Reflection: Spring Term

 On this post I will reflect about the  my experiences and outcomes in the creative media module in this  term. Overall, I enjoyed the making the projects in spite of it difficult. I stepped out my comfort zone and worked in projects not related to my following course at DMU such as the photography and chapbook project. When it comes to first project, I improved my technical understanding about the settings of the camera and composition for portraits. I learned more in depth about rule of thirds, triangles concept low key and high key lighting and how they can help to convey a message. I made three researches for my final project which made me considerably improve my vision of photography and understand other techniques such Chiaroscuro. The researches is still my weakness comparing with the rest of my abilities, however I genuinely see an improvement comparing with my previous researches for last term. The chapbook project was remarkably harder than the photography project, once I am not an accomplished and creative writer. The subject of chapbook was describe the cathartic experience I had while writing the lyrics for my chapbook. To carry out this project I made researches and  evaluate other lyrics and poetry. While analyzing the texts I learnt  a lot about poetry and literary devices, which was really helpful to create my final project. Furthermore, I learnt more in depth about book conventions and how to edit and publish a book using a platforms such as Canvas. To conclude I am still believe there is a lot to improve but I am satisfied with my development and the final results of my project, it is not perfect indeed but I pushed myself to do my best.

Finalizing Chapbook: Creation process two

On this post I will describe the process of  finalizing my chapbook and publishing it. 

firstly I added the two pages that were leaving in my book the " about author" and copyright page I create the pages clicking on add new page on the bottom of the page. To add text I clicked on the text icon on the  left bar and then clicked on add a text box. I changed the font for Opendyslexia3 and changed the size of the text to 19.4 pts on the paragraph and 27 pts for the headings.

After that to published my book I clicked on share on the right top and then I selected the option public view link.

Following that steps I copied the link and pasted it on the website link option in the button tool in Wix and updated my website so that by clicking in the button it is possible to visualize my Chapbook.

Website Gallery: Book project

 On today's class we are creating a gallery for the book and add it to the portfolio page.

Firstly, I clicked on page on the left top then clicked in manage pages and added a new one, a renamed the page with the name of my book, made it a sub page and add it to my portfolio page.

 After that I change the font of my text to match the rest of the website and also added a button and linked to the portfolio page. To add the button I clicked on add element and then I selected button. I also added a button to the portfolio page and linked it to my project page.

After that I went back to the book page and added a new text and wrote the description for my book.  I changed the font for Arial Black  and change the size for 16 pts. Them by clicking in add element  a added a embed code with the link my book on Canvas. However, it does not seem to work properly so I might end up adding a picture of the book with a link to my final book.

Finally, I checked the mobile view to check if everything looked alright and make any changes if needed. I had to change the button size and adjust the footer links once it was not centralized.

Website gallery: Photography gallery

 Firstly, I checked my copyright on the bottle of the page and updated it with the correct year

After that I went to my page menu and hided the feed back and testing page, to carry it out that task i clicked on the edit page section and then on the 3 dots aside the page name and then selected hide

After that I created a new page clicking on page menu on the right top, then I clicked in add page and added a new black page, I renamed the page with the name of my final work.

After that I created a Gallery and added a title and the introduction to my final work. I carried out this task clicking in add elements then, I added a gallery, heading and paragraph to write the introduction for my work

After writing the introduction to my final work I changed the text font for Arial Black  and changed the background to match the rest of the website. After that I added a button  and linked it the portfolio page. I made it clicking on the add tool and select button 

After that I added a button in the portfolio page as well and linked it to my final project 

I also added a gallery on my reflection work portfolio where I will post my final shots for this project.  By clicking on the gallery and selecting  the icon change image I will add my pictures as well as write a title and description for the images. 

After all the changes  I checked my mobile view to see how it looked like. Fortunately, it was correct and I did not need to change anything.  

Object lesson: Final work

 On this post I will be sharing my final work for the object lesson as well as explaining the tools and the process of creation. I started recording my object using two condenser microphones to obtain a stereo image. I recorded this using pro tools which is the same software I used to mix and master this track. After recorded I created a new auxiliar track and I send the audio recorded as pre fader, so that I could edit the volume of the tracks independently. to send the track I used bus 1-2 and set them as pre fader. On the auxiliar track I added plugins such as reverb, delay and eq. After that I went to the automation and added the plugins placed on the aux track to automate the sound on the main track. I started experimenting with feedback knob automating the track in touch and latch mode. Within a couple of hours experimenting and exploring the tools I came up with my final work: 

This is not a Campbell soup can

Book Creating Process One

On Today's lecture we created our book using Canvas. To carry it out, I opened Canvas, selected magazine as template. I set the image I made in Photoshop yesterday as cover. For the texts I used  "OpenDyslexic" as font. The size on the tittles is 27pt and for the text is 19.4pt. 

After that, I added the pages I already wrote and the drawings I made. 

I also added a blank page as back cover and one page with the name of the book and the name of the author. To add elements on the book I went to the bar on the right of the screen and clicked on the icon text to add text and upload to add image. Once the pictures were uploaded I dragged them in the pages and adjusted the position.

