5/2/09 - New Image in Illustration Portfolio

Experimenting with high contrast whites and blacks is a great way to practice the drawing of shadows. "Medusa" is the result of some trial and error with this process and I'm pleased it captures the mood I was shooting for. Unlike the traditional grotesque, fanged beast you'd normally see, I decided to alter her image to one that's more solemn and subdued. Head on over to the Illustration Portfolio to find it.



3/10/09 - Something Old, Something New

In addition to the mural (see entry below), I have also completed my three-dimensional self-portrait titled "Mr. J." It is definitely among the more comical works I've done, modeled after "Self-Portrait One." Also, I have uploaded photos of a textiles piece I completed back in 2007 titled "April 6th, 2004." This piece details the experience of my twin brother, Andrew, while he serving as an infantryman for the U.S. Army in Iraq (thankfully he is back home now). That particular day, as he describes in his copied journal entries attached to the edges of the piece, was likely his worst hours over there. While driving on patrol in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, he and his crew were attacked by rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and small arms fire. No casualities were inflicted onto U.S. troops but his crew was badley injured in the ambush. This piece reminds me that no matter how cautious and careful our troops are out there, trouble always has a way of finding people during warfare. You can find full size images, information, and details of both works in the Textiles Portfolio section.



3/9/09 - It's A Jungle Out There

For the last two months, I had been spending my Saturdays outside of the studio to create a mural (about 8 feet high) in the home of one of my co-workers. With a new baby expected on the horizon (congratulations Kim!), my patron wanted to change the existing child's bedroom into one that featured a jungle theme throughout the space. So I was hired to paint a tropical forest with a selection of various animal and plant life in a cartoon-like style. The largest painting I had ever attempted, I finally completed it last week, adding the last drop of varnish to the shrubs. It was challenging but very rewarding. Like any project, goal setting and determination was critical for its success. Click on the toucan below to bring up the full view of the jungle mural.



12/7/08 - Approaching the New Year

Why wait until New Year's eve to make resolutions for the upcoming year? I've always had goals in mind and 2009 will be no different. After some consideration, I've decided to keep my textiles practice moving in a similar direction, creating more three-dimensional work. This includes one bearing a similar likeness to "Self-Portrait One," which should be ready in January. As for illustration, I've been dabbling with ideas centered upon sequential art, specifically with graphic novels. I would love nothing more than to create in this format. My ideas are still in their infancy but as I learn more about the industry, I feel more and more confident about taking on such a long-term project. I'm hoping 2009 will enable me to flesh out my portfolio further and incorporate new ideas and methods.

10/8/08 - Sketching, where has the time gone?

It's been a long time since I devoted an entire session of art-making to sketching and practice; I am glad I was able to loosen up and practice for a few hours. Most of my sketching time is limited to 10 or 15 minutes at the most and that is only when I manage to find time between lesson planning and teaching... So I traveled over to San Francisco to pay a visit to the DNA Lounge where I found a host of good subjects to draw. The sketch you see below, "Congregation of Shadows," is among one of my favorites from the night. Here I attempted to break down each figure to their core shapes, working quickly to gather the group in front of me into the composition. Like my other illustrations, you can find the larger version in the Portfolio section.



8/12/08 - New Image in Illustrations

This new image, "Self Portrait One," was made to capture my art practice as a whole; I appear as a doll with elements of textile work and a combination of ink techniques. Check out the full size image in the Portfolio Illustration section.



6/21/08 - Art for the Kids

Thanks to a successful interview process, I earned a position to teach art to kids in an elementary school position (private school). So this summer looks like it will be geared towards preparing for the upcoming school year. In addition to the normal curriculum, it's likely I'll be able to teach some lessons that can utilize my skills in both ink and textiles. Even inspiring one student to make and create their own art will be worth it.

5/12/08 - Up and Running

After many hours of effort, I am pleased to announce the launch of www.jeremysosnick.com! This site replaces the one at zhibit.org. Don't forget to drop me a line at jeremysosnick@yahoo.com. Thanks for everyone's continued support.