Harmony 

Relationships among colors, shapes, elements, form, space, texture, value, proportion, time…

Changing meaning, creating rhythm, manipulating perception

Throughout the creation of my collages, I inherently pushed for repetition of color and shapes within the “frame”. I really enjoy the creation of different worlds, illusions, and ideas through imagery.

In the collage I placed first (titled Recognition) I began to repeat different elements in diverging directions in order to convert the flat space into a space of layered color and forms. I incorporated the scanned tin foil face and the South Congress bowling pins (which both have recognizable facial elements) in order to continue this idea of face throughout the piece. I noticed that by varying the contrasts and brightness of the background imagery, I could create an illusion of depth and movement.

In my second collage (titled Ascendance) I wanted to create a bright environment that delivers a sense of rotation and the main subject (the skeleton with the gigantic head and cigar) rising. I worked a lot on layering multiple elements and creating repetition through the cloning tool. I think the balance of this image may require a little more work (maybe through lowering the repeated pickle-like shapes more weight would gravitate towards the center).

Final Images: Compositions of Interacting Thoughts

VISU1311 Project #2 Collage 1 Emma Drumright (Recognition)

VISU1311 Project #2 Collage 2 Emma Drumright (Ascendance)

Process

Formal Exercises, Experimental Collages

VISU1311 Project #2 Collage 3 Emma Drumright (Young, Cold, & Lonely Sunday)

Although this collage was the final collage I made, I call it an “experimental collage”, because during the process I was focusing not solely on the whole image, but more on the idea of creating the different elements in the image. Within this collage I experimented with the cloning  and selection tool in order to supply different makeup to the shapes. I also developed the background by cloning a sticker.

I didn’t put as much time into this piece as the other digital images, too, but I think this image may work with the addition of text and maybe a few more adjustments.

VISU1311 Project #2 Collage 4 Emma Drumright (Peace be with you)

Within the physical collage above (which was the first collage I created), I worked around cut-outs of an already-established backdrop of the outside of a restaurant. I wanted to manipulate the viewer’s perception of the space as well as of the people at the tables, so I switched out their heads with the skeletons’ heads. I worked to create a balance of direction, so I added the arm and different angular lines to add to the concept as well as composition. I titled it “Peace be with you” in order to evoke ideas of violence, peace, religion, weaponry, and the implementation of each within cultures and societies.

VISU1311 Project #2 Collage 5 Emma Drumright (Musicians’ Feet)

Within the collage above, I wanted to utilize circular shapes in order to create depth, rhythm, and an overall unity. I worked to align the image of the shoes in the window with the picture of the silver cans underneath. I wanted to unite these two images because of their metallic, textural nature. I repeated the circles and reds through additional elements on the sides (these circles also mirror the pattern on the tights).

I also experimented through two other physical collages (which I have not scanned). Through those collages, I utilized a lot of paper bag material and I wanted to experiment with three-dimensional layering and form (making collages an object rather than an image).

Scanning Objects

The objects I scanned consisted mostly of trash and leaves. When I was choosing the objects I wanted to scan and incorporate into my collages, I wanted items that I could manipulate (such as the tin foil) and objects that had naturally and graphically interesting lines and shapes (such as the leaves and seed-like object in the scan titled “Three’s A Crowd”). I also chose objects because of their color (such as the bright yellow Starburst wrapper and the old, broken, plastic, pink pen cap).

Three’s A Crowd (Scan)

Stern (Scan)

Face 1 (Scan)

Face 2 (Scan)

Manipulating Form Scans

In the scans above I moved the leaves, stick, and sculpted tin foil as the scanner processed the information, which created reverberating lines of distorted color.

Family (Scan)

Rowing (Scan)

Running (Scan)

Frustration (Scan)

Disguise (Scan)

Face of Wind (Scan)

Yelling (Scan)

I enjoy attaching names to my images in order to distinguish and develop different ideas, emotions, and concepts that I could further incorporate and merge into other things.