Poem Analysis: If you forget Me

On this post I will be  analyzing the poem If you forget me (Pablo Neruda, 1952):

I want you to know

one thing.

You know how this is:

if I look

at the crystal moon, at the red branch

of the slow autumn at my window,

if I touch

near the fire

the impalpable ash

or the wrinkled body of the log,

everything carries me to you,

as if everything that exists,

aromas, light, metals,

were little boats

that sail

toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,

if little by little you stop loving me

I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly

you forget me

do not look for me,

for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,

the wind of banners

that passes through my life,

and you decide

to leave me at the shore

of the heart where I have roots,

remember

that on that day,

at that hour,

I shall lift my arms

and my roots will set off

to seek another land.

But

if each day,

each hour,

you feel that you are destined for me

with implacable sweetness,

if each day a flower

climbs up to your lips to seek me,

ah my love, ah my own,

in me all that fire is repeated,

in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,

my love feeds on your love, beloved,

and as long as you live it will be in your arms

without leaving mine.

Pablo Neruda, 1952

The Poem explores the complexities of love and loss. As Jenson (2016) explain after the fall of Communism in  Chile in 1948, Neruda was exiled from his native country and the poem is a warning to his lover of what will happen if she forget him while he is away. According to Manugeren (2020) the poem is based on the three elements that are essential when it comes to love: commitment, intimacy, and passion. The poem is written in a direct mode of address once is directly written for his loved one. the first two stanzas Neruda talks about the possible consequences of a break up and also reassure his love and commitment. On the third and forth stanzas the poem change direction completely once Neruda explore more in depth the possible consequences of being forgotten. Zaluku (2020) claims that unlikely the first half of the poem which is romantic and flattering the third and forth stanzas paint a complete different picture and serve as a warning to his mistress. In the fifth stanza Neruda is still explaining the consequences of what would happen if she forget him. However, the direction of the poem changes again on the sixth stanza. "The sixth stanza explains the opposite of the third stanza to the fifth stanza. In this stanza, Neruda explained that if his girlfriend still wants to be with him forever, he will not leave and will continue with his girlfriend forever". (Zaluku p49, 2020).

When it come to literary devices Neruda use metaphors and  personification to explain what will happen if he get forgotten that can be exemplified in the following lines :

"if each day a flower

climbs up to your lips to seek me"

Furthermore, Neruda use Enjambment throughout the poem and that can be observed in the following lines:

if I look

at the crystal moon, at the red branch

if little by little you stop loving me

I shall stop loving you little by little.

Reference List:

Jenson, J. (2016). Complete Analysis of If You Forget Me by Pablo Neruda. [online] Poem Analysis. Available at: https://poemanalysis.com/pablo-neruda/if-you-forget-me/ [Accessed 3 Mar. 2024].

Zaluku, S.K. and Manugeren, M., 2020. LOVE PREREQUISITES IN PABLO NERUDA’S POEM IF YOU FORGET ME. Journal of Language, 2(1), pp.44-51.

Bibliography:

De Costa, R., 1979. The Poetry of Pablo Neruda. Harvard University Press.

Photography Project Research: David Bailey

On this post I will analyze the work of David Bailey, one of my references for my final photography. Bailey gained notoriety for his unique style of natural portraiture, which showed subjects as actual individuals with personalities which he connected with and understood instead of as stiff mannequins. He permanently changed the image, reputation, and function of models everywhere. His work as a photographer for Jean Shrimpton was essential in the creation of the "supermodel."( Geffin, 2014).  According to Cook (2014) Bailey gained notoriety for being the one who popularized the 'look' of the 1960s, which marked an important shift from the muted images of the 1950s. "His style was fresh and informal, he made fashion photography seem fun and daring" ( Cook 2014). "I never cared about the clothes that much. If the girls looked good, and looked happy in what they were wearing, that would sell the dresses" (Bailey, 2014).

David Bailey Self Portrait

On this self-portrait Bailey used a low angle and middle shot to capture him self and the background which is a important part of the final composition. The picture contain interesting edges which gives a interesting flow for the picture. He also explore the concept of triangles and rule of thirds. Moreover, the picture have a high contrast which indicates the use of techniques such as Chiaroscuro. Unlikely Karsh most of Bailey's work including this self-portrait use Light key lighting. 

Evaluation:

For my final photography project I intend  to use some the techniques Bailey used in his portraits such as the poses use to create the composition as well as explore triangles and use rule of thirds. Unlikely Bailey I have a preference for low key lighting once it will help me to convey the message of darkness and existential crisis the main theme of my final work.

Reference List:

Geffin, David. “What We Can Learn from David Bailey’s “Stardust”, One of the Most Important Photographic Exhibitions in Decades.” Fstoppers, 18 June 2014, fstoppers.com/fashion/what-can-learn-david-baileys-stardust-one-most-important-photographic-12323. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024. 

Cook, William. “BBC Arts - BBC Arts - David Bailey’s Stardust: “Everyone’s Got a Story - You Just Have to Find It.”” BBC, 2 July 2015, www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3xLlr3sfQhgRb0ngHmybHcb/david-baileys-stardust-everyone-s-got-a-story-you-just-have-to-find-it. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.

