3D to 2D Image

I was really proud of my apple. So I decided to use it as my focal image. Then I wanted to play around with it. I photoshopped my masked identity on the apple. I like the way the black & white contrasts with the colored image and the leaf. I am really happy with this image.

Reading 4: Touch by Diane Ackerman

Response to Diane Ackerman's book

A Natural History of the senses 

Although the sense of touch is put to use by everybody every single day of their lives, it is pushed to the back of their minds because they do not need to think about it for it to do its job.  Its loyally completes its duties quietly and quickly.  After reading this excerpt I thought "Where would mankind be without the sense of touch?"  There would undoubtedly be more sever injuries due to not knowing when the body was in danger of being hurt.  The feelings of pleasure would also never be felt without the sense of touch.  Touch gives life to newborns, comfort or fear in conversation, and trust in visually impaired people, but should not only be cherished by those groups but by every individual that enjoys the blessings of it every day. I find Diane Ackerman's writing quite beautiful. She makes one change their perspective about such an ordinary thing. People do not realize the beauty of touch, until they have lost it. Life begins with touch and then it ends without it. It is very      poetic. 

Responses to "The American Life" & TED Talks

This American Life


277: Apology, Act Two, Dial "S" For Sorry


The "apology line" is an effective method for people confess feelings or secrets that have been weighing them down. I believe it is an effective method for relieving self guilt. Sometimes it is much harder to tell a friend rather than a stranger. Strangers can be more productive in easing a troublesome mind because they offer a "birds eye view" perspective a friend cannot give. And what I mean by "birds eye view" is that the stranger is assessing the situation as a third party observer who has no affiliation at all and can offer advice without the bias of underlying factors. 


TED Talks about PostSecret


PostSecret is an organization founded by Frank Warren originally as a community art project  that receives letters of confessed secrets on homemade postcards from anonymous people. It has expanded globally and has produced four books full of secrets. This approach is much more concrete and profound than the "apology line" due to the fact that the senses are changed. Society relates better to things they can see and touch because that is how our culture communicates. The visual is so influential over one's thoughts. Every one of the secrets is made into a work of art, which captures attention more than a recording on a phone. Personally, I am a huge fan of Frank Warren & his invention of PostSecret. I really think it has changed the way people see the world and themselves. Just knowing someone may have it a little worse than you gives you a sense of satisfaction and gratefulness for your life. PostSecret changes your perception on life.

Sound Confessions

Assignment:

This assignment incorporates the medium of audio. Record a confession.  The confession cannot be yours.  The confession can be in the form of a secret or an apology.  You may use your voice, or the voice of someone else, to make the recording.  Before you embark on this journey, listen and watch the sources provided below.  Make a container to house the recording device.  The materials and processes used to construct the container should be reflective of the content of the confession.  No size limit.  Note: the recording device we are using has a button that needs to be pushed to activate the recording.  When planning your design, you will have to account for a space that will incorporate the button.  Use no less than three (3) different materials and no more than five (5) to construct the container.  No size limit.

Objective: 

Development of an idea that results in an expressive and meaningful visual and audio experience.

Materials: 

There is one required material for this assignment which is a small recording device that can be purchased at the local Radio Shack. You will also need a 9 volt battery.  The recording lasts 20 seconds.  Feel free to purchase another brand/type.  Other materials are your choice.  Remember, no less than 3 and no more than 5.

PROCESS PHOTOGRAPHS

My box is made out of plexi-glass & glue. I went to Lee & Cates glass and got some scraps for free. Then, with the crucial help of Russell, I made the measurements for the glass, cut the pieces using the bandsaw, and drilled holes using the drill with a special nail. After that I sanded the ends so they would hold together efficiently. By using the "Super Adhesive" -9001- Russell found on the floor, we started to attach the sides. Russell showed me how to use certain clamps so I did not have to hold all the sides together, which was awesome. They dried rather quickly, and 24 hours later my box was ready.

Then I had to sew my seatbelt back together after I had cut it out of the carseat. I attached it to the clear string I have bought around the drilled holes in the box to make it appear floating in air.

FINAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Confession-


"When I was 13, 
I was in a car accident.
I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. I went right through the windshield. Not many people know,
but those that do have forgotten. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder why 
I am alive when I should
have died."


This confession was a really important project for me. 
My accident was a huge turning point in my life, and it felt really great to tell strangers and not feel scared. My box was made in glass so my confession would be as exposed as possible, while still contained. I put the seatbelt in the center, vertically, so it would appear as if it was floating. The seatbelt is huge. It is an instant trigger to the memories of my accident. Every time I am in the car and someone isn't wearing their seatbelt I have a panic attack. Likewise, every time I am in the car and someone I do not know very well is driving I get nervous. Surviving my accident has driven me spiritually and that is the direction my confession was leaning to. I wonder why I am alive, and if there really is someone looking out for me.






