Field Trip 3- Material Lab and 3D Acknowledgment

Today’s field trip was completely different to the previous 2 trips. Instead of exploring the location and ‘concept’ inspiration, we were taken to the Material Lab to focus on material and 3D form made out of such materials.

A truly eye opening trip with materials used in a way I would never have thought before. Below are a few images I took of what was available and made with these newly developed techniques and materials.

Layering coloured glass and offsetting lenghts to create
'dot' effect - could use this techniwue to outline
an image

Printing on Glass - but could use Perspex. an effective and different way of presenting work



Foam moulded shape- very flexible and easy to mould around

body,



Covered Perspex with miniture pierced holes. to reveal
patterns of light when shone through

Printed Tiles- could be a possible displaying format 

   Layered and cut corrugated card.- really effective way
of present and creating a 2D  into 3D shape 





Metal plate with inverted slots to
created an illusional image.



Knowing what is available for us to use is obviously a vital part of our course, and now seeing these combinations of methods used are truly inspiring and has opened more possibilities to what my 3D shape could be made out of; therefore effectively altering and enhancing to what the shape could be as a result.





Friday 18th Feb – Project realisation and 3D modelling

Collating week 1 and week 2 images

From focusing on the four main points this week

○       Repetition

○       Reflection

○       Undefined/ Unusual

○       Restriction

I used the newly photographed images to rearrange the wall and create a ‘stronger’ story

Below are the 2 main walls which best describes my story. I have purposely separated them to Black + White and colour as I think this will make the theme stronger and more ‘defined’ from a series of ‘undefined’ images.

Looking at these 2 walls, I feel the Black + White wall is stronger in giving impact, definition and inspiration.

The negative and positive sections are clearly defined, and I really like the abstract shapes caused by the shadowing.

In the colour story, I tried to link up all the strongest images together to create one bigger solution; however I don’t feel this is as tightly presented as the other.

Comparing these wall 'moodboards' to ones created last week, i think there us a more definate conclusion. As this week i was mainly focusing on the above criteris, it has largely helped me concentrate when researching... but is this too early to draw a line to what research and route i should do? Would i be closing myself off to early? Would there be something out there that i have yet discovered because of lack of vision?

Throughout this week i have been thinking about the answers to the above questions - and my answer is No. Though i do worry about the above, everything that i have taken, focused on and chosen evolved naturally, and if i am naturally attracted into these specifications, i know even if i had planned a different route- i will naturally revert back to this. I'm not saying nothing will change as i do want to learn more and see more, but life should have no regrets, and this shouldn't and doesn't have to be.

Just something i took after tutorial ... Sunset reflection off campus window



Tho something so simple, i managed to capture the moving plane on the reflection - a happy accident and a happy ending... have to agree with you though - need to improve my photography skills. ^__^



Dressing with a 2D Pallet

 Now my mission is to transform this research into something 3Dimensional. The brief and criteria… anything we absolutely want – doesn’t even need to be fashion related, and doesn’t even need to be turned into a wearable piece yet- just a simple 3D shape made out of anything we want.

What I think … Looking through my research- I can see a clearly definition of repetition, mirroring and structure. Base on this, I think I will focus on these aspects and create anything that comes to mind. At this point, I don’t want to plan what to make, or do any planning until I ‘know’ what I want to do… so go with the flow.

Who knows- just wait for my 3D shape please… as I don’t know what it is yet.

John Stezaker- Whitechapel Exhibition

John Stezaker, Opening image

Image/ garment distortion has always been an effect I like achieving either in the presentation or the generation of an image or idea. John Stezaker has showed me many other ways to distort and represent an outcome by simple cut and paste. Naturally, with the use and development of technology, I have slowly forgotten about this 1000 year old technique (well not quite forgotten, but you know what I mean). 

The idea of collecting images and combining them together is not new to me, but composing the 2 very different concepts to recreate the original image and form is a first. It so clever how he can see resemblance in 2 pictures, combine them together to then give slight hints and indication of its original beauty . Minimalism is what Stezaker shouts out. It does not have to be tricky and scientific, just a simple slice can too make something carry so much meaning.  To me, though his work seems very quiet, mysterious and calm, I think there is a lot of violence and anger in him. To deface a character and remove their identity is quite disturbing. Several series of his work, he even slices through the eyes of the portrait – as if he wanted to shut its vision off

the world.

