Visual Literacy (part one) – evaluation

Since starting the first part of the visual literacy module, I feel that I have learnt a great deal about a variety of different processes, through the workshops that I have attended. I have thoroughly enjoyed going to the workshops and I feel that I have benefitted from revisiting some of them in my second year, such as screen printing and bookbinding as it has refined my knowledge. From that, I feel that I will be able to use the printing room independently and I look forward to developing my skills further in that environment.

I benefit from working both independently and with others. For me, I prefer to gather research and draw up ideas on my own yet I also think that the best way for me to learn is to also work with others as it helps me to flesh out my ideas as well as refine them, by asking for other opinions. I also enjoy working collectively as people have different perspectives so it is is always good to get other ideas. As well as that,  I also feel that I am able to thrive within a group as discussing ideas and working together, helps me to think in a lot more detail. Furthermore, I do like to work independently though I am still trying to get to grips with it as well as gain more confidence, to do so. I wrote in my initial proposal that I wanted to “develop my confidence” and I feel that these workshops have helped me to do so. Yet, I still feel that I need to develop it a lot more.

Within this module, I need to learn how to use Photoshop and Illustrator, so I can refine my illustrations. In order to do this, I am going to look at online tutorials, where I will be able to go at my own speed. I am going to focus on following these on evenings or any free time that I have at the weekend, where I can then apply these new skills in my lunch hour or free time when I am in at college.

So far, I feel that I have learnt a lot about myself. First of all, I gained a lot from having the time management workshop as it made me aware of what I need to do, in order to try and manage my time more efficiently. I do panic and get extremely overwhelmed when it comes to managing my time but I have started to use an academic diary this year. This is so I can plan what tasks I need to focus on how I can plan the days ahead. Also, I going to try and draw up a time table at the start of each week, that I can keep editing. As I do get myself all worked up, especially with the most simplest of things, I am going to make note of when I will have breaks and do some research and reading into modules. With this, I am hoping that it will help to reduce stress as well as help me to manage my time. Moreover, I have learnt that I do enjoy independent study as it allows me to be explorative. In relation this, I think I should have revisited some of the workshops after I had attended the workshops, in order to get to grips with the techniques as well as practice with the processes in preparation for part two.

Since I started my second year, I do feel that I have enriched my knowledge through the workshops. More importantly, it has also made me self-aware for what I need to do as I enter part two of this module. In that sense, I need to manage my time more efficiently by sticking to my diary and timetable, in order to complete tasks within the module. Furthermore, I need to make sure I do a lot of developmental work  and keep note of any ideas that I have for my piece of work that will be in the exhibition.

Illustrations

After looking at the works of Carole Rossetti, Colleen Clark and Maya Kern, I have been doing my own illustrations. I have not drawn characters in a long time, so it has been really exciting getting back into this.

Throughout my drawing work, I have found out that I really struggle with drawing with just a pen. I prefer drawing with a pencil at first as that way, I can easily rub out any errors. These are then gone over with a black pen. I do enjoy introducing colour into my illustrations, though this can be often time consuming, blending and using the correct shades.

GOING TO POST PHOTOGRAPHS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND AS I FINISH REFINING AND FEEL HAPPY WITH THEM. I CAN THEN MOVE ONTO PART TWO OF THE MODULE.

I also enjoy doing linear drawings as I have always found them really therapeutic to do. As well as that, I find it to be a form as escapism as I always end up doing these sort of drawings whenever I am stressed or something is on my mind. I feel as though they are representations of how I am feeling as well as what I am thinking. I think it would be really interesting to tie in these linear drawings into the module, as i could look at the movement within the water.

Comics

After finding some comic strips relating to body positivity, I have decided to delve into the past and explore the origins of comics for young girls; mainly looking at their illustration style, composition and use of colour. As well as that,  I have also included a brief history into each comic.

Comic:  “a periodical containing comic strips, intended chiefly for children.”

Comics are a medium that are used to express ideas through a variety of images, that are often combined with text along with other visual information.

