Media & Methods

Unit 2: Media & Methods Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 4 December 2017

Unit 2: Media & Methods

Image The brief: To represent a colour in black and white.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

2

Image

Documentation of working process

01.

Inspiration

02.

Research and ideas development

Apple by Ken Miki This book is about how to observe an apple by using different angles and techniques, such as representing an apple through the area, length and colour. I appreciate the decontextualised detached photographic method, everything is systematic and put in order. It inspired me to look into an apple with a new perspective. To me, it is an extension of the previous unit.

I learnt how to control digital camera in Image lecture. During my research, I read some online materials about photography. I learnt several ways to take photos, such as using repetition, the rule of thirds, negative space and different lighting techniques. Meanwhile, I studied the photographers’ context. They introduced the method of photographing cross sections. I would like to work on still life photography and abstractly illustrate my work.

03.

04.

Lighting technique

Observation and preparation

I explained my idea to the tutor a day after and he suggested me to use light projection box. I looked for shooting equipment in school, but almost everything was rented out at that time.

Thus, I found some DIY tutorials online and homemade a lighting tent with LED light pad, papers and table lamps.

This is the moment of preparing props. I enjoyed it. I peeled and cut an apple into slices, dices and skins. I observed it with different forms and shapes. Every piece is unique. From my perspective, I can feel a sense of nature, growth and harmony in this process which can truly represent green in a direct way.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

3

Image

Documentation of working process

05.

Experiment with patterns I started to generalise some patterns in an abstract way because I wanted to illustrate in another angle. I tried to challenge the way we shoot still life photography and explore other possibilities. However, this photo is not suitable because it is too hard to explain and recognise by the others.

06.

07.

08.

Experiment with apple’s details

Experiment with cross section

Experiment with repetition

How about using the close-up technique to show apples’ details? I discovered that apple is not just an apple. There is more to say for an apple, but I wanted to keep it simple and easy to understand. Therefore, I was thinking about using circular forms and provide more hints in the photograph.

In order to record and compare the differences of each slice, I took a series of cross section photos. The living patterns of it are amazing. I appreciated its forms, shapes and aesthetics.

Only one slice is not easy to recognise as an apple, but when we look at the whole series of cross section photos, we can get it.

Finally, I used simple and graphical way to present the life patterns of an apple. With cross-section photograph, I demonstrated an apple in an unusual forms and abstract style.

Meanwhile, I used the shooting technique of repetition. I filled the frame with apple slices and made it become a pattern.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

4

Image

Documentation of project outcomes

Photoshop retouching: While I select the final piece, I used photoshop to retouch the photographs and see the grey-scale performance of demonstrating apple thickness and layers.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

5

Image

Final outcome Life patterns of an apple Digital Print on C-Type metallic paper 12.0" × 16.0" (305mm × 406mm) The concept of my work is to represent green colour in black and white photography. I experimented with how to make an apple more abstract by using unusual forms and cross sections. I thought about perception and challenged the way of looking at an apple.

Although it looks abstract, people can still recognise it is an apple because of its shapes and patterns. From my point of view, green colour means nature, harmony, freshness, life and growth. Green apple can be associated with these meanings.

I also thought about its relation with light. Light helps to illustrate the transparency of apple’s slices. With the overlaying and transparency, we can see different shades of the colour grey.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

6

Image

Feedback Summary 1. Instead of simply presenting a photograph in an aesthetic way, I can think about the concept and story behind it. It would be helpful to develop a deeper message. Working with double meanings can be another method to illustrate a photograph.

2. Trying to work with different fruits, it would be interesting if I can show the comparison of different fruits’ living patterns.

Meanwhile, there are many possibilities of positioning, like put in order and disorder. I can explore different ways in future.

3. Appreciate the idea of lighting and concept of demonstrating different stages of an apples’ growth.

4. Appreciate the working process, it is great to see the ideas development and observations of an object.

5. Reference suggested: Andrew Kromelow, knolling photography

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 30 October - 3 November 2017

7

Unit 2: Media & Methods

Printmaking The brief: To create a series of printed origami letters/envelopes

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

8

Printmaking

Documentation of working process

01.

02.

03.

04.

Paper folding

Experiment with Gyotaku

Marbling and acetone transfer test

Inspiration

During the printmaking lecture and workshop, I learnt new folding and printmaking methods.

