When I came up with this idea I was having a lot of trouble with my own thoughts. They never stopped, even at night. Hence the night time setting, I wanted to make something people could relate to. Something I could relate to, and that’s why I made Midnight. It represents emotions that I think are hard to put into words. A girl just thinking, looking out on the ocean. It brings some sort of peace and connections to others. We all have late night thoughts, whether it’s everyday or once a year. We all have them.
Forever Young Charley McCormack 2024 Pen, watercolors, markers 8” x 10 1/2”
This piece is the curiosity of a child for new and unfamiliar things. I was a very curious child. I would always be excited or intrigued when learning something new, and I’m still like that. I wanted to make an artwork that represented something that I, and many others, have experienced. The bliss of something new. It’s something that I can’t forget. Some of my favorite memories are the times when I just got to say, “Guess what I learned!” Just the happiness, the innocence of it is amazing. It’s one of the purest forms of joy I know.
X's and O's Charley McCormack 2023 Colored pencils and pens 7 1/2" x 11"
As someone who’s moved quite a bit, I made a comic about moving and finding where you belong. The character is scared to talk to people so people think she’s weird and don’t talk to her since she doesn’t talk. One day, while waiting for the bus, someone talked to her and it developed into a wonderful relationship. I connect this to myself with my social anxiety and how I’m always terrified of talking to new people, but when I do, I end up having great connections. Then I’m happy because of my great relationships and connections with people.
Falling Between My Fingers Charley McCormack 2024 Collage 20" by 20"
I made this project to convey something I don’t know how to word. The mix of emotions that’s confusing but completely relatable. Something that other people can understand but at the same time, have no idea what it is. All of us feel emotions; sometimes it’s a mix and overwhelming. We don’t always know how to express it, so I turned it into an image. I wanted to be able to express what I don’t know how to say. I want everyone to understand a feeling we all have. Where we’re just unsure of what it is. Using contrast in color and quotes, I feel like a lot of people can relate to the feeling of unsurety.