1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Final)

Lines follow Emotions

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These are the 18 strips without its windows. Left column, top to bottom: Bizarre, Embarrassed, Distracted, Lyrical, Indecisive, Ambiguous, Psychotic, Sensual & Awkward Right column, top to bottom: Exhausted, Spontaneous, Systematic, Turbulent, Sloven, Nonsensical, Anxious, Aggressive & Fragile

 

Just like in design terms of “Form follow Function”, this assignment had the term of “Lines follow Emotions” where we had to mix and match the different abstract lines we have to the following emotions.

 When I was trying to sort out the lines to go with which emotion, I was mostly stuck on how one actually see the lines as nonsensical for example. However, I decided to just go with my own interpretation of how each line represents the emotions.

 

Bizarre in a way that the lines are interrupted with a weird looking key patch that stands out among the greys.
Bizarre in a way that the lines are interrupted with a weird looking key patch that stands out among the greys.
The contrast between the tone in the monoprinted sheet. I thought when you get embarrassed, you tend to blush so the darker tone in the strips represents the blushing effect among the rest.
The contrast between the tone in the monoprinted sheet. I was thinking at the moment “when you get embarrassed, you tend to blush” so the darker tone in the strips represents the blushing effect among the rest.
distracted
When one is distracted, their mind tends to get messy with all the different thoughts at the back of their mind. Therefore, this was chosen as ‘distracted’ as the blobs of ink represents the bubble of thoughts in one’s mind(?)
lyrical
Lyrical somewhat means expressive, rhythmic or some sort. Therefore I cut out a portion of my monoprint that has lines flowing as if you can see musical notes floating along the lines.
I cut out portion of my monoprint that shows indecisive -- lines crossed path each other. Imagine you standing at the intersection and then thinking "Do i go this way or that way or that or this way?"
“I want KFC. No wait, MacDonalds. No no, Burger King….. or Long John Silver?” Just like you get indecisive on what to eat for lunch, these lines get indecisive on where they want to go. In the end, all went separate ways.
Method of spamming glue spontaneously to actually create texture when it dried up (but i failed). Ambiguous in a way that the tone is not certain and you actually don't know what is happening either -- as some part of the strips are bold, grey and white.
Method of spamming glue spontaneously to actually create texture when it dried up (but i failed).
Ambiguous in a way that the tone is not certain and you actually don’t know what is happening either — as some part of the strips are bold, grey and white.
When I think of psychotic, I think of the show Criminal Minds -- shows the different signs of psychosis. I interpreted it in a way that I would collage certain parts of the monoprints to create something 'insane'. For example, I see a face at the right corner of the strip, a scary T-Rex's mouth opened wide & etc.
When I think of psychotic, I think of the show Criminal Minds — shows the different signs of psychosis.
I interpreted it in a way that I would collage certain parts of the monoprints to create something ‘insane’. For example, I see a face at the right corner of the strip, a scary T-Rex’s mouth opened wide & etc.
When one think of the word 'sensual', it always got to do with one's body. (I thought of it like that) So, I represented my emotion of 'sensual' with curvatures as it shows sexiness. As if it's a body shape of a lady or somewhat. The background is bold so the curvatures actually stands out.
When one think of the word ‘sensual‘, it always got to do with one’s body. (I thought of it like that)
So, I represented my emotion of ‘sensual’ with curvatures as it shows sexiness. As if it’s a body shape of a lady or somewhat. The background is bold so the curvatures actually stands out.
This strip was a cut out portion from my piece of somewhat Decalcomania technique. When one is awkward, one tend to stay as far as possible from the crowd. Therefore, the blobs of ink are actually at a distance from one another thus you can feel the awkwardness around them.
This strip was a cut out portion from my piece of somewhat Decalcomania technique.
When one is awkward, one tend to stay as far as possible from the crowd. Therefore, the blobs of ink are actually at a distance from one another thus you can feel the awkwardness around them.
This strip was a monoprint consisting of paper tape and blobs of ink. Imagine your smartphone, as you use more data your phone battery will deplete. Putting this interpretation with the lines I have, the blob of ink at the right corner of the strip actually shows that it is on the verge of finishing thus it looks exhausted.
This strip was a monoprint consisting of paper tape and blobs of ink.
“I am exhausted, I have no energy left to continue this activity.” Putting this interpretation with the lines I have, the blob of ink at the right corner of the strip actually shows that it is on the verge of finishing/depleting thus it looks exhausted.
Method of Frottage was used with chalk pastel. Spontaneity is the action of being natural. For example when one gives a speech, they actually don't refer to anything nor prepare but words just flow of them. Interpreting from that, I thought this piece was spontaneous with its symmetrical shape. The reason was because humans tend to like symmetry and it is actually a natural and common thing. (i do)
Method of Frottage was used with chalk pastel.
Spontaneity is the action of being natural. For example when one gives a speech, they actually don’t refer to anything nor prepare but words just flow of them. Interpreting from that, I thought this piece was spontaneous with its symmetrical shape. The reason was because humans tend to like symmetry and it is actually a natural and common thing. (i do)
Systematic is all about the rhythm and repetitive patterns. This piece was also done using the Frottage technique of a table mat. It falls under this emotion perfectly for its obvious reason -- repetitive patterns.
Systematic is all about the rhythm and repetitive patterns. This piece was also done using the Frottage technique of a table mat. It falls under this emotion perfectly for its obvious reason — repetitive patterns.
This piece was done using baby powder. I painted the paper with black ink and then upon drying, baby powder was spammed onto the paper. (A little bit of fixing with hair spray to keep the powders stuck to the paper but I think it was unsuccessful) Think of being in a flight and then it's going against strong wind. I thought of that for this emotion. Therefore, with the chaotic spread of the powder around the paper, I think it shows the turbulence.
This piece was done using baby powder. I painted the paper with black ink and then upon drying, baby powder was spammed onto the paper. (A little bit of fixing with hair spray to keep the powders stuck to the paper but I think it was unsuccessful). Think of being in a flight and then it’s going against strong wind. I thought of that for this emotion. Therefore, with the chaotic spread of the powder around the paper, I think it shows the turbulence.
This strip was chosen to show the emotion of sloven as the strip is filled with messy components.
This strip was chosen to show the emotion of sloven as the strip is filled with messy components.
This piece was nonsensical in a way that it doesn't make any sense at all. Even when I was experimenting the scraping of wet paint with a tip of a paper clip.
This piece was nonsensical in a way that it doesn’t make any sense at all. Even when I was experimenting the scraping of wet paint with a tip of a paper clip.
When you're anxious, your muscles tend to tense up. In this piece, I interpret it in a way that the intersection of the paper tapes grew tense as the different sides get pulled.
When you’re anxious, your muscles tend to tense up. In this piece, I interpret it in a way that the intersection of the paper tapes grew tense as the different sides get pulled.
aggressive
The monoprint used to portray this emotion has this bold effect that make the whole strip stands out. The texture of the paper tape and the creases of the crumpled paper scattered around shows that more force was initiated. Aggressive in terms of the sharpness and the intensity of the texture.
When you think of fragile, you know it has got to do with things that are brittle and tender loving care. This strip was done using the Froissage technique, chalk pastel ran over the creases to give the effect. The creases represents the cracks and it was actually fragile when I was cutting it due to the creases.
When you think of fragile, you know it has got to do with things that are brittle and tender loving care. This strip was done using the Froissage technique, chalk pastel ran over the creases to give the effect. The creases represents the cracks and it was actually fragile when I was cutting it due to the creases.

