Layered Stencils
After researching different printing methods, first I wanted to experiment with spray paint and layering stencils to create a more in depth image. Layered stencils are deemed to be one of the easiest ways to reproduce intricate, dynamic and detailed images as a piece of physical artwork. Instead of a single stencil, the artist in question would use multiple layers of stencils to bring out more depth in the image that can be painted on top of one and another.
From looking at different examples of 'Layered Stencils' I came across the work of Leon Keay, who produced various female pop culture icons being used as subjects in his layered stencil images and from a personal perspective, Keay's work was eye catching to say the least. Below are some examples of his work that I came across when researching further into layered stencils being used to create portraits of pop culture idols such as the American rapper and singer, Lauryn Hill:
From a young age Leon Keay enjoyed art and started to train in college and has since tired to pursue his dream of getting his artistic creations noticed. Keay went on his travels to Israel and the Middle East in the 1999's, and started drawing and creating images of his travels. His work had strong influences from pop artists, whilst also encapsulating pop cultural references, such as hip hop and comic books, taking inspiration from anything that struck his eye.
Keay follows a simple traditionalist style of layered stencil image making, and creates his images using multiple layers of stencils to create more intricate and detailed images, however, as seen above Keay didn't use conventional colours in his work and used quite abstract and bright colours as a influence and a common characteristic of pop art.
I first came across Leon Keay's work whilst researching further into different layered stencil portraits. His work stood out to me, due to its clear pop art characteristics, and how he has chosen an iconic female role model as the subject of his piece which I feel works both technically and conceptually into the direction of my project, as it explores both the representation of women in the eye of the media and also works with abstract printing and physical image-making methods such as the use of layered stencils. Then after doing further research into his work and Keay as an artist it was clear to grasp his undying passion for the arts and didn't want it to be all dark and dingy but wanted to bring light to such an inspired medium of art.
Processes:
Below are some of my own layered stencils, taking direct influences from Leon Keay's work within layering stencils:
Personally, I feel this experimentation of layered stencils and spray painting went fairly well. If I was to progress this form of image making further, I would have to experiment with more bold and brighter colours, as a way of reflecting the saturated representation of women in modern day pop culture and general society, using stereotypical tropes of pop art to convey such advanced meaning.
However, I have also realised that in some of my final products, some of the stencils are slightly out of place and it takes away from the full technical potential of the image, so if I choose to work with layered stencils again, further down the line of this final project I may need to use masking tape or certain materials that allow me to keep my images in place so that the image can have the most accuracy and technical competence.