After the lecture, we worked in a small group and explored different homemade printmaking techniques. At first, I worked on folding, and there are several ways to make envelopes. I came up with ten ideas of origami envelopes.

The advantage of it is that receivers don’t need to tear the envelope when the open it.

Thus, my receiver can keep the letter.

Our group discussed Gyotaku in the lesson. It is a Japanese method of printmaking.

Japanese fishers used Gyotaku to record the size of sea creatures in the mid-1800s. After reading few printmaking technique books in the library, I collected and cleaned fallen leaves. I inked a leaf and put it on top of my sketchbook. After that, I traced the surface by hand rubbing and pressing tenderly. The result is good, but I wanted to explore more.

I studied about marbling and acetone transfer methods. I learnt about marbling paper with nail polish by watching video tutorials. I like it because every piece is unique. It surprised me all the time. Then, I asked my classmate about acetone transfer, and she taught me how to make it by using the laser printer and acetone. I did some testings on colours and layers. It is excellent because I can apply both analogue and digital knowledges.

During this period, I participated in an extracurricular activity “I don't know her name, but I know her work”. I learnt about Margaret Calkin James. I appreciate her repeat patterns, geometrical style and striking colour palette. She used analogue method to create her print “Penguins” with grey, black and yellow printing inks on paper. It inspired me to work with layers. I decided to develop my idea with acetone transfer and overlapping.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

9

Printmaking

Documentation of working process

05.

06.

Trial and error

Folding Method

I redid several times while I am not satisfied with the performance of my works. I wanted everything looks good because it is a gift for my loved one. I tried different dimensions, colours, textures, font sizes and forces. Finally, I figured out how to create an envelope with the best acetone transfer performance.

The above photo demonstrated how to fold my envelope with nine steps. This is the final piece of work. I used five digital prints to create my letter. Each print contains one colour which means it required five times to transfer. It was a time-consuming process, but I am satisfied with the result.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

10

Printmaking

Project outcomes Letter to my parents Acetone transfer print on Japanese paper
 Letter: 200 x 200 mm
 Envelope: 125 x 125 mm The concept of my work is to apply printmaking knowledge and create a letter for my loved one. When tutor asked us to write a letter, the first person came to mind was my parents because I never write them a letter. I wanted to thank for their support. It is not easy to be here today. We had overcome many difficulties. My objective is to tell them everything is going well with me.

I decided to use our school as the key visual because my parents care about my study and school life. I used my first language Cantonese and calligraphy to communicate with them. Their reading flow is from top to bottom, right to left.

It was good to see four layers of a single colour and created eight colours by overlapping.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

11

Printmaking

Project outcomes

I selected Japanese paper because of its texture, and it is quite common in Hong Kong, even my dad used it to write calligraphy. Therefore, this material can connect us.

However, the Japanese paper here was thinner. Thus, I sticked two sheets together to make it firmer.

I designed my envelope in a semi-transparent way. The building is not clear, but we can see double images like I am standing in front of the building.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

12

Printmaking

Feedback Summary 1. Trying to explore other printmaking methods, such as stencil, woodcut, lino, airbrush, bleach, sponge and body printing.

There are many ways to produce an artwork, enjoy it.

2. The methodology of combining analogue and digital can be very useful in producing my work. Thus, try to apply these methods in future.

3. Appreciate the working process, it is good to see I had learnt new printmaking techniques, such as Gyotaku, marbling and acetone transfer.

4. Appreciate the Japanese paper I chose, it is quite different from the others, the texture was nice and it implemented well with acetone transfer technique.

5. Reference suggested: Jasmin Dwyer, Katsushika Hokusai

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 6 November - 10 November 2017

13

Unit 2: Media & Methods

Type and letterpress The brief: Create two posters for the assigned typeface Futura.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

14

Type and Letterpress

Documentation of working process

01.

Introduction During the lecture, we studied different letterforms and proper calligraphy hand postures. It was the first time I wrote calligraphy with two pencils, so my work is quite immature. However, I enjoyed it. I like the Roman letter. It looks traditional and beautiful.

02.

03.

04.

