Task 03 - Backgrounding

Initial Ideas / Approaches

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• ​Conceptual exploration - My initial response to the prompt entered on themes of family and a connection to your personal background. However, I found myself grappling with a sense of disconnection, as my family history felt bland and devoid of distinctive tradition or culture. 

• This would prompt me to approach the topic from a more individualised perspective, exploring effects of trauma on an individual's identity and development.

• Personal reflection - I chose to explore my experience as a queer/gay man navigating the challenges faced as a youth. Particularly the negative thoughts and slurs often encountered and exposed to. I aimed to articulate how these ecxperiences leave lasting scars on one's identity and sense of self.

• Expressive approach - I envisioned the work as a raw and expressive selection of my journey, using my body as a visual representation of my journey of 29 years, incorporating personal symbols, elements from my life, significant stories and quotes, all envisioned as tattoos, that serve as markers of struggle, resilience and permanent scars on the psyche.

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How I Developed This into My Final Work​

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• Content Collection -  I dedicated an hour or more to generating and collecting a series of slurs, phrases and quotes that would metaphorically represent tattoos on the body, acting as scars from past experiences. 

• This process was both cathartic and revealing, allowing me to confront and articulate my feelings and story.

• Material and canvas preparation - I identified key elements necessary for the work, starting with a raw, shirtless, black-and-white portrait photo of myself, captured from waist up. 

• Making sure to print two A1 copies, one for practicing and developing a storyboard concept for the final execution.

• Drafting process - Using the demo print, I gathered various writing materials (pens, pencils, markers) to experiment with mark-making techniques, testing the quality of pigment to choose the best tool, which was a pencil.

• This allowed me to explore different styles and find the most effective way to incorporate the slurs as tattoos onto the image. 

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What Went Well​

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• The decision to maintain a monochrome and non-colour palette imbued the work with emotional weight , enhancing its impact. The simplicity of the palette allowed the rawness of the message to shine through.

• Despite initial hesitation about displaying my Boyd and physique, due to feeling of embracement, pushing myself through that anxiety became an empowering experience. This journey of vulnerability empowered me to delve deeper into my true identity and further as an artistic expression.

• My background in the tattoo industry provided a foundation for the development of this work. Understanding the body and how tattoos wrap and form around the body, enabled me to draw and inscribe the text onto a two-dimensional surface in a way that evokes a sense of three-dimensionality, enhancing the realism of the piece.

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What Could Be Improved

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• Moving forward, I recognise the need to invest time in prior organisation and planning for applying the text more effectively.

• A clearer strategy prior to execution could streamline the process and enhance a final outcome.

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Where could I Go From Here

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• Font and style exploration - to enrich the work further, I could experiment with different fonts and styles across the work. This exploration would add detail and realism, further enhancing the visual narrative of the tattoos.

• Series development - I see potential in extending this work to create a series of portraits that incorporate tattoo text from various individuals. This approach would allow for diverse stories and experiences to be represented, broadening the conversation around identity and psychological scars.

• Imagery exploration - in addition to text, I would like to explore incorporating tattoo image designs that are more visual and specific too individual subjects .his could introduce a whole new layer of personal storytelling, connecting imagery to unique experiences of each person.