Artwork & abstract by: Kim Johnson
I made this piece to showcase my identity, for an assignment in my Digital Artmaking class. I decided that rather than including my actual face, head, or part of myself, I wanted to show my identity through one of things that I feel is most connected to it, and one of the places where I am most like my true self… My room.
I chose to draw my dresser because it would allow me to include small items and knickknacks that don’t seem like much upon first glance but have worth after I explain them.
I added a distressed plushie version of myself to represent my anxiety, and books to represent my love of reading, but also to show that I am studious, diligent, and hard-working.
The headphones represent how I feel that cannot do anything without listening to music, and how it’s one of the subjects in which I enjoy talking about most.
The iPad is the primary tool I use to make my art, and the piece on the screen is one of my own. The picture to the right of it is a photo of my friends and I in Washington, D.C., which I included as I feel the people we surround ourselves with, to an extent, reflect who we are.
The calendar and to-do list serve as a symbol of my love and need for organization, as well as planning that can often drive certain actions of mine.
The bust stand and its contents are meant to represent not only an aesthetic that inspires me, and the way I dress, but also the bright colors and energy represent the bubbly, energetic person I can often be, but that doe not get seen to the fullest extent in certain environments like in class.
Lastly, the television screen with “Voltron: Legendary Defender” on it was included partially because that show is one of my favorites. It also represents my love and passion for animation, as this show greatly encouraged me to pursue animation by showing me the type of programs (In terms of plots, characters, setting, etc.) that I most enjoy, and hope to work on someday.
Overall, though seemingly simple, this piece describes who I am, and the various facets of my identity.
