palette·able

Where am I now?

I have been updating the instagram page for my project with informational posts on the individual components that go into creating the paint binder. These include brief descriptions on the resources I am using, where they come from, what they are used for, and some of their beneficial properties. I am hoping that creating an awareness of the thought process behind why certain ingredients are chosen over others for an intended purpose helps to make the connection between the medium, the art, and the artist. I would also like to start making a resource page to link in the description so people can read more if they are interested. 

I need to submit the layouts that I had in mind for my art installation location so that we can choose a location best fit for what type of display it will be and I am a little behind on editing the footage to post the reels to instagram, but the problem should be resolved before the end of this week.

Where am I headed?

Where am I now?

For the past two weeks, I worked on blending the fruit into puree, straining it to get a smooth consistency, and spreading them across baking sheets to put into the oven. In order to dehydrate the mixtures, I baked them on low (200 degrees) for 6 hours until they appeared to be a dry jerky texture and then let them cool before breaking them up into smaller pieces. The next step of the process was to grind them up into a fine powder using the mortar and pestle. I stored them in tiny glass vials to keep the air and moisture out until I make the paints by the end of this week. I have been downloading the footage from my camera so that I can edit them into reels for the Instagram.

Where am I headed?

I will be making two posts to Instagram by this Friday and will post on the weekly schedule of Monday and Friday with story posts on Wednesdays until the end of the project. I also need to draw up a layout of what I want the exhibit to look like and determine why that layout would be the best choice for my audience while getting approval for that, I will test the paints out on paper.

- Status Update -

Where am I now?

So far, things are right on track. Last week, I went to a farmer’s market with some friends and purchased ingredients. I selected four fruits that will produce vibrant colors, such as mango, blueberries, blackberries, and beets-- because I could not find beets at the market, I brought them from a local grocery store. I had gotten turmeric, orange extract, and coffee as well. To prepare for the next steps, I rinsed and cut them if necessary, and stored them in the freezer. 

Supplies for mixing the base of the paints also arrived over the weekend, so I have everything needed to move forward. I filmed and took photos of what progress was made so far and created an instagram page to document it and post more information on paint (https://instagram.com/palette.able?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=). 

Where am I headed?

Hi, my name is Alexis Valentine though you can call me Lex. 

My major is Creative Media with a concentration in design & media.

Brief Overview

Last semester, I conducted research on the origins and the composition of historical pigments (ex: colors we know today as prussian blue, royal purple, etc. all had their own origin story and impact throughout different regions of society. Now, the topic of my senior project is creating a modern rendition of those pigments in an ethical and sustainable manner. I want to showcase these colors and the materials used to create them in an exhibit with its process laid out and a series of paintings at the end to show that they can create something just as beautiful. 

What your hopes are in terms of turning your research into something tangible?

My hopes for turning this project into something tangible is being able to use creative decisions to showcase the process of making watercolor paint with natural ingredients as well as extend the passion to other artists who want to know more about the mediums they are using to create with and that they can make their own with materials that are easily accessible.

What do you hope to do after graduation?