A Meaningful Dream

Remember that horrendous straw structure that I made not too long ago? Yeah, that ugly looking thing. After we created the straw structure we were assigned to re-create it with 1/4 inch thick wood. But this time we had to make it related to a three foot pedestal. Since I hated it so much I decided to change the entire design. 

I went into this assignment with an open mind and was rather excited. With this assignment we had the privilege to work in the wood-shop. I've never worked with wood or "dangerous" tools (sander and bandsaw) before. The supplies given for this project were: five pieces of 1/4 inch thick wood that were six feet long and rice paper to create planes later on in the project. The first day I spent sketching. I felt that I needed to redeem myself from the last project. When I showed my professor my drawings he told me it was too complicated and only having a limited supply of wood, it would be impossible. He mentioned to try and make it more simple. To be honest I never did anything simple because in my mind, simple wasn't good enough. But it was what I needed to do. So I went for it.  

I ran out of time and didn't get to do everything I wanted to do. I wanted to have the piece start from the ground, lay on top of the pedestal, have some of the wood hang off and attach that wood to the pedestal giving it the effect of the piece going inside the pedestal. My work broke while I was putting it away, which made things worse for me...at the time. I needed to come back on my own time to glue everything back together. The pedestal wasn't in class. I had to glue everything from memory, in hopes that it was done correctly. I also had to attach rice paper using homemade rice glue in places I felt necessary. 

I used strips of rice paper instead of large squares or triangles. I knew that if I had used larger pieces my form would lose the effect. I also wanted to create different shapes with the strips. As mentioned earlier, I was gluing from memory and without the pedestal. Of course, I glued the bottom piece the wrong way, giving it a whole new look to the piece. Which ended up working out extremely well...

I missed the actual critique for personal reasons. The next class my professor and I took the time to look at what I made. As we were walking around my project we noticed that when looking at eye level and sometimes squinting it would create shapes and forms. It was rather cool to be honest. It ended up being the best part of my project. At least I think so. I'm sure my professor would agree. 

To see the structure change form you have to physically walk around it. I tried to capture those odd shapes in the pictures below. 

During the building process a piece of the wood broke in half. Instead of redo-ing it I decided to embrace it. Sadly, it didn't work the way I wanted to. The splint would have been much better if I had sanded the ends of the wood and placed the other pieces differently. Perhaps having the pieces decrease in size. This was a last minute finish as you could probably tell. 

In the photo above you can clearly see how viewing my project from different angles creates more shapes. 

Look to the bottom left, you can see one shape transformed into many shapes here too.

Overall, I was pretty happy about my piece. I wish I could have made it to critique to hear what the rest of my classmates would have said. What I learned from this project was to handle my project with more care to avoid damage, embrace accidents and hope for the best. 

Behold, my final project for my Photoshop class. Is it the coolest thing I've done? No, I don't think so. I like my self portraits much better. For our final we're supposed to create an extended image. I didn't want to do another self portrait because I wanted to do something different. I did take the concept from my Luna self portrait and used it with this work. I used the idea of using more than one vibrant color and making it one photo. I won't lie, the color sequence I picked throw me off a bit...but that's why I like it. Thoughts?  

There is something about the out-come of this photo that I cannot take my eyes off of. I can't put a finger on why I admire it so much. It's not even the fact that it's my own figure I used, it's the photo itself. Thoughts? 

For my photoshop class we were assigned "self-portraits". At first I was like "ugh", I have to make sure that I actually look good to take a picture of myself. I was completely clueless of what I wanted to do too. I had this idea of making myself half of a skull, but it didn't work out the way I wanted it to. I figured I'd try using a skull made out of flowers instead of an actual skull. This is what I came up with. 

After doing that, I felt like doing more. I had this concept of putting my face in the moon sort-of-thing. I searched for the perfect photo for what seemed like hours. I played around with different photo's of myself to find "the best one". I was going to make this idea come to life, I was determined. Which I find rather funny that I discovered the final "faces" by accident. I was playing around with saturation, vibrance, hue and lightness. I dragged the lightness a little more than I intentionally wanted to and bam! My face was no longer a sphere, but rather the texture of the moon. Originally, I wanted one whole " moon face" to show and not eight. I can finally relate to finding what works the best on accident. I'm so proud of these works...I never really like the final production of my art. This work makes me happy. 

Our past assignment in Space Studio was to take 30 photos of architectural structures that were aesthetically pleasing to us. Then we had to choose a couple of those photos to use them as inspiration for our project. We were assigned to create a straw structure keeping in mind that we need to make it site specific to a pedestal. 

