Art and design blog
Sunday 11 December 2011
Friday 9 December 2011
Wood work Workshop
We got set into groups of 4/3 where we posed to recreate one of the wood workshop machines. My team got given the band saw to reconstruct, in 1/6 scale out of MDF wood. The main starter was to measure every point of the machine, precisely so that when scaled down it would still hold the proper structure. This was done by simply using a tape measure.
pictures up soon
pictures up soon
Thursday 8 December 2011
Context Project outing
From the last crit i was told that making the project more public would be a great idea. So i went out and about, showing off the work in different aspects. I printed smaller flyers of the 'Wake up' sign and handed them out in a response to see the possibly confused and unaware reactions of those that took them. This didn't turn out as hoped but i still managed to give a few out.
The reactions were mostly of a puzzled nature, but this is what i expected, perhaps in some way this simple message could improve the life of just one person? I also printed out a4 signs and planted them around my neighbourhood and surrounding areas, even though i cannot see the reactions of the public, i can still hope someone people have noticed them, you don't have to see something just to believe in it.
The reactions were mostly of a puzzled nature, but this is what i expected, perhaps in some way this simple message could improve the life of just one person? I also printed out a4 signs and planted them around my neighbourhood and surrounding areas, even though i cannot see the reactions of the public, i can still hope someone people have noticed them, you don't have to see something just to believe in it.
Photography zine, first logo, blitz
During the initial stages of the term i decided for the 'make and distribute a zine' project i would create a news paper styled layout publication with my photos along with quite a bit of text for the reader to allow themselves to see the world through my eyes. With discussion from tutors we decided that the text was slightly on the heavy side, so i eventually created a finished, professional zine incorporating rather semi- poetic writings from my own thoughts.
I decided to call this initial paper, 'blitz'. Being German for lightning i thought it fit with the goal of me wanting to create a strong, impending publication which catches the eye, so here is the logo i produced to go alongside that.
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Image Project
For me this project was a mixed bag. As i had already created and had firm ideas for the two other projects i wasn't sure how i should go about this last one. I felt as though i wanted to go down the path of illustration so began with that, researching topics which caught my attention and related to the given title, though photography seemed to be looming over, as if this medium wanted to be used once more. I decided to follow with two ideas and perhaps finalize at the end of an 'evaluation'.
The first project i went underway with was the 'Choose a film and display a list of 20 words'. I went about researching and noting the various films i have watched and to which i thought held a strong motive and perhaps a political centre piece. The strongest film that ticked all the boxes and appealed to me as a viewer, was this is England. The political agenda was all there, Maggie thatcher, the Falklands, Ska music, Skin head rebellion mixed with racial prejudice and tons more, the movie covered all areas. So with this in mind, i wanted to create something which was bold and timeless, alike the movie. So i started sketching and thought the one of the most classic distinction in the spoken about culture were the highly worn, Dr. Martens. I began to draw an outline of the boot, central to the page to effect, as i wanted it to be alone, which would ultimately produce a stronger vibe. I then used a red/cherry paint(water colour) to give it the awareness, as most Dr. Martens are recognized by this factor. I feel the use of water colour, related to the movie, The grungy textured feel, seemed to represent the state of England and the areas of England it was filmed in. The objective was to display a list of 20 words which helped show how the movie could be perceived. I began researching different quotes of the 80's and those from the movie. I knew i wanted to have a definitive motive and felt that 20 some what spontaneous words wouldn't do any justice. After some time i came across a part of a 'petition' from S.H.A.R.P. (Skinheads against racial prejudice), this being "When things go bad we simply complain. It's time to raise our voices, take a stand, make our views heard!". Seeing how culture and Ska music being on the up rise with bands such as, the Specials, the Clash, Harry J Allstars and more, it was easily transferred to the thought of the Skinheads. Thinking that combining all the similar matter would be the for the best i did so while keeping both the typeface and illustration gritty and completely relevant.
Images of the final piece and a continuation soon!
