Josh

My strength is the use of mixed media: Plexy glass, plywood, glass, wood, wire, acrylic paint, and other materials used. This range of media helps reinforce my idea of differences and has lead to the expansion from 2-D to 3-D. Problems include the incorporation of a variety of cultures and techniques. Moreover, the technical neatness of the work and the difficulties of connecting the range of materials together were further issues. The internet, magazines such as American Craft and Art News, and books on various artist have contributed to the development of my artwork. Through my research a series of artists have influenced me: Initially, the optical art of Victor Vaserely and Bridget Riley impacted me, with their use of checkered and repeating patterns. Other artists such as Oskar Schimmler, Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder, and the heavy impact of Piet Mondrian’s neoplasticism. Furthermore, the sculptures of Dan Namingha, David Smith, and Frank Stella’s layered and unique pieces have greatly influenced my technique and style. ||
 * ==**__Joshua Shearman__**== **__I__**__**B Statement**__Through my work I try to express messages that connect to my life and surroundings. Egypt and the international setting is a major inspiration, as it is not only a crossroads between conflicting continents, but for many ideas and beliefs. The old civilizations are being engulfed, as western modernization is sweeping through. The old versus new, East versus West, traditional versus modern, are colliding in Cairo. I have tried developing artistic techniques and styles to help portray these divergent thoughts. Each person, culture, religion, has particular views, ideas, and differences that give them their uniqueness, this is represented through my choice of diverse colours, sizes, patterns, and media. I have created compositions to illustrate opposing thoughts and differences, yet at the same time demonstrated the necessity of unity,

Acrylic 72x96 || || Acrylic, wire, and mirror 24x36 || || Acrylic and wire 30x40 || || Acrylic 18x24 || || Acrylic 18x24 || || Plexy glass and acrylic 26x22 || || Wood and acrylic 60.5x36 || || Wood and acrylic 37x18 || || Wood and acrylic 36.5x29.6x11.8'' || || Acrylic, wood, and photograph 29x20 || || Glass and acrylic 31x46x27'' || || Acrylic and wood 42x27 || ||
 * **__Four Flags__**
 * **__Connections__**
 * **__Differences__**
 * **__Stairs 1__**
 * **__Stairs 2__**
 * **__Unclear__**
 * **__Unity__**
 * **__Contained__**
 * **__Collaboration__**
 * **__Old vs. New__**
 * **__Clear Idea__**
 * **__Link__**