CONTEXTUAL REVIEW

Each workshop definitely engaged my curiosity and interest however specific ones stood out. One thing I confirmed about myself through these workshops was that I enjoy working in 3D. Previously in education, I have been restricted to mostly working in 2D so it was quite interesting to explore creating structure and forms. Workshops such as Product Design, Architecture, JFFA and Sculpture not only made me curious but genuinely interested me. It was unexpected how I became more and more interested in 3D and definitely have become naturally drawn to it. I would say that previous to the foundation course, my strengths relied on Fine Art as that’s what I studied at A-level but I definitely want to explore something new. Although the Fashion workshops (except Jewellery and fashion accessories) were new and challenging, I did not feel as connected to the theme of work. The graphic design and illustration workshops were very fun and I enjoyed seeing the outcomes from fellow classmates but I felt that it was not the fit to the type of work I make. I felt more at ease designing and actually making 3D structures and forms. Something about using space and creating using materials better suits the type of work I like to make.

As I think about my future career, I do not have a specific position or role in mind however I do want to make art that directly affects people’s live. Examples such as designing sustainable buildings or products that are efficient and help save time. I want my art to engage others and consider an audience. I discovered I quite like having a brief - a set goal as a target and a specific audience/user in mind hence why I want to pursue Product Design and Ceramics as my pathway. 

Through the extension project ‘Explore it’ I discovered that I enjoy designing through sketches and inventing variations of potential models. The process of making models was slightly challenging as the materials did not always shape in the way that I wanted therefore I had to be adaptable and alter the original design. I would say that I am not as used to using materials like wood and wire but within the week of experimenting I really enjoyed pushing my use of these materials. My materials were easy to handle, cut and shape therefore I did not need to use machinery from the wood workshop. I think if I had more time, I would have used harder wood in order to familiarise myself with different types of wood and use the workshop machinery. I created two final outcomes, the main one was heavily influenced by research and the other was the playfulness of my imagination. If I had more time, I would also do more research on the second outcome to support the idea. Both outcomes were successful but did require some altering to fit the properties of the materials. The independent side of the project was not necessarily challenging as I enjoy just getting on with the task ahead. For my main final outcome, I would improve it by allowing myself to be more complex in design and create less minimal iterations of the design to explore how that would work. I feel as though i concentrated on my influences that it was not the my most original idea. My final outcome was very much inspired by two designers, George Woolley and Smarin.

George Woolley's 'Fruitopia' inspired me to design something minimalist and to consider the function to an audience/user as a priority. He was "frustrated at the amount of food" (Kingston.ac.uk, 2019) he was wasting. He took a problem and then tried to solve it through product design. This inspired me to tackle an issue of mine, which was to teach kids what fruit is grown where in the natural world by visually representing it through design. His use of wire influenced me to use wire too. 'Mangier' by Smarin influenced me to use wood as it encourages sustainability just like their "100% recyclable and eco-friendly" (Evolution, 2019) approach to design. I really liked the way that the playful side to their design hence my playful final outcome design for a baby potato slide.

As a response to extension project and the research, I feel more observant of materials and design around me. I was intrigued to research about product design to understand it more. "It is creative activity that must combine both the intended use of the product along with the visual appeal for its acceptance by the human" (Gimenez, 2014).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography:

-Evolution, E. (2019). mangier | Collections - Smarin. [online] SMARIN. Available at: https://www.smarin.net/en/collections/mangier-11-351-0.html [Accessed 24 Oct. 2019].

- Gimenez, M. (2014). European Product Design. Instituto Monsa de Ediciones, p.Introduction.

-Kingston.ac.uk. (2019). Kingston University student's wall-mounted alternative to fruit bowl aims to encourage healthy eating and cut down food waste. [online] Available at: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/1912/25-jul-2017-kingston-university-students-wallmounted-alternative-to-fruit-bowl-aims-to-encourage-healthy-eating-and-cut/ [Accessed 24 Oct. 2019].