Work Flow

Color Profile (ProPhoto RGB) and Naming Properties:

File Extensions and Naming (ISO dating and Tifs):

Alumni Speakers, Descriptions and Responses:

Nick Swift

Art major, graduated 2009; Now runs Swift Distillery 

Nick not only the steps he took to develop his own profession, but he highlighted the different creative professions that work with him. I thought it was interesting that although he was working in a field that some may not consider art or design-centered, his life and work continuously has to interact with the visual arts in order to succeed and grow. He works with web designers, package designers, food photographers, and food and beverage PRs in order to develop the thematic concepts, the flow, and the presentation of his products.

One point of his that really stuck with me is that research and detail are highly valuable. He noted that whatever industry, in order to be a part of the conversation and sound intelligent, and build credibility, you must have knowledge of the industry and the historical details beneath it.

Rebecca Marino

Photo communications major, graduated 2010; Gallery director, artist, co-editor

I thought it was amazing that she is involved in so many areas and has so many occupations at once. This shows that a person does not have to be one slot of an occupation in a field, but he or she can balance and incorporate different parts of things in his or her life. Rebecca directs a gallery for the Pump Project, but also makes art of her own as well as acts as co-editor for an online magazine (many different hats, but all correlated and what she loves to do).

Rebecca Marino emphasized that students can put themselves into the action by volunteering (along with internships); the main thing is that students are involved. She also advised to dip your feet into things, but to not overload, and that a main objective is to find what you are interested in and where you fit in.

Alex Roka

Graphic design major, alum

Alex Roka described the atmosphere of different types and sizes of design agencies, which was interesting to me because I was unsure of the potential work environments for designers. He said that in larger agencies the role of the designer is to execute ideas and sort of compete for the final design. Working in a smaller design agency (in which he is the creative-director and co-starter) he is able to have more of a hands-on experience and vision of the work they produce.

Throughout his talk, he discussed a large variety of projects that he had worked on (identity, research-based) as well as the thought processes behind developing these projects.

One story of his that was very compelling was the one of how he was working on a personal project of his own that he put online. A company saw his work and asked them to actually create them for their company; something rose out of Alex simply sharing his own work.  Through this Alex pointed out that designers don’t have to wait to be told to do a project, but should be working on the side on what they believe to be exciting and interesting because they never know if it could develop into something larger.

Taylor Browning 

Art major, alum 10 yrs; art curator of education at Artpace San Antonio 

At the beginning of her presentation, Taylor noted all the different titles of the roles she played within different aspects of her career (ex. administrator, media representative, accountant).

She talked about her study-abroad trip and how it expanded her world view. I found it fascinating and inspiring that after painting her first piece after studying abroad (the one of the water), Hollis mentioned that she should continue to paint water. This element of water was expanded amazingly throughout her works after that.

She emphasized that artists must take any jobs and gigs they can, show anywhere they can, persevere, and keep trying.

Skills Inventory:

My greatest strengths in Visual Studies I are my willingness to put in time, thought, and effort into projects, as well as my interest in personal work and interests outside of class (which help and inspire me in class).

For greater success in this course, I should gain more knowledge outside of class of the specifics of what we are doing, as well as staying more organized and aware of the schedule and submission of assignments online.

My greatest strengths in my Rhetoric and Composition II are my ability to think critically through different topics, my attention to detail, and my high expectations that I have for my the work I produce (as well as for my writing and communication overall).

For greater success in this course, I will need to read the assigned readings more thoroughly while reflecting on how they relate to the work done in class (rather than just reading them because they are assigned).

My greatest strengths in Sex, Drugs, and Counterculture are my listening skills and my growing ability to connect ideas across subjects (in this case, literature and neuroscience).

For greater success in this course, I need to be more organized with my note-taking and spread out my time when studying for exams.

My greatest strengths in Visual Studies Seminar are my note-taking skills and my listening skills.

For greater success in this course, I need to keep up on submitting my blog posts on time each week!! I also think I just need to get more comfortable with engaging, asking questions, and communicating with classmates/professors.