Calligraphy

Glossary of typographic terms


Comparison of different typefaces

We made our writing tool and explored different ways of drawing alphabets. I wrote both uncials, minuscules and gothic-black letters. Perhaps I can learn more and practice it later. I watched some video tutorials, it mentions about how to blend different inks so that I can explore more in future.

I learnt about the glossary of typographic terms during the workshop. We can use these phrases to describe the details of a font. Each font has different historical background and usage. It is beneficial for me because I know how to choose a suitable font for various purposes and medium.

We also learnt about how to describe and compare different typefaces. We looked into details of each alphabet and discussed with our classmates. I had a better understanding of how to distinguish different fonts in the workshop. I found it was useful while I thought about what makes a typeface unique.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

15

Type and Letterpress

Documentation of working process

05.

Letterpress Induction During the letterpress workshop, we learnt about how to use the letterpress machines, examples of embossing and letterpress, the anatomy of the type as well as multiple inks technique. The above picture showed our workshop outcome. I appreciate our works, the gradual change of colours looks good.

06.

Reference and Inspiration I read three books while I worked on Futura, including “The geometry of type”, “Letter fountain” and “Paul Renner - the art of typography”. Next, I organised background information, characteristics and distinguishing marks, essential quotes and usages in a document.

The above document is a summary of typeface Futura. I summarised the vital information. These elements made Futura unique and could not be misunderstood by others. I selected some of these distinguishing marks and created my posters.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

16

Type and Letterpress

Documentation of project outcomes

07.

08.

09.

10.

Geometric appearance of triangle

Geometric appearance of circle

Geometric appearance of Square

Details of Futura

Firstly, the letter “N” can truly represent the distinguishing of constant stoke weight and minimal contrast. Secondly, “N” demonstrated long ascender and descender. It is the characteristic of Futura. Thirdly, The above picture illustrated the geometric appearance of a triangle.

There are several letters had a geometric appearance of a circle, such as “C”, “O”, “G” and “Q”. The letter “C” had a vertical terminals. The letter “O” looks like a perfect circle but actually, Paul Renner did an optical correction, it is slightly contrasted. The terminal of the letter “G” is diagonal.

I studied the typeface Futura by adding grids.

It was helpful to see the details of each letter. The letter “F” is Narrow, and the proportion of it is a half of a square. Again, Paul Renner did an optical correction. Finally, I decided to create my A2 poster with the letter “F”, “G” and “N”.

While I was choosing one detail for my A3 poster, I discovered that there are many similar parts. “j” seems an extension of “i”. “b”, “d”, “p” and “q” reflected vertically.

“A”, “M”, “V” and “W” pointed the apex. I knew I only have to show one details. As a result, I selected “Q”, the tail of it is unique.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

17

Type and Letterpress

Project outcomes The typeface of our time A2 poster: digital print on A2 matte paper A3 poster: paper cut with two A3 coloured papers Paul Renner released Futura in 1927. It was his decision between gothic and roman. He decided to create a new typeface that built logically from simple geometric parts.

The concept of my work is to response his quote “The typeface of our time” in the 1920s. I chose this quote is because Futura is not just the typeface of his time, but also our time. Therefore, this quote is meaningful. I used a timeline to response his quote. Futura is widely available. It is quite popular with corporate identities, products, movies, advertising and magazines in the past decade.

It is an informative poster, The colour represents Germany, and every colour contains one message. I selected letter “Q” as the detail because it performs well in telling the interesting diagonal tail on upper-case.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

18

Type and Letterpress

Feedback Summary 1. Trying to prevent using upper case in body copy. It might affect the readability. I don't need to emphasise the words because everything are equally important.

2. Trying to prevent using “-”. It might lead to confusion.

Therefore, I can use bullets to replace it. I need to pay attention in the language next time.

3. Appreciate the colour platte I chose, it can be associate with Germany.

4. Recommendation for A2 poster: minimum font size: 24 pt columns: around 2-3 words length: around 15 words in each line

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 13 November - 17 November 2017

19

Unit 2: Media & Methods

Physical computing The brief: Complete the tasks with Arduino kit and document the process by taking photos or videos.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

20

Physical Computing

Documentation of working process

01.

Blinking a LED We were asked to finish a minimum of five Arduino tasks in this week. At first, I worked on blinking an LED with a simple circuit setup.

