Artist Statement
As my work has evolved during my college career I have begun to shy away from realism that I learned in my foundation classes toward a cartoonish style that has elements of humor and whimsy. Growing up, I have watched many cartoons and animated films and like any kid growing up during the nineties, Disney movies were a staple. I thought it was amazing how two dimensional characters on paper could be brought to life. I try to blur the line between what is considered “high” art and what is considered “low” art. Normally you would not find cartoons hanging up in a museum, but I want to change that idea; I do believe that any form of art no matter the subject matter or style can be considered “high” art.
The idea of focusing on film and developing characters fascinate me. In my imagination, I am always coming up with stories and characters. I want my work to be able to provide form of escapism; to create parallel worlds and fantasies that do not exist, and are just pure imaginings. If people see my work and feel a sense of nostalgia and are reminded of their childhood, then my work has achieved its purpose. I have used water colors, acrylic, and paper cut outs in my artwork. The cut outs I use are simplified to a silhouette form and utilize bright colors, which are often utilized in children’s media.
Another theme that exists throughout my work is the human like qualities that I believe animals have such as emotion and altruism. I have a great affinity for animals and love being around them. I am constantly learning new things about the animal kingdom and I am always trying to figure out how to incorporate animals into my artwork. My interest in cartoons and animals is quite fitting because many of the animated characters that have been created over the years in television and film are anthropomorphic animals. In animation there is constant motion, bright colors, and vivid imagery. That is how I perceive the world, it is a place where nothing stands still and all the vibrant images and colors that I experience are interpreted into my artwork.
Lauren Sliverglate
B.F.A Painting