The first project i went underway with was the 'Choose a film and display a list of 20 words'. I went about researching and noting the various films i have watched and to which i thought held a strong motive and perhaps a political centre piece. The strongest film that ticked all the boxes and appealed to me as a viewer, was this is England. The political agenda was all there, Maggie thatcher, the Falklands, Ska music, Skin head rebellion mixed with racial prejudice and tons more, the movie covered all areas. So with this in mind, i wanted to create something which was bold and timeless, alike the movie. So i started sketching and thought the one of the most classic distinction in the spoken about culture were the highly worn, Dr. Martens. I began to draw an outline of the boot, central to the page to effect, as i wanted it to be alone, which would ultimately produce a stronger vibe. I then used a red/cherry paint(water colour) to give it the awareness, as most Dr. Martens are recognized by this factor. I feel the use of water colour, related to the movie, The grungy textured feel, seemed to represent the state of England and the areas of England it was filmed in. The objective was to display a list of 20 words which helped show how the movie could be perceived. I began researching different quotes of the 80's and those from the movie. I knew i wanted to have a definitive motive and felt that 20 some what spontaneous words wouldn't do any justice. After some time i came across a part of a 'petition' from S.H.A.R.P. (Skinheads against racial prejudice), this being "When things go bad we simply complain. It's time to raise our voices, take a stand, make our views heard!". Seeing how culture and Ska music being on the up rise with bands such as, the Specials, the Clash, Harry J Allstars and more, it was easily transferred to the thought of the Skinheads. Thinking that combining all the similar matter would be the for the best i did so while keeping both the typeface and illustration gritty and completely relevant.
Images of the final piece and a continuation soon!
Digital Illustration Workshop
This workshop was mainly based around the Adobe Illustrator software. Since i already knew alot about this i knew i would find the task given, possibly easier than some of the other students.
We established how Photoshop was specifically used for manipulating photographic imagery and to manipulate them at a high standard, with intricate designs, and how illustrator was used for design, web design, graphic design etc.
As photoshop runs on pixels, illustrator doesn't so the lines created with any tool will always be smooth, unlike photoshop.
The main task was to choose a picture of a ready made object and outline the whole shape, with great detail. Since i was used to illustrator, i found this part fairly easy to comprehend. In the future, i speculate that designing something from scratch would be a good challenege to strive for, as i am always wanting to step further into the world of illustration.
We established how Photoshop was specifically used for manipulating photographic imagery and to manipulate them at a high standard, with intricate designs, and how illustrator was used for design, web design, graphic design etc.
As photoshop runs on pixels, illustrator doesn't so the lines created with any tool will always be smooth, unlike photoshop.
The main task was to choose a picture of a ready made object and outline the whole shape, with great detail. Since i was used to illustrator, i found this part fairly easy to comprehend. In the future, i speculate that designing something from scratch would be a good challenege to strive for, as i am always wanting to step further into the world of illustration.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Context Project
The idea for this project arrived from two places. Through research and common knowledge i came across the 'Civil rights movement'. The piece I was most attracted to was the most famous, 'I am a Man' Poster which was used far over America to get this strong, vivid thought known. The photographer Ernest Withers portrayed these aswell as other C.R.M's agenda, some being incredibly extremeist at first glance, yet captivating once studied. Though as it holds complete philosophical ideas, the poster, to me, was a much bolder image.
At the same time i began researching into subliminal messaging. I came acros numerous articles proving the usage of this now illegal tool and how Multi-corporate business's (Disney) could still be using this tool to produce a larger empire. In the past I have also viewed countless amounts of episodes of Derren Brown, who tends to use this powerful tool to perhaps, change a person's once decided thoughts.
One other possibly vital piece of research was the "Hungry? Eat popcorn" and "Thirsty? Drink Coca-Cola" photographs. The text was used in order to see if it was actually possible for this sort of advertising to change a person's mind. Since it was during the 1950's and none of this had been put to use, the stages were experimental, but prooven successful.
So with all this information i knew i wanted to produce a piece that held these properties and were not as engaging as you might think, yet thought provoking.
I found a typeface that most resemebled that of the 'I am a man' Poster (named Bebas) and used it to create 7 a4 sized posters with 7 different slogans, simply printed central to the paper. The slogans i used have no typical purpose but to grab your subconcious, though the way they have been presented turns this idea on its head, seeing how obvious they may seem. So i suppose this piece can be regarded more as an experiment, seeing the reactions of the public when they see this or the happenings of what's to come if they dont conciously see this.
