Typographic Portrait

As OSS was unable to load my pictures, I took the liberty of making a video with the pictures and clips I shot. I wanted to create as much time as possible to experiment with my materials, to sieve out the mistakes and improve from there.

Mistakes/Reflections from Draft 1:

Bad lighting: The shots were taken at night, so I had to use artificial lighting and the result was unsatisfactory. I made sure to use natural lighting in Draft 2.
Over-Ambitious compositional shots: Big compositions were very ambitious shots to make. Firstly, the table used in studio shots were isolated where mine was a kitchen counter. The background was a grainy-textured white, where mine was a glossy white. Light reflected off the counter, forming bad pictures. And it was difficult to manage all aspects of forming a good photograph as an individual e.g holding up the light, adjusting the props. If I wanted to make a good photograph and retain an aesthetically-appealing portrait of my name (simplicity is always beautiful), I might have to compromise on the number of props I use in my compositions.

Nonetheless, in draft 2, most of the mistakes cleared up.

I went for a close-up shot with use of personalised name cards.

Author’s Note: This introduction to my Food Typographic Portrait will inform my readers of the 6 attributes I have chosen to describe my portrait, the research I have done, my main influences for choosing food typography and lastly, my adaptable plan for carrying out this project.

*pictures are either watermarked, or credited in the caption beneath the picture.

The 6 Attributes I have chosen to describe my portrait:

My name is Lum Renee

And I am an Anarchist.
And I work for Mother Nature.
And I am a Sanctuary.
And I’m an Abomination!
And I am alive, and conscious.
And I am a lucky person.

To leave an element of surprise/suspense , I will be saving my explanations as to why I have decided on these 6 attributes, for the final presentation.

In my research, I have looked up on :

Dadaism

Skatspieler (Skat Players) later titled: Kartenspielende Kriegskrüppel (Card-playing War Cripples, 1920) Otto DixGerman, 1891–1969 Oil on canvas with Photomontage and Collage

Marcel Duchamp , 1887–1968L.H.O.O.Q., 1919 rectified readymade: Pencil on reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa

Dadaism – Hannah Hoch

Dada Puppen (Dada Dolls) 1916, Fabric, Yarn, Thread, Board, and Beads

Das schöne Mädchen (The Beautiful Girl) 1919–1920, Photomontage and Collage

Russian Constructivism

Composition with Yellow Cross (1922) László Moholy-Nagy

Non-Objective Composition (1918) Alexander Rodchenko

For a two-page spread from Dlya golosa [The Voice] (1923) El Lissitzky

Constructed Head No. 2 (1916) Naum Gabo

Compass and Ruler Drawing (1914-15) Alexander Rodchenko

The Knife-Grinder (1912) Kasimir Malevich

Russian Constructivism – Alexandra Exter

Stillleben mit Krug (1924)

Construction de la couleur (1924)

And under The Make-it-Yourself Movement, there are a few subcategories.

3D/Digital Typography in Graphic Design for Advertisements

https://www.behance.net/gallery/29797123/Calendrier

Paulo Villones

Nancy, Zim & Zou

Handmade Typography in Moleskine Art

Maxime Bolis

Digital Typography in Film and Photography

Reflexio Carles Carrete Bosch, Ramon Carrete

Becca Clason‘s Food Typography

Other forms of 3D Typography

Daniella Evans

Personal Reflection, Professor’s Advice & Learning Points from Peers:

From my research, I am interested in exploring Food Typography due to its irrefutable appeal, (potentially) meaningful representation in the choice of food used, and flexibility as a medium.

Professor Joy has also suggested that I take into account the cultural and historical meanings behind each food product, use of processed vs home-cooked (DIY movement occurred in response to the mass production), and even condiments in my work. I will be paying special attention to these ideas, and also incorporate elements I found interesting from my classmates’ research.

From their research and presentations (even for the name-cards!), I realised the charm of interactivity between the audience and the artwork, and hope to create a work which can excite our other senses e.g. smell, touch, taste. I was also inspired by their beautiful documentation of process work as well as their preferences for certain unconventional mediums.

My plan for this project would be:

Planning compositions (in sketchbook)
Acquiring the materials
Set-up of compositions (in GIFs)
Shooting of photographs
Editing in Adobe Photoshop (in Screenshots for OSS)
Printing of Photographs on A5 sheet
Attachment of Interactive elements (in GIFs)
Touch-ups before Final Presentation

Step 1-2: By Sunday

Step 3-4: By Thursday 2pm, Bring Photographs to Consultation

Repeat 3-4 if photographs are not satisfactory.

Step 5-6: By Sunday

Step 7-8: 1 Day Before Final Presentation

Lum Renee: Comments on TyPortrait (Final 4)

Lum Renee: TyPortrait (Final 4)

Lum Renee: TyPortrait Process Work

Lum Renee’s Food Typortrait (Part 2)

Introduction to Lum Renee’s Food Typographic Portrait