Audio-


Link Here 

Masked Identity

Assignment: 

How would you describe your identity? Through the making of a sculptural head piece and imagery (photographs or video), compose a visual narrative that offers clues to your identity without showing your face. Use materials that emulate skin and skeleton (trace paper and wire). The form should cover your head and shoulders. Once the form is complete, video or photograph yourself (or someone else) wearing the form. Imagery should demonstrate a narrative that communicates your identity. Incorporate symbols into the narrative. The symbols can be part of the constructed form and/or photographed or photoshopped in the final imagery. The final solution for this assignment is photography or video. Upload/post on your class blog. 

Objective: 
Development of an idea that uses metaphor and symbols to visually communicate a personal narrative. 

Materials: 
Wire, wire cutters, safety glasses, tracing paper, gel medium, brushes, cup with water. 

In Class Writing Exercise:
In order to prepare for assignment, we will have an in class writing assignment. We will start with words - how the principles and elements of design can begin your description and then move on to ideas about symbols within a culture. Details given in class.

My Words

-Symmetry

-Bold

-Imaginative

-Balanced

-Centered

-Curves

PRoCeSS PHoToS

FiNaL PHoToS

My inspiration for my piece derives from my astrological glyph symbol (above).The Pisces symbol, featuring a pair of fish swimming head to tail in a circle is representative of life after death or reincarnation. Pisces are governed by a duality, a struggle of the spiritual soul within the physical body. I am a firm believer in astrology; therefore, I chose to center the focus of my identity around it. I incorporated the long symmetrical curves of the glyph symbol to express my personal struggle to stay balanced both mentally and physically. I believe the soul is placed in the body like a tree. And if you do not nurture your soul, it reflects on your body. Likewise, if you do not take care of your body, the soul is weakened. Which is why I do yoga, exercise, eat healthy, and do things I really enjoy. The square in between the two, symmetrical curved lines represents the need to be balanced, or centered, at all times. I have to work at this every day. Being unbalanced can only bring bad karma and negativity in my life. I maintain balance to stay positive. This piece really means a lot to me since it expresses a battle I face every day. 

Wolf Soap Carving

Final Product

My Process includes:

1. Cutting a deep hole in the mid section of the wolf.

2. Filling that hole with purple ink

3. Microwaving the soap for 25 seconds

4. Placing pieces of wire in the hole.

5. Coating the mid section with glue.

6. Pasting two Werthers original caramel candy wrappers.

7. Coating the remaining surface of soap with sea foam colored nail polish.

8. Placing a feather on the center of his head.

9. Freeze the entire sculpture for one entire night.

Paper Stacking

Assignment: 
Create two stacked paper forms.  The first is observed from life.  The second is your own design. 

#1 - Observe From Life.  Use your eyes and your hands to understand shape and line. Your subject is a fruit or vegetable.  I suggest purchasing a couple of pieces of produce. In case your first idea does not work, you have back up. Keep the size of your paper sculpture the same as the actual produce.

#2 - Your Own Design.  Using the same materials and the process of paper stacking as for the fruit/vegetable, create your own form. Stay away from cliches.  Prepare your design by doing research on-line.  






PROCESS PHOTOS

FINAL PHOTOGRAPHS

I did an apple. I used sandpaper and the sander in the wood shop to complete it' shape & create more texture. I then added a stem & leaf to confirm to the eye that it was a replica of an apple. Surprisingly, I had a lot of fun with this project. It was exciting to use heavy tools like the sander and not beak anything.

PROJECT 3: The Poetic Metamorphasis

Assignment: 
Using only white copy paper (do not use card stock) make three paper sculptures. The three paper sculptures are to represent the setting discussed in The Metamorphosis and will be miniature.  The three sculptures are: a bed, a chest (or container, box, drawers, etc...)  and a bug.  The bed should contain the following elements: a mattress, a box spring, a bed frame that elevates it from the floor, a headboard and at least one pillow and one blanket.  The chest should be designed so that it can conceal the bug. This assignment uses limited materials and does not allow the use of tape or glue. Final solution should be stable and visually communicate your response to the readings. In class we will discuss how color, line, shape and texture can communicate content as well as the perceptions made when viewing the miniature.

Objective: 
Introduce the construction of three-dimensional form with the simple process of transformed plane. Provide the tools and structure needed for conceptual development. 
Expose students to the collaborations made between literature and visual art.
Expose students to theories of space. 



