Just my type/ Music to my eyes- Week 3

This week I have been producing a final piece to both of my projects. I spent Monday (17th October 2016) experimenting with embroidery, which is the background that I planned to use for the illustration project; I was unsure what type of vibration pattern I could use and I wanted to make sure that I didn't make any mistakes on my final piece. I ended up choosing a vibration with three different lines because it looks more appealing and it shows the different wavelengths within the song, 'Quiver a little'. I started to produce my final piece for my Illustration project last Tuesday because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to produce my Graphics project on Thursday. I started making the top layer to my final piece, which is the silhouette of Benjamin Clementine; however, before doing so I had to find a different silhouette of the singer because my tutor pointed out that the composition was wrong and didn't have a lot of definition in the face. I have used ink and a stick to produce the outline of the singer, and I attempted to shade my work in using a damp tissue, which worked for me last time I practiced it, however, the ink was misbehaving and it kept smudging. Knowing I had little time to start again, I continued to work on my piece and decided to go over it using white poster paint, which cleaned the appearance of my work. And I also mixed white paint with a bit of the blue ink because I wanted to use the same colour and continue adding shading to my work without worrying about the ink smudging; when paint is added, the ink doesn't absorb through the paper and it is thicker, therefore easier to handle. I was very pleased with my work and I was very glad I hadn't thrown my work away as it has given me the opportunity to add an extra medium to my piece as well as being able to problem solve. I have also decided to add graphic fine liner to my work because I wanted to emphasize the outlines and create a contrast with the colour.

Another piece of feedback from my tutor was that I needed to include the name of the song within the illustration because the silhouette disables the viewer from recognizing Clementine, so I decided to use the vibrations to spell out the word 'Quiver' because it blends into the background, and I didn't have enough room to spell out the entire title of the song. I spent Tuesday and Wednesday night doing my embroidery because I wanted to complete my illustration project before Thursday, and I had the materials that I needed at home. I used the rest of the purple fabric that I had from last year, which turned out to be more than enough. I measured out 45cm by 45cm and I used a embroidery hoop to stitch the background; however, I drew a rough outline with pen because I didn't want it to rub off whilst I was focusing on one section and I wanted to make sure that the lines were straight.

  

I went to three different art galleries last Wednesday, which were Arnolfini, M-Shed and Spike Island, all of which I had already visited before. I wasn't quite sure why we were required to visit the M-Shed since there is very little art work there, however, I did manage to spot the Bristol banner for the Co-operative society 1926, which was used for social or political events; I like how it communicates to the viewer because the parallelism and the image used within the banner are both associated with how everyone should look out for each other, and it gives the viewer a feeling of connectedness and being down to earth. I also like this image because it has clear narrative, but also has hidden ambiguity within the image, making the image understandable and also challenges the viewer to read more into it: the women in the center could represent mother nature or some other source of high power, and the image indicates everyone working together to create order and work together to build a stronger community.  I found work from Daphne wright very dramatic because it focuses on complicated social issues that occurs very regularly. One piece of artwork that did catch my eye was the primate that was created in 2009 from marble dust, onyx, resin, silk embroidery and paint. Primate is associated with a rhesus monkey that was being used for animal research and then being put to sleep after it fit its purpose. The skin of the monkey has been stitched onto this sculpture, making the sculpture feel lifelike and exploiting emotion from the viewer. I like this work because it is showing the viewer how mankind is using these animals and this makes the viewer feel ashamed and astounded with how we approach today's modern society. I also like her work because of how she makes use of mixed medium and uses it to her advantage; she is giving her work more texture and layers that makes it look authentic and exciting to look at. I am not going to use her as an influence because I have already chosen my final idea and I am in the middle of creating my two final pieces, however, I will consider using her as a reference to my next project; I like how she addresses important issues and communicates them to the viewer visually. Spike Island was an exhibition that was entirely focused on Hedwig Houben, who focuses on producing sculptural works with videos of the artist to explain or to show what each artwork is about. She mostly works on producing markings subconsciously. I like her work because it is weird and abstract; she has produced a new kind of art that challenges the viewer's perception. She has taken away all her thoughts and feelings in order to produce artwork that is purely focused on the markings instead of trying to make  the viewer respond to the artwork emotionally. I like her work because it is disconnected from the world, which makes her artwork feel surreal. It challenges the idea of what art is supposed to be because the main objective is to express yourself however Houben has destroyed this objective in order to show the viewer that art can be absent minded.

