Rocks, Paper & Scissors (My Art Blog)

Moving Forward

2011-11-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

shawnpedralba.blogspot.com

This past month has led me to finding my inspiration and drive to pursue a career in design. Early in October I spoke with friends over some drinks of the X factor; the ability to be naturally great at something that at the same time you enjoy doing. It has taken me a while to discover what I truly want to do in life, though I have always known it would be in the creative field. I am now taking the steps to redefining the "new" me, designer and entrepreneur.

Here on out I am taking charge of what my talents will allow me to do. I've enjoyed my time sharing thoughts on my blogs (rocks, paper, and scissors) and (confessions of a former design student) however all good things must come to an end, but only sorta in this case. In preparation for things to come I've upgraded and redesigned my sites for a concise look of what I want to represent.

If your are following one of my blogs I hope you will redirect yourself to my new blog where I will continue to share my thoughts, Ideas, processes and behind the scenes of my brand, Shawn Pedralba. See links at top of post.

Dime Sack: Ep 002

2011-08-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

He was the wisest of the warriors, intelligent, swift, a killer.

But when it came to love, he was blinded by emotion.

Dime Sack: Ep 001

2011-08-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

She drowned her sorrows in the darkness of the black crows and smiled.

Today will be a good day.

Special Delivery

2011-08-10T00:27:00.000-07:00

Cards are great but Letters are better. A little extra thought goes a long way and makes for a more memorable moment. Instead of birthday cards try creating an envelope suitable for the situation and stuffed with messages from the receivers closest loved ones. As years roll by, generic cards may find their way to the trash but I assure you these messages will stay. Happy Birthday Roopi.

"It's a good thing."

Cute and Fuzzy.

2011-07-30T15:39:00.001-07:00

For quickest results, inject poison straight to veins.

Beauty Eating.

2011-07-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

My skull pendant...it was never finished, and it never will be.

What To Do?

2011-07-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

They Spoke to Derek. and so I gave them life.

Caption:

Make Me Fun (squeaky mouse voice)

Enter The Dragon

2011-04-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

This image was created as my main inspiration for an upcoming assignment in my fashion program's technical illustration class. The image can also be viewed at my fashion blog: COAFDS, along with the completed assignment which will appear on the date in print.

As you can see, my inspiration is the samurai mask. I found something beautiful about the curves, layers, harshness, juxtaposition of war and beauty, and the mystery of the masks themselves.

Though I am inspired by the masks in general, I wanted to create a personal art piece for my main inspiration and combine all my favorite visual elements off various samurai mask references. this is what I came up with.

I Had A Vision

2011-03-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

I had a vision. a dripping bead of black liquid stops mid air and remains suspended. In spastic motions it sparks, shooting out edges, corners and points. It explodes releasing an array of vibrant and beautiful colours. But what does it all mean? or maybe I know and I'm not telling. Like my sewing teacher would say,"You Decide".

Becoming James Jean

2011-03-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

For the full story visit my Fashion Blog: Confessions of a Fashion Design Student

ENO 0.7

2011-03-05T01:02:00.000-08:00

This past month I purchased an item I swear has changed my illustrating life. The item: Pilots Colored ENO mechanical Pencils. These pencils come in 8 colours covering the basic spectrum and uses a 0.7 lead, purchasable at most stores including office and art supplies. I can best describe using these pencils like a permanently sharpened pencil crayon that has a certain level of erasability. So what is so special about these pencils?. Well, besides being an ideal tool for drawing, shading and creating holding and precision lines, these pencils are also great for drafting as well as cloth marking. These are my number one Item for the month, just check out the croquis below drawn fully with the Pilot Eno Color Pencil.

I Can See Your Underwear!

2011-02-26T00:30:00.000-08:00

Currently at the Vancouver International Centre For Contemporary Asian Art is an exhibition entitled "I can see your Underwear". As part of a class assignment we were requested to go see the exhibition, I suppose the purpose in doing so was to expand our minds and add to our mental library a new set of textures, colours, and ideas. Indeed expanding our minds is what the exhibition did.

