Project 1

Component 1: Me

Component 1.1: This mid-shot that captures me performing the most mundane and unglamorous of activity, in which every living being partakes in, pooping. I chose to construct this image to convey the message that I’m candid and frank. Given that pooping is such a vulnerable act in which one’s putrid body waste is literally being expelled, one can do little to glamourise this act. Thus, by exhibiting this sight of me to my audience, I’m, therefore, candid and frank.

Component 1.2: This mid-shot shows a stapler stuck in a chunk of jelly which is in reference to my favourite TV series, The Office. I constructed this image to convey my love for odd and satirical humour. This reference includes one of my favourite characters, Dwight who is nothing but an oddball and wildcard. Dwight is a satirical character who takes life so seriously, such that it becomes completely humorous and comedic. Thus, this is my tribute to my favourite TV series.

Component 1.3: This long shot shows a sight from underwater and captures both the reflection of the bed of the pool as well as the ceiling of the swimming complex. I wanted to convey my love for the waters as it feels liberating both in a literal and metaphoric sense as it feels like a different dimension. Thus, the decision to include both the reflection and the ceiling in the picture to highlight the dissonance and detachment I feel when underwater.

Component 2: Object and representation of self

Component 2.1: This mid-shot shows an ice cream melting and disintegrating. Ice-creams have always been a constant companion in my life, especially in times of celebration and loss. Thus, I’ve manipulated the ice cream to reflect my emotional state specifically in times of sorrow and brokenness.

Component 2.2: This picture captures the vulnerability that I shared with the ice cream in this intimate moment. The act of relishing in an ice cream has always been a cathartic experience for me, or simply a form of escapism for that few minutes. The old and ragged, oversized army shirt is a typical attire that I feel most comfortable; which brings emphasis to the intimacy shared. The wide use of negative space also represents the sacred and initmate moment exchanged.

Component 2.3: This close-up shows me licking the ice-cream in an almost sensual manner. This again is to emphasise the vulnerable and intimate relationship that we share.

Component 3: My World

Component 3.1: This long-shot captures a common sight I see underwater. I wanted to convey the fear that gripped me when I tried to pick up swimming initially. I used to be terrified at the thought of being completely submerged in water for long periods of time simply due to the inability to breathe underwater. Thus, I constructed this image such that the viewer follows the leading lines (lane markings) into the unknown depths of the pool, thereby instilling a sense of anxiousness and fear in them as well.

Component 3.2: This mid-shot shows me with my arm stretches out, performing a freestyle stroke. It represents the vigour of the sport and more so, the spirit of perseverance I exercised. This stretched-out posture conveys some sense of strive and resilience. Moreover, by changing the POV of the camera, I was able to meet the camera’s gaze thereby making my struggle more relatable.

Component 3.3: This extreme long shot depicts me lying face-up in the vast empty pool. The waters which seemed so daunting to me initially is now a space of solitude and solace for me. This is seen in me floating on my back which is only possible in a state of complete rest. The vast empty shot of the pool emphasises the isolation and peace I gain from being underwater.

Component 1: Me

Component 1.1: I was inspired by this random image I found online years ago, of James Franco doing his morning business while drinking coffee and smoking; of which are all very cathartic activities. Hence, to capture him amidst these activities, Franco constructs an impression that he is candid and –chill. (lol)

Component 1.2:

Reference Picture (purposely chose yellow jelly to keep the integrity of the reference just because I love the office so much)

(I LOVE DWIGHT SO MUCH. and michael scott)

Process of making the jelly

Digital planning process

Component 2: Object and representation of self

These 2 pictures were shots that I omitted. The first one was lacking in a narrative as it was merely a mid-shot of an ice cream stick. While the second had a message, which was to convey the companionship shared between the ice cream and me, it was poorly executed. I looked like I was just holding the ice-cream downwards in a forlorn manner. Moreover, given the composition, the ice-cream was no longer the focus of the image thus I should have played with angles to better capture this “companionship” that we shared.

Behind the scenes: 3 ice creams were killed in the making of this production. The first one was from Macs and it melted within 4 minutes thus I decided to switch it out for this chocolate-coated ice cream instead as the coating would help to retain its shape longer.