After reading Guardian article about this exhibition, Brian Dillon seems to see the same thing.

‘’That’s not to say that there isn’t a degree of knowing distance- and a strain of disturbing violence- in Stezakers work’’

John Stezaker, Mask collection



John Stezaker, Marriage series



Hording is one action which I’m sure everyone experience in their life. The way we use our collectables and treasures is very representative of our upbringing- could I play with this idea in my work just like Stezaker did?

‘’ The distance – inflected with nostalgia and absurdism- is essential, because one of the things Stezaker is engaged in is a daring rescue of  images from the memory dump of the recent past’’ Brian Dillon

‘’ As a student, he happened on a photograph in an old medical textbook that showed a woman's face half eaten away by a rodent ulcer – inside and outside had become horribly confused. Stezaker closed that book with the thought that he must never look at it again, but in other ways he has not stopped looking since.’’ Brian Dillon, John Stezaker: What a carve up, 29 Jan 11

I found this exhibition so inspiring on how images can be collaged and distorted to carry a story. After further reading, it has made me even more inspired to how I can use my past experience to generate thoughts and ideas positively and negatively. Can I do the same with my work? What other methods can I use to distort my sketchbook and mind yet representing me and my working concept?

Lighting effects - Gallery Inspiration

After today's gallery visits, I am slightly getting more ideas on how to use lighting to alter an outcome of a project.With slight changes, different effects can be created and it is this sequence of change which makes each project so different and exciting to explore.

These images were captured during gallery visits and exhibitions at 'Whitechapel Gallery' and'V&A museum'

Though today's visit was not intentionally used to explore lighting, i felt today's trips were all displaying around this genre by chance.

Whitechapel Gallery

These 2 images are from an installation displayed at the Whitechapel Gallery. The wooden frame contained hundreds of flashing light bulbs and when lit - almost creating a lightning effect. Though these images were captured with the same camera at the same settings, the outcomes are completely different. And as the focus on the camera and lighting changes everytime, different details of the installation wascaptured. Again, this is like the 'one chance' theory which I'm inspired to.

Magical Lantern - V&A

When I first read the title of this pieces - I thought ' so dramatic and over the top', but when I actually saw it, I truly understood the meaning of this piece. I may be very simply executed , the lighting and reflecting of the ‘moths’ inside actually made it look like it was flying and moving – almost like live illusion – which is also a way of saying ‘ magic’

This lantern consists of several layers of model moths and at different time intervals, a mirror and light inside the lantern moves creating different effects and images of what is inside it. Depending on the speed of the flashing lights, the moths sometimes just light up showing columns and rows of differently shaped moths ( in their flying positions), and other times lighting it in levels so showing just one row or columns,

Below are pictures showing the moths being taken at different times, and again I really like the ‘one off’ factor about these photographs.

 

From this, I have learnt that if 2 elements ( i.e lighting , movement of subject) move simultaneously or separately, the entire outcome of a piece of work could alter dramatically or display, hide certain area

 – maybe I could explore further into this area- or have this element in mind.

Though this photo is off focus ( blurry)

I really like the composition and reflection captured of myself ( the photographer) and the red building behind.

The linear lines of the lantern VS the brightly lit up moths really give a distorting illusion and shapes/ silhouettes. Again - it is the opaque and faint reflectiong VS the strong subject which i find really drawing and i think i would like to focus more in this area of research and discovery.

Stage lighting and theory- V&A

These photographs were taken from the theatre section of the V&A museum. Again. i was really drawn to this exhibit because of the theory being the production. Spot lights were projected on the back of the scenery creating shadow negatives onto the blind infront. A further camera was placed to project this new 'scene' onto the final blind. I really like this way of displaying work, and find it very interesting how a silhouette of an object can create so many outcomes.

As said in last post- The 'one off' idea is what i find really interesting, and is a completely different way to how i would approach a project. Throughout my Undergraduate studies I have always been taught the technical attributes to fashion design, but this rule breaking and off-setting MA course will definately open different options to how i can 'design'.

Things i could explore in firther practice

• Light projection on silhouettes
• Simultaneous movements of 2 display elements
• Explore shadow and negative spacing

V&A- Shadow Catchers: Camerless Photography

'Photography is not just something that captures an image or a scene on paper, but was originally evolved from desire to capture precious memories or possession of oneself’ … however, what happens when ones camera is destroyed, could we still capture images of these sentimental values?