We can control the LED by changing and updating the codes in Arduino IDE software.

02.

03.

04.

Reading a potentiometer

Driving an RGB LED

Driving multiple LEDs

The second task was reading a potentiometer. I learnt how to use a potentiometer to control the timing of a blinking LED. I switched with the potentiometer, and the LED blinked faster.

The third task was to drive an RGB LED. We can change it to other colours by simple coding. After updated the coding in Arduino IDE software, the LED blinked in Red, Green, and Blue colour respectively.

The fourth task was to drive multiple LEDs. SparkFun Electronics wrote this sketch. They used an array to make it. Then, I started to search for open-source Arduino projects and decided to try some of them later.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

21

Physical Computing

Documentation of working process

05.

Reading a button press The fifth task was to read a push button. I pressed the button and the LED turn on. I pressed it again and the LED turn off.

Because of the RGB LED, we set up as a cycle, the LED turned on in Red, Green, and Blue colour respectively.

06.

07.

08.

Reading a photoresistor

Driving a servo motor

Animating a LED matrix

The sixth task was to use a photoresistor to provide different levels of light. If the light sensor receives much light, the LED will turn off. In contrast, if the light sensor receives not enough light, the LED will turn on. It is common in eco-building.

The seventh task was to drive a servo motor.

We can set a specific angle and rotate it through coding. It is not difficult to control.

There are many possibilities of using a servo motor. We can create a drawing machine by controlling the angle and path of it.

After completed the tasks, I decided to work on other open-source Arduino projects, there are many useful links, such as “Instructables”, “Sparkfun” and “Arduino project hub”. I tested an open-source project called beating heart animation on 8x8 LED matrix.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

22

Physical Computing

Documentation of workshop outcomes

10.

10.

11.

08.

Animating my name on LED matrix

Animating pixel art on LED matrix

10x10x10 LED matrix

Workshop

After understood the open-source coding, I tried to play with the 8x8 LED matrix, I tested different alphabets and created a short animation. Finally, I displayed my name “Roberta” on the LED matrix.

I created a series of pixel art in illustrator and changed the code. It is easy to control, but there is a limitation of size. 8x8 LED matrix can only run 64 LEDs. It is not enough for a standard project.

After finished all tasks, I was thinking about designing a 10x10x10 LED matrix in future. I can create 3D graphical objects with it. I was inspired by “teamLab” and “Marilene Oliver”. I built a draft model with Google Sketch Up.

During the workshop, we worked in groups and applied the knowledge we learnt in physical computing in the different situation. Take unit one as an example. We can use a blinking LED and sound to attract our audience.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

23

Physical Computing

Documentation of workshop outcomes 8 x 8 LED matrix animation Video Documentation Duration: 1minute 29second https://vimeo.com/244276737

This video recorded the working process and outcomes of my works.

After completed seven tasks with Arduino Uno an 8x8 LED matrix, I started to think about different forms of visual communication. I do believe we can apply physical computing techniques in future. It can make our work more dynamic and interactive.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

24

Physical Computing

Feedback Summary 1. There are many possibilities of other sensors. Try to think about how to apply it in other projects. We can use the scenario table to figure out an interactive way of solving a problem.

2. Other Examples of Arduino Projects: http://www.instructables.com http://www.makershed.com 3. Reference suggested: Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 20 November - 24 November 2017

25

Unit 2: Media & Methods

Reading and writing The brief: Produce 5 pieces of work with writing without writing techniques. Select one and print it as an A3.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

26

Reading and writing

Documentation of working process

01.

02.

03.

04.

Quote by Franz Kafka

Experiment with concrete poetry

Experiment with rearranging the quote

Experiment with blackout poetry

“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” It is the first sentence of a classic European Literature - The Metamorphosis. I felt sad, depressed and sense of isolation while I was reading this story. Kafka wrote about the dark side of human being. I photocopied the first page of “Metamorphosis and other stories” and thought about how to response original text.

During the writing workshop, we learnt writing without writing techniques. That was the first time I heard of concrete poetry. I worked with shapes and reading flows. I photocopied the quote tutor gave us and cut out into 20 single words. There are many possibilities in this sentence, and I decided “Gregor Samsa dreams himself in an uneasy morning”.