Vestibule

Using the most interesting of materials (mainly plastics), artists Kelly Lycan and Natalie Purschwitz created a variety of installation pieces that I would sum up as VIBRANT. My favorite pieces "I can see your underwear" and "Last Resort" had a very romantic feel, and like most of the show was almost dream like; One being a swing that from a far looked as if constructed of cascading garlands, the other almost like a giant jellyfish emerging from the ceiling, its tentacles entangled in the rubbish below. The larger scaled installations at the show looked so much like 3-D paintings, I remember turning the corner to see "Pretty Uglies" and felt transported into a canvas with tangible paint strokes suspended in air on varying layers.

Pretty Uglies

The Exhibition successfully opened my mind to knew forms of artistic expression which I hope in the future will aid me in being more creative when designing. Lately I've been finding it more a struggle to envision original shapes and garments and to step out of my safe comfort zone. On one hand my artistic side tells me everything is possible, that ideas are limitless and free. My technical "designer" side however, stops creativity in its tracks; It tells me that a design is impractical, that it needs a seam here or there, and or that it is unflattering to the body. I find that allowing myself to absorb new art such as the ones featured in this exhibition reminds me that the transformation of any idea to the physical is possible and that it is appealing regardless of the technical structure. I believe I must adopt a stronger sense of FEARLESSNESS in my approach to design.

Blinds Drapes Shutters

I can see your underwear

On Golden Swamp

Last Resort

NO NAME 1298

Hand and Pocket

Born This Way

2011-02-21T22:52:00.001-08:00

New illustration via my fashion blog

http://coafds.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-was-born-this-mutha-in-way.html

Too Cheap to Keep

2011-01-26T00:39:00.000-08:00

I recently acquired a "design internship" (so the owner called it), I think that was a smart way of using my schooling as an excuse to generalize my duties as it really was a straight up Photoshop position (which i did find off an internet posting). Anyway's long story short, my stay at this company (which will remain nameless) did not last long. What's worse is that I busted my ass for a full week, after school and on my days off to fully commit to the job only to receive less than 50% percent of my pay in the end

Why is this?

Because I'm a push over...

My decision to leave after 2 weeks was due mainly to two reasons. Reason 1. My school work was severely suffering from lack of attention due to literally having no outside class time to work on them. And Reason 2. I was straight up unhappy with the position. I've worked enough jobs in my life to know when I like something and don't and if I'm willing to stick around. Though I felt I had the opportunity to learn much about fashion as a business, I was quickly turned off by the lack off organization and professionalism. And to those who think I'm just being whiny, when you witness things within the span of 1 week like, a hired graphic designer being asked to do dishes that aren't even hers, and similarly, a huge blow out between boss and book keeper with the latter saying "I do everything you ask me to do that isn't even related to my job, thats why I don't have time to do my job (spoken in Engerish)", and the owner straight up smoking up with a friend right next to me at the computer (no judgement, I really don't care, but come on, lets keep it professional) even the job as a graphic artist itself was accompanied with a messy shared work space and insufficient computers...well, I think you get the picture. Maybe I just have higher standards or something.

So the icing on the cake to this all is on my last day. I was unable to calculate all my hours which would have amounted to....hmmm lets guesstimate 6 or 7 full days of work. I, being the non materialistic person I am (and also feeling bad about having to leave so abruptly) decided to make a trade off for an article of clothing and pay for just 3 full days in which i was positive about the hours worked. She agreed and all seemed good until before leaving when she handed me my cheque and while doing so cunningly mentions "and I took the amount of your garment off your total"...Seriously?.

Now though the amount for the garment was not substantial, it was still a good few hours of work. What bothered me more was the principal behind her actions and just knowing she knew what she was doing when writing that amount. So the moral of the story is, being nice really doesn't get you anywhere...but neither does being cheap. I believe in Karma so all I have to say is good luck to her business...

...Oh, and still awaiting on receiving my garment...

Evil Eye

2011-01-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia says: "The evil eye is a look that is superstitiously believed by many cultures to be able to cause injury or bad luck for the person at whom it is directed for reasons of envy or dislike. The term also refers to the power attributed to certain persons of inflicting injury or bad luck by such an envious or ill-wishing look."

Just to clear things, I mean no harm to anyone in the making of this pendant.