Bunty

‘Bunty’ was the longest running magazine lasting from, 18th January 1958 to 17th February 2001. In total, there were 2249 issues as well as a short-lived monthly series. The comics were primarily targeted at working class readers

I find these “Bunty” comics really eye-catching due to striking colours that are used. The cover of the later comic (see above) is heavily illustrated compared to the earlier version. On the later cover, I have taken note of the composition of the cover, as I do like the style as it is clear to follow as all of the boxes are not the same size, which makes it easier to look at and read. With the earlier cover, I love the use of primary colours as it looks really distinctive. Also, I think the use of colour is also significant as it fits in with the target audience. 

Tammy

 ‘Tammy’ was a British comic for girls that was published weekly from 1971 to 1984. Over the years, a number of comics merged into ‘Tammy’: ‘Sally’ in 1971, ‘Sandy’ the following year, ‘June in 1974’, ‘Misty’ in 1980, ‘Jinty’ in 1981 and finally, ‘Princess’ in 1984. Later that year, ‘Tammy’ was to merge itself into another comic, which was named, ‘Girl’.

“Tammy” looks to cater for the early teenage audience as the cover features rather girly colours. I am very much into the illustration style on this cover as I do like the almost realistic appearance. 

Diana

“Diana” was a comic which was published from 1963 to 1976. In 1976, “Romeo” merged into it and then “Diana” was to merge into the iconic “Jackie” magazine.

The colours in this comic are really rich and vibrant. Again, I love the illustration style – I am especially drawn to her face as her eyes are very striking. The cover is really simplistic but I love the psychedelic patterns in the background. Overall, I think the cover is something to focus on as I would look towards creating a simple yet striking cover but make the inside heavy with illustrations. 

Bramley Baths

On 28th November, we shall be our work exhibited at the Bramley Baths, as part of the “Mermaid Tales” exhibition.  It is in partnership with Leeds College of Art and Bramley Baths and will be brought to you by Yorkshire Life Aquatic.

Earlier in the week, we visited this spectacular, historical building to get a feel of the location as well as consider how we would utilise the locker space – an area of space that we are likely to be exhibiting our work.

Bookbinding

I had previously done bookbinding for the narratives module in first year and I found this workshop really informative as it was to freshen my knowledge as well as help me to develop my skills, as I learnt of the different processes within bookbinding.

In the bookbinding session, we learnt how to make three books: pamphlet stitch (blue), stab bound/Japanese binding (pink) and concertina (purple – which was drying when I took the photo as I had just finished making it!)

In bookbinding, it is extremely important to think about the pagination of the pages in your book. Therefore, it is advisable that you get your raw material looked at, so then it can then the layout can then be considered. This made absolute sense as I know from our narratives module, we took our printed pages down to Vernon Street ready to make into a book. Unfortunately, some of us including myself, ended up with missing words or a part of our design missing due to our pages having to be trimmed and glued.

Pamphlet stitch book

 

In the workshop, we started off making a pamphlet stitch book. Using scrap paper and a bone folder (see above), we folded our cartridge paper in half and then placed the scrap paper over it and then smoothed it out with the folder. We then added our cover paper (known as ‘can son’) and then we began sewing the book together (see below for the process).

There is a step-by-step guide on how to create all three books on the walls, which will be helpful to refer back on.

Stab bound book

Also known as Japanese binding, this was quite difficult to make but once I got the hang of stitching the book, it was really simple to follow and understand.

You need to neatly align your paper and sandwich two pieces of coloured paper to either side. You then need to cover the top with a piece of thin cardboard and mark five holes (best using a ruler to measure out an even distribution).

Once you have marked the pages, you then drill into the holes (I must admit, I did find this fun to use!)

I thought this was a beautiful book to make, mainly because of the distinctive stitching that makes it so unique (see image at the top for the final result).

Concertina

In the process of making the final book, there were some steps that I remembered from when we were making our hard bound book for the narratives module.

This was the most complex to make but I would most definitely need to practice in making it again. Firstly, we gathered our pieces of paper and folded them in half, where they then needed to stand in ‘V’ shapes and slot beside each other. We then gathered them up with both hands and marked an ‘X’ on the side of the paper. We then glued down the sides with the markings on and then did the same for the other sides.

