September 2017 – ryan011

September 26, 2017September 26, 2017

Foundation 4D Project 2: The Subverted Object

So this time, we are tasked to take photos of an object and subvert its meaning.

The object I was appointed with: Tree.

And here are my photos:

Task 1: Denotation:

Context: Physical attribute of object

Photo is a close-up of a tree bark
Wanted to capture the texture of the tree
The green ‘climber’ plant is incorporated in the photo to provide a hint that the photo is showing a tree as opposed to a cracked wall.

Camera/Photo technique: Close-up

Close-up is utilized to capture the details of the texture of the tree which is lost if the camera was further away from the tree

Context : Practical function of object

Photo depicts the tree being used as a shade

Camera/Photo Technique: Wide shot

Wide shot is used here to include the patches of grass, some of which are illuminated by the sun while others are not.
Emphasizes the point of the tree providing shade
Bark of tree is also included to show that the tree is being used

Context : Practical function of object

Basket of items that originates/are made from trees
Fruits (Apple, orange, pear) – grown on trees
Pencil – Body is made of wood
Book – Paper is cultivated from pulp which is processed from wood
Basket – Crafted out of wood

Camera/Photo technique: High angled and Middle shot

High angle shot is utilized to make the contents of the basket visible
Middle shot is used to include the tree bark in the photo to link the items to their origin – the tree

Task 2: Connotation

Context: Object’s cultural meaning

In Indonesia, there is a belief on how humans were created – Man was created by 2 gods cutting vertical slices into a Fig Tree, while woman was created by horizontal slices
Photo shows a ‘female’ tree entering the women’s side of a toilet while a ‘male’tree looks on

Camera/Photo technique: Middle shot/ Focus

Middle shot is utilized here to incorporate both trees into the photo for comparison
Focus is centered on the ‘female’ tree and the toilet as they give context to the photo

Context: object’s cultural meaning

Many early people thought that their ancestors’ souls live in trees
Image depicts a photo frame of an old tree – used to represent a tree that has passed on – recreating a photo frame such as those found on ancestor shrines
‘Tim’ in Grandpa Tim is used in reference to the word ‘timber’

Camera/Photo Techniques: Wide shot/ Black-and-white

Wide-shot is utilized to include the whole ‘tree’ instead of just a section which may not come across as a tree to the viewer
Black-and-white effect was used to portray the tree as being old – photo was taken long ago

Context: Critiquing the object’s meaning

Photo shows a tree shedding blood as it’s being chopped by an axe – represents the idea of a tree having a life like humans do
Photo critiques our common perception of trees – a living object but not as animate as that of animals

Camera/Photo Technique: Wide shot/ Focus/ Increased exposure/ Vignette

Wide shot is utilized to include the cut tree at the background – illustrates how the situation of chopping is a process happening in the present
Focus is centered on the tree and hand holding the axe to emphasize their importance in the photo
Exposure is increased to heighten the intensity of the blood color for a more compelling touch to the photo
Vignette is applied to create a dark theme to the photo – presenting the situation as grievous

Task 3: Poster

Context: Screenshot of a computer image file

The text “Wallpaper_5.jpg” acts as a relay to the interpretation that the image is a screenshot of a computer file
Photo is visually similar to stock background images found in computers
Questions our view on trees in everyday life – we don’t usually pay attention to them all the time – they blend into the surroundings like a digital wallpaper in a computer desktop
Cracks on tree bark symbolizes the tree’s frailness – signifies how trees are not almighty and can perish in the face of human intervention such as deforestation
Accentuates the point that we should cherish trees and protect them – if we don’t, in the future, this kind of wallpaper images will be the only proof that trees existed

Camera/Photo Technique: Text

The text “wallpaper_5.jpg” is added at a corner of the image to provoke a second thought in the viewer – contrary to the first thought that may be close to that of “a photo of a tree bark”
Second thought leads to the questioning of our view on trees
“5” in “wallpaper_5.jpg” provides a hint that this image file is one part of a set of wallpaper image files

