A Place to Thrive: A Senior Amplified Art Project by Zachary Dembner (2015)

This piece is unique in the way that it integrates both different techniques and different media. The many steps we took to make this project started on paper and ended in Photoshop. We used the three amplified pieces that we created by hand in design class (focused on zentangling through close concentration), combined with an original photograph, to create a piece that connected to a quick-write. In my final piece, I chose to have my mandala in the background on a gradient to add interest. I then created a thought bubble and fitted in a stretched out version of a word picked out from my quick-write. Lastly, I used a picture of Paul and integrated it into this dream-like piece to make it look as though he was looking up at his own thoughts, his own Mindset. I combined these pieces in Photoshop and used different blending modes and selective erasing techniques to ensure they flowed together.

The integration in this piece is reminiscent of my whole Freestyle experience. I have only been here for a year, but in this year I have learned countless lessons about time management and most importantly the integration of media. The project-based nature of Freestyle has taught me that it's never too early to start working on a project. Effective time management is the key to having the time you need to be creative. Creativity is a process, and not an easy one. It's not something you can rush and it needs to have the right atmosphere. Creativity also means forcing yourself out of the box that it's so easy to stay in. I'm a photographer at heart, and I believe that I always will be. But Freestyle gave me experience with film, creative writing, and other media that I might not have worked with if it wasn't for Freestyle. These experiences have not only increased my breadth as an artist, but helped deepen the way I look at my photographic work. Does this mean that I'm now going to become an illustrator? No. But that's not the point. Freestyle is all about new experiences that push you to succeed and be the best and most creative person you can be.