Category: My Work

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Pandora Box: Asymmetry

The theme I got was Asymmetry.

Asymmetry means uneven in distribution or lack of equality.

We can exploit asymmetry, using it to draw attention to areas in the design or to convey dynamism or movement. Having asymmetry in our work, it helps lit up the artwork.

In this Pandora Box assignment, we were to use 3 boxes to represent our theme in our composition. There are some things that we have to be aware of is all the three boxes must be able to be seen on all views. The dominant (D), subdominant (SD) and subordinate (SO)  volumes should stay constant on at least 4 different views.

Process and Development 

Process model 1

  • Dominant (D) RED
  • Subdominant (SD) BLUE
  • Subordinate (SO) YELLOW
  • Principle Axis GREEN DOTTED LINES

For my first model, I make sure that all the 3 boxes can be seen from all 6 the views. I placed my SO and SD at the mid point of D. However, some of the sides do not show the consistent D,SD and SO.

Process model 2

In this composition, the boxes are all position at the mid point of D. I tried using a smaller SO box in this composition. So that SD and SO will not be so similar when it is being viewed in other sides. However, SD and SO still looks quite smaller on the left and right view. And SO box could not be seen at the bottom view

Process model 3

I tried placing all the boxes at a side to create lack of equality . I also applied rule of third technique, SD and SO boxes are placed at one third of the fraction.  This composition has more depth and D, SD and SO are more cosistent in this layout.

Process model 4

In this composition, I placed the boxes perpendicular to each other. SO and SD are consistent at 4 views. However, the SO could not seen on the right view. I like this composition most, it has more interesting views as compared to the previous compositions.

Final Model

If i were to remove the SO in this layout, it will be symmetric. Which creates a  very balance, very expected composition. However once I add in the SO box, the whole composition lits up. The first thing that we will notice is the SO. Our eyes will naturally be drawn at the focus and then goes around to see the biggest boxes later on. In which it also creates hierarchy.

Since the focus is on the SO box, it is the magic to my composition. I use gold to emphasis on it. While I use a more neutral colour material for my D and SD material. D is concrete while SD is glass.

Applications

A large application could be a submarine. Dominant being the main body. While the Subdominant could be the masts with cameras mounted, replacing the traditional optical periscopes. And the Subordinate is the control room, where people could enter.

A smaller application could be a stationary holder and a digital clock. The Dominant is to hold larger items, such as pens or ruler. Sub dominant is to store slightly smaller items like glue or eraser, it also acts as a digital clock. And lastly the subordinate is to store small items such as paper clips and rubber bands. It is very important to have a stationary holder on the desk, it helps to keep the table neat and tidy. Having a clock also helps to keep track of the time.

Reflection

When I started this assignment, I was very confused and I had trouble trying to differentiate the Sub- dominant and Subordinate.

I learn from my friends work and consultation, which allows me to look more closely at shapes. And understand how the sizes complement as Dominant, Sub- dominant and Subordinate.

After this assignment, I am able to apply the design principles and to identify them. I also realised that the things around us all had design elements. The final model allowed me to look at model not just as it is, but to imagine it as an application. I had to be creative and think out of the box.

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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 )

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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!

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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!