Materials:
White copy paper, ink set, brushes, scissors, Exacto knife, cut matt. 

PROCESS PHOTOGRAPHS

BED-

I wove pieces of paper together to create the headstand on his bed, and used two rolled pieces of paper to keep the box spring stable. I then rolled four pieces of paper to create the legs of the bed so it stood above the surface. I added a small mattress on top of the box spring so it wasn't too heavy on the small four legs. I painted the wood on the legs, box spring, and woven headstand a deep brown mixed with red to make it appear rustic and old looking. The mattress was first painted yellow then coated with a light layer of brown to add tone. Likewise, I originally painted the blanket yellow and then coated it with brown. I freaked out when I accidentally spilled red ink on the blanket. But then I grew to like it because it made the blanket look stained. Once the ink dried a little , I crumbled the blanket with my hands to add texture and allow it to dry in place. Lastly, the pillow was two pieces of paper rolled together with paper stuffed inside. I painted it like the headpiece to keep the colors balanced.

TRUNK-

I purposely designed the trunk to appear larger than normal. I wanted the trunk to be long and narrow, quite horizontal. I coated the trunk several times with black ink in order to make the trunk seem mysterious and bold in contrast aligned with the bed. I painted the handle green to add contrast to the trunk as a whole image. 

TRANSFORMATION-

My transformation resembles an ant. I rolled three balls of paper with a hard shell-like surface first. Then I rolled more smaller pieces of paper, and cut hole in each ball. After, I then attached the balls with the smaller rope-like pieces in order to connect the body with the legs. I added antennas on the head, and bent the legs to make them more believable. As a finishing touch, I coated the figure several times with brown ink without letting the paper give out, and I used black ink to create droopy eyes and antennas.

FINAL WORK PHOTOGRAPHS

ARTIST STATEMENT-

My miniature furniture set & metamorphosis was designed to embody the metaphorical intent of the literature. His family only needed him for his labor & financial income. I imagined Gregor's character to mirror the character of Cinderella, except she was the fairy tale version and he was the tragedy. Like Cinderella, I pictured his bedroom to resemble an attic-like room that is dark, dirty, and gloomy. I designed his bed to appear old and grimy. Mrs. Mongovi mentioned in class that the two big poles in the box spring reminded her of a stretcher and reminds her of death. The colors have a huge impact on my bed. The washed out and stained coloring communicates the idea of a dirty and grimy lifestyle. The idea that his family gave him the least they could offer him. At home I have a trunk full of images, magazines, and photographs of things I want to do and places I want to go. Gregor's trunk is full of all his dreams and is closed because they are secrets. The trunk is larger in proportion to the bed to symbolize that his dreams and desires are larger than his reality. The handle on the trunk is painted green to contrast with the black and radiate the feeling of envy. The trunk is full of pictures and desires that serve as Gregor's temporary escape from reality. The closed trunk in all black with a green handle almost taunts him in a sense, reminding him of how worthless his life is. The story says Gregor transforms into a bug with a hard back shell. The story is very specific about the description of the bug; however, I chose to make him a different insect. I chose to transform him into a working ant in order to communicate the idea that his family only needed him for money. They sucked the life out of him so he turned into what he inevitably became, a working ant. An insect who's only purpose it to harvest for the community and has absolutely no individual worth. 

READING 3: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Reading: 
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 

"The Metamorphosis, first published in 1915, is the most famous of Kafka's works, along with The Trial and The Castle. The story begins when a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Curiously, his condition does not arouse surprise in his family, who merely despise it as an impending burden. As with all of Kafka's works, The Metamorphosis is open to a wide range of interpretations. Most obvious are themes relating to society's treatment of those who are different, the loneliness of isolation, and the absurdity of the human condition."
                                                                

The Metamorphosis Review & Kafka Biography

Vocab-

Salvation-Deliverance from sin and its consequences.

omission- Someone or something that has been left out or excluded.

verminious-Of the nature of vermin; repulsive

diminutive-Extremely small in size

imbedded-Implant (an idea or feeling) within something else so it becomes an ingrained or essential characteristic of it.

amerlioration-improvement

aspyxiation- suffocate

Outline-

I. Gregor Samsa wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a large insect. 

      a. he is a traveling salesman

      b. hates his job

      c. works only to pay of his family debts

II. Gregor does not allow anyone in the room 

      a. he is having trouble moving around in his foreign legs 

      b. he does not know how to open the door with the lack of hands

III. The Chief opens the door

      a. his family shuns him

      b. the chief runs away in fear

IV. He finds refugee under the couch

      a. no one will see him

      b. sister sneaks him food

v. Family is struggling financially due to the loss of gregor's job

      a.they resent him, seeing him as a burden

      b.the beat him he gets injured

VI. They start neglecting him

      a.his sister decides its time for gregor to dissappear

      b.he agrees to go, returns to his room to wait until sunrise & dies

VII. The family mourns his death, but are also quite happy

      a. they move and its as if he never existed

      b. the focus is now shifted to the daughter looking for a husband

READING 2: The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard

Reading: 
A reading from the book Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard, Chapter 3, Drawers, Chests and Wardrobes. 