 

Week 6 - Extension Project : EXPLORE IT

My decision to pick the 'Explore It' (Product Design) extension project was primarily becuase I wanted to explore 3D in relation to function and engagement with an viewer or auidence. I really enjoy creating 3D art so I naturally leaned towards picking Product design, architecture, Jewellery and sculpture for the extension project.

The problem solving side and the consideraion of effiency, use and auidence was interetsing in guiding my process of generating ideas. To inspire our idea generation, the extension project brief required us to write ten types of fruit/veg, ten types of auidience and ten functions and combine examples from each. I designed and skecthed out twenty different ideas.

From the twenty ideas, I picked five to create model skecth models to test out the fucntion, the process of making it and the materials. I was pleased with a few designs and recreated them but by improving and using wood as the main material. I combined my idea of the shelf and the wire tree to create playful but educational product. It teaches kids what furit/veg is grown were in nature - fruit grown on tree are placed on the wire tree and veg grown underground are stores in the shlef bit under the wire tree (please view in digital outcome for reference).

My second product was a slide for smaller, round fruit and veg such as baby ptataoes an d cherry tomatoes. This was more difficult to create as the original design was curved but with the limited time, It was easier to create it using straight pieces of wood. The challege was trying to create soemthing to the write scale for gravity to slide the fruit/veg down so I really was aware of the angle of the slide. Alot of alteration was made but it showed that being adaptable is important for product design. 

My research in relation to this project can be found on the research page of workflow.

03/10/2019 - BODY AND FUCNTION (3)

The last workshop a mixture of activies all directly connection to fashion. We started with observational drawings of the mandmade structures in the local area and then using those drawings to identify shapes. The menu of shapes became 3d structures that then we placed on the body. Although it was a very interesting process, i was surprised that it directly related to fashion as it was so abstract.

To be honest it was not my favourite workshop or even outcome but I responded well with the abstract side of the project. I of course enjoyed reating the 3D structures of shapes.  It was interesting to see the transformation of our surrounding into 3D structures that was then placed around the body. 

02/10/2019 - CONTEXTUAL PRACTICE (5)

As usual we went through the last theme, 'body and function', through getting a insight into the course though the pathway rationales. Although I missed the Footwear and Accessories workshop, the examples from artist work was quite interesting and I also caught up with the work that I missed by going through my classmates sketchbooks. Fashion Communication was interesting due to its range of mediums and highly experimental process but didn't feel like the right pathway for me. The Fashion workshop was a lot more interesting in the beginning were we drew observational drawings of man made structures around the area and the rest didn't interest me as much.

For our individual writing task, I created a brand design based on the work from the Fashion Communication workshop. The recording of the brand design is uploaded on 'Digital Outcome'.  

01/10/2019 - BODY AND FUNCTION (2)

The Fashion Communication workshop was very fast paced and I didn't enjoy it that much. In each group we switched the roles of photographer, model and stylist. This was fun and intense but the examples of work and the process of work didn't want me to continue it as a pathway.

However was tempting because it was a highly experimental and could be explored in many mediums. 

We used a lot of materials to dress up the model and took pictures and created concept ideas, which required more thought and wasn't just about decorating the model. We were given themes including light/dark and patterns. Adapting to the themes was interesting and the teamwork was a bit easier as we were assigned roles. The collaboration however was useful as always because we come up with ideas together. 

30/09/2019 - BODY AND FUNCTION (1)

Unfortunately I missed this workshop. However I went through my classmates sketchbooks and asked around. I checked out the presentation on moodle and completed the task as much as I could. 

I created sketches for each word 'suspend, support, surround' and then created one of the sketches.  

I really enjoyed making something 3D in relation to the body and am curious to see more of art like this. 

26/09/2019 - LANGUAGE AND INTERACTION (3)

 The 'Say it Loud' workshop was quite challenging because it was focused on text. Where the text was placed and how it was presented was very important and so details of the piece were important. Through the presentation I started to understand the importance of text and how it can have more impact depending on scale, font, color, location etc, which I would have though to be trivial previously. 

The context of the text itself was created by the an anonymous text with a classmate about fears in all forms, personal, political, social, etc. It was fun engaging with a classmate annoymously on personal topic. 

