Brainstorm Blog #1

In much of my art, I have had a distinct focus on Americana and the lure of post-war American culture. The emergence of Hollywood in the global cinema scene, the new dynamics of American politics, and The United States’ attempts to solidify themselves as a global power. Many of my favorite artists, including Edward Hopper and Geoffrey Gernstein perfectly capture this sentiment. In an almost nostalgic way of painting, the artists capture relics from the past. Using primary pastel shades and pop culture icons, the more positive aspects of the time period are shown. Unfortunately, those who have any understanding of historical context know that post-war America was far from the poster child it is made out to be. Throughout this zine project I would like to balance the multiple sides of good and evil in the period. I will leave much of my interpretation of the time up to the viewer and will refrain from stating the obvious. I would like to include aspects from many of my favorite artists in a unique way. In some of my paintings I have attempted the same thing and I am looking forward to trying this on a new medium. I believe I will combine elements of photoshop and illustrator alike. I want the entire zine to feel nostalgic and almost dreamlike, with a unique commentary illustrating my opinions. Good and evil will be my baseline - as it is a struggle as old as time.