More J's Art Gallery
Materials used for this art piece include a 12 × 36 Styrofoam board, found materials such as an altered rosary necklace, acrylic paint, a large tarp, paper towels, a Styrofoam ball for the head, and a heavy use of glue mixed with water. The glue-and-water mixture was applied over the tarp to shape the octopus inside a plastic container and left overnight in warm weather so it could dry, stretch, and form natural, flowing textures.
Techniques used include applying flowing hot glue to the octopus, necklace, and found utensils to create texture and movement. Large, expressive brushstrokes were used to paint the purple-violet octopus, along with layered ocean-inspired colors in the background to enhance the underwater atmosphere.
The composition was inspired by my trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. I enjoy the experience of standing beneath the ocean tunnel and looking up at the sea creatures swimming above me. This perspective influenced the way I created the octopus, making it feel immersive and surrounded by movement, while the necklace adds a personal and symbolic element to the piece.