Process

Here are some test shots for task 1:

And some photos of the props used for Task 2:

September 16, 2017September 18, 2017

Foundation 3D Project 1 : Pandora’s Box Final 2D Sketch and 3D Model

So my given word for the project was “Tension”, and here is the finished model to express that word:

Finished Project 1 3D Model:

Project 1 2D Sketch Analysis:

Rule of Thirds:

The Sub-Dominant has length of 2/3 of that of the Dominant
The Sub-Ordinate has 1/3 of its length wedged into the Dominant and Sub-Dominant
The Sub-Ordinate is positioned at the 1/3 point of the Dominant’s length

Rule of Thirds:

The Sub-Ordinate is wedged at the 1/3 point of its length into the Dominant and Sub-Dominant

Materials used for 3D model:

Dominant : Corrugated plastic board
Sub-Dominant : Crumpled Paper
Sub-Ordinate : Wire Mesh

Explanation:

Dominant: White corrugated plastic board is utilized to mimic the work fence of a construction site

– Sets the tone of the 3D Model to that of a building being built

Sub-Dominant: Crumpled paper with it’s surface shaded with a pencil is used to create a surface akin to that of rock

– Rock surface gives the impression that the Sub-Dominant is heavy

Sub-Ordinate: Wire mesh is deployed to create a view of metal construction frames jutting out of the Dominant ‘building’

– Sub-Ordinate holding onto the heavy Sub-Dominant ‘rock’

– Cracks are cut into the Dominant ‘building’ to emphasis the weight of the sub-Dominant ‘rock’

Process of creating final Project 1 3D Model:

Initial attempt to make the Sub-dominant look heavy was by using crumpled black paper.

But it didn’t look heavy so,

I decided to using pencil shadings to create the surface of a rock instead.

I was initially planning to have the Dominant and Sub-Ordinate white in color, and the Sub-Dominant black to create focus on the Sub-dominant.

However,

Dominant and Sub-Ordinate with white paper/ corrugated plastic board

when it came to the idea of creating cracks on the Sub-Ordinate to make the Sub-Dominant appear heavy,

the Sub-ordinate was too small.

Thus, a revamp of all of the materials was done

Using corrugated plastic board for the Dominant

Cutting Cracks onto the Dominant instead of Sub-Ordinate

Using wire mesh for Sub-Ordinate to better distinguish it from the Dominant

and the final 3D product was formed.

Explanation:

Gravity is pulling down the rock but the wire frame of the building is holding it up and keeping it from falling.

There is thus 2 opposing forces acting on the rock which exhibits the phenomenon which is ‘Tension’

Applications

Small-scale application: Portable fan

Created using images from: https://www.linsar.com/product/accessories/remote-control/
https://besplatka.ua/aws/10/33/78/00/app/b851a2dcf0c7.jpg

Dominant: Body

Sub-Dominant: Rotating blade

Sub-Ordinate: Bridge supporting blade

Big-scale application: Spaceship

Created using images from:
https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-3750389-stock-footage-the-sun-rising-over-the-earth-in-space.html http://pre14.deviantart.net/3599/th/pre/f/2007/133/d/7/ogame_space_ship_wallpaper_by_tobioh.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d6/62/92/d662924667082ed89811e337ab4d8a73.jpg
http://www.scifiideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/SPACESHIP.jpg

Dominant: Main frame of spaceship

Sub-Ordinate: Bridge linking towards cannon

Sub-Dominant: Cannon

September 12, 2017September 12, 2017

Foundation 2D Group Presentation: Plane, Value, Texture

September 11, 2017September 11, 2017

Foundation 2D Project 1 “My Line is Emo” Product

Introduction

So the task is to produce 6 lines to express various emotions.

The emotions provided are:

Love
Joy
Surprise
Anger
Sadness
Fear

and they can be branched off into Secondary and Tertiary emotions as well.