Bombyx Mori

2011-01-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Bombyx Mori, or (silk worm) was introduced to me last year at the start of my fashion program. The creature has since become a little obsession of mine. I'm mostly fascinated with it's ability to create filament fibres that we humans manipulate into one of our more high end fabrics. Yeah these miniature pendants are slightly creepy, but I couldn't help myself.

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings to everyone, and I hope everyones Christmas wishes come true...

Hand

2010-12-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Just another pendant inspired by the most randomest of things. This one comes from a term from my fabric and textiles class. Example: "the HAND of this fabric is quite soft".

The Blue Cross

2010-12-10T03:26:00.000-08:00

Introducing COAFDS

2010-12-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm finished my first semester of school and enjoying the winter break, I finally have time to update my blog again. Because fashion and design has and will become an even greater portion of my creative self, I've decided to separate school and fashion from this blog and into its own blog which I have entitled "Confessions of a Fashion Design Student". At COAFDS you will find everything from sketchbook drawings, design ideas, process of garments from blocks to final constructions and everything else that my path to my designer dreams will bring. Easy access to this blog is found at the links to the right.

Lady Orchid

2010-09-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

I recently designed a logo for a friend who manages a new day spa entitled "Lady Orchid Rejuvenating Day Spa". It was an opportunity to exercise my skills in the vector department and I was quite pleased with the logo's end result. This project was also a reminder to stay true to my vision as an artist. I prefer to work with clients who trust in my vision and abilities and will work with me as opposed to the ones who force their ideas into the project (regardless of the amount of artistic or creative background and how it will affect the overall look). There were many opportunities for this design to go beyond tacky however I held strong to my aesthetics and provided my clients with options more pleasing to the eye. In the end my clients are happy and I am able to add another art piece to my body of work.

Beautiful Beast

2010-08-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

The moth is a creature so closely related to the butterfly yet it has definitely crossed a thin line from beautiful to creepy. Is it its big ass...its furry appendages...its lack of bright colours? who knows? Beauty, however is in the eye of the beholder and one should always try to search for beauty in all things whether it be "technically" beautiful or not. This polymer brooch fastens magnetically and is encrusted with miniature rhinestones to finish an elegantly dark look.

Black Boutineer

2010-08-31T22:43:00.000-07:00

Tapered black fabric, magnetically fastened, rose boutineer. Goes perfect on a white shirt.

That 70's Housewife

2010-08-27T01:31:00.000-07:00

Introducing a night at my place involving friends, sewing, cookies, hair & makeup and some photography.

Punishment

2010-08-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

A necklace collection is never complete without a classic (1" polymer) skull pendant.

Diamonds are a Girls best friend

2010-08-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

This piece which I have named Amy is inspired off the body art of the legend herself, Amy Winehouse. The polymer clay design stands 4 1/4" tall and 3 1/2" wide, and is bejeweled with mini rhinestones. The "Amy" was originally made to be a belt buckle for which I've designed an outfit around. I'm now thinking of making it into a brooch, but only time will determine what accessory it will evolve to.

Iced Lightning

2010-08-11T21:36:00.001-07:00

You can never have to much rhinestones on an item, bling it up. My fingers are still crusty from excess super glue.

Creep a little Sneak Peek

2010-08-10T01:33:00.001-07:00

With school just around the corner, my goal is to tie up all loose ends on chapter one of my life as an artist. Along side finishing up some new projects and finally opening an Etsy page, I DESPERATELY need to finish a collection of illustrations that I have lazily "placed in the attic" for a couple of years. Here is a behind the scenes look into the process of some upcoming posts.

Process and Product

2010-08-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

While looking through some old files I stumbled upon a few illustration process composites. I am amazed at how far an image transforms from its original concept.

Drugs, Sex, Rock&Roll

2010-07-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

WARNING:

Please note the the imagery in this posting in no way dictates the views of the poster and should be taken only as a means of artistic expression and accessory backdrop. Also note that the inhalation of sugar and baking soda may be hazardous to ones health.

Joyous Occasion

2010-07-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

Made some simple earings for a Star on her Birthday.

Game On!

