15-Ivana3
©2010 Craig Ashby
Mixed media on masonite.
7″ x 7″

I can’t honestly remember if this Ivana Trump is a photo layer or not. Looking at it, it just looks like a navy layer. I should research it to see what it is.

Time for another anecdote. When I created the initial top layer, Ivana’s face was hidden behind the eight pointed star (which is borrowed from a painting at the MoMA). Quickly Ernesto Repetto pounced on that bad idea and said I had to include her face. He was so right. So I played with the idea and left the space under the eight pointed star empty of magazine layers. Just eyes on masonite.

Compositionally, this series is nicely executed. The circular halftone helps keep the eye focused and moving. It’s a technique I will try to explore more later. I was going for the engraving look of United States paper currency. And on some level, it almost approaches that aesthetic. I just wish I had more control of how the halftone worked. I should make a note of that and look into my options for future pieces.

Overall though, another success. The rotating text. The teals and reds. This piece finishes up the Ivana set quite nicely.