This workshop explored aspects that were new to me but so I am curiuos but I don't think it is the one for me. I did enjoy engaging the space with the viewer.

25/09/2019 - CONTEXTUAL PRACTICE (4)

Contextual practice for the week 'Language and interaction' week covered the pathway rationales of the three workshops we explored. We had greater insight into the type of work with examples of artists like Assemble, Ryan McGinley and Charles Richardson.  

As for usual, we were handed quotes to start a discussion point within groups about subject relating to the theme of the week. Our quote was, “it is language itself which pushes our desires beyond proper limits”, and we discussed the importance of language in exaggeration when presenting ambitions and personal 'desires'. 

The pathway of 3DDA really interested me as it uses space and the making process is something I personally enjoyed from the workshop. 

24/09/2019 - LANGUAGE AND INTERACTION (2)

We explored Fine Art 4D through creating videos or photography in a conceptual way. 

Most of the morning was an introduction to Fine Art 4D as a pathway which uses media and technology through experimentation. It explores cultural and social issues such as big data, post-truth, identity, social well being, creative economy and mediation. Although the day of workshops were very fun and I really enjoyed the levels of experimentation, the pathway of Fine Art 4D doesn't seem to interest me enough to continue it as a pathway. 

The verb that I used to explore using lens was 'multiply' and I created a few images using the panoramic style photography. The images can be found on 'digital outcome' section on workflow. 

The specific point in which action becomes art when it derives from a meaning or purpose relating to a concept or artistic idea. 

23/09/2019 - LANGUAGE AND INTERACTION (1)

The Architecture and Spatial Design class for Language and Interaction week sparked my interest the most from any classes I've been in so far. The introductory presentation to the course as a specialism looked incredibly interesting and showed work I would like to be involved in making or researching. 

The day included making a structure using platonic shapes and then considering it is a building, giving it context and potential materials but consistently drawing in it as we built it as a group. I enjoyed working as a group and we all incorporated lots of ideas, changing the form of structure. Our final form was a outdoor shelter inspired by Ivan Juarez's, 'Tropic of Cancer', with a multiple function catering to the environment. Made from concrete, it can be used for meditation or a place to chill out with friends to even used in parks for the homeless to have somewhat shelter at night. 

The process making involved us taking different positions. Mine was to build. We only used triangles to create the form as is is the strongest shape and the most interesting to look at. Having said that, the final form was a little unstable and needed to be reinforced with some string. We definitely removed bamboo sticks to simplify the shape and structure to fit the purpose but I would have wanted to make it look more interesting as well. 

I really enjoyed the project of Architecture and Spatial Design and im keen to explore more of it. Exploring 3D design and art really stands out to me. 

19/09/2019 - SURFACE AND MEANING (3)

The presentation of Fine Art for Surface and Meaning introduced us to artists work that use erasion as a technique. Artists work include Frank Bowling, Charlotte Bracegirdle and Kim Egg. As I've studied Fine Art for A-levels I felt comfortable in this subject however never really explored erasing as a technique to focus on. 

Our first task was to create three ways of erasing images of parts of images. As. natural response I started tearing away from the image. I was using a fashion magazine therefore the images were dynamic already. I wanted to add to it. I tore off pieces in a certain way to give it a pattern almost like a tiger print. I then added tape and removed it so that the tape gave it a natural removal of the mage using force. Still using the tape, I blocked out parts of the next image. I found the experiments really fun to make. 

The next task was to change the image though placement and context. I used the the image which I tore pieces off and took it outside. I placed on to different layers to see how it changed the image. I experimented with another image and cut the model into different parts of the body and rearranged the pieces. I also wanted to one of images a new narrative so I cropped the eyes and added a tear. For another I took the model's screaming expression of enjoyment to anger by adding a lighting strike. 

The final task was to create a painting in response to the previous tasks and images we produced. I painted an image with the tape blocking out parts so that when I removed the tape the white background was revealed. It also tore off some pieces of the painting, adding to the idea of removal and erasion. I really enjoyed exploring erasion as a technique. 