 

With all these strips, it was then compiled and sorted out to their windows… (see below)

My completed piece of lines. #achievementunlocked
My completed piece of lines.
#achievementunlocked
1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Journal)

Hard copy journal to….OSS.

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Cover page of my hard copy journal. It is a compilation of the research and techniques I did throughout the assignment.
Cover page of my hard copy journal. It is a compilation of the research and techniques I did throughout the assignment.
Flipping the pages til its at the experimentation technique of Decalcomania/Rohrsachach Test. After trying out one that was lacking of ink (and drips of water), I tried out with blobs of ink on the paper and then pressing it down and getting bold effects.
Flipping the pages til its at the experimentation technique of Decalcomania/Rohrsachach Test. After trying out one that was lacking of ink (and drips of water), I tried out with blobs of ink on the paper and then pressing it down and getting bold effects.
Experimentation technique of splattering (or dripping) paint inspired by artist Jackson Pollock. I actually find the technique therapeutic as it took away the frustrations I was having during the time. I ended up feeling slightly relaxed right after. And then I did it again...
Experimentation technique of splattering (or dripping) paint inspired by artist Jackson Pollock. I actually find the technique therapeutic as it took away the frustrations I was having during the time. I ended up feeling slightly relaxed right after. And then I did it again…
Experimentation technique of Froissage using chalk pastel instead of soaking the paper with ink. I like how the tone complements the creases and from afar it look more like a mosaic.
Experimentation technique of Froissage using chalk pastel instead of soaking the paper with ink. I like how the tone complements the creases and from afar it look more like a mosaic.
This page consists of planning of how I would come about collaging the sets of monoprints. These lines drawn were referred from Ed Moses' artworks -- how the lines are placed etc.
This page consists of planning of how I would come about collaging the sets of monoprints. These lines drawn were referred from Ed Moses’ artworks — how the lines are placed etc.
This is an overview of the emotions and some reflection I did about trying to sort the lines with the emotions.
This is an overview of the emotions and some reflection I did about trying to sort the lines with the emotions.
This shows 3 out of 18 lines interpreted and sharing of the techniques used for the various strips. (There are more of the strips in the hard copy journal itself only that I took a few)
This shows 3 out of 18 lines interpreted and sharing of the techniques used for the various strips.
(There are more of the strips in the hard copy journal itself only that I took a few)