In this exhibition, I witness and learnt different technique of capturing and developing a photograph without the use of a single camera.

It was a truly inspiring exhibition with very valuable quotes and theory from the exhibitors themselves. I especially like Floris Neususs:

‘’ In the photograph, Man is not depicted, but the picture of him comes into being by an act of imagination’’.

Floris Neususs : Pictogram series

I have almost forgot about Photogram – a simple yet effect way of capturing and developing a non existing subject … the shadow and negative reverse of an object. The above image is a collection on Floris Neususs photogram work. I find it very inspiring to see someone use this simple technique to create something that’s so energetic, alive and possessed (you may disagree with me). At first glance, you may just think- ‘yeah it s a silhouette’, but it is after further reading and actually focusing on the depth and contrast of the image, you start noticing the true qualities of the image. It is also quite fascinating to think and imagine how he got those shapes i.e. what position he got the model to pose to get this kind of exposure.  

This quote above has a given me a really in depth and awakening thought. Life originally was this simple, life should be free, and life should be full of creativity and imagination. Though I really enjoy photograph and the challenge of capturing a ‘well composed’, ‘ good balanced’ photograph, maybe just looking at silhouettes and different ways of using ‘imagery’ could create a more imaginative outcome – why should things be handed to you on a plate anyway? One should discover for themselves as I believe the process is as valuable as the outcome.

Out of all the work displayed at this exhibition, I found Susan Derges ‘Arch Series’ the most interesting and the one that created the most impact on me, especially for this MA project. 

Susan Derges: Arch 4  (Summer)

Susan Derges: Arch 3 (Spring)

Susan Derges: Arch 1 ( Autumn)

Again, these images were captured with the use if pictograms, but in this case- it was set outside and used the light from the moon to capture the scene. On top of that- a mirror was placed in a river to further develop this immaculate image. It is this kind of idea generation which really excites me, something that is mad, outrageous and unseen.

Susan Derges: Arch 2 (Winter)

'' The success of ones wealth is not based on how much they hold in their bank account, but the experience and knowledge they have encountered throughout life’ .

Maybe it is this challenge of imagination that will make me more ‘wealthy’ as a person.

Who would have thought such sparkling images could be created without the use of modern technology and software, Thumbs up exhibition and really glad I went!!!!

Hello Peeps !!

Nothing special but i like it

Throughout these 2 weeks of research, for some reason i keep taking pictures through peep holes and cracks. Above is the first picture i took in this style. I really like the unknown/ mysterious views and landscape you might get behind the frontal surface. As this particular scene involved 2 moving objects, each shot taken was unique and unachievable the second time... technically you only get 'one chance'.

Though shapes cannot be justified through these photos, I really like this concept, and i find

so much potential in moving this concept forward and developing an 'unknown' outcome.

elow are the few images i took during Field trip 1 and 2.

 

This idea of mystery really shows in these 2 pictures. Could you guess what the subject in the left picture is?

I think its this detail that really excites me - I really lilke the curiosity aspect of this concept- and i hope people would explore my designs through curiosity and wanting to find out the answer rather than get given it.



• Could I use this concept as a way to present my final outcome?

• Could this idea be used to create a surface material?

• Could i use this to modify an already established model- and changing it's shape through image restriction?

The added shadowing across the subjects really adds depth into the image - maybe i can inject the idea of projection into negative spacing to see if imagery distorts

There is just so much to explore on this course, and i am really excited about what outcomes i can achieve through these 2 weeks of research !!

Answer to previous question ... the subject between the 2 pillars is a boat , did you get it right?

Taxidermy room- Natural History Gallery

I’m sure many of you have been to one of these before – and many times in my case, but I really found Hornman's concise collection here really interesting. As I was no longer looking at the subject formally, it made it easier for me to collect abstract shapes and photographic illusions. Below are a few images which I thought was a real success.



Usually I wouldnt even think of pictures of chairs as a good source of research, but for this project, it somehow felt right to do so... The chairs are obviously a normal subject when seen with the eye, but by taking this repetition of chairs from an unusual angle, it has created a new shape and structure. The outcome...one of my favourite photos taken of this trip. There is just so much potential with the shapes and shadowing of this picture in which i can manipulate from - now is to find where to go next.