We later got to view each others news and discuss work we liked of others and why we liked them. I created dynamic pieces while others created subtle and quiet pieces of art. This was useful in seeing how effective removal can be if used in a subtle way. 

18/09/2019 - CONTEXTUAL PRACTICE (3)

The presentation showed a range of artists work in relation to surface and meaning, Joseph Nicephore Nicepce's 'view from a window' to Robert Rauschenberg's 'Erased de Kooning drawing' and even Barclays marketing campaign. These examples showed the importance and power of an image and visual language.

We looked at the visual language in branding and advertisements. As a group we analysed an advertisement and considered colour , composition, text font, etc and how it affects the audience/viewer. Then we moved onto an individual create writing task to describe ur advertisements we were required to bring in. We followed the same steps - key word, connotations of those key words and the forming sentences. We then recorded ourselves describing the advertisement t a partner. This method was very helpful in analysing the image.

We then reflected n the three pathways we explored the week and went into depth of what it consisted of and whether or not it was something we wanted to pursue. Although I enjoyed both the Illustration and Textiles workshops, I hadn't really considered them as subjects I wanted to continue. 

17/09/2019 - SURFACE AND MEANING (2)

The Textiles based exploration of Surface and Meaning was very interesting and required a lot of group work. The presentation first gave us inspiration of different textiles-based artwork including Yinka Ilori, Chiharu Shiota and Greyson Perry. 

Using the five personal belongings we bring to class. Each group had to arrange the items in different categories and each time to record it through drawing. Different categories included monetary value, sentimental value and even presenting the items as high as you can. themes interning activity was the group drawing whee we switched drawings and another person added to it. 

Then using the drawings we made we took close ups of interning mark makings and merged them onto a acetate sheet. Then combing them on a projector we ended up with a large projection onto a wall. As a group, we drew over the marks again to create a sheet of mark makings. The marks were very interesting and mixed as it contained a bit of everyones style. This day really engaged our teamwork and the collaboration was very enjoyable. 

16/09/2019 - SURFACE AND MEANING (1)

We had two main tasks as part of the Illustration workshop. The first was to create a screen print with a letter or number handed to us individually. I was a given the number '4'. Our design could be anything as long as it incorporated our given letter/number. After a few quick sketches, I started to create the final design of a walking man. The first layer was red and the second was black. 

The second task was creating a short stop-motion video of the design using an app 'Stop motion studio'. The video can be found in 'digital outcomes'.

This feedback and the successful example from my classmates ended with interesting points. Some used the white space to their advantage and to add depth. I didn't use the white space effectively enough and left it as a background. The restrictions were the limitations of colour and the focus on using the leet/number to incorporate into design. This effected my work as I struggled to create an original idea for the letter/number but I think I could have solved this by drawing more designs before creating the final design. The colours red and black weren't necessarily a retraction but something I really needed to consider. I feel like my piece was not as successful as I wished it to be as I didn't consider the design enough. I should have been more ambitious but seeing everyone else's work was motivating and inspiring. 

12/09/2019 - STRUCTURE AND FORM (3)

The 'Personality Quiz' workshop presentation showed us the many forms and styles of sculpture. Art works including those of Mark Manders, Eva Hesse, Lindsey Mendick and Tamera Henderson. 

The sculpture workshop was a day of making a sculpture/installation piece based on three words/images we were attracted to. I picked 'minimal', 'light' and an image if Eva Hesse's art as a staring point of inspiration and idea generation.  We were to explore a combination of these words in the form of sculpture considering space, form, materials and process.

I had a lot of fabrics and went straight ahead to use the fabrics that I took from home. I was interested in using the fabric to create long pieces and fill up as much space as I could. I first filled space outside creating a connection between fire exit stairs and a fence in the yard of the Archway Campus. Then to extend my exploration of the material I filled a corner of the studio using the fabrics almost like a spider web connecting it to a chair. The fabric was actually pieces of a my ex's hoodie which I used to explore my own theme of memory, inspired by Lindsey Mendick's 'ex Files' work which I saw in the presentation. 

I really enjoyed creating an installation using materials that i do not usually use. The process of mkaing something 3D but in abstract, I found was really engaging.