I chose this photo of the Maccabee building in Detroit (where I work), because of the arch. There is something about it that I find striking. It's not the gold surrounding the arch, it's the actual arch it-self. I can't quite figure out why I enjoy it so much...I just do.

I found the diamonds to be simply complex, if that makes any sense. Although they are "cute little diamonds" I find them to be complex because of how they intertwine with each other. 

I had a plan, hence HAD, but as we all know plans never really work for me. I planned on having multiple arches in the center of the pedestal with a ring of the "diamond" shapes surrounding it. We were only assigned two days to work on this project and I missed a class because I was sick. If I would have went to class that day I would have gotten feedback in class and would have had a better structure.  

Knowing I was in a time crunch from missing a class, I changed my original plan drastically. I won't say I hate what I created, but I will say that I'm not really proud of it. But yet that's the whole point of this project right? It's research, it's not supposed to be "perfect". Still, I wish I would have done something different...although I do like the diamond shapes I created. 

During critique it was mentioned that the arch (the red straws) were unnecessary. It's was just a plain, basic structure with "cute" diamonds attached to it. I agree. My professor suggested not using the red straws next time and using only the diamond shapes to create a form. Possibly attach the diamonds at the top of the structure. Since we are using this as "research" for our next project I probably will get rid of the "arch" in general and try to recreate it in some other form. 

We also discussed the bottom piece of my structure and how it really wasn't three dimensional. I should have taken that into more consideration. Since we are using this as "research" for our upcoming project I will keep in mind that it needs to be three dimensional throughout the entire structure, or else it becomes this boring thing. With the next project we are using rice paper, rice glue, hot glue, and are limited to 30 feet worth of quarter inch wood. I'm rather excited to be working in the wood shop and using wood as material, I've never really worked with it before and it'll definitely be a challenge. This time I will follow my plan better while keeping in mind that it may or may not work out. With some parts I will probably just "go with the flow" too. Also I'll be there for all my classes that way "time" won't become an issue. 

I was experimenting in my photoshop class today and created this image. It's has an Andy Warhol feel, which was not intentional. I didn't even realize it until after I completed the photo. I thought the repetition of the butterfly would be intriguing. I enjoy that they are perfectly aligned but aren't at the same time. Make sense? What do you think?

My professor recently went to Iceland to study the area for some of his personal work. Before his departure we had a contest. We were given one lawn bag with the instructions to make it the tallest structure using only the bag and masking tape, BUT we had to figure out a way to connect everything without taping pieces together, with only one class period and the first hour of the next to work on it. We all got started right away, planning, sketching and designing potentially the tallest structure we can make. Most of us were halfway done when our professor decided to add one more requirement. It had to be aesthetically pleasing. To add even more excitement two handmade trophies, courtesy of our professor, were going to be given to the student with the tallest structure and another to a student that had the best aesthetic appeal. 

The structure closest to the ladder was mine. When our professor announced to try and make it aesthetically pleasing I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I knew that I couldn't put extra time into this project because I had to put more focus on another class that week. So, I improvised. I added different shaped and sized "flaps" and spread them along the structure. (They actually helped keep my structure balanced) I also built two smaller boxes in hopes to add height and character. 

Unfortunately I didn't win either trophy. It's alright though because I was pleased with my project (for once). It ended up being the third highest! That's something to be proud of, at least I think so. 

Keeping in mind to make it aesthetically pleasing I had just enough time and scraps to make this rose. I wanted to place it on top of the structure but it was too heavy. Therefore I put it in one of the holes I cut on the bottom box.

I definitely had a different outlook on this project. I worried less about it (in a good way) and kept an open mind and didn't freak out when he gave us a last minute requirement. I worked to the very last second too (that seems to be pretty common with any art project though). Next time, I'll keep in mind that regardless of the requirements it should always look aesthetically pleasing. 

Last Thursday, we critiqued our third project in Space Studio. With this assignment, we were told to draw ten different sketches of an object that has both positive and negative space then create a structure based off the drawings with a choice between cardboard, rosin paper and chipboard. Keeping in mind that we aren't supposed to know what the object is supposed to be. The day the drawings of our item was due, we were told to switch our sketches with someone else...totally unexpected. So now instead of sculpting our original item we're creating somebody else's. 

We had a choice between four sketches. I chose this one because I felt it was the most interesting sketch Andy had. Can you guess what it is? Keep reading and you'll find out! 

