Western Consumerism.
The Power of Mass Production.
The Appeal of the Proverbial Knick Knack.

They all combine to create the foundation of artwork by Seattle Artist Brandy Shaw.

Ms. Shaw is a formally trained animation artist currently working as an Illustrator and Product Designer for a large Merchandising Agency. Her position allows her to experience firsthand the production process that resulted in her love of repetition and the western perspective influencing the world market.

It was during my first trip to China in 2006 that I began to appreciate and develop a fascination for the production process for what we Americans refer to as Chotchke, or Knick Knacks. The experience of repeatedly visiting factories where such items are manufactured, as well as the overwhelming sheer volume that I would encounter on the streets of China and other major cities worldwide, would become a compelling need to take these knick knacks that I detest and turn them into beautiful artwork.

The beauty of repetition all around her was something that Shaw could not ignore. She found herself having a different take on these mass produced items that encompassed so much of her travels overseas. What developed was a rare and deep appreciation for the work that goes into them. At first she began to take photographs of images that focused on such repetition and mass consumerism. The photos ultimately lead to her first painting.

I find it very interesting how people have emotions invested in these material possessions, even though they are mass produced. Hundreds, even thousands of people who possess the same knick knack have different emotions tied to them. I have to admit that some of the items that I choose to photograph, and ultimately to paint, just make me laugh. There is always a market for even the tackiest souvenir, the ugliest collectible. Just who buys this stuff? Obviously more individuals than I could ever comprehend.

Shaw paints on pre-stretched canvases with acrylics. She works from darks to lights, bringing out the highest highlight that she can achieve with her acrylic paint. She then utilizes stick oil pastels, which allows her to draw out even more subtle detail. She has found that these two media blend together beautifully. Each piece is signed with a Chinese chop which was purchased on her first trip to the Pacific Rim; a subtle detail that brings the journey full circle.

 

tassels of trade ‘07

wedding gift ‘07