My greatest strengths in my SEU Jazz Band Steady are my ability to adapt quickly and listen with the band, as well as my optimism (even though it sometimes dwindles) when my limitations/lack of experience are noticeable!

For greater success in this course, I need to examine the given music outside of class in order to be better prepared when for our rehearsals.

My greatest strengths in Foundations in Art and Design are my approach to my projects with determination and enthusiasm, and my open-mind towards learning skills and as well as towards different varieties of projects.

For greater success in this course, I need to focus more on the quality of pieces outside of class, as well as the conceptual backdrop/threads for my ideas to be a part of.

My greatest strengths in my Public Speaking class are my organization and listening skills.

For greater success in this course, I need put more time into planning and rehearsing my speeches, as well as more time into reading the material and being aware of the schedule.

My greatest strength in my Applied Piano class is my determination and my interest in improving my piano skills.

For greater success in this course, I need to take time outside of class to really think through the music as well as music theory.

Computer Skills: 

My computer skills include:

• basic understanding of the formats of both PC and Mac computers (however, I am currently more familiar with PC)
• I received a Microsoft PowerPoint certification in high school, and I have experience creating PowerPoint presentations
• Typing speed

I still have many things to learn about computers (the terminology, functions, formats, Adobe Programs, etc.). Especially in relation to my major in graphic design, I have a lot to become familiar with in the programs and tools available).

Research and Writing Skills:

1) My greatest skills as a researcher and writer include:

• putting a lot of care and thought into my researching and writing
•  understanding proper formatting for citations and usage of information in writing

I need to work on understanding and following through with all steps of the planning process, critically examining sources and my own work, and sentence structure/diction/prepositional phrases/tenses for more clarity in my writing.

I learn best and accomplish most when I sit down and work with myself to connect the small details of material to the “bigger picture”. I also learn best by actually doing and visualizing (muscle memory and practice). I learn best when I discover what makes the subject important and special in comparison to and connection with others, and when I sit down and work to thoroughly understanding the information/concepts.

ACTION PLAN:

SEU Jazz Band, Applied Piano

1) Make sure to go to the piano lab at least twice a week in the evening to practice on my own

2) Speak with my professors about my concerns, limitations, and receive advice on ways I can improve

3) Designate time outside of class to looking through the music and simplifying the chords

4) Take time outside of class to think through musical theory and background information

5) Do not wait until class to begin looking at a new piece, and concentrate on certain sections I need to work on

6) Be patient with myself while I’m practicing by myself/with the band

7) Communicate more with members of the band

8) Speak up more in rehearsals, and focus more during rehearsals (instead of contemplating so much on what I’m going to have for dinner!). Think about what really matters (the music) at that moment!

9) Listen to the music charts online in order to be more familiar with what we are playing, and go over certain ideas in order for it to stay “fresh” in my head

10) Don’t become distracted when planning to practice (follow through with each time I plan to practice), and stick to it!

Synergy and Harmony in Dan Phillips’ Creations and Perspective

In this TED talk by Dan Phillips, Dan has such a resourceful, innovative, inspired, and intuitive energy within his approaches, and feels the potential of every object and material he incorporates.

He utilizes materials personally, uniquely, with a light-hearted seriousness (he’s purposeful while maintaining a great sense of humor and being).

I really was fascinated by his discussion of commodity, expectations, and the two different cultural perspectives. He even incorporates the Gestalt principles as sort of a reasoning and argument for utilizing innate creativity instead of conforming to conventional perfectionist ideals.

His outlook on the houses, and his creation of harmony through the pieces remind me of the collages we are about to make for our second project.

When constructing a collage from images, an artist can also waste material and time if they are set on meeting a specific idea in mind.

We can also utilize and think apart from what is expected of us. Like Dan Phillips says, by embracing human nature, the organic process, and what we would conventionally think as”blemishes”, we “reconnect with who we really are“.

Part 1:

1) The images below are two images that I photographed for my Visual Studies 1311 class. The main question centered around this assignment was, “How do we create an image?”. Our assignment was to create a collection of photographs were required to be related to the Gestalt theory, which states that something can be perceived as more than its parts, but as a unified whole. This theory contains principles and elements, such as grouping, containment, continuation, and proximity, which were to be within our images. These images were also limited to be taken on South Congress Avenue.

