In this unit, I embarked on a journey of creative exploration, pushing my boundaries across various forms of artistic expression. In the realm of English, I not only refined my skills as a reader, writer, and poet but also ventured into the intricacies of poetry analysis while challenging myself to craft intricate poems of my own.
In the Digital Media domain, I confronted an array of challenges, from building my own website to mastering a plethora of Adobe applications, all while delving into the creation of soundtracks using professional-grade equipment. This experience allowed me to stretch my creative limits and expand my skill set significantly.
Design, a class filled with creativity, offered me the chance to deepen my understanding of my passion. I honed my artistic perspective on the world, embracing photography and experimenting with various Adobe applications like Photoshop to craft compelling visual narratives.
Reflecting on this past unit, I’m astounded by the extent of my growth and learning. In the realm of English, I not only bolstered my self-assurance in self-expression but also treasured the unwavering support and encouragement from my peers and fellow classmates. In Digital Media, I cherished the challenges that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, revealing the capacity to conquer obstacles I once deemed insurmountable.
In Design, I found value in how my newfound knowledge transformed my perception of the world. I’ve become more attuned to the aesthetics of the world around me, especially when it comes to photography. Crafting artist statements proved to be a delight, as it allowed me to delve into the intricacies of every decision I made in my project, making me appreciate the depth of thought invested in shaping the final image.
Haiku Poem
During this project, we explored different types of poetry and gained inspiration from various sources. We started with Haikus, a form of poetry that challenges us to express feelings and experiences in just three lines. This meant we had to choose our words carefully and follow specific syllable rules to make our point effectively.
We also had a memorable trip to the SF MOMA, where we encountered fascinating artworks that sparked our imagination. Afterward, we were tasked with writing Ekphrastic poems inspired by the art we saw. This encouraged us to vividly describe the scenes in the artwork and think about what the artist was trying to convey. It deepened our connection between the visual and written arts.
The culmination of our poetic journey was the creation of Free Verse poems. Unlike traditional poetry, Free Verse allows for more creative freedom. We expressed our thoughts and ideas through concept statements, which became the foundation for our poetry. My Free Verse poem served as the inspiration for my Conceptual Photo, as well as the Poem and Recording you see here, complete with an intention statement that explains my creative choices.
Throughout this project, I had the opportunity to work with various forms of media, including text, images, audio, and video. This experience not only allowed me to be creative but also helped me better understand myself as a creator. When I reflected on the decisions I made for each piece, I gained a deeper and more thoughtful appreciation of my creative work.
This editing process, a window into my creative process, is captured within this screenshot of my Premiere Pro project file. This screenshot is a testament to the dedication invested in editing my Haiku Video, where audio, video, and keyframes harmoniously unite to create a captivating presentation.
This project was a labor of love, requiring meticulous attention. Audio and video were carefully synchronized, each frame and transition thoughtfully considered, and keyframes orchestrated for seamless animations. This screenshot encapsulates the artistry and craftsmanship behind my Haiku Video, a culmination of countless hours dedicated to perfection.
“Why Art” Essay
In my creation of my “Why Art?” essay I delved into various perspectives, engaging in discussions and research to form my own opinion on the significance of art in our lives. I considered the historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of art, reflecting on its role in expressing emotions, shaping identities, and mirroring societal values. The essay prompted me to contemplate how art goes beyond aesthetics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the human experience. My opinion on “Why does art matter?” emerged from a synthesis of these diverse perspectives, shaping my profound understanding and appreciation for the transformative impact of art on both personal and collective levels.
You can also listen to my Why Art Matters essay with the audio below.
My “Why Art?” presentation was a demonstration of the knowledge I accumulated throughout the process of writing and learning about van Gogh and Sonny Rollins in the process of writing my essay. I made a slide deck consisting of all the artworks I analyzed plus multipleother slides that dove deeper into the meaning of art and it’s connection to Sonny Rollins and his article “Art Never Dies”.
Art is my sanctuary, a realm where emotions find expression and ideas take flight. It whispers tales of beauty, challenges perceptions, and sparks introspection. In its strokes and hues, I discover the profound and the subtle, weaving a tapestry that mirrors the depth of the human experience. Art, to me, is not just a canvas; it’s a language that transcends boundaries, resonating with the unspoken echoes of the soul.
Photoshop Blend Mode Editing
The Blend Modes assignment was an assignment in which I experimented with Adobe Photoshop and used their preset Blend Modes to enhance photos. I used modes such as screen modes which brightened an image, overlay layers which darkened an images and many other complex layers which added depth to my photos.
1. I value how I can enhance my photos in a way that is non-destructive and can test different blend modes to see which one is best for my photo.
2. I see myself editing my photo blogs with these blend modes to make them pop more and make them overall better.
Design
Being a design student is a thrilling journey that continually ignites my passion for creativity and innovation. The world of design allows me to explore the boundless realms of imagination, where every sketch, color palette, and concept becomes a canvas for self-expression. The dynamic nature of design keeps me on my toes, pushing me to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms. Whether it’s graphic design, industrial design, or any other discipline, the process of bringing ideas to life through visual and functional elements is immensely rewarding. Being a design student means embracing the freedom to experiment, learn from mistakes, and evolve as a creative thinker. The collaborative nature of the design community fosters a sense of shared inspiration, providing a platform where diverse perspectives converge to shape impactful and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Each project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the world in a unique and meaningful way, making my journey as a design student an exhilarating and fulfilling experience.
For this assignment, I embarked on a creative journey to craft a unique representation of my name through a visual medium. I scoured my surroundings, capturing images of everyday objects that serendipitously resembled the letters of my name. Armed with a camera, I curated a personalized alphabet, skillfully arranging and editing these images in Photoshop to create a striking black-and-white composition that not only showcased my technical prowess but also transformed mundane elements into a visually captivating representation of my identity.
Embarking on the challenge of visually encapsulating the theme of taking a leap of faith for an assignment, I chose to juxtapose two distinct yet symbolic elements. The canvas for my narrative comprised a sheet of SAT paper, embodying the academic leap, and a scattered jar of marbles, symbolizing the unpredictability of life’s journey. In the editing process, I delved into intricate adjustments, applying heavy edits to enhance contrasts, deepen shadows, and evoke a sense of mystery. The final composition not only encapsulated the essence of the theme but also served as a compelling visual metaphor for the unpredictable and transformative nature of taking a leap of faith.