Portraits of Westlake is a series of illustrations that explores the neighborhood of Westlake in Los Angeles, California. The focus of the series is on how local families and businesses are adapting to the many changes in the community as a result of gentrification.
This project is all about limitless layers! I used chalk pastel, paper collage, and photo transfer printmaking to create compositions that are layered with design and storytelling. I focused on shape language and contrasted detailed rendered form against simplified flat shape. The pastel portions are composed on sandpaper to reflect the texture and grit of the community.