The assignment also entailed technical components: we had to shoot in RAW, convert our files to TIFF and JPEG, and use Adobe Bridge (where we categorized by keywords and narrowed our images down by collections) and Lightroom.  We could also utilize Photoshop to edit the images.

Communication and rationality was also a component of the project. We had to present and explain our images in front of the class for our in-class critique.

Basking in Traffic light
Emma Drumright, 2015

Irresolute
Emma Drumright, 2015

2) I first approached answering the question with an open mind throughout the shoot; I wasn’t exactly sure of where my concepts would be placed or created. However, once I began taking pictures of the merging of reflections and objects in the windows I found that I could express character, emotion, and the achieve the principles of Gestalt. I continued to develop my ideas in the post-production phase, and I worked closely with editing contrasts and clarity.

Part 2, Self-Critique:

For this part,  will be critiquing the work titled “Irresolute”.

1) I believe the strongest aspects of this work are the interesting shapes and angles created within the image. The lines of the lights and the reflection of the lights also move the viewer’s eye across the image.

2) The weakest aspect of this image may be the images darkness and lack of simplicity (there is a lot “going on”). The viewer may become lost with the competing elements within the image. Although the angles of the image are a part of what makes the image interesting, they also may not be as dynamic as they could be.

3) Through photographing the image from a wider angle, the composition may become more complete (with the bottom part of the reflection taking up more of the image and the mannequin becoming more centered, contained, and united in the composition).

4) As an overall project, I tried to integrate and develop conceptual depth within all of my images. However, I could definitely improve the selection and order of my images by editing which images to put in with a more critical and direct mindset. My concepts overlapped one another through each image; however, they did not tie in together  as influentially as they could have because of the number of images I had. (Professor Joe Vitone even posed the question, “How many words do you need to tell a story?” in relation to images during my critique, which helped me grasp the significance of editing).

5) My camera and post-production techniques and knowledge are sort of limited, and some of my photographs may reflect that. The angles of images and the formation of the visual elements within a frame could use work.

6) Additional Notes: The blog post where I explain, analyze, and reflect on my work can be reached via. This post also contains all of my photographs.

Part 1, VISU Department Student Presentations:

Many of the students who presented brought up similar, important points and threads of great advice, such as “take every opportunity you can to go see art (it’s everywhere!)”. However, they also each discussed and incorporated their  own thoughts according to their field and personal experiences, too, which I will determine and expand on in this post.

ART

Rachel

One point that Rachel made that really stuck with me is when she said that art takes a lot of time and that it’s “visual language”. Sometimes I do put art to the side; I sometimes just think it will just come naturally and I give it less time than what it needs to reach its full potential.

Caelan 

Caelan emphasized how we should we should maintain an outside practice of art while building the best experiences we can through internships and classes. We don’t need to wait for ourselves to be “ready” or “perfect”; the employer will “exploit” any talent we possess. We all have a lot more to offer than we realize.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Shelby

Shelby talked about finding our passion, to the point of us losing track of time as we work on the passion. What we do should be something we love so much that putting time into it is not a chore, but a goal and a part of our lives. Her examples of her influences and inspirations incorporated throughout her work (such as Wes Anderson’s style) really inspired me to reflect on what excites my creativity. Shelby also discussed her life outside her major, and how we should participate in other activities (networking outside the art-field, “set up doorways”). This reassured me about my participation in other things I love to do (music, literature, theatre, other interests) and their potential to connect with my other passions as well (leading to unpredictable opportunities).

Paul

Paul’s work was very, very interesting (especially the logo for the first year writing program!). I also liked how he shared his concept for his senior project (a graphic novel/book that catalogs his dreams through representational, graphical means). He emphasized the importance of a portfolio, and how “a better portfolio means a better job”, because that is your presentation of what you can create. He also passed on advice that he received: “HUSSLE”. I took this as maintaining your “grit” (as we talked about before), pushing on with determination, and doing all that you really want to do.

