August 2017 – Jiaying

August 30, 2017August 30, 2017

4D Project 1: Picture Story- Curating Self

First series: Object and representation of me.

Soft toys has always been a significant object to me, they accompany me throughout my childhood. I remember when i was younger, I would act as a teacher and they would be my audience.

People who are familiar with me will be aware of my crazy obsession with rilakumma bears. However, not everyone is aware of the story behind it.

Reason why this rilakkuma is so different from all my other soft toys is because this is the first toy that I caught from the claw machine. Ever since then, I started my collection.

Some of my friends have seen my collection and whenever they see a rilakkuma bear, think will think of me. So i guess this object represents me.

Up to today, i still love soft toys very much. I have plenty of toys, but this is still my favourite. It is very significant, as it holds a dear value to me.

I made use of the rule of third technique, I placed the teddy bear at one of the intersection of the rule of third grid to give it a clear focal point. It helps to create a sense of balance without making the photo to static.

I used the natural lighting from my living room to create value in the shots. This photo is taken to show interaction between myself and the toy. I deliberately focused on the bear to show emphasis on it while blurring the background. Using motion blur technique, the swinging of tag shows the movement and interaction between us.

The warm lights in the shopping mall helps by creating a comfortable environment. This teddy bear is significant to me which is reflected by the warm lights.

I tried taking photos from different vantage points. For the first photo, i tried placing the rilakkuma at the centre, however the photo do not look as interesting and eye catching. Flash were used in some of the photos, thus it created very harsh lightings.

Second series: My World

Arcade, a place filled with happiness and laughter. I clearly remember the happy memories spent with my family at the arcade. It is a significant to me as this is the go to place when i feel stress or upset. That is how I recharge. I feel very happy whenever I am at the arcade. Seeing all the smiles on people faces bring joy to me as well.

Arcade is filled with colours and noises. In this panorama photo, I would like to show how people interact with each other in an arcade. And the liveliness of the place. It is a good place to bond with friends and family.

I applied what I learnt from the previous lesson and created this one point perspective. The chair and lights acts as a frame and bring more depth to the picture and a better focus on what the main subject is.

Ever since my first bear, it become an “addiction”. I felt a sense of accomplishment everytime I caught a toy from the claw machine. I tried to frame the subject using the background lights. The value in this photo is very contrasting which helps to bring out the subject.

Motion blur helps to portray the life and energy of the arcade. Motions in an arcade can represent liveliness and the activites going on in the place. In my opinion, the child represents energy and that energy reflects the atmosphere of the place. Laughter of children could be heard. Being in a happy environment helps to lighten my mood.

I also tried taking from different angles, but it didn’t bring out the effect I would like to express.

Total ( 617 words )

August 30, 2017September 11, 2017

Assignment 1 (Research)

I do not have any photography skills, therefore I can only look up on the internet to see what inspires me. I happen to find Elevn Photography, founded by Alan Lim. He does a wide variety of shots, such as lifestyle, products, events, travel and even portrait photography.

http://eleven.sg/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Singapore-Photographer.jpg

I really like this photo. The black and white photo convey the commitment and love towards the violin. I like how black and white photographs gives a certain emotion to the story behind.

Using of plain background really helps to make the subject stands out.

http://eleven.sg/gallery/travel-photography/

One thing I like about photography is being able to capture the moment of happiness. I like how the blurred background helps the subject stands out in the photo.

I will try to apply what I have learnt into my assignment!

August 30, 2017September 4, 2017

Mark Making (Experiment)

Second week of class, I experiment with the different techniques for mark making. Since we are free to bring/do whatever we want to create to express emotions.

Part 1 :

Here are some of the items I brought to class.

The first lesson of mark making, I do not really understand how line creates emotions. So I thought to myself, its ok, I’ll just do and see how thing goes along the way.

However, I am surprise things turn out pretty well.

Strings

The first tool I tried! I tear the strings into many smaller parts. After i apply a layer of ink over, I used the pressed machine and roll it over.

TADA! The end result!

The harsh and uncontrollable strokes reminds me of anger. I like the contrast in colours. It makes the work look more interesting.

I borrowed a thin string from my classmates. I dipped the string into ink and drag it in a up and down motion it begin to create some really fine lines on paper. I am amazed by how it is able to create thin and thick lines and the same time. It kind of express anxiety or nervousness.

