My AP Art Portfolio focuses on manipulating family photos to pay tribute to my grandfather, Michael, who battled Parkinson's disease. I use art to convey his strength and resilience, exploring the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. I have drawn inspiration from a variety of sources, including the works of contemporary artists who utilize digital manipulation techniques to alter reality, such as Erik Johansson and Jerry Uelsmann.
To create my pieces, I use a variety of Photoshop techniques, such as layer masking, content-aware fill, and liquify. I also experiment with different color grading techniques to create unique atmospheres and moods in each piece.I manipulate familiar images to create surreal landscapes, representing the complex emotions and fluidity of memories. Through digital techniques, I present an alternate world where memories are preserved yet altered, highlighting the complexities of grief and the balance between reality and imagination.
