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“Other Life” Project Process
The Process:
The first step of this project was to select an image of a (preferably) lean figure. This image would then be blown up to an 18×24″ size and printed out to be traced.
Once the general figure was traced, we were to draw stripes which would replace the need for contour lines, giving a three dimensional gestalt effect. After this initial drawing was completed, I traced the stripes from the drafting paper onto a sheet of mylar and inked the drawing with micron pens. After the inking process was completed, I scanned the mylar and fixed up any smudges or inconsistencies in Photoshop Elements. The drawing was then sized down and printed out onto a 11×17″ sheet of semi-gloss paper.
The Finished Piece:
Reflection:
At first, I was intimidated by the fact that no outer contour lines would be in this drawing, but taking the project step by step made it a bit easier and clearer for me to understand where the direction of it would be going. Finding an image online, printing it out, and tracing it made for a precise indicator of form – thus an easier way to visualise the internal contour stripes. This was an interesting process as I had never done a stripe contour drawing before, and I am pleased with the result of the figure’s implied form. It was also personally enjoyable for me since I enjoy contrasting/bold lines and colours, and I feel that final product is a powerful image overall.
Tracing Artifacts Project
The process:
The project required us to bring in three personal/sentimental objects, so I brought a powder compact, a vile of lipstick, and a polaroid of me and my friends from back home.
After scanning or photographing my objects, I vectored the outer outlines as well as inner details of them.
The symbols I derived from each object next to each respective vector. Whereas the vectors are quite detailed, I wanted to take a minimalistic approach to each symbol and derived the predominant colours (pink, gold) and shapes from the original objects.
Reflection:
Starting this project, I had never vectored an object in Adobe Illustrator beforehand so getting used to the pen and curve tools were difficult at first. After I got the hang of them, I quite enjoyed the process of tracing the scans and got caught up in mimicking the interior details of the original objects. After the vectors were completed, I wanted to take a minimalistic approach to the symbols, focusing only on the shapes and main colours of the objects and ended up making logo-esque derivations. After the peer critique in class, however, I wish that I had integrated more variation in the shapes and perhaps an element of collage in the finished symbols.
The finished piece:
Simple layout of the original object scans, vectors, and symbols.
Bridge 2 – Preparatory Work
Is there a guiding theme/topic?
As of right now, most of our pictures fit within the theme of how we spend our leisure/free time. Many of the photos are random snapshots taken throughout the day.
How do materials function within the “conversation?”
In most of my and Andy’s pictures, lighting, colour, and form are either harmonious or provide a sense of bold contrast. The composition of the photo also feeds into the attitude of the image, which determines the overall feel to the pictures as a duo.
What role does coincidence play?
Coincidence is interesting as it may highlight similarities in our daily routines, or whatever it is that we might be doing at the moment of interaction.
How does working as a collaborative pair influence your work and thinking?
Working as a pair has made me more conscious of my surroundings and what I am doing, and whether or not I can take an interesting photo considering these two factors. Additionally, depending on who sends the first picture, I also take into account how it might match or clash with the accompanying response.