"This is a deep, magical, densely captivating book about space, our homes, how we live in them, and how dwellings and space affect us; it is as much a book of philosophy as a work of serious literature. It requires careful, preferably leisurely reading, with the possibility of moments to pause and digest and re-read the words. It will change the way you look at your home and your life, providing a deeper, more insightful relationship with the spaces you occupy." Amazon Review. Amazon Review

                                                             Gaston Bachelard Biography

VOCAB LIST-

(in terms of Gaston Bachelard's writing)

-metaphor- give concrete substance to an impression that is difficult to express
-image-products of the imagination

-fabricated image-products of the imagination, lacking genuine roots

-ephemeral expression- a transitory expression

-concept-drawers in which knowledge can be classified

-hybrid objects- have quality of intimacry

-“poet of furniture”- a poet that uses pieces of furniture in writing to depict a metaphor or image

-intimate space- space that is not open to just anybody

-order- a center of order protects the entire house against disorder

-exaggeration- always at the summit of any living image

-white: symbolic of purity

-“need for secrecy”: an intuitive sense of hiding places

-lock: psychological threshold, invitation to thieves

-“complexualistic”: type of cabinet work that feeds false secrets and can often mislead the viewer

-casket: memory of what is immemorial, dungeon for objects

-chest: objects that may be opened, differential in discovery compared to a casket

-Jean-Pierre Richard: writer who analyzes literary works in terms of their dominants images

OUTLINE-

Main Focal Point: 

Bachelard comments on the difference between image and metaphor, explaining that a metaphor presents a tangible object as an intangible notion that is otherwise difficult to express. A metaphor stands for the idea but has no phenomenological value itself.

I. 

(a)Discussion on drawers, chests, & wardrobes

       i.Hiding places for human beings, great dreamers of locks, keep or hide their secrets

      ii.Introduction of the difference between images & metaphors: metaphors give concrete substance to an impression that is difficult to express, while images are products of the imagination

     iii. Bergson's writings contain mostly metaphors about drawers

    iiii. Fabricated image:product of the imagination with no real, genuine roots; ephemeral expression

II. 

(a)Drawer Metaphor

       i.Is used by Bergson to convey the inadequacy of philosophy of concept

      ii.Concepts:drawers in which knowledge may be classified

     

III.

(a)Deeper into the Metaphor

       i.Metaphor is a false image, since it does not possess the direct virtue of an image formed in spoken revery

      ii.Henri Bosco represents the reverse drawer metaphor: it is not the intelligence that is the filing cabinet, it is the filing cabinet that is the intelligence

     iii.Bosco's reasoning cabinet presents the "philosophy of having"

IV.

(a)The Psychology of the drawer

       i.Wardrobes and drawers all share a quality of intimacy

      ii.The deep,inner space of a wardrobe is considered intimate space or in other words, space that is not available to just anybody

     iii.To put just anything in any piece of furniture is the mark of unusual weakness in the function of inhabiting

    iiii.In the wardrobe there exits a "centre of order" that keeps the entire house functioning

      iv.A memory is a wardrobe

       v.If we give objects the friendship they should have, we do not open the wardrobe without a slight start

      vi.Beneath the wood is white almond; to open it, is to experience an event of whiteness which is symbolic of purity

V.

(a)The Anthology devoted to small boxes

       i.Chests are witnesses to the "need for secrecy":an intuitive place for hiding places

      ii.All locks are a psychological threshold: an invitation to thieves

     iii.Denise Paulme argues that the power that opens and shuts must possess the power of life

    iiii.Idea of false secrets to grab curiosity

VI.

(a)Locks

       i.Dreams and daydreams of locks & keys correlate directly to our confessions

      ii.Symbolism of content the key opens is critical

     iii.Every secret has its casket

VII.

(a)Exterior & Interior Space

       i.When a casket is closed, it is returned to the general community of objects; exterior space

      ii.When a casket is opened it is a discovery

     iii.The dimension of intimacy is dissevered

    iiii.Sometimes there is a whole house hidden in a small contained space