Monday 19th January
THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION
1) Yes, I explained my concept fast and clear (I was especially pleased by how my idea sounded out loud). The presentation sheets also helped convey my design development ideas and how I came to my final design. My listens seemed to nod, therefore I gather that they have understood my presentation. I did not have any language problems. I presented inside the 2 min frames I was set, therefore time management was good.2)If I were to improve my presentation I would finish the presentation sheets - research, final outcome and visualization. Perhaps more explanation about secondary research would have helped to show the viewers existing ideas which they are probably familiar with. Also the final outcome did not look as presentable as it could have because some weldings came apart and the shape has been distorted to fit the models which participated in the photo session and film. Perhaps it would also look better if I had a life model/mannequin showing my accessory on the body - for it to be more in context.3) Miua's work stood out for me. It was a head piece completed from tied in nots white rope, white tree stick which was used as a hanger for wooden plates also covered in white paint and existing in a variety of sizes. Her work represented a memory of the tradition of Birthday celebrations in her family. They count them by knocking wooden balls on the rosaries (beads). Her piece is conceptual as well as visual. The wooden plates make a knocking sound when the wearer of the piece moves. I really like her piece because it looks very nice, finished and whole. In addition to visual esthetics I love how Miua incorporated sound and wood which I associate with comfort, warmth and protection (perfect to represent a family). The only down side of her piece is the practicality - it does't sit on the wearer's head, you have to constantly adjust it or even hold it in place.The second work which stood out for me was Maddie's. Her piece was a massive necklace/neckpiece/neck charm lace. Her project was based on her travels with her family as a child. She has been to 27 (actually 32, but she miscounted in the first time she did it) countries and each one stood out for her with its unique culture and colors. Maddie is into textiles, so she focused on different textiles from all these cultures. Her final outcome was a collection of individual and unique textiles donut pieces (approx. 10cm in diameter) which were hanged on a rope. Her idea was creating a charm piece where she could collect her memories about all the places she has been to. I loved how simple in concept, yet so visually effective her piece was. It was a shame due to high costs she soul not represent her work on a world map with each donut being located on the country it represents.4)To improve my verbal presentation I think its a good idea to spend some time on writing out (prior to the presentation) a list of bullet points which condense all the ideas and thoughts I want to mention in my presentation. This way my thinking process would be structured when I present. Otherwise I do not have problems presenting in front of the public.5)A good presentation for me looks like:-stand up with presentation sheets on a wall next to me and the final outcome on a table in front of them-look at all the audience, do not focus on one spot and look directly into the eyes-when speaking, point to the presentation sheet you are focusing your ideas on-first, explain the concept of your response to the Project Brief and how it has evolved-secondly, show and explain the research you have done and how it influenced your work-thirdly, show visualization of first designs you came up with after research and though process-then, show the final idea design (would be nice if it is represented in sketches from all sides, as it is 3D)-next, show and preferably wear the accessory - final outcome - you have made-afterwards, present the photos you have taken (especially in context) of your piece-lastly, say you have finished and thank everyone for attention6)The tutor feedback I was given was very small and unfortunately lacked any details and specific points. I was told that I just hit it with explanation of my concept (although other students expressed the opposite feeling, that I explained very well) and that the presentation sheets really helped.7)At the moment I am nowhere near reaching a set method of working. In every single project I use different materials and making techniques, because I want t try out everything to the full extent. I am hoping that in Unit 5 I will be able to use a method most relevant to me, which includes fabrics and painting.Nonetheless I am happy with everything a made so far. I love when a drawn design comes off the pages of my sketchbook in a 3D outcome.I find that all the work I do can me summarized as follows: very abstract and conceptual (it is not a clear object e.g. a bag or a shoe), contains fluidity and incorporates more than one part of the body. All fashion accessories are made off the body (the repeat the shape). The pieces can me called minimalistic, but at the same time not simple. I AM DEFINITELY AN ARTIST with elements of a designer and a moderate ability to make.8)I have not been catching any memories with my project. I have made my perfect design for a memory wear, however it is a very personal approach to the senses and functions of a human body, therefore to others it might seem as if I have not fulfilled my aims.9)I have definitely challenged myself with this project because I have never worked with metal before. I also incorporated the skills we were given in an induction in the first week of this project - soldering and welding. Working with metal was challenging because I had no previous practice and therefore skills set.10)I personally deny the concept of competition because my work is not for everyone. I focus on very niche (but therefore most understanding and interested) pool of people who will be taken by my work. I am not aiming high. My aim is to please with my design just a few people, but please them so well, that they instantly become loyal to my work (rather than pleasing thousands but not fully). My work is exceptional because it is made by me and not someone else.What I did:-crit of the "Memories Contained Within" project (reflection is above)-introduction to the "When Worlds Collide" project-given at random a brand and a place of historic interest-began research on these two elements:http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-cadbury.htmlhttp://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-chelsea-physic.htmlGeneral reflection:-the worst part today was being told all the names of brands and institutions which I could have potentially of got. This was because I automatically identified my favorite ones and obviously I did not get them. However I knew in my head that I should single out favorites, so it didn't really affect me and either way I like experiments-the best part today was finishing with the "memories contained within" project, because I like the feeling of completeness-I have learnt today what other students did (see in the reflection above)