Since the sketch was very flat I saw more opportunity and more freedom. I noticed that every single person in class were using cardboard, which made me NOT want to use it. Therefore, I chose to work with chipboard. I've never worked with it before and knew it be a challenge. Challenge accepted. My original idea was to have the structure stand at least three feet (the minimal requirement), yet that didn't go as planned. But that's okay because it worked out better than I wanted it to. I made doubles of each piece, taped the two together and puffed them to add volume. This time, we were also allowed to use colored tape and hot glue (I barely used hot glue). I also used the technique of bending to give it a more definition.

I hung it up because I knew it wouldn't be viewed properly if it were on the ground. It even had a little spin to it. Classmates compared it to a wind chime and referred it to being a bit "kitchy", and that's only because it spun. 

Tension was another word that was brought up throughout the entire critique. It was pointed out that my work did have the required tension it needed to be successful, but of course could have a little more tension. Perhaps hanging it in an "ill-logical" way would have made it better. Some were not a fan of the blue tape and believed that it served no real purpose to the piece other than it's being held together, others commented on how they enjoy the contrast between the blue and the brown and said the outline drew their eyes around the structure. 

Another topic that we spent time discussing was flatness. There were many projects that were "flat" with hardly any volume. It was suggested that almost everyone could have had more volume to the project, including myself. Thankfully, my system of "puffing" the two chipboard pieces taped together was noticed and worked well. Although it may look flat from a far, it really wasn't. You had to get close to the structure to see it's true form. 

Overall, this was a fun project. Even though my original plans didn't work out it still turned out better than I thought. I took my own advice from the group project. I had a different mind-set. There was a point where I was bummed because it wasn't doing what I wanted it to do, but I was no where near as bummed as I was with the Bender project. I was pleased with my work before the critique and I think it showed. So what would I do differently? Next time I will probably make it much larger (most of us had the minimal requirement of three feet), more dramatic and give it even more volume, but not too much.  I will also continue to work on having an open mind set throughout the duration of the project. Other than that I believe this was one of the most successful projects I've done. I wish I would have kept it though...sigh. Oh yeah I haven't mentioned what the drawing was supposed to be have I? They're scissors!

I made this today in my photoshop class (: 

I created this photo using photoshop using the layering, brush, saturation and black and white tools. The goal was to create an image representing social change.

As you all know I'm very passionate about Detroit. Often we hear negative things about Detroit, whether it be from the media, friends, family or any residents that live outside Detroit. Whenever I hear anyone put Detroit down, my blood boils. I despise it even more when it comes from those who have never been to Detroit. Not all of Detroit is great, I know that. Every city has darkness, no matter what they have. But that doesn't mean that Detroit still isn't beautiful, that doesn't mean that Detroit doesn't have any light and it doesn't mean that Detroit doesn't grow. There are many great people who call Detroit home. It's a city filled with many cultures. Which is why I chose a background with a variety of flowers and vibrant colors, representing the people, new and old business', culture, history, architecture, art and spirit of Detroit. 

The title of the piece is still being determined. Originally I was going to call it "Perception" but I no longer like the name. It'll come to me sooner or later. 

One of the cool things about Space Studio is the fact that we're required to have a blog. Therefore we can document projects plans, progress, the finished product and critique's virtually. I enjoy the idea because it forces me to keep up with my blog throughout the year. It will help me better my work since I will be showing it to a larger audience instead of a class full of 20 students. 

For our first project we had to go into the wood shop with our assigned group, find a piece of equipment that was interesting to us, photograph the item, measure and collaborate the best possible way to recreate the basic structure (if time allows all the little details as well) using only rosin paper and masking tape. Our group didn't take long to find something that spoke to us. We ended up choosing what is called the "Bender". What it does, is curve metals into circular shapes. 

The reason our group decided to go with the bender was because it looked different from all the other machines in the room. It just stuck out to us and once we found it, we couldn't leave it. 

We loved the shape and the form. Especially the very top. The circular structure and the pattern of the spiral holes in the middle was what drew us in the most. 

Instead of looking at the structure as a whole we'll be looking at it as numerous small shapes that create one structure. We plan on breaking down each part of the equipment, piece by piece. Our group divided sections of the bender to work on, to quicken the process of re-creating it. Leaving enough room (hopefully) for any mistakes and extra touches. We're really aiming to have time to make the spiral and the bolts. 

To be successful with project bender, we'll be using a few techniques: cutting, taping, stacking, folding "L's", rolling, cutting slits, and making tabs. 

We also love the fact that the bender consists of more than one main shape. Many of equipment in the wood shop had only one or two forms. Mostly squares. Don't be a square...(tehe)

My assigned part of the project is making the stand from the very bottom to where the shapes change from being linear and flat to circular and curved. Kayla is assigned to make the circles on the top while Megan is assigned to create the pull without it weighing down the entire structure. 

