Grace Gillen

About
Class of 2021
Human Comm and Org Leadership/ Art + Design Minor

Statement
Designs by Gil

For my thesis projects I have created a cohesive collection of acrylic paintings called Designs by Gil, exploring different mediums, techniques, and scale. Inspired by abstract art, interior design, and New York City, my body of work is best suited for urban spaces and homes. After completing my fourth and final year within Butler University’s Art and Design Program, I have cultivated a strong passion for the ambiguity, simplicity, and freedom that comes from both creating and viewing abstract art. As an artist, I find myself continuously balancing the opposing components of my personality, specifically my inherent love for pink and neutral colors. I am refreshed and inspired by the boldness of the color pink and comforted by the safety of neutrals so as a result, my collection is a culmination of the two. Elevated simplicity is a concept that guides my artistic style to date, and serves as the foundation of this collection. While each piece offers its own take on abstract art, they are all rooted and connected by this idea.

When creating this collection, it was important to me that the art on the walls reflected the people and culture outside of the walls. New York City prides itself on its diversity, edge, and style and my collection reflects this concept. Through my 8 piece collection, I explored different mediums such as acrylic paint, pouring medium, modeling paste, charcoal, and gold leaf. Additionally, I used a variety of tools such as palette knives, rulers, sponges, and brushes to give each piece significant and unique texture. Texture served as a key component in achieving elevated simplicity. What otherwise would be a white acrylic canvas was brought to life and transformed through texture. The scale of my pieces ranged from 30 x 30 inches to 8 x 8, giving my collection visual variety.

Because my pieces are intended for small urban spaces, it was important to create pieces that varied in scale.