” The Nest ”
Introduction
Initial inspiration
- I feel lost when standing in the middle of the crowd and surrounded by unidentified noises that interweave with the music playing through my earphones. This odd feeling was so inspiring but struggled to express. A visit to Atkin’s exhibition in the New Museum influenced me so much by tracking forms of feeling covered underneath technological representation. Based on my indescribable experiences, I chose AirPods as my object of expression. Unlike cell phones or laptops that hold significant functions in my study / social life. AirPods can be unnecessary and unnoticeable. Yet, they are crucial to me mentally, as an invisible shelter that released me from the surrounding chaos.
Brainstorming
- I started by brainstorming keywords such as unnoticeable, dependency, and control. Then, I made a mind map of different categories of content. Sorted out based on my subject matter, similarity in medium and the emotion I want to convey, etc. Then, I pulled out elements from each category and forced a connection between them. Specifically, ‘control’ and ‘reliance’ send my creative energy in the unique direction of parasitism. However, my initial mood-board sketches were too pretty with the flora aspect of the parasite. Lead to ineffectiveness in conveying the creepy image of tech reliance. As a result, I investigated the style of expression by researching modern satire and Japanese horror comics. And their extracted way of visualizing moods and mental states inspired me so much. I transformed the vines into hands crowing over the head. Pointed out a mental partition from surroundings to the audiences by emphasizing control.
- I am a fan of traditional tales. Hence, I thought it could be interesting to form chemistry between modern tech and traditional elements. I extracted and transformed elements from an ancient Chinese fiercer beast named chaos. Its Anthropophagy feature implies over usage of technology consumes individuals’ health. Its appearance, particularly the absence of sensory organs; perfectly represented weakened communication experiences in the online world.
The Making Process
- After sketch out a genera idea, I begin to pull key elements with similar metaphors and symbolism together. The first challenge was the look of the hands. I initially designed transparent and bug-like fingers. It did not work well except for creating color contrast. Then, I used the claws of a Chinese beast (Tao Tie) that symbolizes greed. It works well in satirizing the greedy to gain convenience is the root of dependency. In this step, I simply cropped out the fingers and reconstructed them into the shape of a growing tree. The background of the initial version is too dark and unlinked to the central message. Hence, I used 3D filter effects in photoshop to develop a weaker and technique-based background, aiming to build contrast with the foreground picture. However, the new background did not achieve the best effect due to the lack of details and meaning.
- There are a lot of limitations and challenges experienced during the making process. I originally planned to
present with muti-media. However, I suddenly have to isolate myself in a hotel. Without access to materials and tools, I still aim for the best effort. Hence, I reconsidered the composition according to the limitation in time and materials. Shifting from multi material to purely digital, I need to maximize the visual impact on a screen shown. As a result, I exaggerated the facial expression of the human figure and skin tones. Technique- 
wise, the plain texture of the digital pad is undesirable for this piece. Hence, I switched to oil paint brushes for creating brushstrokes and details such as the wound, tears, and wrinkles.- Zoom out to the large picture. The background was originally a clear depiction of the time square. However, I wanted to showcase how the online world weakens our communicative experiences. Hence, I used the mosaic tool to fuzz the background, emphasizing the foreground figure. In addition, I refined the picture with orange light spots for decorative purposes. Meanwhile, imply the fancy illusion that technique has brought to us.
Conclude and reflect
- Overall, I effectively communicated the theme to the general public with the use of metaphors and symbols. According to several interviews with my fellow mates, I discovered the feelings I experienced are a common issue in my generation regardless of cultural background. As a result, my theme has shifted from individual emotional expression to socially significant issues. From a single pair of AirPods to the world that was covered under technology and the internet. As a result, the rocket woman with a huddled head. Showcases we gain convenience from technology development meanwhile unconsciously become slaves of algorithms and data. After all, technology is a double-sided sword.
- I gained so much from the brainstorming and making process. Not only the freedom of working with abstract and surreal elements. But also the potential in digital drawing and comics expression. I took a further step by researching the history of comic books and was amazed by their presentation of motion with still images. I was so inspired and was eager to try it in future pieces. Sometimes, limitations and challenges make it better work than stick to a single plan. The challenges experienced encouraged me to try different media and consider different situations in my future art-making process. In terms of changes and improvements. I am still eager to try the multi-media sculpture as I originally planned. On top of that, photoshop techniques and time manage skills can be improved in the future to support more complicated projects. The sketching process needs to be more efficient as it holds a large proportion of my working time. Overall, I was happy with the final piece and more importantly, my personal growth throughout the process.
