Semiotics and the 'Blue Blood' cruise

Still ploughing through my 'Time' piece. Nearly finished now.  I had to make a few adjustments this week. I have only a few bits and pieces to finish  then we'll see if it works! Learning to read artwork this week.  Considered the effects of colour, space,balance, weighting  unity and rythm.  Factors which can portray the mood of a painting, and the meaning of it.  We also deconstructed our photograms.  We then reconstructed them in a different design and drew the new design. I found this an interesting procedure.  Now we must tackle semiotics and 'Blue Blood' cruise. After much deliberation, I have (correctly I hope) come to the conclusion that Semiotics is the study of cultural signs, non written, and non spoken.  That of course is only the tip of the iceberg!  As for 'the cruise', well I'm feeling seasick already, I'm off for a tot of rum.

Rayograms and The Two Jacks

Continuing my thoughts for "time".  I've ditched the dandelion clock idea.  I think Enzo thought I was a bit mad when I explained my thoughts.  Well he may be right.  I'm now developing another idea, if it works, I'll fill you in next week.  Back to the drawing board.

On tuesday we were creating a photogram.  We arranged objects on  a photocopier using symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial compositions.We  used black and white and selected the invert option before pressing copy.  The results were interesting.  I have also been researching some artists work using the different compositions which I have included in my sketchbook.

Still cropping my images in photoshop.  Class was shorter this week,  so due to my snail like pace, I din't get much done.

Our contextual studies tutor David arrived this week.  I really enjoyed the class.  We were given loads of in depth information regarding "The age of popular culture" and "The tale of two Jacks", Jack Kirby and Jack Vettriano, Two very different Jacks.  After the presentation we had a group discussion on the topics highlighted by David.  I enjoyed listening to the varied opinions concerning the subjects.  It's good to look at things from other viewpoints.

We did a mindmap and looked at optimal learning in PDP skills this week.  I noted the CREAM strategies for future reference.  Creative, Reflective,Effectively organised,Active, Motivated.

College heating was turned on this week.  PHEW!  too hot.  

Sample and research

Waiting for my sample seedhead to dry before attaching each 'berry' to the main stem.  I've been researching more textile artists, and have found a Dutch artist who has blown my mind!  Her main mediums are hand made felt, silk paper and various forms of plastic.  She finds the ageing process inspiring, and uses this theme in lots of her work, manipulating the mediums to achieve her desired effect.

Have been thinking-----no, flapping about the "time" brief.  Had loads of ideas, some too obvious,  and some I was unsure how functional they would be.  It's all part of the development process.  It will fall into place soon as I am down to two choices, and after a little more development I will decide which one "will leave the building", as the deadline will be looming soon.

I find the PDP class enlightening.  This week we discussed our expectations of our course, and the college/tutors expectations of us.  It is becoming clear that pdp is a voyage of personal discovery, and a very important part of my course.    

Images and briefs

12/09/11.  Have been out and about this week taking photos for John.  The theme is lines and shapes, paying particular attention to composition.  I really enjoyed looking for suitable images.  It's surprising how many interesting things there are around that go unnoticed.  Took some in Falkirk, and some of a small industrial yard in Larbert where I live. 
Got a new brief from Enzo and Dot  this week entitled "Time".  Can only use recycled materials and finished piece must function.  Started to develop ideas on Monday and had a eureka moment during the night last night!  I have settled on my idea, now I must make decisions regarding materials, size and functionability.
Started looking at photos to-day, and selected some for cropping.  Havn't used Adobe Photoshop before so it takes a long long time !  the images look good after cropping.
I also researched more textile artists this week, and made a sample sculpture of a seed head (which is still to be finished off ).

Workshops and Briefs

Missed a day this week due to college holiday on Monday.  On tuesday, we had a workshop making samples of silk paper.  We used fine strands of Mulberry silk, voile, and cellulose paste.  The first piece was flat, and the second piece was placed on a paper cup enabling the silk paper when dry to retain its' 3D shape when dry.  This was a simple but effective method with interesting results, and lots of scope for further development.

After the workshop, we were given a digital photography brief for next week.  We are to produce digital images using the theme "line" and "shape".  We will take 10 - 12 exposures which will be manipulated using photoshop, resulting in a final four for each theme.  The final size will be 7" x 5".  I look forward to some interesting results.

First Blog

Just started my BA Art & Design course.  Had to set up this blog page to use during course.  Not good with computers, hope to improve soon! I'm off to find some "artistic ancestors now".  May.