 

“A Line is a dot that went for a walk.”

Throughout the assignment, I made full use of the layout pad to compile everything I have done into the hard copy journal. It consists of doodling, inspiration images I captured, the different experimentation of automatic techniques, and personal reflection based on research and consultation.

The line definitely went for a walk last Friday during submission and it’s not coming back anytime soon.

Journey, Research

Idea: Journey to School

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I wanted to try the idea of my journey to school daily, with all the crowd at the MRT Stations and bus interchange as well as the busy traffics. I wanted to capture what and how the sceneries looks like during the time I make my way to school.

So today I went to school by car, so I thought why not have variations — images of journey to school by car and by public transport, then I could compile them up and include the journey back from school as well to complete the entire idea.

As of now, I captured several scenes…

A mandatory shot of me leaving the house to start my journey to school
A mandatory shot of me leaving the house to start my journey to school
Capturing "my ride"
Capturing “my ride”
Capturing the first view seen to school
Capturing the first view seen to school
One with the person that was sending me to school
One with the person that was sending me to school
As you know NTU is located near Pioneer Road North, so it was taken to show the exit road to school
As you know NTU is located near Pioneer Road North, so it was taken to show the exit road to school
As we enter the campus of NTU
As we enter the campus of NTU
The glimpse of ADM building as we drew nearer
The glimpse of ADM building as we drew nearer

Then I also captured a few for the journey from school…

As I left the ADM building, and this was the view...
As I left the ADM building, and this was the view…
And the ever crowded bus at the peak hours..
And the ever crowded bus at the peak hours..

As of now, the idea is not certain thus I will still look into more ideas and try them out.

1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Journal)

Another round of trials

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I always have these ideas at the back of my mind when I have some “me time”, so I decided to have another session of self monoprinting at my balcony.

Slide9 Slide10 Slide11

 

So I decided to try several techniques, as attached in the set of pictures above:

  • Top set contains the techniques of Decalcomania
  • Middle set contains mixture of inspired Jackson Pollock splattering of paint technique, standard monoprint, and the dripping of paint/ink technique.
  • Last set contains inspired Mehndi or Henna art (4th and 5th from the left), inspired Art Attack technique of painting over dried glue (first 3 from left) but it failed when the glue flattens as it dries up, and, technique somewhat similar to Sand Painting except the minus off the glue and the sand and replacing it with just baby powder.

*Just some reflections*

I had this thought to myself whereby I feel that most of the time when I do these monoprints and automatism techniques, my mind would be completely blank. Sometimes during the monoprint sessions, I would just loose myself into whatever I was doing, using whatever resources and not actually thinking what I want to achieve in the printing. For example, putting this and that on the mat. Or when trying out the Rorschach tests, I don’t try to draw anything in particular, I just spam inks here and there and that’s what I get.

On the other hand, while trying out the Jackson Pollock technique, I was splattering the ink while I was feeling rather upset, and as I splat more inks, the emotions followed and I actually felt better when I was done.

Definitely so, art is therapeutic!

Another quick video before you leave!

Journey, Research

Journey with the Sun

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This idea just came to me slightly at the last minute while I was walking home from buying dinner for my family. I was just strolling along the park when I saw the sun was setting. It struck me that maybe I could have this concept of me capturing the movement of the Sun or more like Journey with/of the Sun. So I gave it a little try….

I captured this few minutes after I saw the whole Sun before I moved along the pathway of the park. (Regretted not capturing what I saw the very first minute though)
I captured this few minutes after I saw the whole Sun before I moved along the pathway of the park. (Regretted not capturing what I saw the very first minute though)
This was a couple of minutes later when I decided to turn back and have a look of where the Sun was positioned.
This was a couple of minutes later when I decided to turn back and have a look of where the Sun was positioned.
And another turn....
And another turn….
And the last turn before I decided that I should stop and head home before the food turns cold. (Opps!)
And the last turn before I decided that I should stop and head home before the food turns cold. (Opps!)