PHOTO COMMUNICATIONS

Christin

I really loved Christin’s discussion of her work and how she became interested and involved in her subject matters. Her work was very dynamic, and her website that she showed us was also very developed and compelling. One point that she made that stuck out was that we must “learn how to talk about [our] work”. We have to provide the concept, intention, and credibility in order to finalize and support our creations through our words and overall attitude. Another idea that she expanded on was that once we go outside our “comfort zone”, we may find what we truly love to do (we never know until we try!).

Juliana 

Juliana’s expression of her development and change of interests through time really helped me put into perspective how this is not just a presentation of skills we already have, but an exploration and development among ourselves and the world of art. She expanded on how she used to take fashion portraits and that she increasingly was not truly satisfied by them. She expressed that she was frustrated with herself; but then she slowly figured that she could apply the same process to a number of different things. This approach allowed her to realize that she was not as lost as she felt, and that through this struggle, she was getting even closer to doing what would truly inspire her in the end.

Advice from Bill and Tuan (they made some really great points as well that I thought I should mention, and that I would like to remember!)

• As a student, you set yourself apart just by being there
• Keep an attention to detail
• Have good manners
• Hand-written notes and physical portfolios are as important as (and possibly even more important than) electronic presence
• With experience (on computers, with materials, with programs) comes muscle-memory (a integral part of learning, improving, and mastering anything)

Out of all the advice given, I really took to heart Bill’s assurance that you should definitely go, and you should be yourself. “It’s okay to be quiet…if you’re shy, be shy! As long as you’re there.”

I notice that I inadvertently put a lot of pressure on myself in my head to be a certain way (more talkative and “outgoing”), because I am a relatively quiet person. We are all unique, have different perspectives and interests, and we all communicate and take in things in interestingly different ways. I tend to respect that idea towards other people, but for some reason every so often I lose this patience and understanding with myself. However, I’ve been realizing more recently that by being however I am (true to myself), I can take off that unnecessary worry and really marinate in, discover, and focus on what is truly important and exciting.

PART 2, Compelling Websites:

• Threadless – Threadless is a website where designers and artists can submit designs for people to purchase (anyone can submit). They regularly have different themes for people to enter in, and the public votes on the designs that will be printed. The web design of the website is also very engaging, easy to navigate, and fun to look at. I have ordered many of my favorite clothes from this website, and I might enter in a design of my own one day!
• 1000 Chrome Experiments -My roommate just introduced me to this innovative, entertaining, and interesting website! Launched in 2015 by Google, this site contains 1000 “unique web experiences” developed by coders overtime on their previous site, “Chrome Experiments”, which was launched in 2009. Once they had 1000 different creations, they created this website to further celebrate their innovation and creativity.
• PicMonkey – I used to use this website frequently back in middle school when it was called “Picnik”. We didn’t have Photoshop or other programs on our computer, so I edited photographs using this website. You can adjust color, contrast, exposure, and many other things for free! You can also add stickers, frames, and other creative filters.
• Cute Overload -Yes, this has been my go-to website for images and videos of adorable animals. However, past the overload of cuteness that this website usually supplies, it also has a great maintenance and personalities behind it.
• I Look Like Barack Obama– I added this extra one on because I found it just the other day…and it’s hilarious! The web design and presentation of the site is not too sophisticated, but it fits perfectly with the material of the site. The presence of comedy the creator of the website has put throughout the organization of the pages and site is brilliant, and never fails to make me smile!

The Art of Kikyz1313 

Album cover for Hindi-metal band, Bhayanak Maut (2015)

The first time I saw the works of Mexican-based artist Kikyz1313, I felt the delicate visceral energy and grotesque beauty of her lines, subject matter, and color palette; however, it was not until later (when I read her interviews where she discusses her influences and purpose) when I began to comprehend the intensity that her works portray on a social and conceptual level.