11/09/2019 - CONTEXTUAL PRACTICE (2)

We explored the topic of Structure and form by looking at workday Roni Horn, Simona Koch, Michael Rakowitz and Xander Zhou. This provided a lot of inspiration for ideas and possible interests in mediums. 

Our main task was analysing our objects and describing it in words and phrases. Mine was a cocktail shaker. After thoroughly analysing the object, we described our objects to another classmate and see if they could guess the what it was. This activity was unexpectedly interesting as we really focused on form and structure and the relationship between the two.

10/09/2019 - STRUCTURE AND FORM (2)

Our second day of Structure and Form was explored in the area of 3DDA.

The main focus was how packing or displays of packaging can be used to elevate an object visually and practically. The presentation showed innovative product design of food packaging and display. This was quite new to me as I haven't really considered the importance of display and packaging in terms of design.

We were first given the task to buy a pack of tomatoes, lemons and fruit. While we in the grocery store we also drew a few observational drawings of fruit and veg and took photos of the layout and displayed. We also took photos of fruits and vegetables that were already displayed in the store in order to have a vague idea or what already exists and how I could create the same function but in an original design.

Our main tasks were to sketch quick designs of for the fruit and vegetables. More time was spent making the designs and the experiments which I enjoyed much more. As I naturally enjoy the process of making, this workshop stood out to me. 

09/09/2019 - STRUCTURE AND FORM (1)

Our area of design was fashion and textiles for our first day of Structure and Form week.

We started off with various different drawing activities based on three techniques, blind drawing, less-dominant hand drawing and continuous line. These drawing activities relaxed my fear of drawing "badly" and made me concentrate on observing my subject rather than trying to make a good drawing. We even discussed as a group the idea of "What is drawing?" which was interesting to hear different responses from capturing a moment and documenting to visual language and creative identity. 

The presentation introduced me to Fashion and Textiles area as it is unfamiliar to me. It as really informative as we explored fashion illustration, the limitless range to create fashion illustration and examples of artists. I quite liked the work of Connie Lim. 

 The next activities were based on fashion illustration and we continued with a few more drawing activities but this time looking at the garments that our models were wearing. This involved drawing our models from head to toe in focusing on the texture of their clothing. We even created our own prints which we tore to replicate a piece of clothing and continued to draw in order to add to it. These works were used mixed media and were heavily focused on observation, which was important as I realised that I do not pay as much attention to the subject while drawing them. 

Our last group activity was decorating a setting and model in oder to create a concept that connects to our group feedback on our individual work. My feedback included "bold buts need refinement". Once we created our setting and decorated or model, we created an observational drawing and we were able to combine the drawing techniques from earlier on the day. I use mixed media and continuous line. 

The group activities involved in working with a lot of new classmates who I have not met yet. This is always fun as I get to see new perspectives and creative styles. This workshop was interesting and Fashion as a subject is new so i am keen to explore it more.

05/09/2019 IDEA FACTORY (3)

Before presenting our visualisations to the group, we went through how to pitch an idea effectively and the details that we should include such as the context, the scale, its purpose etc. We discussed the definition of speculative design and how to use speculative design which was helpful in understanding the importance of visualisations. 

We also discussed presentation strategies in order to present our visualisations to the group. Preparing for the presentation through planning and closing our eyes for two minutes gave me more confidence to present. Some tips included letting the visual do most of the talking and being clear about your idea.

My presentation to the group went well as I received positive feedback. My 3D model of the idea was "clear  in terms of scale but could also do with setting the idea in another location and how it might be approached in a different location". A critique that I very much agreed with was trying to make my concrete theme a bit more relevant as I focused more on the theme of Feminism. Overall I am happy as my feedback suggested that I have shown a clear thought process and commutated my idea/concept to others which was the my main focus. The feedback was very useful and opened up new perspective and alternatives for he way I visualised my idea. Being a part of a group crit was new and interesting as me and my group had enjoyable discussions and idea that bounced off one or another. 

