Emily Kear
Bottisham Village College
Title : Tree of Life
Category :
EK: “This topic has been based on the teenage brain, and how we interpret the teenage brain as a work of art. I have decided to represent the teenage brain in the form of a tree, and have included several different elements in my piece which I believe relate to the teenage brain in different ways. My drawing depicts the head of a woman, with a cross section of her brain in side her head. There are different sections of her brain, showing the different parts of the tree, for example, the blossom, the leaves and branches etc. The brain begins with a tree, leading upwards into the brain and representing its roots and vessels. The branches overlap each other, and could represent a busier part of the teenage brain. The section beneath shows different flowers and blossoms - this could be where the teenage brain holds happy or delicate thoughts. It would also be very colourful and vibrant. The final part of the brain, the front shows the fruit with many branches connected to it and surrounding it - this may represent something which is nurtured or precious in the teenage brain. Such as memories, or specific thoughts. Although I have not reached the finishing stage of the project currently I want to make my artwork as bright and vivid as possible in order to form an interesting and unique piece. A colour which will be generously used throughout the composition will be different shades of green, so as to represent the colours of the tree, and I will use a range of materials to create the project with, such as pastels, paints and various other textured patterned materials. I decided to represent the teenage brain as a tree because I believe that its processes and developments throughout its life are quite similar to that of a teenage brain. A tree begins from a small seed planted in the soil, which gradually grows in to something large and more complex. I think this relates to the teenage brain in the sense that from a very young age, the brain also grows and develops into something larger and more complex, reaching its maximum size by the end of the teenage years. The teenage brain carries out many complicated functions within this phase, and this period of time is essential for maturity and progress in character and personality. A tree also carries out very intricate functions and changes with time, the growth of the leaves, blossoms, and fruit. I think that all trees are unique in their own way, and that the brain of every person is also, which is why I decided to base my artwork on trees.”
Judges comments: “Inventive work, perhaps the text should occupy less space.”