Reflection was another word for today. I really like the reflection of the skeleton across the glass window. An illusion of mirroring can be seen and just by taking one step back from the glass window, a complete new shape and concept has been created. I also really like the interlocking shape the rib cage creates - thus giving no definition of negative or positive spacing.

This butterfly was taken from the same angle; one with flash and one without. As this butterfly has already got a reflective pigment in it, a different effect was captured under different lighting ( I was hovering side to side due to the fascination of this colour changing butterfly... which probably looked quite funny if you were there to witness it.)
I really like this concept of putting a reflective/ hologram layer on a surface to create a different effect. Maybe i can explore into area further and play with lighting filters to create different scenery and outcomes.



Going through my photos, i found this random shoti took while i was testing out my camera functions. After altering the contrast of this photo- i finally saw what the reflection was. Though this is only an accidental shot- i really like the unknow surprise it brings.  On top of that - this image also really fulfills the 4 statements i was focusing on today - reflection, repetition, restriction, undefined.



Things to try out

• Use reflective material or hologram layers to create different colours/ effects under different lighting
• Take pictures through sense and not sight; maybe new shapes and angles can be discovered
• Explore the cage - negative and positive spacing idea - either through camera or 3D models

Week 2 - Horman Museum

Another week another start!

From last week’s research and critique session, this week I really tried to focus on specific areas to photograph and research.

From analysing last week’s photographs, I think I have an evidently defined style and eye on research. I gave myself a few words to follow this week- and hopefully something interesting will come out of it.

·        Repetition

·        Reflection

·        Undefined/ Unusual

·        Restriction

Field Trip 2 – yup another field trip, but this time completely different location and a complete different set of mind.

Horman Museum- Forest Hill

Not knowing where I was going or what was going to be discovered, I weaved through each exhibition room with aims to broaden my creative mind and cultural knowledge.

Building Reflection
Below are shot i took of reflections seen throughout the trip


These 2 images are of reflections through a glass window/ glass staircase. Aslight colour change has been applied to these photos to enhance the shape and structure of the reflection. I think its quite interesting to see these 2 images next to each other :- creating an confusion to which is reality and which is the mirroring image.
Can you tell which picture the reflection of the conservetory?

 

Though these 2 images are really simple reflections, I really like the depth and illusion created in both.  I really like the transparency of the water creating a layering effect - maybe i can represent my sketchbook/ images in this way too ...

I'm starting to really like the reflecting and mirroring idea - could this be where i go next?

Something Funny ... Hornman Museum

What can you see from the patterns on this rock?

Let your imaginations run wild !
Rock Displayed at the Horman Museum during Field trip 2

I see Margret Thatcher….. or The Queen… what you think?       

Gabriel Orozco Exhibition at Tate Modern

There are many ways in which we can produce and present Art. After going to Gabriel Orozco’s exhibition, I am starting to gain inspiration and ideas on ways to undertake my MA Fashion Course.

I especially like his theory of creating art with the valuables and objects he finds from his research field. Not only can I see this strongly representing his style of work but in my opinions, it makes the artwork/ installation even more representative of the area he discovered it from.

'' I’m not inventing, just reinterpreting’’ Gabriel Orozco

Stepping into the 21^st Century, Art and Design is starting to get harder and harder to justify and criticise. With so many competitions in this industry- finding a style that’s completely unique and compatible is like mission impossible- maybe stepping backwards and remoulding the past is the new way of invention.

I think the above quote is what this MA is all about. Not only will I need to broaden my thoughts on Fashion, but learn a complete new concept of idea generation.

Until You Find Another Yellow Schwalbe 1995

Gabriel Orozco

Out of all the work displayed at the exhibition, I find the piece above the most interesting and inspiring. I really like the simple concept of collecting a day to day seen object and manipulating its theory and form to create art.  Though this piece is only a photographic series of yellow Schwalbe’s, it truly gives the sense of belonging to the subject, and by presenting them in this series, it shows Berlin ( where Schwalbe were found and photographed) in a complete different perspective.

Four Bicycles (There Is Always One Direction) 1994
Gabriel Orozco

Another piece I find really moving is ‘Four Bicycles (There Is Always One Direction) 1994’. Again, by using a simple everyday object he picked up in Rotterdam, he has manipulated and assembled it with multiples to form this remarkable and unique piece of art. I especially like the negative shapes and spacing created within, and such shapes can never be imagined or even drawn without seeing this form.