear that I didn’t give myself the time and patience I deserved. This journey has been helpful for teaching me to enjoy the process more than the end product. I think about this piece before I start anything, and while I’m working. When I find myself feeling in a rush to complete a part of the task, I try to step back and remind myself that there’s no point to this. I don’t have a deadline. I don’t have to answer to anyone. I’m doing this because it’s what I do. When I’m centered, I enjoy the challenges as opportunities to figure out a new approach, rather than seeing them as setbacks or delays.

Suffering is grace.