Ideas for progression

I've spent some time considering ways to develop my ideas and I find that I seem to keep being drawn to tricks of the mind, visual illusions and hand made crafty things which is completely different to where I'd normally take things. However because of this, I feel I've become alot more hands on and in touch with the process rather than overly focused on the outcome.

Some things of visual interest:
http://artsintherightplace.wordpress.com/2010/11/09/fireworks-display-inside-a-toilet-roll-tube/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASHBIHhHFvI&feature=related
http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/02/19/are-you-bored-enough-to-play-with-paper/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to99C-0cLGE
http://topandtailgallery.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/spotlight-on-reuben-sutherland/

I would definitely like to progress the idea of a Phonographantasmascope (record player and video camera animation) as for some reason its over complication appeals to me, as well as its beauty and link with Zoetropes, however I realise this may be some challenge so will perhaps come back to this at a later date.

Developing ideas - Zoetrope

In response to the brief I've decided to develop the Zoetrope idea. I feel that we can interpret the text in alternative ways and a Zoetrope would make for an interesting 'Circular book'. Fortunately we have a record player at home so I was able to test out the concept without too much complication. I also decided to incorporate the collage man as he invokes emotions I feel appropriate to 'The Library', which I sense is a dark and nonsensical place.

Some beautiful and inspiring Zoetrope:
http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/http/ww.mocpages.com/home.php/103392
http://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/february/the-sony-bravia-zoetrope

I find Zoetropes to have a beautiful old movie feel. Its surprising how technology has moved on yet a Zoetrope seems more magical in a way.

Through my research I came across some really interesting research into the history of Zoetropes. Originally they were considered to be “Daedalum” or Wheel of the devil; (http://vl203.wordpress.com/2010/11/05/zoetrope-or-wheel-of-the-devil/, http://animationhistory.blogspot.com/2006/05/zoetrope.html) and was renamed to mean 'wheel of life'. Either phrase is loaded with religious meaning that I feel appropriate to The Library and specifically the Circular book.

My Zoetrope:

Newspaper challenge

Okay, so somehow I only had a Financial Times to work with. I guess if the point in this is to truly challenge me then this most definitely fits the bill!

The newspaper headline was:
Top-Earner Pension pots face tax-blow

Result:

The anagrams alone were very difficult but gave me a wealth of choice for visuals. Unfortunately, the paper itself held very few visuals so it took some consideration as to how to create the images. The photocopier was seriously overused. Small things were blown up, and colour and contrast settings were played with a great deal.

Although I could be happier with the result, I think I've really challenged myself through it. It definitely appealed to the 'must solve this problem' part of my personality which was discussed in class during week 2.

Visual thinking/process visualisation workshop

This class was a bit different from what I'm used to. We all bought in ephemera to put together. I am definitely more comfortable on a computer so this was entirely new to me. We randomly selected words as a starting point for creation. My word was 'chance'. I found this quite difficult as I wasn't really sure where to start - I had bought in too much really and it would have worked better had I of only bought in a few chosen pieces.

However I can see there are ways to improve this and am planning on spending some time building upon it and dividing into separate mini projects as it became clear that there is a lot going on within it. The general idea behind the page is related to the hadron accelerator being a game of chance whilst also attempting to link the idea with 'The Library'.

Effects from photocopying:












I'm also interested in another 'challenge', suggested by Malcolm. The challenge is that you take today's newspaper and make an anagram from the frontpage headline. You then have to style up the page using ONLY that newspaper. I assume I'm also allowed scissors, glue, a photocopier and white paper.

The Library of Babel, by Jorge Louis Borges

My first read through of the text was a struggle and so my initial reaction was 'needs styling up, graphics and emphasis of key points' – this angle was for purely selfish reasons – I felt it was hard to read and needed some simplification for myself! However as the request wasn't to style up the text but to find a theme of interest and follow I resisted from doing the obvious.

An initial thought that came to mind was to explore other authors that I find easier to read. I like the lighthearted Sci Fi of Douglas Adams and found a nice quote in response to Borges enquiry into the meaning of the universe:


Although I love this quote, I felt that this wasn't necessarily the best 'visual' response so continued thinking about themes from the text.

Mathematics in Art
I found patterns and mathematics introduced through the text quite interesting. The matter of infinity is a constant theme. Through discussion with friends, it was suggested that perhaps all the text in the library equates to Pi with a base of 25? Obviously my friends are far more intelligent than I. Some visuals I found of interest whilst considering mathematics and geometry in art:

This visual from Graphis Diagram (1974) I find very interesting. The 'illusion' of infinity and display as an infographic links my previous study with my current module. The matter of sensory illusion is something I would like to consider further.

The traditional infinity sign (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=25666747/) could be another route however is almost a little obvious.

I also came across some beautiful work by artist Emma Kunz http://www.emma-kunz-zentrum.ch/e/index_e.html?#galerie which I found to be both soothing and complex.
Emma Kunz was also a 'healer' and researcher and used her art as a method to display her research.

I also spent some considering how the circular book could be visualised. Initially I felt this could work well as shaped paper (see http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/06/25/what-to-do-with-old-books/) however this was purely for visual interest and I soon changed my mind as to how to reflect the book.

As the book reflects 'infinity', it could take a different from than a traditional book. The use of a Zoetrope could potentially indicate infinity.

The whole process has led to some deep conversations with friends. A quote of my boyfriends that I felt held some interest:
“the universe is expanding at such a rate that no matter how fast you go, you are always moving farther aware from the edge”

What is my practice?

...the first question posed to us during our first class for this module. Although this should be simple to answer, it definitely wasn't! My job title and responsibilities have changed over the summer and now has much more of a focus on 'social media'. I am now an 'E-Marketing Team Leader'. I'm not particularly enthralled with the change in job title - the shift from designer to marketeer is not really how I see myself, however it is only a title and ultimately I still 'design'.

With that in mind, my response to the question is that I am a 'problem solver' - it is my responsibility to come up with new media design solutions (however print design is still within the job description). Essentially I feel that through the natural progression of my career, I am slowly moving farther away from 'hands-on' creativity, however ideas are ultimately what my job is about.

A suggestion from Rob to consider aspects of social design through such things as The Royal Society of Arts project briefs might help me feel I can put some value back into my design.

Somethings to consider for future: www.thersa.org/projects/design/student-design-awards/briefs

This led to a discussion as to whether I am a reactive or proactive problem solver, to which I believe I am both.

What are the things that matter to me in my practice?
It is definitely a common reaction for me to try to make sense of something through design as was indicated through my studies in 'Introduction to Graphic Arts'

Analyzing Practice in Graphic Arts

A new academic year and a new module. I must admit that over the summer I became consumed with my job and haven't given study much thought.