Reflections

Who am I?

“what you learn about yourself?”

During the reflection unit I was able to explore and better define my artistic preferences. I spent time in both English and Digital Media critiquing others works, and well as reviewing my past works. I learned new artistic techniques, notably 3D modeling in Animation class. I found that I really enjoy the 3D modeling process, especially the program Maya.

 

Digital Media Projects

Mandala

For the creation of both the monotone mandala as well as the colored mandala we used Adobe Illustrator. We set it up so that everything drawn within a fraction of the mandala would be reflected and repeated across the entire document. After creation, we then used a laser printer to etch the design into a material of choice. I chose rose-gold tinted metal.

In the process of creating my mandala I was able to experiment with visual design. Starting with small marks in the center, then evolving into sharp lines, and finally transitioning to curves. This helped me understand how different artistic choices influence the piece as a whole. The creation process was relaxing and unique, becoming an overall enjoyable creation experience.

Black and White Mandala

Laser Engraved Mandala

 

Colored Mandala

 

Mandala Reveal Build Video

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode

 

Mandala Reflection Video

ARVE Error: Mode: lazyload not available (ARVE Pro not active?), switching to normal mode

Personal Museum Curation

During a trip to SFMoMA (San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art) we were assigned to find 3 pieces of art that connected to who you are as a person and 2 that go against who you are. Below is my personal museum curation:

Represents me #1:

This art piece represents a calm lifestyle. I personally try to live by (or similar to) the words “without worry” in an attempt to find my own paradise.

Represents me #2:

Growing up African-American, I have a strong sense of community with other black people around me. My race is a big part of my identity and how I identify myself to the outside world.

Represents me #3:

This piece reminded me of the quote “Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” by Bernard Baruch. I, earlier in my life, decided to stop living by how people viewed me and just do as I like. This piece represents that part of me that “doesn’t care”.

Differs from me #1:

This piece is a distorted piece of metal and doesn’t seem to convey anything. I see it as something that is warped, no longer serving its original purpose. While there may be beauty to this form of art, I wouldn’t use it to describe my core values.

Differs from me #2:

In my eyes this piece portrays chaos. Personally I don’t like living my life in a lot of chaos and didn’t like how it reminded me of it. This piece goes against my value of being calm.

 

Personal Creation:

In my own art I often experiment with design elements that may or may not look nice in the piece. In my drawing of medusa I made the eyelashes a thick white shape. While not completely happy with how it turned out I now better know which design elements I like and which I don’t. This helps me curate the quality of my designs.

Animation Projects

3-Dimensional

Concept Design

In my free time I play a game called League of Legends. The weapon design behind the character Ekko‘s sword is very ascetically pleasing. Hence I chose it for my weapon modeling assignment. Below is a picture of the design:

Rough Quality Display

The rough quality display shows the model as it was made, filled with hard lines.

Smooth Quality Display

The smooth quality display “smooths” the edges of the model. It makes it so edges (unless defined to be so) are softer.