Filed under: ARTD 302
Visiting the BFA show gallery at BGSU was an inspiring experience. I didn’t really favor one piece in particular, but rather there were multiple pieces that I found interesting and valuable.When I think of art as communication, I often think of graphic design specifically. However, as result of seeing this show, I began to open my eyes to multiple forms of communication through various mediums again. I know that art as a whole no matter what or how it is can possess communication, but this show presented the other avenues of communication beyond what I usually think about.
For instance, one of the pieces that stood out for me was Toshie McSwain’s work concerning a dream. Dreams have always fascinated me because I have them so few and far in between, and the ones that I do actually remember are extremely bizarre. I enjoyed that this artist presented their dream in a visual three-dimensional form. While observing the piece, I thought that it accurately presented a dream; it actually felt like one. The piece communicated and created a visual language for dreams, and it spoke to me. Even though it was not my dream, it communicated the inconsistencies and other elements that I feel when I dream. Furthermore, I enjoyed this work because I would have found it hard to accurately present a dream; it is something I didn’t quite get in the first place and had a hard time putting my finger on anyway. This was one of those moments where I was like “Oh man, I finally get it…this is spot on!”
The work concerning science and religion is another piece that caught my attention. I too, have been in conversations (or even heated debates) about science and religious faith, and this is something that am curious about. When observing the pieces, I immediately replayed previous conversations about the subject in my head. Those previous conversations often ended with lingering, unsettling questions, and a bold line dividing the two sides. I feel as if this piece communicated the two sides in harmony with one another, creating a whole new discussion. Implementing the renaissance in the work communicated well to me, too, because I had never previously thought about the subject in context to that period of time.
Furthermore, Andrew Kuebeck’s work caught my eye. I am an old photograph junkie, and I was super jazzed to see his photos presented in such a vintage manner. As he discussed in his artists statement, we live in a world where photos and information can be stored on a computer. While old or regular photos can be easily destroyed with water or other elements, photos on the computer can be lost or deleted with one quick motion. Being a fan of both old photos and photos stored on the computer (I proudly own zillions of folders filled with photos on the computer), I found it engaging to make comparisons with both types. Kuebeck’s photos had tangibility for multiple reasons because not only were they actual photos, but they were decorated or enclosed with with metal. This allowed the piece to possess of vintage quality, but also established his own artistic mark. I see his work as more lasting and impacting as is than if he did it on the computer. Yet again, I observed communication; the idea of what is lasting.
Lastly, shifting from communication a bit, Erin Cline’s “Chick of All Trades” identity got me thinking. During my recent junior audit, it was brought to my attention that I should try expanding, experimenting, and going outside of my comfort zone with my work. Erin mentioned the idea of always moving forward, and I think that is exactly what I need to implement in my work. Previously, I think I was jogging or dancing a jig in the same place. Like Erin, I also value and enjoy working with elements and projects not conventional to graphic design, and keep working with other mediums. It was extremely beneficial to see her work because we are similar in certain ways, and she has done what I need to start thinking about and doing. I think for me, it is a matter of taking all these things that I am interested in, or that I use or implement, and presenting them in an entirely new way, even if it does involve some discomfort or crashing and burning on a project.
Check that show out if you can! Watch out for that barrel of crazy hands(also an interesting piece).
Filed under: ARTD 302
I am still milling some ideas around in the ole noodle for the current project (a website that can change the world), but these are some of my thoughts/ideas thus far:
1. Create a website that raises awareness about Polycystic Kidney Diesease. My mother was affected by this disease, and it is something that can affect anyone of any age, race, or gender. It can also be passed on to other generations, so I believe it is important to raise awareness so people are better prepared to detect or cope with it, as well as work towards a cure. As for the design of the website, I am thinking about a more light-hearted approach so it is both informational and welcoming; not frighteningly serious and likely to scare the pants off of people. When my mother had this disease, a good sense of humor got us through the roughest parts and helped us ease into learning about it.
