Word as Image Progress

When Bill assigned this project we were all initially very confused. I don't think anyone really knew what was expected of us. As we started to produce ideas and hang them on the wall for brief critiques though, I think we all got a better grasp on the assignment. I started with a very literal image for the contradictory composition. I put the word "top" at the bottom of the page and filled the rest of the space with text. The text that filled the page was arranged to create a gradient, if you will, or weight/darkness. Here is a picture of my first idea for this:

Bill said this was interesting but that it wasn't as good as it could be. I agree... I'll keep playing with the idea.

Cardboard Final

Well, here it is! After many hours of manipulating my cardboard, I have produced this shell. My favorite parts of it are the curve on the bottom half and the attention to detail of shape on the top. The middle is what isn't working well for me. The connection of top and bottom isn't very realistic/looks sloppy. I am pleased with the final product though. Here are a few pictures of the final product!

Sloppy connection of top and bottom

Top of the shell

Shell! ...with some clutter in the shot, unfortunately

Photo Safari

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gutter in the street near HKC/White Hall - 2/2/2011 - 4:30pm

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blinds in Vick House lobby - 2/2/2011 - 4:35pm

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tennis shoe - 2/2/2011 - 8:20pm

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light in hall of Vick House - 2/2/2011 - 4:23pm

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winter sock - 2/2/2011 - 8:21pm

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bed sheets - 2/4/2011 - 11:40pm

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jeans - 2/2/2011 - 8:22pm

{pattern-translation-informal-progressive} (the web)

back home in Dripping Springs, Tx (I took this picture a while ago0

Cardboard Progress Report

As I typed the title I felt like a second grade teacher sending a report home for the parents of a child mid-semester. Here is the progress your (cardboard creation) has made during the (duration of project).

The assignment is to take a natural object and recreate it - on a huge scale - using ONLY cardboard and Elmer's glue.

Here is my progress in chronological order:

{preliminary sketches}

{sketch with skeleton of shell and actual shell}

{shell with skeleton}

{skeleton with cardboard pieces giving it height}

{covering with craft paper to make it look smooth}

{applying pressure to make sure the bonds are strong}

{top of seashell taking shape}

{wet cardboard is MUCH more pliable than dry cardboard}

{tape holding the cardboard in place while the glue dried}

The cardboard seashell is due on Tuesday! I'll post final pictures then :)

Human Dot Photos

For this assignment we were to pick three photos from a newspaper and recreate them with only six black dots of any size. Wherever your eye led through the newspaper picture, your eye should lead through the dot creation. Here are my newspaper photos with the black dot pieces that correspond with them. (In order of personal preference)

After we talked about these, we were to just take two of our dot creations and take completely different pictures of our own and use people of the dots. I don't think I completely understood the assignment, but here are my photos - with people as the dots.

January 20, 2011 {Weight Bearing Newspaper Structure}

With instructions to bring a stack of newspaper and a bottle of carpenter's glue to the first class meeting, I was anxious and excited to see what we would be doing with it. After the instructions were given, I was glad we were already going to be problem solvers. We were instructed to build a structure that would hold a cinderblock as high off the floor as we could make it.
To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first. That block was heavy! But I knew it wasn't impossible if the teacher was setting aside such a large amount of time for us to do it. My first thought was of a project we did in grade school, and learning that cylinders/tubes/columns are very strong structures. Without really thinking or planning, I tightly rolled up a piece of newspaper into a long, skinny tube. After making this, I realized it wasn't going to be strong enough, nor did I have a plan to use it. The stability of the long, skinny piece wasn't going to be enough for the large piece of concrete that would be placed on top. So, I started making the opposite - short, and wide cylinder shapes out of newspaper. I thought these would be more stable. I measured the width of the block and made four of the shorter cylinders to support each corner. Then, I made some thin, longer rolls of paper to hold the corner pieces together. I let this first layer dry some and tested it out with the cinderblock. I was very pleased with the initial stability of the structure. So, I kept going - making nearly identical layers and stacking them on the first layer.
Eventually, I came up with this:


I let it dry some and tested it out. Unfortunately, it wasn't stable or sturdy enough to support the weight of the cinderblock. I added some extra support between layers by rolling up paper just like the ones on the corners to put between corners, in hopes of being able to distribute the pressure from all the weight being laid upon the structure. With time ticking, I hoped for the best with this quick solution. There wasn't time to start over and make a structure that would be worthwhile. So, with more support added to the initial design I left it as is and hoped it would be sturdy enough after the glue dried some. I really enjoyed getting messy with this project - I think not being afraid to get dirty while working on art is an important thing. I thought the build-up of glue on my fingers was worthy of a photo. So, here it is:

After Lunch, we all came back to test the structures. I enjoyed seeing all the different ideas and creations based off the same directions and supplies available. Sadly, my structure did not support the weight of the block. The corner supports were not lined up exactly so when the weight was applied they collapsed... twas a sad sight. BUT! I am proud of the effort I put into building it. I worked diligently through the whole time available. Here is a photo of my structure after the cinderblock was put on it...

If I could start over and do the project again, I would put more support throughout the entire structure instead of just around the edges. I would also be sure to allow time for the glue to completely before applying any weight to it. I think ambition will be something to I have to work on for the whole semester. Dreaming big and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I'd rather "fail" while trying something outrageous than "fail" while playing on the safe side.

am•bi•tion |amˈbi sh ən|
noun
a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work
• desire and determination to achieve success : life offered few opportunities for young people with ambition.
ORIGIN Middle English : via Old French from Latin ambitio(n-), from ambire ‘go around (canvassing for votes).’