2010-05-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

I am a child of the 80's, and even with the technological advances in the gaming industry, I find myself permanently attracted to the simplistic forms of the 8 bit era. This is my ode to you Nintendo.

Bubble Bobble

Mega Man

The Controller

The Apocalypse

2010-05-15T21:43:00.001-07:00

In conjunction to my previous post (the Buddha pendant), I've created this necklace in the image of Marvel comics villain Apocalypse. His characteristics are the perfect representation of the opposite of peace and calm. Never forget to keep the balance, the Yin to the Yang.

Buddha

2010-05-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world"

Gautama Buddha

Elemental Atoms

2010-04-14T01:28:00.000-07:00

Introducing my latest creations, the Elemental Atoms. These pendants span about 1, 1/2" and have corresponding periodic table letters to the wearers initials. featured are (16/S) Sulfer, made for myself, and (7/N) Nitrogen, made for my friend Nic.

Singer Inspiration

2010-04-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today I purchased a Singer "Inspiration". Finally, my very own sewing machine. Although I had complete access to my mothers old school, heavy-not heavy duty, machine gun sounding sewing machine (no offense), I feel a sense of completion knowing that this one is all mine, and on top of that, brand new. I'd like to imagine that we will have the ability to combine S's and do great things.

That's S-inger and S-hawn for those who didn't catch that.

Signature Piece Version 3.0

2010-04-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

This item now matches the same number of procedures as Heidi Montag, however, can Heidi glow in the dark? Yup, you read that right. In my last post on this Item (Signature Piece Version 2.0) I mentioned how its thinness affected its solidity, or in other words, it was prone to breakage. My original solution was to super glue some hardbaord or thin plastic on the back, but in my search for materials I happened upon some glow in the dark plastic (bought from a dollar store) and "ding" an idea. With a mini hole puncher I made some design edits (really in my attempt to remove some air bubbles that were bugging me) then traced, cut, and applied the plastic backing. With another full body paint job it was complete and better then ever before.

Tsunami

2010-04-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

Symbolizing the ever changing rolls of the ocean and the constant cycles that life throws your way. Appropriately given to one who came and gone. Tsunami's tend to cause major damage, but time heals everything eventually and things will be as they once were.

Stamp Making 101

2010-04-07T23:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome to stamp making 101; the 101 stands for "this is my first time making a stamp, ever".

Let's start with the tools. You can purchase a stamp carving tool at most art stores; the brand I bought is Speedball and I am quite pleased with its changeable carving heads and handle storage system.

Next is the linoleum or rubber stamp itself. A word of advice, don't go with the cheapest product you see in the store. I learned the hard way that there are different types of stamping materials for a reason. White and extra rubbery means chunks come off when doing fine details, stick to simple designs on this material. You definitely want to go for the harder dark rubber or brown (carpet like backing) board material...I think it's linoleum but don't quote me on that...First time remember. The tougher stamp materials allow for cleaner carving and more intricate designs.

For more advanced stamp makers, I've seen carbon copy paper used to transfer a drawn image onto the stamp; this process allows for exact designs that stamp in same direction as the copied image. Again, that's advanced meaning I did not do it this time around.

Now the fun part begins and its pretty self explanatory; draw an image on your stamp material and carve away using your tool. You will find that all the different tool heads will come in handy at one point or another.

After carving is complete, I cut all excess material off; this can be done before hand if you know you won't be changing the design. I then take my trusty polymer clay to replicate the shape of the stamp into block form.

Almost done! stamp the top of the polymer backing in the same direction you glue the stamp to it. Voila! your ready to stamp. For future crafting projects I'm going to make a personal effort to create more stamps as they are great for consistent designs on things you wish to mass produce: cards, jewelry, etc.

A Pair for Jess and Sheen

2010-04-07T00:53:00.000-07:00

To kick off my first personal earring assignment I decided to create pieces for my friends Jess and Sheen. Sheens studs were fairly easy to conceptualize as Aldo Accessories did all the work for me. Yes, that's right, while browsing the stores the other day, Sheen noticed a pair of studs to which I then informed her were very simple to make. Voila! a pair of knock off Aldo studs are born; see below for the process of this creation. Jess's earrings on the other hand are completely Pedralba (me). My intention for Jess at first was to create a ring accessory but after much difficulty in creating a simple finger band, I decided to put my efforts towards creating earrings. After much deliberation on form and colour (how dark or metallic the ring should be and whether to use a red or dark brown bead...the girl is picky) I was sure that my final choices where the right ones both for pleasing Jess and esthetically.