Last Thursday, I started working on my Graphic Design project which was a bit of a hassle because I had to quickly change the design of my background; the chairman of the Conservative Club said I couldn't use the union jack as the background because some people might think it s offensive. I quickly reverted to my other background, following the conservative colours, however, a member if the conservative club commented that the design was wrong because it had the same colours of the Scottish flag. On that note, I continued to use the same colours and layout, however, I decided that I should make the colours in my design broken up with a pop art appearance and oil paint would be the best medium to exploit all the rich colours and contrasts that were in my design. After finishing my oil painting, I took a photo of it using my Nikon camera because I knew the background wouldn't dry quickly and I wanted to overlay my background with a digital design of my typography. I decided to use Photoshop to create my typography because it is professional photo editing software that allow me to manipulate my objects. I edited an image of an empty glass, which I layered over the digitalized background, and then I layered the empty glass with an edited image of a full glass. After making sure both layers were the same size, I used the eraser to carve the top layer into letters, which enables the viewer to see the bottom layer. I am pleased with the final result because it goes with my theme manipulation and it looks so surreal; ale can't physical change form like that. I have also managed to complete a separate piece for the conservative club, which has the same typography and background. I have showed the chairman my final piece and he is pleased with it. He plans to use this as the front cover for the Weston Conservative magazine as soon as he can get hold of the information that will go into the magazine, which I think should be done before the start of November.

And I spent last Friday digitalizing my illustration project and adding it to a template. I am planning on using half term to finish annotating and evaluating my sketchbook because I wanted to spend the time I had on exploring materials. I found doing two projects at once difficult because you have to remember what artists you were looking at and then divert back to the other project, however, I think I have had the right balance between the two. I think I could improve by balancing the experimentation with the annotation because reflecting on your work enables you to improve and develop your work more, and it is difficult to write what you were trying to do after a couple of weeks. Nevertheless, I am pleased with my work and I am glad that I have been able to communicate many messages within my illustration as well as given purpose to my typography. I have enjoyed both projects, I think I have enjoyed the illustration more so because I was able to express myself more, however, I am determined to move towards Graphic Design because I like the idea of persuading the viewer through imagery and I don't think I should judge Graphic Design through one project. I will keep Visual Communication as my main choice and then confirm which area I want to take once I start my projects in Visual Communication, which should be in January. I will look for Graphic Design Courses for university before Christmas because illustration can be a part of Graphic Design, however, Graphic Design is deliberate and sets specific messages to the viewer, so I will bare this in mind. Overall, this project has allowed me to look at both areas of Visual Communication and be reflective on my work.

Just my Type/ Music to my eyes- Week 2

This week, I have been doing life drawing again, however, I have used a new medium in order to explore different ways of using it. I had to stick my felt tips together using tape and then drew the outline of the model, which I found extremely difficult because this medium is unforgiving and I didn't know where to look; you have to make sure you keep your eye on the same pen because otherwise the outline of the model will look inaccurate. I tried to avoid adding too much detail because otherwise lines would overlap and the viewer will be unable to identify the main features of the model. I like this drawing overall because it has a three-dimensional illusion and it makes the viewer feel ill because they don't know what line to focus on and the strong contrast makes their eyes sensitive.

My second drawing is of the model in three different positions, each drawing overlapping each other. I decided to use the lightest colour first because I realise that pen is unforgiving, so I chose a colour that can be overlapped by a darker colour; it makes the second image look as if it is in front rather than merged together, which has a narrative effect. I also like my work because it is full of detail and makes the drawing as a whole look delicate and authentic. I dislike my drawing however because it is incomplete, however, I spent most of my time making sure that the angles and markings were accurate so I didn't have to dismiss any of my markings as mistakes. I have thought about using this technique in my illustration design, however, after choosing my final design, I have concluded that overlapping my lines would make my design feel congested.

I have also been through a small practical for my typography project. We were put into groups of four and we had to each alter and represent different words: the word 'damaged' is torn and fragmented. I chose the word 'firework' because it has many possibilities that involve colour and imagery. I managed to create two interpretations in the time given: one with a firework replacing the 'i' and the other word is made up of exploding fireworks. I prefer the first interpretation because the second is more literal, whilst the first is illustrating to the viewer what a firework is. This practical has acted as an introduction to my graphic design project, allowing me to interpret what typography is and what I am able to achieve with it. And it has made me consider how I am interpreting the word 'conservative', allowing my work to become more relevant to the client I am working for.

I have managed to design my final ideas for both projects and I have started to explore mediums for my illustration project. I just need to explore mediums for my graphic design project and make sure I have enough time to produce my final pieces. I plan to explore my mediums on Monday, start producing my illustration design on Tuesday, produce my graphic design on Thursday, and then print out my work for Friday. I have to go to the Bristol Art Galleries on Wednesday, so I can't do much with my project n that day.

