28-Angelina2
©2010 Craig Ashby
Mixed media on masonite.
7″ x 10″

In this second version of Angelina Jolie I decided to go with a photo layer for the finishing layer. The photo layer being a composite of many photos to achieve that look of excess.

I do love the halftone dots across the razors. Closeup, these look amazing. And I achieve a density in color and decay that is wonderful. The colors themselves remind me of recent advances in comic book coloring. Smooth, almost airbrush gradations in blazing color.

But that’s where it ends. This is not a favorite of mine. I think the exposed Terminator side of her face is lost behind the top layer. And overall the intensity of color denies the idea. Almost fighting the imagery.

This is a great example of how everything can work in my mind but not in the final product. It’s a new type of failure, which is why I show pieces like this.

It would seem that there is a formula that consists of control and balance that starts at the inception of the piece. But a large component is pure magic. Almost like holding a wish as if it were a breath.

There are lots of similes I could use to describe the idea. None of which will help me with the elusive nature of creating.