Signature Piece Version 2.0

2010-04-06T01:22:00.001-07:00

This new version of my signature necklace (original post) was altered to resemble a dog tag. I flattened it out, rounded off the edges and made it less coarse in texture. the only downside to this piece is that when a polymer structure is thin it tends to not retain its hardness.

Signature Piece

2010-03-10T00:50:00.000-08:00

Today's creation is a personal piece. It's simple, silver, and made to resemble a random metallic stone glyph. However, if you look a little closer you may discover that turning it on its side will reveal my initials. This is my official art works signature, created for me by a special someone. It made its first appearance in 2008 on a small wooden panel painting and has stuck with me since.

Sumi

2010-02-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

This Sumi pendant is 1 3/4" long, flat faced, acrylic painted, clear varnished and attached to an official 2010 Olympic lanyard.

Olympic Adventure

2010-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

The city was alive and full of excitement, a complete 360 of what "regular" B.C. had to offer. With my Sumi mascot gear intact, I set out to enjoy the sites and sounds of the 2010 winter Olympics. The games offered a multitude of free events and the streets flooded with an endless sea of people who weaved through one another amidst the epicentre of the Olympic games. The city was glowing with lights and was brighter than ever before, and the air was saturated with the pride for ones country....

February Things

2010-02-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Happy belated Valentines Day. I had hoped to create much more for this posting however work has drained the creative juices from me. Also I was not able to fully celebrate the hallmark created Holiday as I was working back stage dressing models for an Elena Gregusova/Barbera Gregusova fashion show which was part of a Victory Ceremony for the 2010 Olympics. It was a great experience and the designs from both Elena and Barbera were amazing to say the least. Hopefully everyone wore red yesterday and or at least some sorta heart shaped accessory, In my case, i chose to go with the heart in a literal sense.

1 1/4" Semi round pendant, acrylic painted and oil based varnished. Gold, diamond shaped hook attachment.

Lucky Charms 001

2010-01-31T20:13:00.000-08:00

With the never ending worries of a dwindling economy, one should always have a solid backup plan to sustain regular living, or at the very least daily sustenance. My backup plan; street seller of original charms and pendants...(totally not serious). Although I laugh at the thought of becoming a street seller, I am in no way opposed to the idea of making green papers off my silly little hobbies. With that said, welcome to series one of "Lucky Charms". All pieces on today's entry were created by my new favorite and probably highly toxic substance, Sculpey III, the oven bake clay!

Yoshi Egg: This acrylic coated and resin covered 1/2" bead, is the result of a day at the office and a menstrual joke gone too far. Trust me, you don't wanna know.

Metroid: 1, 1/4", acrylic painted, finished with oil based varnish. Being one of my all time favorite video games and the most awsomest fictional creature invented, how could I not create a metroid necklace. It took me many references from series of the game due to the ever changing design of the creature, as well as two go's at making the metroid. As we all "should" know the metroid is a jellyfish like organism and in making the pendant I had to resort to a stylized interpretation. I am quite pleased with the final result.

Kermit the dead: This 1", acrylic painted and oil varnished Kermit piece is inspired by a Lady Gaga outfit in which she wore a coat composed of several Kermit the frogs. Although I believe the Kermit's on Gaga's outfit were not made to look deceased, I found the thought quite amusing and made this piece based on that idea.

The Maker

2010-01-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Rocks, Paper & Scissors.
My personal exhibition of artistic creation and expression.

I am an artist of all trades, exploration of different mediums, colours, textures and form are my specialty. Here you may (or may not, depending on my mood) find works in the area's of illustration, photography, fashion, crafting etc... The list can go on and on, I love it all and do it all. I like to think of myself as the male Martha Stewart minus the stepford wife aspect, millions of dollars and criminal record. Who knows, I may even post an entry on cuisine.

Please enjoy your stay,
Shawn.