Bottle Caps

Made use of the side of a bottle cap to create the harsh strokes. It reminds me of anger too. The strokes are of different directions, which shows anger.

Next is the Leaves

There is a story behind how I got the leaves. Went to my aunt’s house for family gathering, their neighbours called the LTA to summon 3 of our cars. Thats a total of $210. So I went to pluck some leaves from the neighbours. I was lucky i wasn’t caught!

I dabbed the leaves into chinese ink and i pat in on the paper. I like how it creates the fine and thick lines on paper.

Cotton Pads

Wanted to show love in this print. I thought cotton pad would create a very soft effect. I pulled the cotton pads, to make it even more fragile and soft. After that i apply chinese ink on certain parts of the cotton pads and placed a another piece of paper over.

The end result! Seems like a very complicated love.

Bobby Pins

Used a bobby pin to create this effect. I thought it expressed fear/nervousness. The lines are wavy, which somehow express the uncontrollable emotion.

Lino Cut

I tried out lino cut. I craving out areas that i want it be in white. After that I apply a layer or paint over, and i placed it under the pressed machine. I like how I am able to archieve harsh and more define strokes.

This is what I experimented for the lesson, we continue the remaining process below!

Part 2:

After the first mark making experience, I have a clearer understanding of what I am supposed to do/archieve. I went home to research and define how each emotions feel to me. And I also tried using different kinds of medium to express different emotions.

Cotton Wool

I saw some cotton wool lying on my desk. And I thought I could use it as a material since it has a very soft and fluffy texture.

I tried tearing the cotton wool to smaller pieces and pasting them in random postions,

When I see the end result, it reminds me of cotton candy! I really like the soft and fluffy texture. I guess I can improve on it by adding more dimension to it.

Straws

Painting without a brush. The Blow painting!

First i dilute the chinese ink with water, then i drop one end of the straw into the paint. Next, I tap the straw on the paper, leaving deposits of paint on the paint.

Once I have some paint on the paper, I started blowing through the straws in different directions. I really like this effect. I create different shades of black, to show contrast. Although it is a technique that we all know since young, it still creates very interesting and fun work!

I thought this work convey thrill or surprise to me.

Charcoal

Charcoal has a unique look and texture when applied to paper. The use of charcoal helps to bring out the moody and dull effect without looking to harsh.

I am a very cheerful and happy person. My life is always filled with colours and joy. I thought this work represents depression, as it is the total opposite of me. Life being very dull and empty.

Markers

I used little pressure on the paper to create the flow and smooth lines. Using the same lineweight so that lines will not be to outstanding and more helps to create a more soothing look.

The end result! There is no start or end to the work. I use a single line to complete this work.

After trying soothing lines. I thought why not i try using more pressure to create harsh lines. Using a sharpie marker without much ink left and some chinese ink for this work. I used hard pressure on the paper. I held my marker in my fist to create more harsh lines. I also created some concentrated patches.

Glues

I wanted to create texture in my work. I added wood glue and dye together. Then i used a paint brush to create harsh strokes. After it dry, I applied UHU glue on certain area where i want more texture.

I like how grainy/ rough texture when it dries. It adds more emotion to the work.

Bubbles & Straws

I saw some works on Pinterest and i really the effect of mixing ink with soap to create bubbles. So i created one of my own!

First, I used dyes mixed with soap and i blew bubbles into the mixture, I stop when the bubbles reached the edge of the palette. I gently place a piece of paper on top of the bubbles. As the bubbles pop, they will leave marks on the paper.

After the first experiment, I tried to improve it, by blowing the bubbles on the paper itself. For the previous experiment, I used dye. The colour came out not as vibrant as I like it to be. So for this work, I tried mixing chinese ink with soap and dilute it with water. I then blew the individual bubbles on the paper itself. As the bubble pop, it creates the bursting effect.

Brush

I found a brush in to classroom, I took it. First i wet the brush and dipped it into the chinese ink. Then using a little strength to brush it in a up and down motion. I like how the wet brush smudge some area of the work.

I did wash it, and placed it back at the original position!

Paint Brush

I used paint brush that is soaked in ink and i splashed the ink onto the paper. Is kind of express surprise to me. Surprise is something that happen very sudden, be it good or bad surprise. However, I think i overdo the splashing of paints, that there is too many splashes of paint, that it is not a surprise anymore. I think I could improve it by adding a bigger splash of paint, to make it stand out from the rest.

