September 2012 – nik uzunovski

Ink on paper 2.0

Posted on 30/09/201216/01/2013 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice, The Artworld

I recently embarked on creating a new series of work, a series of ink drawings/paintings on paper. I felt that I needed to step up my creative process by incorporating some colour. But not for the sake of doing something different. I have tried to push my work, make it more interesting, more active and engaging. The images below are a sampling of what I have managed to put together. Using the same process as I did in the previous ink drawings, however, I have been forced to reconsider the properties of the mediums I have been using. Ink and watercolour, although they are similar; both being water based, they both have a series of varying properties. When mixing ink with water it comes quite close to being like water colour. When creating a work with different mediums, both fluid, you have to consider the process carefully. It can become very easy to end up with a muddy mess of pigment on paper, which is what happened with a few drawings, however they are not a waste, but a lesson on what not to do. So I hope you have enjoyed the progress of my work so far and I hope you continue to do so.

UOW FCA Nude Auction Fundraiser 2012

Posted on 25/09/2012 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice, Exhibitions, The Artworld

As apart of our fundraising for the 2012 Graduation Show, the students of the Faculty of Creative arts at the University of Wollongong have organised the 2012 Nude Auction. A collection of photographs, paintings, sculpture and works on paper, with the theme of the nude as their subject matter. Works were donated by current and past students, teachers past and current and also several notable artists with local and national acclaim. The installation of the show was a tedious process, however it was a learning process and good experience working with fellow students with varying levels of hanging and installation experience. A majority of our works were professionally framed to provide a unified install aesthetic, as can be seen in the photos below. All in all, we managed to raise approximately $5000 to go towards our Graduation show “Paper Planes”, the funds going to the production of our catalogue, catering and other associated costs.

We also managed to sell a majority of works that were up for auction, all but four works sold, the unsold will be up for auction in our up and coming auction/exhibition “Abund-Art”. I hope you all enjoy the pictures I have posted. Oh and I forgot to mention, that I also purchased a work myself, quite proud of it as well, it was by notable local artist Paul Ryan, to quote one of my teachers “You got it for a steal!.” A Very nice way to start off my collection of contemporary art.

Ink on paper

Posted on 12/09/2012 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice

I recently made a post about how I came across some discounted frames that really seemed to lift the quality and appearance of my work. This post is a follow up on what I posted about recently. The work I am posting here are a series of ink on paper works that have been developing over time. The process contains several parts, often taking several days to complete; due to drying time. Even though ink dries relatively quickly it is quite easy to end up with a dark mess on paper. So rather than painting and drawing onto the paper continuously I start off with a watered down wash, where I mix about 1/4 parts ink with 3/4; or there about, it’s not always an exact science and I often feel my way through. Then I use a variety of ink and water colour brushes to establish a think, washy layer on the paper.

After this thin wash has dried I come back with full ink and begin to apply it to the surface of the paper with brush, quill and just about any other drawing material available in the studio; even using sticks and twigs can really create some interesting marks. Then I come back while the ink is still wet and apply some diluted ink onto the paper, creating a blurring effect, often seen in water colour, though I try not to do this all over, as it can result in a completely washed out appearance and wrecks the work.

Before framing the work I begin the process of visually editing what I have before me. Using the cut out mat I find the most interesting areas of the work and then I cut this out of the larger composition. Creating a new visual context, taking a part of a larger work, sometimes created by chance; when I flick and throw ink onto the paper, and editing it in a way that the work retains it’s integrity and develops a whole new life and identity once it has been framed up and is ready to hang. I will now leave you with some more images of my work

Framing Works on Paper

Posted on 10/09/2012 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice

I have recently invested in some rather cheap frames, readily available from just about any value or variety shop. They aren’t of the best quality, however, if you’re a young and or emerging artist, chances are that you are low on funds. These value frames are an affordable way to make your work on paper look very professional. Having framed examples of your work is great, just in case you need to submit work to a show or prize on short notice, and also if you have the work in your studio and home it is always a great talking piece for when you have guests and prospective buyers around. Alternatively you can pay an arm and a leg for professional framing which is also well worth it, however if you are like me and low on available funds, though require work that is presentable, then the less expensive frames are the way to go. I have included some examples of the frames I have purchased. I will definitely be paying another visit to my local variety store.