2. I am not as solid on a this second idea as I am the first. I am currently in the process of learning more ways to go green. I have learned that there are a lot of little things one can do to make a big difference. The website I want to make would list some or many of these little things, and could reflect my learning experience and actions taken while trying to go green. I am not sure how to incorporate it to the website, though.
Toodles for now, I am going to go brew up some more ideas.
Filed under: ARTD 302 | Tags: computers, creative process, graphic design, illustrators, interviews
I recently read chapter twelve in Steven Heller and David Womack’s book, Becoming a Digital Designer. It was concerned with illustration in the digital world and consists of multiple interviews with illustrators who have made the transition from paper to computers.
Illustration has such an immense history; it was interesting to see how it has survived and thrived within new technology. This chapter also discusses computer produced work. In many of my graphic design classes, dependency on the computer has been discussed. I actually had a computer freak-out last semester during class. I felt the need to go more handmade in the class not only because I enjoy doing things that way, but because I had a fear that my handmade skills and personal creativity were going to be squashed under the weight of the computer.
In the first section of the chapter, I thought Heller brought up a valid point about illustrations’ transition to computers; illustrations’ original purpose and ideas still remain solid. Heller says “To be an illustrator in the digital age is no different than in any other age” (pg 273). I agree that the purpose has not changed; ideas, thoughts and text are still being presented through imagery, symbols, and metaphors, but it is just that the tools in which to create and present these have changed. Now illustrators have more options for creating their ideas and bringing them to their fullest potential. Heller also presents the computer and its technology as a device that can give illustration new life. I concur; while computers can be an easy way out for design and produce less than stellar and predictable work, it is technology like this that allows the field of illustration to survive and keep its core ideas while being free to experiment and produce something new. Not every thing has the adaptability and opportunity to survive in the ever-changing digital world (R.I.P. 8-track tapes). Furthermore, he presents the computer as a finishing tool, and that a lot of illustrators still use pen and paper before scanning or transferring their work to the computer. There is some mentioning of the negative aspects of illustration in technology; Heller touches base quickly with the idea that some find illustration to be dead due to computer based work. However, Heller sets an overall positive tone for illustration in the digital world.
The first interview was with Viktor Koen, an illustrator from New York City. His experience with the digital transition was a very positive one on many levels; his journey from the page to the computer only seemed to enhance his work. Koen studied art in an academic setting and took classes such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. He emphasizes the importance of these classes by using what he learned and applying it to computer work to create a better and more successful experience. For instance, when working on the computer he still takes things such as positive/negative space and composition into consideration. Additionally, Koen said “I am not in love with the computer; I just think its the best tool I ever used so I can concentrate on the idea behind every image and then resolve its delivery without counting on the beauty of digital effects but the strength of the message”(pg 277). Spot on! Koen’s use of the computer makes so much sense. I find, however, that growing up in a generation that was force fed computers has sometimes made it hard to avoid that crutch. I do not put full blame on the generation, though, because it is something that I need to avoid and prevent myself.
When it comes down to designing on computers, I think it depends on one’s personal creativity and process. I have found out that I work best and avoid the computer crutch by doing as much as I can by hand and as little on the computer. This helps me with my own creative processes, and produces a more comfortable, content, and computer fear-free atmosphere. I need those sketches and thumbnails in order to produce strong, meaningful work. I am not saying that work created directly on the computer is less strong or meaningful; I understand that some people do their best by starting on the computer. What’s important is that one is comfortable doing their work, and is able to work at their highest creative and professional ability whether or not they were on or off the computer first.
Just some info for you. This blog was created as part of an assignment for my ARTD 302 class, Interactive Graphic Design. It will be a strange brew consisting of all sorts of odds-and-ends that range from things concerning this class and other graphic design to whatever I happen to be thinking about or interested in. How ironic, the song “Strange Brew” by Cream is playing on my iTunes as I write this; no joke! I hereby proclaim it the song of the day. Note: Strange Brew is also a movie, check it out…ya hoser. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086373/
Hey there, sweet thang, welcome to my blog. I will have some more stuff on here soon for you to enjoy.