When first confronting her works, one sees a circus of details and a mirage of anatomical and natural elements. Her subjects consistently are children (either alive or deceased) among environments of decay and natural creatures. In her work to the right, an album cover for a Hindi-metal band “Bhayanak Maut” (which translates to terrible or horrific death), a young boy is centered in a circle of bones and fleshy forms. He holds a severed head squarely, which remotely stares into nothing. Two black birds chew at the fleshy circle with their beaks.

The severe detail which exists in this work contrasting with the stark simplicity of the boy’s skin develops a balance to the piece and emphasizes the boy as he glares out of this gruesome circle.

The colors of her works consist mainly of a variety of values of pinks, browns, and blacks, which give a lightness to the dark subjects–a welcoming, familiar nature to something we rarely observe. In most of her pieces, she uses thin lines in order to express the forms, which also contributes to this lightness.

I believe her works are phenomenally evocative and powerful; each of her works greet the viewer with beautiful imagery, yet pull them into a realm of grave and disturbing content. She synthesizes ideas of death, neglect, and innocence with the deliberate thin lines of her pen, and livens the dimensions of her delicate creatures through the use of pastel flesh-tones and dark contrasts of dingy blacks.

In context of her own words…

Why do we ignore the very intimate contents of our own bodies? Why isn’t there a balance between the mundane, tangible world, and the unfathomable cosmos of our fleeting existence?

-Kikyz1313, interview with Samanta Levin of beinArt Collective, via.

I’ve read one full interview of Kikyz1313 (published online at beinart.org, via) and an excerpt from another interview (published online an in print with Juxtapose magazine, via). Within these interviews, she reveals her thought-out concepts that hover very closely to her works, and which gives them such a deliberate and new moving edge.

Aberaccion (2010, detail), ink

Process and Detail of Why So Lonely?, (2015)

Why So Lonely?, 2015

The Disaster’s Heiress (2014, close-up), graphite, watercolor, white pastel

Within her pieces, she continuously captures the mannerisms of children, from the placements of their hands, to their expressions and actions. In many of her works, disease and deformities also act as a major theme within the piece. In “Aberaccion”, an earlier piece from 2010, Kikyz exaggerates an infant’s cleft lip to the point of unrecognizable deformity. This dramatic expression of line moves the eye up and around the shapes of the infant’s head, and allows the viewer to gaze and feel the infant’s placement in space.

In her interview with Samantha Levin, she says that her pieces help her to express not only what the viewer takes in at the surface, but also her own beliefs towards humankind’s protection against abnormalities and death in societies throughout time. In her interview with Juxtapose magazine’s Hannah Stouffer, she says that death is more a part of our lives than we acknowledge, and that deadly events are something “we usually live through but…we never give them the significance they deserve”. Mortality is something we are confronted with every second of our lives, as well as every living creature, which she resoundingly addresses within her pieces.

“I don’t think I could ever imagine dark artwork with positive or encouraging purposes. Dark artwork is, at its essence, blatantly raw, and to attribute positivity to it is an incongruity that undermines dark art’s very definition.”

-Kikyz1313,  interview with Samanta Levin of beinArt Collective, via.

Her upbringing in Mexico has acted as a nurturer of these contradictions between death and innocence, as she describes…Although tying her poses as a dismal outlook on her country, she chooses to “be aware…and embrace [the disadvantages and blessings of Mexico] somehow” through her life and work.

She challenges people to do the same among art, as she argues that “people find it easier to stick with art that is purely aesthetically pleasing rather than step out of our comfort zones with more intellectually challenging and visceral art expressions.”

Numbed Pallor (2015, close-up), 9.2 x 7.7 in

Lethe’s River (2015, close-up)I am excited to see her further works and what other grueling and vital emotions she will inspire within her viewers next. Her works have greatly influenced not only my own drawings, but also my ideas towards art and its ability to synthesize and evoke countless (whether deliberate or non-deliberate) ideas and emotions at once. 

For more information about Kikyz1313 and her personal descriptions of her technical and conceptual processes, visit, like, and follow her Facebook page, via.

For more high-resolution viewings of her full portfolios as well as information about purchases, visit her website, via.