Foundation 2D Week 2

The second week of 2D class was 4 hours of fun with our various mark-making and printing tools. I for one was very fascinated because I had never tried out the methods and techniques we were being taught prior to class that day.

Below are some of my experimentations:

After playing around with the different mark making tools, I found myself still drawn to keeping things simple. As someone who firmly believes in the principle “less is more”, I found beauty in simple single-directional strokes as seen above. These also created a filmstrip effect and I plan to explore and expand more and use this individual style for my assignment.

Another method which I found worked for me was manipulating the roller head. This created interesting patterns and shapes on my canvas that still maintained an organic and random feel. I personally like this way more than forced and structured prints.

This was my linocut design. I had always been fascinated by this method of printing but had never attempted it before. The print press machine did not give me a good result as most of the time it created a print that was too dark or scratched my paper (perhaps I had the knobs turned too tight). My result after manually pressing my print onto paper?

And experimenting with a stalk of flowers and adding texture using a fork on the “ocean” and “sky” portions 

All in all I learned a lot and was very inspired by this first hands-on workshop. Looking forward to learning more techniques and stretching my creativity.

Bring on the dark room!

4D Assignment 1A: Unseeing

Our first project for 4D required us to use various method of editing, namely adding, subtracting, superimposing and substituting to create dynamic images which meant something.

The goal of my photo series was to express my inner thoughts and feelings. This is what I came up with:

Unseeing

Picture #1

superimpose

 Chrysanthemum is a flower that is commonly used for offerings/altars. The body is a temple, it is sacred and should be revered as something beautiful. I however feel insecure and it is shown through the position of my arms. The flower is also placed at my mouth because body image is something that I feel I cannot talk about. Flowers represent youth and vitality but at the same time, a flower’s bloom is short lived. This is comparable to the  body.

Picture #2

addition 

As much as I try to run away from my insecurities, I always feel cornered by them. Barbie dolls faced reasonable criticism because they presented an unrealistic and unattainable image of beauty/perfection. Insecurities can turn into obsessions and that’s why I’m surrounded by Ken dolls. Manifestations of ‘perfection’ and what is ‘appealing’ consume my thoughts daily and somehow I’m blind to people who are just like me. The framing of my photo is deliberate and meant to create a sense of claustrophobia.

Picture #3

substitution

What if I was perfect? What if I was a part of the ideal? This idea is presented in the photograph as we see my head attached onto the Ken doll’s body. The blank expression on my face challenges the belief that finally being perfect will bring happiness.

Picture #4

subtraction

The conclusion of this series ends with another thought. What if we didn’t have eyes? In the first sense, what if we didn’t have to base our ideals on the what we see in the media? Similarly, perhaps the only way we can truly be happy is to be blind to people. Looks and outer appearance often result in us making a first impression/judgment on someone we’ve yet to meet. Eliminating sight might make us less critical, towards others and also ourselves.

I had a great time working on this project as I personally love photography and photoshop. I faced challenges in getting props for the shoot. Initially I had planned to use a lotus flower but as they weren’t in stock, I had to quickly think of another flower that could still support my intended symbolism. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process and look forward to the next 4D assignment!