So then I was thinking if this idea could be “it”. However, there were still thoughts of “What if it’s a journey of sunset?” or “What if it’s a journey of the sun (for example, from dawn to dusk)” which means that I’d have to be out certain times of the day to actually capture the moments of the sun and its position or somewhat.

 

Fret not, I still have a few ideas that I’d want to try these few days.

1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Artist Research)

Artist in the making: Dzaki Safaruan

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Follow up from the couple of previous post from when we were to post about a favourite artist or somewhat, I picked a 26 year old local Singaporean, Dzaki Safaruan.

26-year-old local Singaporean artist in the making: Dzaki Safaruan More about him over at (http://www.nafa.edu.sg/showcase/graduation-portfolios/muhammad-dzaki-bin-safaruan)
26-year-old local Singaporean artist in the making: Dzaki Safaruan
More about him over at (http://www.nafa.edu.sg/showcase/graduation-portfolios/muhammad-dzaki-bin-safaruan)

If one were to google him online, there is nothing much to find as he is not as famous as Ed Moses or the other artists that we know of from this assignment. But maybe I’ll just introduce him with what I know.

Dzaki Safaruan is a cousin of mine who recently graduated from NAFA for his Degree in Fine Arts. He has this “thing” for art since his secondary school times(?) and decided to pursue his love and passion for art right after. One thing for sure, he always has a sketchbook with him. Sometimes it would be as big as A4 size, and sometimes it would be the pocket sized sketchbook.

I have a few of his art works that you could look at and be as amazed as I am.

First of, just a simple painting that he did for my mum's birthday.
First of, just a simple painting that he did for my mum’s birthday.
This artwork was exhibited for his Diploma's FYP. As far as i know, he did alot of printmaking and this is one of it. If one were to actually zoom in on the artwork, they are actually collages of comic arts.
This artwork was exhibited for his Diploma’s FYP. As far as i know, he did alot of printmaking and this is one of it. If one were to actually zoom in on the artwork, they are actually collages of comic arts.

 

This was done when Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew pass away. It was situated at the open space behind JCube Mall during the farewell periods. As you can see, he used black ribbons to compose a graphic face late Mr LKY.
This was done when Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew pass away. It was situated at the open space behind JCube Mall during the farewell periods.
As you can see, he used black ribbons to compose a graphic face late Mr LKY.
Translated caption reads "A strand of thread (from prayer rug) per day, in the end becomes..."
Translated caption reads “A strand of thread (from prayer rug) per day, in the end becomes…” It was his art piece for the final year project. Basically what he did was consistently pulling a strand of thread from the prayer rug each day. All these strands then was formed back into a rope.
(http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/hour-at-the-museum-after-printmaking) This is another interesting art piece he made.
(http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/hour-at-the-museum-after-printmaking)
This is another interesting art piece he made.

His works are amazing, with all the precision lines and details. Recently he gave me an advice and ideas on how I could make my monoprint exciting from his experience. I tried one and its result:

He told me I could try to use baby powder instead of sand and pressed it down as it will give texture. So I painted the paper with black ink, and 'showered' my paper with powder then pressing it down.
He told me I could try to use baby powder instead of sand and pressed it down as it will give texture.
So I painted the paper with black ink, and ‘showered’ my paper with powder then pressing it down.

 

P/S: You can find out more on his work on Facebook, Webstagram and/or Instagram!

1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Journal)

Process video

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Come and watch a short process video!

The link above shows the time-lapse video of the monoprinting process did by Gek Luan and myself last week. We decided “Why not do this for documentation purposes? It’ll be fun!” And so we did.

If you’ve watched the video, you’d experience watching the camera going down down down then it stops… Now, we could interpret this as the camera bowing and thanking you for watching the process of our mini monoprinting session.

 

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

1. Lines, 2D Foundation - 6, Lines (Journal)

Monoprint Progress

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One side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.
One side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.
1/2 of the other side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.
1/2 of the other side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.
The other 1/2 of the other side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.
The other 1/2 of the other side of the monoprinted sheets hanged to dry.

 

This is just a progress post whereby these images at the top are the monoprinted sheets that I did last night. I thought why not just have extras ready before we do the cutting and collaging this coming lesson. I like to be prepared to have back ups if a few were to fail (of course, i am praying hard and hoping it would not happen!) or this and that doesn’t fit together and stuffs like that.

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