Just my Type/ Music to my eyes- Week 1

This week I have started a new project. As part of the course, I was required to choose three subjects and go through a series of taster projects; one of which is visual communication in Illustration and Graphic Design. Because there is two areas within visual communication, I am required to do two projects within the three week deadline: 'Music to my eyes' and 'Just my type'.

'Music to my eyes' is the illustration project, which involves producing a CD cover for the song. 'Just quiver a little'. And 'Just my type' is the graphic design project that involves creating a new style of typography for the alphabet. I have made a start on my illustration project and I am focusing on using objects to show the viewer what the song is about and simplify the individual so the viewer doesn't base the song on the individual's appearance. I have also looked at the graphic design project and have decided to use the theme 'manipulation' because it gives me less limitations with what I am able to do; I am able to manipulate materials and images and change their original form. I want to focus on exploring material and manipulating objects into typography. I want my work to have purpose in my work because I think finding your own client is important; it makes it easier to figure out the themes I am using and the messages I am trying to communicate to the viewer. My uncle is the chairman of the Conservative Club, Weston Super Mare, and he has asked me to design a magazine cover. I know that this is not part of the project, however, I intend to create the alphabet especially for the Conservative Club, and then use the font I have created in the magazine.

I think I need to do more research however it has been frustrating this week because doing both projects makes me feel as though I am not doing much work and I have to remember what each project is about, which is also very time consuming.

Next week, I will sketch my ideas in my sketchbook and explore different materials in the middle of the week. I think I should do more research in order to strengthen my work. I will also do further reach into the Conservative Club, so I can gain ideas of their values and background.

I have been in a workshop this week for life drawing, which involved using a stick and ink. I mixed water with ink and used a tissue to dab the outline of the individual, which was effective because I am able to have a vague idea of the shape and position that the individual is in. Once I have made my markings, I used a stick and ink to draw the outline and details of the individual. I like the effect it has because you don’t need to worry about outlining the markings you have made, which makes the drawing look expressive and abstract.

I like my first drawing because I was able to draw in the face; normally my drawings don’t include faces because I don’t have enough time, however, I have decided to focus more on the individual’s features, giving my drawing character and personality. I also like this image because it is proportioned well, which means that my drawing is becoming more accurate and will have a large influence on my work because I plan to draw Clementine (singer) by hand. I dislike it however because it is unfinished, which means I need to work on my time management. I also dislike it because there is no shading or tone within my work, which I had been advised to use in my next drawing.

My next drawing has more tone. After I draw the outline of the individual, I dabbed the drawing with watered-down ink and produced layers of tone. I dislike it however because the ink kept bleeding, which destroys the detail in the drawings; however, I could avoid this by blending those smudges, which will create darker tones as well as preserving the detail. After doing this, I should wait for the ink to dry and draw in the details. I also dislike this drawing because the model has no face, destroying the personality and character that I had in my first image. However, I have managed my time effectively and the extra tones makes the image look authentic and three-dimensional.

This is a new technique which has inspired me to use raw materials in order to gain different textures and markings. 

Landscape and see- Week 3

This week I have been completing both my A1, which have both been influenced by John Virtue, Susie Brooks, Victoria Siemer, Matt Sundstron, Mark Dorf and Javier Riera. I think my drawing of Uphill was more successful because it looks more surreal and gives the viewer unique compositions of the landscape as well as making the viewer feel anger and frustration; the computer error is putting pressure on the viewer to answer the direct interrogative, and the viewer is trying to absorb the intense information that they are being given. I spent most of my last week on this drawing, which even though was the most successful has prevented me from annotating my work. As a result I have had no breaks and have been continuous with my annotations and research.

I have also had a taster of the 3D workshop, which was a bit repetitive since I already know where everything was, however, it was quite useful because it showed me a way of layering my work in order to create textures, which I have used in my A1 drawings. I decided to use this technique in my work, however, I decided not to use cardboard like I did in the workshop because it was difficult to cut and shape, and it is time consuming. I managed to produce an acceptable piece of work however, which is a recreation of my five minute sketch in the Uphill Boatyard, Weston Super Mare.

I have managed to organize and reorganize everything in my planner because I had trouble working out what I needed to do and how long it would take me. As a result of my organization skills, I have managed to be realistic on what I am able to do in one day and whether I would be able to finish this project on time. I have finished my annotations and evaluation, now I just need to finish sticking my work together!