Post 4- Message/Mission - Ai’jhana Cutler

Message/Mission

     The meaning behind my art tends to fluctuate especially as I progress with my work. I like to feel connected to my art whether it’s a self portrait or simply an imagery that I’m drawn to. Perspective is very important to me as that contributes to how I want to convey my work but also how others perceive it as well. I’m currently working on a few paintings (that are not done yet) that focus more on the issues that I think would be important to have in the limelight as a reaction to the current state of our country and climate. No matter the theme, I do like to approach it in a way that seems intentional so the audience could at least feel something and would have in their mind after stepping away from it. I use my perspective to address issues/themes that are tied to me. The overall message is regardless of whatever is happening, people will continue to exist. How visibility amongst each other is important and the appreciation of connection.

Destiny and Briana, 2024 40 x 60 in. Charcoal 

I’m very proud of this one, not even because of the time it took to make but because of who I made it for. There is something so special about connection that I think we forget about because of how much we rely on technology, that and empathy somehow gets lost between there. I just wanted to pay an homage to my very close friends as our bond is something I always appreciate. I wanted to evoke the feeling of softness and comfort so the viewer could be pulled towards this piece.

Within, 2024 18 x 24 in. Oil Paint

Self portrait that I did, wanted to focus on the iconography aspect of it. The idea was basically being in tuned with one self, the flowers and colors have sapphic ties to them. Did some research on which flowers in history were used as queer indicators so I included lavender, pansy, violet, etc.

Chill Season, 2023 Adobe Photoshop

I thought it would be fun to show a medium that I don’t typically work with but still liked the outcome. While this doesn’t necessarily fit with the theme of my other works, it’s still tied to me as this is a game I enjoy. I think it’s good to indulge time to time in other interests (: This was more self directed so I decided to make myself a poster for the new update that was going to be released at that time.

Container For a Dream, 2024 Ceramic

I initially just wanted to do a genie bottle just because of the sculptural aspect of it but I started to think of why. At least in fictional stories they’re associated with wishes so I decided to connect that with the design around the vessel. I have Ginkgo trees near my house so the pattern is a callback to home and childhood. The idea of when you’re young you hold all of these wishes and thoughts of the future. Putting that together with the genie bottle I was able to make this cohesive.

Celebration, 2023 Cardboard and Tissue Paper

When I made this I was trying to aim for a feeling. Using the nature of the unconventional material to create the sense of joy or comfort. This also ties to connection amongst each other and how we all have a different perspective yet it seems relatable and reminiscent of something that we’ve experienced. The vibrancy of the colors is the main thing that I used to try to convey that feeling while using the textural aspects of the material to make the audience look around the sculpture.