Readers can imagine how uneasy through their thought or read the story.

I also explored how to rearrange the quote and change it into different messages. I tried to imagine new stories and hidden meanings. I illustrated my imagination with a new message “Gregor Samsa transformed himself into bed”. At that moment, an animated short film “EL EMPLEO” came to mind. This film inspired me. It made me think about the value of life and why Gregor Samsa still wants to work when he became a gigantic insect.

Blackout poetry is a popular writing without writing method. Many artists used it to express themselves, such as Austin Kleon, Tom Phillips and Oscar Wilde. It is interesting to tell a new story with the original text. The meaning of the words depends on how we deliver our message. It can be different from the original lines, such as “Gregor Samsa found his dream as a commercial traveller with a hundred experience”.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

27

Reading and writing

Documentation of working process

05.

06.

07.

08.

He could not turn himself over

I have no choice but to adapt.

Insect’s perspective

I am what I am

The above paragraphs were about the first day of Gregor Samsa being an insect. He awoke in his bed and wanted to turn himself over however he can’t. There are some restrictions on an insect-like body. I circled all the related text and drew some strings between insect and words. Gregor Samsa tried very hard to roll forward, but the words pull him backwards. There were some limitations stop him moving around.

According to Kafka’s story, Gregor Samsa chose to adapt his situation after getting hurt by his father and younger sister. However, he still has human feelings and needs. Gregor Samsa felt depressed because he was isolated from his family members. He felt hopeless and wanted to suicide. The above image illustrated the insect desires to get closer to his family but it can’t. The only thing it can do is standing behind the door.

I tried to imagine myself as a gigantic insect.

The first image in my mind was to read many science books and see if there any information about insect-to-human metamorphosis because I don’t want to be an insect. Thus, I drew a big insect on top of the photocopy. Meanwhile, if I was Gregor Samsa, I wanted to know my destiny, and I will read this book. I wanted to prevent the downer ending.

Nowadays, people have multiple identities. We can have more than one characters at the same time. No matter which identity we are using, we are still the same person. “I am what I am” is about the angle we seeing our self. We can look at different perspectives. It can be positive or negative, and it depends on how we think. Therefore, Gregor Samsa is not just a gigantic insect. He is also a human and commercial traveller at the same time.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

28

Reading and writing

Documentation of project outcome What has Happened to me?

Photocopy & illustration on paper A3 Paper (420 x 297 mm) The concept of my work is to apply writing without writing techniques in the in the original story “The Metamorphosis”. I tried to response Kafka’s work on a positive side.

In this story, Gregor Samsa was isolated by his family members and supervisor. Therefore, I applied blackout poetry technique to make “What has Happened to me?” standout. My work is not totally blackout because I want the reader to understand the story and know what had happened to him.

A question can arouse people’s interest. If people read this story, they may understand how Gregor Samsa felt and his situation. From my perspective, it is a kind of care. I want to console Gregor Samsa in this way. I understood he felt alone and separated with others. This is the reason why I drew a shadow for him. The shadow hugged him. It might make him feel better.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

29

Reading and writing

Documentation of project outcomes Writing without writing Photocopy & illustration on papers
 A4 Papers (297 x 210 mm) This is the collection of my project outcomes.

I had applied different writing without writing techniques in my work, and I was impressed by Franz Kafka. There are many pictures in my mind while I was reading The Metamorphosis. Thus, I created more than five pieces of work.
 This story is too sad, Kafka wrote about the dark side of a human being. I wanted to console Gregor Samsa, and this is the reason why I illustrate my work in a sympathy way. I imagined myself as an insect and tried to understand his situation.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

30

Reading and writing

Feedback Summary 1. Trying to ask more questions.

2. Trying to think of the target audience and the way we were displaying our works. It will affect how we deliver our message and communicate with our audience.

3. Appreciate the outcomes, the message is clear and easy to understand. Proper research made my work had no confusion.

The audience can understand the illustration and chosen words.

4. Reference suggested: Dom Sylvester Houedard Mary Ellen Solt Edward Estlin Cummings Mark Z Danielewski Katy Acker Erica G Mason

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706 | 27 November - 1 December 2017

31

Thank you for your attention.

Unit 2: Media & Method | Roberta, Wing Lor | Group 2A | LOR17528706