In terms of sketchbooks, as a class we discussed the importance of experiments, mixed media and showing a range of skills in order to make our sketchbooks interesting. We also had time to view sketchbooks of others to see what works and take ideas. This was inspiring as encouraging as I felt like my class was behind in terms of quantity of work so I feel more motivated to do more for the next project.

04/09/2019 CONTEXTUAL PRACTICE (1)

As visualisation is the main focus of the Ideas Factory, as a class we were introduced to various ways of presenting visualisations. It was practical to view visualisations by artists in order to have a better understanding of the different ways of visualising an idea. It helped me decide on my plans for visualising my idea as it suggested that I create a 3D model in order to present the scale of the work. A few examples of artist work we looked at in class was Assemble, 2015, Granby Four Streets which inspired me to create a 3D model.

The activity was challenging as out group was given the task to imagine a world without sight and how as a creator and as a society we would live. Key words and ideas that came to mind while discussing as a group included vibrations, slower movements, bat-like sight and caution. We then wrote a little passage describing this world. This task was very challenging as it required me to express my idea verbally and I noticed how I need to focus on clarity of my idea so when presenting it, my audience will picture something similar to me.

Lastly, I made a few sketch visualisations - plans of how a collage would represent my idea and one 3D model that showed scale. If I was to apply the world with no sight to my plan, I would incorporate sound of the crowd in a women's right protest. This would add to the experience and purpose as well as develop the theme of Feminism in the idea. 

03/09/2019 - IDEA FACTORY (2)

Looking at previous students sketchbooks was also quite helpful in understanding how our sketchbooks should look like, but more importantly it made me more comfortable with my messy layout and presentation of work as that is how I naturally convey my ideas inside my sketchbook. I understood that we need to include everything that we make and experiment into our sketchbooks.

The drawing activities in class made it easier to tackle that first daunting white page of the sketchbook and helped with my thought process of the idea as new shapes and forms of the idea appeared. One of the drawing activities was describing our idea to a classmate who would draw it out. This was especially useful as it showed how vague words can be and the importance of the visual speaking for itself. It also provided a different perspective of the idea which inspired a few changes to the original plan. Knowing that there was more than one way to make visualisations was thought provoking and challenged me to think more about how to visually represent my idea. 

02/09/2019 - IDEA FACTORY (1)

My group was given three words to focus on during this week- one material, a verb and an 'ism'. Our words were Concrete, Expand and Feminism. 

- I visualised Expand as the process of blowing up a balloon. Our group discussed the importance of space with expansion as the interior space of a balloon increases causing the exterior space to decrease. The limitation of space also causes the balloon to burst. 

- With the material concrete, I immediately thought of construction and demolition sites. We stretched the idea from the physical attributes of concrete to its other meaning of factual and assured. 

 - Feminism created a big discussion of its history including the waves of feminism. I focused on Pussyhats as a symbol of feminism because it was popular clothing in recent women's rights protests. 

The group discussions were insightful and interesting. We bounced off of each other's ideas and considered alternative perspectives. 

Our next task was to create ten ideas using the material and verb. Using 'Expand' and 'Concrete', this task was a bit more challenging as it required me to think out of reality and construct ideas that were impossible to create. Once we finalised one idea, we needed to combine the 'ism' word as well, which was challenging again as the idea changed to adapt a new word. Overall these tasks stretched my ideas and thought process to think broadly and not just remain limited to the possibility of reality but to go beyond.

My final idea, combining all three words, was a massive concrete balloon in shape of a pussyhat that would be used in women's rights protests. The concrete material would enable the balloon not to burst even if violence broke out or the protest was shut by authorities.

11/09/2019 - Library Task

As part of the Library induction, we had the task to search a random word and collect 6 images of pages from the three books and one journal in order to get used to finding material using the library system. I didn't choose a random word but rather a topic that I was interested in, which was eco-architecture. 

Library materials that I used include:

'The new eco-architechture : alternatives from the modern Movement' by Colin Porteous 

'Small eco uses = mini casas ecologicas' by Daniela Santos Quartino 

'Experimental eco-design : architecture,ashion, product' by Cara Brewer, Rachel Mallory, Zachary Ohiman.

'The architectural review' 

 

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