In a meeting with Stuart, it was advised that i should make this more public, this could include, hanging posters around the city and making smaller flyers and handing them out to the public, again, seeing the reactions of reading a two word slogan, but face to face. I feel as though this would strengthen the project, by making it less personal and giving it a function.
At the same time i began researching into subliminal messaging. I came acros numerous articles proving the usage of this now illegal tool and how Multi-corporate business's (Disney) could still be using this tool to produce a larger empire. In the past I have also viewed countless amounts of episodes of Derren Brown, who tends to use this powerful tool to perhaps, change a person's once decided thoughts.
One other possibly vital piece of research was the "Hungry? Eat popcorn" and "Thirsty? Drink Coca-Cola" photographs. The text was used in order to see if it was actually possible for this sort of advertising to change a person's mind. Since it was during the 1950's and none of this had been put to use, the stages were experimental, but prooven successful.
So with all this information i knew i wanted to produce a piece that held these properties and were not as engaging as you might think, yet thought provoking.
I found a typeface that most resemebled that of the 'I am a man' Poster (named Bebas) and used it to create 7 a4 sized posters with 7 different slogans, simply printed central to the paper. The slogans i used have no typical purpose but to grab your subconcious, though the way they have been presented turns this idea on its head, seeing how obvious they may seem. So i suppose this piece can be regarded more as an experiment, seeing the reactions of the public when they see this or the happenings of what's to come if they dont conciously see this.
In a meeting with Stuart, it was advised that i should make this more public, this could include, hanging posters around the city and making smaller flyers and handing them out to the public, again, seeing the reactions of reading a two word slogan, but face to face. I feel as though this would strengthen the project, by making it less personal and giving it a function.
Thursday 1 December 2011
Photography Workshop
The photography workshop was the first of the workshop's in my case. Being a follower of photography for a few years already i wasn't expecting too much and for instance, the first session didn't reach any needs for me, seeing as it all about how to properly use a camera and what websites to use.
The second session was better, as we got to get out there and take some photos. The greatest part for me was having the chance to meet Johnathan Cherry who shared insight to me of his work, where he went and why. The documentary style photography really was a key stepping stone for my 'make and distribute a zine' project. John then went on to present works of different artists, my favourite being Mitch Epstein who's documentation projects capture the heart and soul of America itself.
The second session was better, as we got to get out there and take some photos. The greatest part for me was having the chance to meet Johnathan Cherry who shared insight to me of his work, where he went and why. The documentary style photography really was a key stepping stone for my 'make and distribute a zine' project. John then went on to present works of different artists, my favourite being Mitch Epstein who's documentation projects capture the heart and soul of America itself.
Metal Workshop photos
So these were the outcome. I was pleased with the mixture of geometry and the material used, which gives off this grungy, well worn feel. Both arent complete, e.g. the smaller 'ring' needs to be drilled and the larger one needs to be smoothed and cut down more.
By rummaging through the bits of sheet metal we were given, i found a chunk of copper which kept true to itself by keeping this blue, cyan rust
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Metal Work/ Workshop
Today being the last workshop tour, during the field guide project. The chosen practice was metal work. I can say I have had my fair share of usage in this field but not always have the outcomes been a success.
We first got introduced to the equipment and different processes involved, something of which I was already fully capable of doing, apart from perhaps the blow torch and the polisher.
We got asked to produce something, whether it be a small sculpture or just a showing of the processes involved. For some time I have wanted to produce geometric shaped jewellery. My fascination with maths and having perfect sides and angles can seem the complete opposite of the human form so I thought this would be something clever and outstanding to go on, with the topic challenging, but not too difficult to produce in the short time.
Pics up later
We first got introduced to the equipment and different processes involved, something of which I was already fully capable of doing, apart from perhaps the blow torch and the polisher.
We got asked to produce something, whether it be a small sculpture or just a showing of the processes involved. For some time I have wanted to produce geometric shaped jewellery. My fascination with maths and having perfect sides and angles can seem the complete opposite of the human form so I thought this would be something clever and outstanding to go on, with the topic challenging, but not too difficult to produce in the short time.
