Layer by Layer: The Artistic Evolution of Gridiron

 

CREATIVE PROCESS: Crafting the Gridiron print was a meticulous seven-month labor of love, undertaken to capture the multi-layered essence of New York City. The print itself is a complex tapestry of four distinct layers, each contributing to the overall depth that mimics the city's dynamic spirit. Typically, my process involves printing the evolving design and placing it on my bulletin board for a visual critique. It's as if the print speaks to me, revealing what elements it needs to shine or what can be stripped away to reveal its true essence. Creating from such an intuitive, spiritual space is a deeply rewarding experience—nothing short of glorious.

INSPIRATION:   The Gridiron print by G'wan is more than just a pattern; it's an ode to the vibrant and multifaceted spirit of New York City. Drawing inspiration from the NYC skyline that serves as a daily muse, the Gridiron print encapsulates the structured yet ever-dynamic essence of the city. The grid pattern mimics the meticulously planned streets—strong, straightforward, and unyielding, represented by hard brush strokes that are heavy in weight.

But NYC isn't just about rigidity; it's also about the subtle textures that make the city unique. The inclusion of polka dots serves as a soft, feminine counterpoint to the harsh lines, reflecting the nuanced layers of the city and its inhabitants. They symbolize the gentler aspects of life, the small yet significant moments that often go unnoticed but are crucial for balance.

And then, there's the zebra print, a nod to the city's untamed, unpredictable nature. Much like NYC itself, the zebra print is wild, unrestrained, and makes an audacious statement. It captures the energetic pulse of the city that never sleeps, always restless, always moving. The Gridiron print is a harmonious blend of these elements, creating a design that is as complex and captivating as the city it's inspired by.

THE FINAL BRUSH: As I look back on this seven-month journey, I'm filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. Gridiron is more than a print; it's a story, a feeling, a piece of my soul translated into design. It represents the power of patience, intuition, and the indefinable magic that comes when artistry meets inspiration. Thank you for taking this journey with me, and I can't wait for you to experience Gridiron—my love letter to NYC—in your own unique way.

This was layer 3 of building Gridiron... 

Playing with a grungy overlay 

When I create color combos I normally will do more than one.