As a group, we all agree that the hardest part about this project will be the pull. Everything on the structure is centered except for the pull. We believe that it'll be difficult to sustain the pull correctly without it causing to bring down the entire piece. Another difficulty we may cross is assuring that the  circles aren't "top heavy" compared to the stand.  Together we came up with solutions and gave them a try. After performing the test run and talking through our approach with the project, we're confident that our bender is going to look awesome. Even if it's only made out of rosin paper and masking tape. 

Yes, it's that time of year again. Back to school. Classes began last week. It was basically a typical first day of returning to college: picking out the perfect outfit, finding classes, going through the syllabus, introducing yourself, finding the best seat in the house, complaining about how much money needs to be spent on supplies, hearing about all the wonderful things that'll be taught in the course while dreading the amount of work involved in it, and getting to met new people. My day would have been perfect if I hadn't been 10 minutes late to my first class...oops. 

So far things have been swell! I'm not overwhelmed by the work load (at least for now) and I enjoy all of my courses. EVERY SINGLE ONE. It's the first semester that I want to attend every class. Crazy right? It's also the first semester where all my professors are Male. Normally there is an even balance between Male and Female professors. Not that it really matters though. It was just a thought that crossed my mind. This semester I'm taking Digital Imaging, Philosophy of Art, Contemporary Art and Space Studio (3D Design). The cool thing about being an Art major is that a good chunk of my classes are in Old Main, aka Hogwarts (pictured above). 

Over the summer I changed my major...again. This time it's final. At least I really hope so...I'm 99.9% sure I won't change my mind. I chose Art History for a couple reasons. First, because I'm not limited to one specific media, I'm able to learn about art of all types. With that, my major allows me to actually take other art courses. Such as drawing! One of my favorite drawings is featured above. Again, going with the whole "not being limited thing" I take Art History courses AND art courses that I've always wanted to take! I plan on going as far as earning a P.H.D. in Art History! 

Although I'm no longer an RA or living on campus, I'm still stoked about this semester (if you couldn't already tell). Commuting isn't as horrible as I thought it would be and I'm glad I was able to get my "On campus experience" when I did. It just means better things are to come, am I right or am I right? Tehe. I'm making a virtual toast to this school year. May it be another unforgettable, educational experience with many more to come *clink*

David, Brian Kaitlyn and I ventured off to Ann Arbor to check out the Art Fair! We didn't look at everything because it was extremely hot out. I really wish it weren't so hot! There was so much to see! Either way, I still had a great time! 

Almost every corner we turned there were people playing music!

I've heard of the Violin Monster before but have never seen him. Until today that is! From what I know he is pretty popular in Ann Arbor. I'll be searching for him on youtube shortly!

Weaving in and out of people we noticed the "graffiti alley". At least that's what I like to call it. I'm not sure if there is an actual name for it. Last time David and I were in Ann Arbor I couldn't remember where it was! I was pretty sad then, but happy I finally got to show him! It's one of my favorite places to go to in Ann Arbor!

  

David adding his own piece of gum. Well...actually he threw his on the wall. 

Oh Brian, you photo bomber. We had no clue he was behind us!

Kaitlyn and Brian (:

I love this photo for many reasons.

This outside mall had some pretty unique stores!

Almost every store had a little history inside. I love stores that display their history. It feels more home-y. Unfortunately, most of the stores were closed or closing. So we were unable to check them all out. 

Tie-dye! I like tie-dye! I always have actually. I had a tie-dye shirt, but I ruined it by cutting off too much when trying to alter it. I miss that shirt...

We walked by a park that offered free chalk to use! Most of chalk had been washed away from the storm the night before. Sadly, there wasn't much there. What was there was writing and a few drawings. This one stood out the most. The colors and texture is what makes it successful. 

"We miss you already" was written inside the guitar case. Wonder what it meant? 

I would like to go to Ann Arbor's Art Fair again next year! Hopefully it won't be dreadfully hot like it was today. The amount of tents were endless! It's amazing what people can do. My favorite tent was the jelly-fish tent. They took real jelly-fish and put them inside crystal. At night they glow in the dark. Pretty neat huh? If I had a place or the money I may have gotten one. I probably would put it in the hallway or bathroom as a night light. I did take photos of some artists and their work, but didn't want to put them up since many of them did not want photos to be taken. I had my camera out and artists were coming up to me because they saw me with my DSLR.  I understand where they are coming from and I respect that. Therefore, I won't display any up-close photos of their pieces. It's just something you'll have to go and see for yourself now isn't it?