On Houses: A Dwelling Space

Abstract

My process consists of many drawings, rough drafts, and edits. I draw from observation the houses of my neighborhood. Starting from my house, where I rent a small studio apartment, I circle the block and wander down different streets, some of which are still new to me. Chipped paint and degraded wood are indicators for the passing of time. I am particularly drawn to the houses which appear lived in; the ones with full porches and messy yards; the ones with children's toys and tools for some home improvement project strewn about. Without showing any people, I portray the essence of particular family. Once I am captivated by a house, I draw it, photograph it, and then begin my process in the print studio. Transferring my observations to copper, I begin to feel out what's right for my subject. Intaglio offers me many choices in each stage of the process. It also allows me to show my illustrative hand, and gives room for minute details. Much like the relationship from man to home, my relationships with these plates is quite intimate. Each house has its own personality and character, so they deserve different attention to line quality and media choices. Creating these houses feels very much like drawing a portrait. In my mind, the connection from house to person is strong. In fact, it brings to mind the anthropomorphic qualities of the movie Monster House, in which a house comes to life. Houses possess energies, unique to each family and environment. If I can imitate and emphasize my own interpretations of such energies, I will be content.