As for the method we have to use to create these lines:

Mark-Making

There are so many ways of mark-making, and an almost-infinite number of tools we can use. It became daunting as to knowing where to even begin.

Thus, I’ve decided to work backwards instead – by starting with the end-product in mind. The way and exact tool to use will then follow suit.

Research

Using the internet, i searched up on examples of expressive lines that others have created. Then, utilizing them as inspiration, I created sample products for each emotion.

Now that I’ve got a general idea of how the marks will turn out, it’s time to consider the tools to use.

Literally anything can be used to make a mark on a piece of paper, and that is quite intimidating as i don’t know which tool to even start with. Therefore, I’ve decided to narrow them down to a theme:

Personal account of situation related to specified emotion -> Extract an object from that situation to use as a mark-making tool

Alright, now that the planning is settled, it’s time to make some test products.

Test products

Love:

Tool selection:

Love -> Love for an object -> I would be willing to spend any amount of money to buy it -> object: money -> Coin

Samples:

Joy:

Tool selection:

When I’m in happy/ in a good mood -> find fun things to do/ play -> fun things -> object: toy -> beyblade toy

Samples:

Surprise:

Tool selection:

Nothing surprises me more than an insect that appears suddenly -> I usually try to crush it using a pail or broom -> object: pail or broom

but a pail or broom is too big to use as a mark-making tool

continue situation -> I would then use a tissue to clean up the remains of the “obliterated” insect -> object: tissue

Samples:

Anger:

Tool selection:

When I’m pissed off at something -> usually try to suppress my anger and release it somewhere else -> such as by drawing -> drawing tool -> brush

Samples:

Sadness:

Tool selection:

When I’m feeling down -> nothing helps better than some cold beverage to comfort the soul -> object: beverage -> water bottle

Samples:

Fear:

Tool selection:

When I’m frightened or anxious -> tend to fidget a lot and grab onto my clothes -> object: clothes -> cut-off sleeve from an old shirt

Samples:

Draft 1:

Seeing that the test products all have white and plain background, I felt that more could have been done with the unused space. Hence, I tried using the Monoprint technique to create a background for each of the emotions.

The backgrounds were created by having an ink layered piece of paper covering over the product (ink side facing the product), and swiping the top of the paper with the mark-making tool.

However, feeling that the backgrounds diminish the appearance of the mark strokes, i have decided not utilize them.

Draft 2:

During the consultation with Professor Joy, I have been recommended to work on a larger scale.

Having created the marks on a larger piece of canvas, I then cut up a section of them to use as the final product.

Final product

Love:

Explanation:

The smooth lines of highs and lows represent love as a journey

– There will be good times at the top and bad times at the bottom

– The thicker ends at the top resembles how everyone works hard to make the good times last and memorable

The splash at the bottom left of the strip represents a huge crash in any kind of relationship

– But the part that follows into the next upward curve shows that by persevering through thick and thin, we can overcome the odds and continue the relationship

Method utilized:

I threw and swept the coin across the paper as i would when purchasing something i like in eagerness at the cashier

Elation (Joy) :

Explanation:

Quick spirals represent bursts of energy

– Ink marks looks like they are depicting a dance of joy and celebration through long swiping curves and playful splashes with no specific pattern

Continuity of the piece represents continuous vigor of enjoyment with no time for rest

Method utilized:

I spun the beyblade piece around the paper energetically as if i’m playing and having fun

Astonishment (Surprise) :

Explanation:

The darker areas at the bottom of the piece represents the initial impact of a shock

– Ink strokes that gradually becomes lighter towards either ends of the strip represent how one slowly recovers from the shock over time

The texture of the ink strokes resemble the red veins one would see at the corners of one’s eyes when suddenly blinded by bright light

Method utilized:

I whipped tissue paper on the strip as if i’m hitting a fleeing insect

Rage (Anger) :

Explanation:

Quick upright strokes that are generally lighter at the bottom and heavier at the top represents rising tension
Thicker clots of ink concentrated in a few areas represents numbness that arises from a headache during a moment of anger
Minimal amount of positive spaces in the strip represents how one’s mind is every tight and susceptible to bursting during a state of anger