Pics up later
Sunday 27 November 2011
Display Project Eval
For Starters i chose the 'Produce and distribute a zine' idea. I began jotting down ideas of what i should base it on and my primary thought was to create a publication, showing my photography up to now , being a follower of the practice for 3 years i began thinking it would be great to start getting peoples reactions but on a larger scale.
The idea all changed when i had a meeting with Stuart, he noticed that i wrote too much and that, for him, there wasn't enough imagery. I then changed my concept but sticking to photography and the idea of it being personal to me. I decided to make a documentary project, which spanned the time of 20 days.
From reading the other project ideas I saw one that stuck out to me which was, .represent imperical information about yourself' so i decided the outlook and concept, would be to show viewers a look into my life. I'm aware that some will think that the photographs don't compliment 'my life' but that's what I'm trying to portray, i don't want to sugarcoat it and there's no gimmicks. Alot of what you see revolves around travel, going to and coming from places. I don't say where I've been but leave the area around me open and up for discussion. Some photographs may tend to lead down the road of 'inanimate objects'. A simple photo of something we may use on a daily basis, but when you take the time to study this, where it's come from? how did it get to this? are all valid questions that i hope to raise.
There wasn't a great deal of research used in this project, but i had been aware of publications and zines for at least a year. Studying them for a short period in my foundation course gave me a rough idea of what to include. I also read parts of the book, image takers image makers, a book presenting various different photographers including Mitch Epstein, Mary Ellen Mark and William Eggleston. The Photos shown were incredibly inspirational though my main interest was to read what was written about the artist, by finding out why Epstein has taken a strong, lasting photo, it would be easier to do the same for mine, not to necessarily give away the idea, but to let the viewer step inside.
The production of the zine outweighs that of a handmade version but there's a reason to this. Although i wanted to get a modern, contemporary feel i also wanted it to relate to me, seeing as that what the contents is based on. The minimalistic design is something i've always strived upon, i get the sense of say an empty snowy landscape is calming and doesn't distract the viewer from unwanted additions.
The idea all changed when i had a meeting with Stuart, he noticed that i wrote too much and that, for him, there wasn't enough imagery. I then changed my concept but sticking to photography and the idea of it being personal to me. I decided to make a documentary project, which spanned the time of 20 days.
From reading the other project ideas I saw one that stuck out to me which was, .represent imperical information about yourself' so i decided the outlook and concept, would be to show viewers a look into my life. I'm aware that some will think that the photographs don't compliment 'my life' but that's what I'm trying to portray, i don't want to sugarcoat it and there's no gimmicks. Alot of what you see revolves around travel, going to and coming from places. I don't say where I've been but leave the area around me open and up for discussion. Some photographs may tend to lead down the road of 'inanimate objects'. A simple photo of something we may use on a daily basis, but when you take the time to study this, where it's come from? how did it get to this? are all valid questions that i hope to raise.
There wasn't a great deal of research used in this project, but i had been aware of publications and zines for at least a year. Studying them for a short period in my foundation course gave me a rough idea of what to include. I also read parts of the book, image takers image makers, a book presenting various different photographers including Mitch Epstein, Mary Ellen Mark and William Eggleston. The Photos shown were incredibly inspirational though my main interest was to read what was written about the artist, by finding out why Epstein has taken a strong, lasting photo, it would be easier to do the same for mine, not to necessarily give away the idea, but to let the viewer step inside.
The production of the zine outweighs that of a handmade version but there's a reason to this. Although i wanted to get a modern, contemporary feel i also wanted it to relate to me, seeing as that what the contents is based on. The minimalistic design is something i've always strived upon, i get the sense of say an empty snowy landscape is calming and doesn't distract the viewer from unwanted additions.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Other Influences for Documentary/Display project
Stuart Recommended a book to me which he felt would help boost my research and influences. The book named "image takers, image makers" is full of Documentary photographers. I found the works of William Eggleston, Thomas Demand, Charles Freger and Naomi Harris to be most thought provoking. For me Thomas' Archiv/Archive, 1995 tends to represent what i am most familiar with, minimalism. The way he uses the light as they key counterpart in this photo really is the definitive outcome.
