Whilst
creating my glossary pages and workshop outcomes I ensured to use medias in way
that explores the characteristics of a wide range of visual language. I tried
to be creative with my choice of media and how I would use them to further
illustrate the visual language on each glossary page and when creating my
workshop outcomes I tried to use the available materials to the best of my
ability. I wanted each glossary page to explain the definition of the element
or principle of design so well that writing the definition wasn’t necessary,
for example on the texture page I applied the paint thickly and made patterns
within it so you could feel and see texture on the page. Within My workshop
outcomes I tried my best to apply the elements of design to my work in order to
create outcomes that had a clear resemblance to a hand, when creating my
ceramics hand I focused on the lines and shape.
The
experience of making my glossary was challenging due to the fact that I was
insistent on the illustrations being a good enough substitute for the written
definition of each word however I did write the definitions down for clarity.
That meant I had to be quick when working to make up for the longer thought
process; in the end I didn’t manage to create the minimum amount of pages
although I tried to make up for this through the care and effort I put into the
pages I finished. Learning about the terminology and producing the glossary
pages hasn’t made that big of an impact on my English skills, if anything I
have only widened my vocabulary and learnt the correct terminology which should
prove useful for future evaluations and blog work.
In my
sketchbook I have produced pages using primary, secondary and artist research
to show a wide range of research skills within my work. I photographed family
member’s hands for my primary research collecting photographs of different aged
hands including some close up photographs to capture the unique texture of the
skin in which I would try and replicate in my sketchbook work. My secondary
research consisted of many photographs from Pinterest, therefore I made a
Pinterest inspired page to show my secondary research, which I then used to
create further sketchbook pages. My main goal for my secondary research was to
look at the different fields of art (Drawings/Paintings, Photography and 3D) to
create a wider range of research and also give me inspiration for my workshop
outcomes. My final source of research was my artist research on Henry Moore, these
sketchbook pages are more specific to the style of art as I copied his work and
also recreated his work by drawing my friends hands in the same style. Overall,
my research has proven effective in improving my skills of paying attention to
details such as recreating texture and tone, also my research has aided my
workshop outcomes heavily as it provided me with inspiration and guidance. If I
were to improve my research, it would be to experiment more with the research
in my sketchbook work and further develop my work.
Through
the workshops I have learnt a lot since being introduced to each of the
workshops: Photography, 3D, Ceramics, Print making and textiles. In photography
I learnt the about the settings on the camera (aperture, shutter speed ISO) and
how they affect the photo, we then proceeded to apply our knowledge and took
photos of each other’s hands; At first I was confused with the settings but
slowly got the hang of it as the session went on. Out of the photographs I had
taken I believe only a small majority were successful due to the fact I was
experimenting and still figuring out how to use the settings effectively. In
the 3D workshop we familiarised ourselves with the concept of shape scapes: the
first sculpture we made was simply a practise to understand the process of
slotting together pieces of card to create a desired form which resulted in
creating abstract sculptures however the second sculpture we made was more
relevant to the project therefore we created a hand shaped sculpture. I believe
my hand sculpture was successful in representing a hand however the slots were
very loose so my sculpture didn’t stay in place for long. In ceramics we were taught how to handle and
prepare the clay correctly and then proceed to creating our designs; I decided
roll out my clay to a reasonable thickness then cut and mould the clay free
hand to form the shape of the design, to add a skin like texture to my ceramics
I used a variety of tools that were available to create the creases on the
hand. Personally, I thought my ceramics work was my most successful workshop
outcome due to the amount of detail I applied through the use of different
tools creating a more realistic appearance. Textiles is the workshop that I
learnt the most in as we were taught several new techniques and processes
throughout the day, my favourite technique was batik as it was quite unusual
and the idea of sketching out the barrier that formed the blank spaces was
really clever. My textiles work was varied in successfulness as I tended to put
more effort into the techniques I enjoyed the most therefore lacking in other
areas. I found that overall I had managed to create by the end of each session
at least one successful outcome from each of the workshops and I am confident
in knowing how to perform many techniques and processes throughout the
workshops.
Overall I think my portfolio
varies in effectiveness: I believe the quality of some of my work is to a high
standard then some of it is rushed and lacks in quality. Also, my portfolio is much
smaller than it should be as I handed in less work than other however I tried
to make up for my lack of work the quality in which I put all of effort in to
achieve. If I was to improve my portfolio I would definitely have managed my
time better so that I could have produced more work in order to create a more
stronger portfolio and I would have dedicated more time than I did to my
sketchbook as I neglected it more than I should have to work on glossary pages.
My definition of creativity is
the use of imaginative and original thinking; creativity has no limitations as
anybody can be creative in many different situations as long as you open up
your mind. During this project I have learnt that creativity can applied to a
wide range of contexts and also that our creativity was the most active as
children due to our open mind set; therefore ‘play’ can be very useful in
inspiring your creativity as it allows you to open up your mind letting your
imagination go wild. In retrospect I believe that my creative skills have
improved over the project immensely by allowing myself to be less serious in my
sources of inspiration and becoming more open minded.
I found working independently
quite easy as I know what I wanted to achieve personally and I knew how I would
achieve the results therefore I could just work without planning as I already
had it planned out within my head however group tasks I found more challenging.
When working with other people it meant creating a collaboration of different
ideas and styles therefore negotiations were needed which I found difficult due
to the fact that we needed to come towards an agreement which took a lot longer
to plan out unlike when I work independently.
Time management has always been a
big struggle throughout my education as I tend to dedicate a lot of time
working on perfecting small details which results in having less work in
comparison to others and often as a consequence I have failed to meet the
minimum requirements. However due to my flaw I believe I have managed to create
the best outcomes I could have possible made in terms of quality however given
the time limit I really should have produced more work and I will try very hard
to be more in control of my time management on the next project.