Method utilized:

I whacked the brush forcefully on the strip as if i’m venting my anger out

Depression (Sadness) :

Explanation:

Numerous blots of scattered ink represents the emotional wave in one’s heart which rises and sinks

– Sweeping flickers of ink at the top of the strip represents how the ups (moments of happiness) are usually short and fleeting during depression

– Majority of ink found at the bottom of the strip represents how one feels down most of the time during depression

Method utilized:

I spun the water bottle in a monotonous fashion – resembling how everything feels grey and lifeless when one is in depression

Anxiety (fear) :

Explanation:

Dashing strokes to the left and right represents the blur of the surroundings when one looks around quickly and haphazardly during a state of anxiousness.
The two dark areas to the left and right of the strip represents tunnel vision which one gets when anxious and not focusing on the surroundings

Method utilized:

I swiped the cut-off sleeve around the paper as i would when grabbing onto my clothes when anxious.

Research for this project can be found here: https://oss.adm.ntu.edu.sg/ryan011/project-1-my-line-is-emo-research/

September 4, 2017September 4, 2017

Foundation 4D Project 1 : Picture Story – Curating Self

Task 1: Me

Context: Representing my past influences.

Photo shows me in between a height chart and a stack of manga.
The 2 props are used to portray the idea of growing up with the media from young, how I got influenced by reading manga like dragonball passed down from my family.

Camera Angle & Scale: Eye level & Medium shot

Eye level is utilized to bring about a closer feeling of understanding between the audience and the person in the photo.
Medium shot is utilized to include the 2 props into the photo.

Photo effect: Blur, lowered saturation & color editing.

Color is adjusted to a shade of brown to provide an “old photo” feeling – to illustrate the idea of the past.

Context: Representing my attitude

I’m shown staring at a job search website on a computer to present how I’m serious when it comes to work, and real-life expectations and goals.

Camera Angle & Scale: High Angle & Wide Shot

High angle is utilized to show my feeling of frailness and how small I am when compared to the world – that I still have much to learn to keep up with the rest of the crowd
Wide Shot is utilized to show my surroundings. (Although feedback has been provided that i should have used a closer shot as the text on the computer screen is not quite visible)

Camera effect: Black & White

Black & White effect is used to enforce the sense of seriousness – my attitude

Context: Represent my character

Photo shows me learning Japanese using a book with the little bit of spare time while traveling.
Portrays my trait of constant improvement- cannot afford to stop, need to keep on learning and upgrading.

Camera Angle & Scale: Eye level & Medium Shot

Medium shot is utilized to include the Japanese book and myself in the photo

Photo effect : Blur

The bus interior at the background is blurred to bring focus to the book and myself

Wrapping up of Task 1 : From being influenced by the stories of manga, I have built up a character of having a realistic outlook on set expectations and goals in life. And also cultivated this constant hunger for improvement to realize them.

Task 2: Object and Representation of Self

Task 2 Photo 1
Close-up of object in a neutral background

Context: Object is a Nib Pen.

The Nib Pen is something that I find myself to be very close to as it allows me to create my favorite thing in the world – manga.
As stated in the first task, I was really influenced by manga, and really wanted to produce works that can also be beneficial to others as it was for me.
The nib pen to me is like a channel for me to express myself to others – exactly the way I want to – something I’m not very good at in person in my opinion.

Camera angle & scale: Eye level & Close shot

Placed object in a way which creates maximum shadow as advised by Professor Lei.
Close shot to highlight the details of the Nib Pen.

Photo effect : Increased Brightness and Exposure

Brightness and Exposure maxed out to unleash the colors of the Nib Pen.

Task 2 Photo 2
Full figure shot of myself with object

Context: My connection to the Nib Pen

I was thinking about how to express my relationship with the nib pen and decided it’s best to utilize the work that I produce with it – which is shown in the background consisting of pages of the manga that I’m currently drawing.