Small Hand Held Massager

I used a small hand held massager to create the uneasiness emotion. I applied ink on the piece of paper and i switch on the massager, it vibrates and create the uneven lines.

It reminds me of uneasiness, like how I feel uneasy whenever I am with a group of people that I am not closed to. I do not feel comfortable with them. Like I am stuck in a awkward position.

I am pleasantly surprised that some of the mark making techniques turn out really well. I guess I will be using some of these works as my final emotions.

Overall, it was a fun experience!

August 28, 2017August 30, 2017

Perspectives

We learn about the different perspectives in 3D class. Our task for the lesson is to go around the school to take photos of the 3 different perspectives.

1 Point Perspective

2 Point Perspective

3 Point Perspective

August 24, 2017August 27, 2017

2D Analysis

The first lesson, we learn to identify some key elements in designs. I tried to identify some of the elements that I have learned in class. Since I left the watch that i brought to class last week back at home, I used what i have in my hall instead.

This camera have quite a number of interesting factors. The most prominent elements that i realised in this camera was the rule of third and line of symmetry.

The lens is one-third of the camera. It is positioned at the upper third, causes it to be more dynamic. More attention will be drawn to the lens.

The camera is symmetrical on the front, back, top and bottom view. (indicated in green)

The colours used are white, black and silver. The white area acts as the dominant volumes (large), while the black screen acts as the subdominant volumes (medium) and lastly the silver acts as subordinate (xxsmall). Our eyes will naturally be drawn to the subordinate as it is the centre of attraction.

August 17, 2017August 27, 2017

Mark Making

Mark Making is a term used to describe any form of texture, patterns and marks created on an art. It is not limited to paint on canvas or pen marks on papers, it applies to any form of art materials on all kinds of surfaces.

I research on the different techniques of mark making. Some examples are

Frottage Techniques
Vertical/Horizontal Lines
Dots
Hatching
Monoprint
Linoprint

http://www.lateliercanson.com/astuce-dessin-creer-des-effets-de-frottage

FROTTAGE TECHNIQUES

I believe everyone is familiar with this technique. When I was younger, my mother taught me this technique, where I place any uneven objects under a piece of paper and use a pencil to rub against it.

LINES AND DOTS

Even simple lines is considered mark making. I created these marks using marker. A series of marks (lines and dots) could add emotions and expression to the work. The strength and fluidity of strokes used could add on to the emotion the work is trying to convey.

MONOPRINT

Monoprints are created manually adding and removing ink from a plate which is then printed using a printing press. Many effects can be achieved in monotypes that are not possible with any other technique.

LINOPRINT

I created this linoprint by using an acetate sheet to carve out areas that will remain white. Being able to archive the lines and strokes you want. Printing can be done by hand or with a printing press.

ARTIST RESEARCH

http://www.theartstory.org/artist-pollock-jackson.htm

One good example would be Jackson Pollock, an Action Painter. He avoid illustrating emotions literally or anything that is representational in his artworks.

There will be people that do not understand Jackson Pollock’s work and would make comments like “Anyone would can do better than this, even my three years old kid!” However, it is not as easy as what they think. The strokes and fluidity he created on the canvas convey his emotions very clearly.

https://www.jackson-pollock.org/autumn-rhythm.jsp#prettyPhoto

Jackson Pollock’s work, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) is one of his biggest achievements. This painting consists of muted colours such as black, brown and white. Skeins of paint in certain parts of the painting. Lines that are straight, curved, lines of different thickness and directions, which produce the contrary visual rhythms and sensations.

As the title suggests, Autumn Rhythm is evocative of nature. Not only in its title but also in its colours and sense of ground and space.

After all the research, I started questioning the techniques and tools that i could used for my mark making project and how it would be able to connect with emotions.

The 6 emotions that I have picked out are

Anger
Thrill
Depression
Uneasiness
Eagerness
Surprise

I went on to define the meaning of each emotions that i picked out. I also wrote down how i feel about each emotions.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/anger-kristin-elmquist.html

Anger ( being annoyed, displeasure, fury, air rage )

Anger reminds me of violence. Therefore using hard pressure on the material. And with patches of pressure to represent the frustration. Feelings that cannot be control.