Bibliography:

Scott, G., 2010. Conversation between photographer Brian Duffy and Grant Scott.

Photography project research and Evaluation: Yousuf karsh

On this post I will analyze the work of Yousuf Karsh, one of my references for my final photography. project. Karsh became popular for his portraits off politicians, artists and celebrities. He became one of the most renowned portrait photographers in history due to his skillful use of light and shadow and his natural ability to connect with his subjects. The dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional intensity, and meticulous attention to detail defined Yousuf Karsh's photographic approach. Significant elements of his approach and style include: Chiaroscuro Lighting and Intricate Posing ( Edelman, 2024).

Churchill portrait by Yousuf Karsh

“Churchill was chomping on a freshly lit cigar, when asked to get rid of it, he obstinately refused. So Karsh boldly stepped forward and plucked the cigar from Churchill’s mouth and took the picture. He always maintained that that stern expression, as Churchill glowers into the camera, was entirely the result of that snatching of the cigar.” (Shumard, 2018 cited by Nayeri, 2018).

On this portrait it is possible to notice the use of Chiaroscuro, once the shot pictures uses low key lighting and use strong contrast of bright lights and dark lights. It is a middle shot in an eye level angle.  The Churchill's pose also create some triangles which enrich the composition of the picture. 

Albert Einstein portrait by Yousuf Karsh

On this portrait it is also possible to notice the use of Chiaroscuro. Albert Einstein is very clear and the main subject seems disconnected with the background. When it comes to lighting position is possible to notice that that the main light comes from the right side (on the viewers perspective) by looking to Einstein's forehead.  Unlikely Churchill's portrait it is a mid close up shot and eye level angle. The composition of this portrait is quite interesting once Karsh explore the concept of triangles (the most noticeable one formed by Einstein's arms) and also the use of rule of thirds.

Evaluation: By analyzing Yousuf Karsh work, I intend to use some of the techniques used in my final work such as Chiaroscuro, intricate poses, low key lighting and the concept of triangles.

Reference List:

Nayeri, Farah. “Yousuf Karsh’s Portraits Evoke a Subject’s Inner Beauty (Published 2018).” The New York Times, 4 Dec. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/12/04/arts/yousuf-karsh-portraits-florida-show.html.

Edelman, Joe. “Yousuf Karsh: Capturing the Souls of Icons through the Lens.” Www.joeedelman.com, 3 Dec. 2023, www.joeedelman.com/yousuf-karsh. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.

Bibliography:

Karsh, Y., 1962. In search of greatness: reflections of Yousuf Karsh. University of Toronto Press.

Bohn, K., 2006. 50 Principles of Composition in Photography: A Practical Guide to Seeing Photographically Through the Eyes of a Master Photographer. CCB Publishing

Karsh, Y. and Travis, D., 2009. Regarding Heroes. David R. Godine Publisher.. 

Sonnekus, M.N., 1991. The art of people photography (Doctoral dissertation, Bloemfontein: Central University of Technology, Free State). 

Chapbook: Lyrics creation

 On this post I will explain the meaning behind one of the lyrics I wrote for my Chapbook. The song is called Glimpse of Happiness. 

Lyrics:

[Verse 1] 

Hey there,

I keep remembering all the moments we shared

a vivid memory of those long gone days

where everything felt so true

I couldn't imagine

[Chorus]

That everything would change 

in the blink of an eye

I would lose my way

I would give up  on my faith

[Verse 2]

Hey man,

I keep listen to the same old songs

Those who remind me of who I am

and the one I left to be

I can't believe

[Chorus 2]

That everything has changed

in the blink of an eye

I lost my way

I gave up on my faith

[ Bridge]

Which one are you choosing, my boy?

Which one are you going for?

[Verse 3]

Hey man,

We haven't talked for quite some time

I wish I could hear from you, my friend

It doesn't make much sense

I can't believe

[Chorus]

That everything has changed

in the blink of an eye

I lost my way

I gave upon my faith 

 

The Lyrics are about grief. I wrote it as letter to a friend who passed away in 2018.  The first verse is about memories that I shared with him and confirm and accepting that we do not have control over overwhelming majority of circumstances in life and as human being we are very fragile and vulnerable. Moreover, It is also about expressing gratitude and let this feeling being greater than pain and sadness after such a tragic event. In the chorus I expose my reaction to that situation and the consequences of that event which leaded me to an existential crisis in such short period of time. The second is a reference to the bands that I used to listen years ago and I am still listening nowadays. Also about how I changed as a person and the things I have learnt after that experience. The bridge is about the belief of life after death, and the possible existence  of heaven, hell and reincarnation and the possibility to choose a place to rest in peace. The third verse is an expression of nonconformity and denying the facts that are too hard to digest.  

Chap book: Target Audience

On this post I am creating the ideal costumer to my final work, I used Venngage to carry out this task. My  final work is a lyrics chapbook so that my target  costumer is someone who is interest in psychedelic and grunge music, abstract art and movies such as Eraser Head and Holy Mountain. Once my final work will not contain only lyrics but also drawings that resemble the aesthetic and were inspired by David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky.