Self-Analysis – Final Studio Project Reflection
– Is my point of inquiry clear? What am I actually trying to do?
My piece aims to represent the presence and absence of Chinese jewelry and its purpose of personal adornment of the body. In my work, the concept determines the medium, but throughout my work I seek external solutions to internal problems. Using printmaking processes as a way of capturing the impression that my jewelry left on my skin, I am able to truly preserve the physicality of the mark as it was on my skin. My skin acts as the matrix while the paper I am printing on acts as the substrate. The act of transferring the mark onto paper gives the mark importance through trying to preserve it, focusing on the functionality of Chinese jewelry and therefore its function in the larger discussion of jewelry as a part of Chinese society’s visual culture. Alongside with the relief prints on paper, clay tiles with imprints of the jewelry themselves contribute to the idea of presence and absence of personal adornment.
– Is my idea strong?
I consider my concept to be strong, however, it’s strength rests on the overall execution of the project and craft. As my project develops, I believe the concept will develop and strengthen in clarity as well.
– Is my inquiry in-depth enough to build and sustain a whole project around?
I think my project idea and concept in conjunction with my seminar paper is enough to sustain a project around for the duration of the semester.
– Am I challenging myself? Or, am I playing it safe?
I would say a mixture of both. I am challenging myself to use some materials in an unconventional way, but I am using materials I am familiar with. The concept is very dependent one the execution and craftsmanship of the piece, challenging myself to consider the way that medium and concept work together and paying a lot of attention to details.
– Am I able to accomplish what I intend to within the rest of the semester?
I think that my intended project is large enough that it will take a significant amount of time as it is time-based, however, it isn’t so large that it is unattainable within the set amount of time given.
– Is the studio work I am planning on making distinctly tied to my research? How is my research for Seminar fueling my studio inquiry?
I believe that my studio project pertains to my seminar paper exploring the Chinese decorative arts beyond the Ming dynasty. My research in seminar investigates the storied endurance of Chinese Jewelry throughout Chinese Society and contributes to my understanding of Chinese Jewelry’s relevance in modern Chinese society and visual culture.
– What is the connection between my proposal and Visual Culture? Why is my project important/relevant?
Since Chinese societies have been established, people have valued personal adornment – especially jewelry. Often exquisite aesthetic objects, pieces of jewelry may also be keepers of family heritage, reflections of social status, and sacred religious objects. Jewelry – hair pins, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets – made for noble woman in the late Ming and Qing dynasties, not only transcends but also blurs the lines between each of these designations. Jewelry in late 17th century China was vital to its visual culture, and its influence still persist today, as it impacts and reflects the socio-political landscapes of its time. Although jewelry can serve as a social signifier of status, it also contributes to the enduring relevance of Chinese society through its symbolic, religious, and cultural meaning.
– What materials am I using? Have I used them before? Is it possible to learn new techniques effectively in time to complete the project?
The materials that I have proposed to use for this project are clay, printmaking ink, printmaking paper, family jewelry, and my own body (serves as the matrix for the printmaking process). While I have used these techniques separately I have not used them in conjunction with each other. I believe that the interdisciplinary use of different medium will allow me to further my concept and more effectively covey my idea.
– Am I excited about my project?
While I am excited about my project, I am also nervous as I hope that it turns out the way that I intend it to.