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://greenneonlight.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/thomas.jpg&imgrefurl=http://greenneonlight.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/thomas-demand/&h=479&w=600&sz=65&tbnid=gJukpe5AH5HU7M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=116&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dthomas%2Bdemand%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=thomas+demand&docid=YvtHBjfJ9FfnYM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4wy5TrLsCsyF8gPk2OWoBw&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQ9QEwAw&dur=239
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://greenneonlight.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/thomas.jpg&imgrefurl=http://greenneonlight.wordpress.com/2010/04/06/thomas-demand/&h=479&w=600&sz=65&tbnid=gJukpe5AH5HU7M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=116&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dthomas%2Bdemand%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=thomas+demand&docid=YvtHBjfJ9FfnYM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=4wy5TrLsCsyF8gPk2OWoBw&sqi=2&ved=0CDEQ9QEwAw&dur=239
Monday 7 November 2011
Display Project
The starting influence came from one of the toolkit days, when Johnathan Cherry took over for Stuart. John started out and ended showing us books of great documentary photographers of time, Mitch Epstein for an example though my thoughts arose most when i viewed John's own personal book, which documented his experience staying at a local firestation.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Inspiration - Derren Brown
So far the greatest source of influence i found has to be Derren Brown: The Assassin. By watching the spectacular show (3 times) it gave me tons of ideas how to display and different ideas to portray. The way Derren can suggest matter over another person is undeniable.
There isn't any images that has given me the ideas, but more the mindset, the way he can 'make' an individual perform a task is compelling and for me, richer than any image.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/derren-brown/articles/derren-brown-on-channel-4
There isn't any images that has given me the ideas, but more the mindset, the way he can 'make' an individual perform a task is compelling and for me, richer than any image.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/derren-brown/articles/derren-brown-on-channel-4
Monday 17 October 2011
First Crit
Today i had a crit with Stuart. I was told to perhaps shorten the text of my Blitz zine or delete it all together, to approach a more visual one.
He said to look at the book Image makers, image takers, so i loaned it from the library and will later post my findings. Stuart seemed to think having a documented, sequenced 'story' would be a great idea for the zine, so i will have another think on this.
He said to look at the book Image makers, image takers, so i loaned it from the library and will later post my findings. Stuart seemed to think having a documented, sequenced 'story' would be a great idea for the zine, so i will have another think on this.
Gill Sans/Eric Gill
Arthur Eric Rowton Gill /ˈɡɪl/[1] (22 February 1882 – 17 November 1940) was a British sculptor, typeface designer, stonecutter and printmaker, who was associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. He is a controversial figure, with his well-known religious views and subject matter being seen as at odds with his sexual and paraphiliac behaviour and erotic art.
This is an extract from wiki, detailing about Eric Gill. I found that he was a prolific sculptor rather than a main graphic designer or typeface designer. My digging deeper i found that he had a 'beastiality' experience with his dog, sexually abused his own children and had an incestous relationship with his sister. By finding this out you may tend to look at the font in a different light.
I plan on creating something which will hold significance meaning to politics, world issues etc but related to the typeface, why was it created in the first place and so on.
This is an extract from wiki, detailing about Eric Gill. I found that he was a prolific sculptor rather than a main graphic designer or typeface designer. My digging deeper i found that he had a 'beastiality' experience with his dog, sexually abused his own children and had an incestous relationship with his sister. By finding this out you may tend to look at the font in a different light.
I plan on creating something which will hold significance meaning to politics, world issues etc but related to the typeface, why was it created in the first place and so on.
Context Project
I have chosen to go along with the Gill Sans Font type project. I feel that creating something minimalistic yet approachable and understandable would be a great idea, seeing as i tend to create minimalistic pieces.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Starter Project
The idea was to create a final product based around the idea of Bournville. I took a conceptual option which was based on the the smell of chocolate. Since i have to walk past the 'birdcage' everyday to get to uni i constantly smell this magnificent aroma so i thought creating something which shows this process was a good, quick idea. This was the first idea i drew up. The squares lead up big to small which is a significance to the smell. The vent is obviously a representation to the location of the smell. The whole finalized product has a minimalism approach which is what my past art has encompassed. Seeing as the Bournville area has a rich textured atmosphere i thought why not make this more basic, why keep it so similar?
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