As an art student, the concept of "Ways of Seeing" holds immense significance for me. Just like approaching a blank canvas with an open mind, life presents itself as this vast tapestry of experiences and interpretations waiting to be explored.
This concept encourages me to approach life with a critical eye, similar to how I dissect and analyze a piece of art. It prompts me to delve into the subtle nuances, the hidden narratives, and the intricate layers of existence. Life, in essence, is not static; it's a reflection of our collective experiences, values, and histories—a constantly evolving entity.
In essence, "Ways of Seeing" invites me to engage with life as I would with art—delving deep, questioning, and appreciating the richness of its multifaceted nature.
Alright, so I've got these sketches I've been working on. They're all about capturing the essence of people and places in everyday settings. Whether it's friends hanging out or strangers passing by, I've been honing in on the little details that make each moment unique. I'm really trying to bring out the subtle dynamics and personalities that make these scenes come alive. It's been a fun challenge, diving into the intricacies of social interactions and environments.
The latest sketch I did was at this Turkish restaurant, and it turned into a really heartwarming experience. While I was drawing, the staff kept glancing over, curious about what I was up to. Once I finished, they were totally impressed and appreciative. They even went the extra mile and offered me a free treat and drink, which was such a kind gesture. It was one of those moments where art bridged the gap between strangers, creating a really special connection.
Observational drawing around Nottingham has really sharpened my artistic eye. It's like I've got this special lens that lets me see things in a whole new light. Taking the time to really observe and sketch the world around me has been a game-changer.
Whether it's a bustling street or a quiet corner, I've learned to notice all these little details that often go unnoticed. And you know what? It's not just about capturing the big stuff—it's about appreciating the simple things too.
Focusing on one subject at a time gives me this space to soak it all in, from the grandeur of monuments to the delicate intricacies of everyday scenes. It's like finding beauty in the small stuff while still marveling at the big picture.
The Rashomon Effect, widely used in filmmaking, was applied in a workshop where we explored the influence of words on images. By juxtaposing conflicting words with images, we discovered how a serious image could be transformed into a humorous narrative, illustrating the significant role language plays in shaping perception.
Unfortunately, I ended up dedicating all my time to just one example. My goal was to incorporate as many images as possible into one expansive scene, aiming to create a narrative where each character experiences a different ordeal. It was quite the ambitious task, and I'm not entirely certain if I executed it as well as I hoped. Nonetheless, the process was incredibly enjoyable. Working through the complexities of weaving multiple stories into a single composition was both challenging and rewarding. It's definitely an experience I'll learn from and carry forward into future projects.
Brakenhurst exercise:
The challenge of rendering a car without conventional cues initially seemed daunting, but it evolved into a compelling exploration of perception. This exercise underscored the idea that objects transcend their expected roles, prompting a realization of their inherent versatility. While my immediate sketches leaned towards imaginative creature-like interpretations, the process highlighted the capacity of objects to assume diverse identities beyond their conventional forms.
Interacting with my self-portrait: I appreciate its technical nuances, delve into the emotional narrative, and engage in a personal reflection, allowing the art to mirror aspects of my identity.
Seeing pictures as blobs or abstract shapes is an approach that emphasizes emotional essence over details, fostering a dynamic interplay between imagination and interpretation.
In this session, we were fed a fictional story, but even so, we naturally perceived it as a plausible narrative. The question that lingered was, "Is it acceptable to deceive for the sake of conveying a message?" Initially feeling a sense of betrayal, I later appreciated the playful nature of our tutors. The experience made me realize how we often accept given realities without questioning them. Despite the initial shock, I found joy in creating collages, and my engagement with the process remained enthusiastic.