Camera angle & scale: Eye level & Wide shot

Eye level is utilized to create balance in the photo.
Wide shot complements with the pages in the background to create a “Larger than life” feel to the photo for impact – as the manga pages look as if they extend infinitely out of the sides of the photo

Camera effect: Vignette

Vignette effect is utilized to bring attention to the Nib Pen and Myself

Task 2 Photo 3
Full Figure shot of myself interacting with the object

Context: Nib Pen as a way of communication

I use the Nib Pen to express myself in ways where I am unable to do so in person – emotions such as anger and sadness – things which I don’t like to express much outwardly.

Camera angle & scale: Top-down & Wide shot

Top-down angle is utilized to include the table, paper and ink bottle into the photo.
Wide shot is utilized to incorporate my moving arm into the photo – to show myself expressing my feelings while drawing

Photo effect: Tint adjustment

A yellow tint is applied to produce a heated “in the zone” feel to the photo.

Task 2 Photo 4
Mid-range shot of me interacting with object

Context: Representing the significance of the Nib Pen to me

I’m shown here cleaning the Nib Pen after using it – displaying how much care I place into it.
The Pen nib is like a part of myself – an arm for example – and I have to take good care of it as I continue to use it.

Camera Angle & Scale: Eye Level & Medium Shot

Medium shot utilized to include the tissue packet into the photo.

Photo effect: Temperature adjustment

Temperature adjusted to the warmer spectrum to release a sense of attachment like you would feel when in the company of someone close.

Task 3 Photo 5
Close-up of me interacting with object

Context: Using the Nib Pen

It cannot get any easier to explain than this – the Nib Pen is an object which allows me to draw manga.

Camera Angle & Scale: Low angle & Extreme close-up

Low angle makes the nib pen look large in the photo to bring out its significance.
Extreme close-up showcases the ink marks on the nib pen to show its age and how much it’s been through.

Photo effect: Blur

The sides of the photo is blurred to bring focus to the Nib Pen.

Wrapping up of task 2: The nib pen to me is a channel where I can freely express my emotions with control without others cutting in while I’m trying to express something.

Task 3: My World

Context: My Table – My World

In accordance to the task title : My World,
I decided to go with my drawing table – used to be my study table but don’t use it for that anymore – where I create manga.
My interpretation of “my world” would be a place where it’s my playground and nobody can jump in to stop me from doing whatever I want and I can be lost “in my own world” while drawing.

Camera angle & scale: High angle & wide shot

High angle and wide shot of the table used to showcase all of the tools I use on the table – pens, fine liners, markers, erasers, correction liquids, rulers and computer etc.
Made it a point to group the colours of the stationary together so you don’t see a mess
Centered the camera to the table to create a line of symmetry

Photo effect: Glow

Glow effect applied to deliver a fairytale-like touch to the photo – portraying the table as “my world”

Context: My table is where i also create another “world”

Manga pages can be seen pasted on the wall – how i’m creating a world within the manga story.
Something akin to “a world within a world”

Camera angle & scale: Low angle & Middle shot

Low angle utilized to showcase the wall next to the table to reveal glimpses into the world that I envision in my head and also a bit of the editing that I do on the computer.
Middle shot to encompass both the table and the wall but taken from not too far of a distance away so that the content of the manga pages can still be deciphered.

Photo effect: Blur

The bottom of the photo – where the table top is shown – is blurred to bring attention to the manga pages on the wall.

Context: The location of “My World”

That quiet corner of the room is set for complete immersion into the work.

Camera angle & scale: Eye Level & Wide Shot

Eye level angle gives the perspective that you are standing in the room yourself to give a real-life impression of the table.
Wide Shot is utilized to display the location of the table with the added elements of its surroundings for comparison.

Photo effect: None

No effect is utilized in this photo to give a realistic vision of how the table looks like.

Wrapping up task 3: My table is a place where I dive deep into my own world while drawing – like my own little playground – an isolated place where no outer disruption is allowed.