Pages were secured with a bulldog clip whilst the sides of the pages were glued together.

After the pages had dried, we could then move onto to making the hardcovers. For the buckrum, we had to glue two pieces of card down and measure a rulers width from it. We then cut these these pieces out and then cut the covers before gluing the sides over!

As you can see, I cut the fabric far too close to the corners, therefore I was left with it looking uneven and gaps between the fabric.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the bookbinding workshop, as I found it insightful. As well as that, I would most definitely consider using it in my practice as I think that it would be a unique way of presenting illustrations and prints that I plan to make.

Love Arts Festival

I have recently volunteered for the Love Arts festival (7th – 21st October), which has taken place in Leeds every October for the past five years.

“A celebration of creativity & mental well-being in Leeds”

The aim of the festival is to use arts in order to get people thinking and talk about mental health. By doing so, it also hopes to reduce the stigma that is attached to mental health. Most importantly, the festival states that it is also, “…an important medium for participation and inclusion for people affected by mental health difficulties.”

This year, the festival introduced the Love Arts Trail, which was a visual arts trail that took place around the city centre in many bars, cafés and galleries in the city, including The Light (see above), Nation of  Shopkeepers, St. John’s Church, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Roots and Fruits Vegetarian Café and The Tetley to name a few!  The work was created by members of the Arts & Minds network as well as individuals from many communities across Leeds.

This festival was full of talented people who all had some link to mental health, whether that being through their work or through personal experience.

Over the two weeks, there were many events, exhibitions and performances with some of them being interactive which was really exciting. As well as that, there were also many external events that were to fit with the Love Arts festival’s aim.

Excitingly, some of the third years on this course created fantastic window installations that were displayed at Fabrication, Nation of Shopkeepers and Arch Café.

I was told about this light bulb installation (see above) whilst I was volunteering. This was designed by people who were on a psychiatric ward who were asked to draw what basically makes them “light up”.

I really like the significance behind it especially as it is displayed at The Light, itself. Moreover, it hung over the exhibition and after having it explained to me, I saw it as really empowering and positive as it was adding light to such a dark and stigmatised issue.

My volunteering

I was a bit unsure about volunteering at first as I am still trying to gain confidence after my jaw surgery. However, it focuses on an issue that is really close to heart, as I have family members who have had mental health problems so I know all too well what it is like. I realised that this would be a good and easy way to help me develop my confidence and get to meet new people.

With the volunteering, I was able to choose which days I was free and which venues I could make it to. I did my volunteering at The Light where I invigilated the “Highlights” group exhibition at the bottom of the escalators by Browns and Café Rouge. This was showcase of work by members of Arts & Minds, which included people who use mental health services, carers, mental health workers and artists who have interests in issues surrounding mental health.  The exhibition is all mixed media and there are a variety of different styles of work that are all distinctive and unique.

I really enjoyed volunteering for the Love Arts festival, as I was able to meet new people all of whom were suffering from mental health issues. With that in mind, I really benefitted from talking to people and empathising with how they came to terms with their issues. As well as that, it was really overwhelming to receive so much positivity about the exhibition and there was a sale every time I volunteered!

Most importantly, the festival has enlightened me more about the importance of mental health because I do believe that we have come a long way and there is more awareness being put out there, though I still think that we have a far way to go.

On Wednesday 21st October, I attended the closing party and Love Arts awards at Lambert’s Yard. The event acknowledged the hard work from many organisations and individuals across Leeds who thus were awarded.

Exploring the creative possibilities of Play-doh and body dysmorphia

In relation to my essay, relating to body dysmorphia, I have been exploring Play-doh. With this material, my aim is to visually represent the distortions that the sufferers see. I have been experimenting with the material, by creating a variety of obscure shapes, thus showing the irregularity of  how the individual sees themselves.

Showing the effects of body dysmorphia by showing one piece of play-doh being smooth and round whilst the other is out of shape.

I also went on to mixing the coloured play-doh together, in order to represent the mental effects of this disorder, which does not easily go away and can be a constant threat to the sufferers daily lives. Furthermore, the obsession that people have on their appearance can spiral out of control, even resulting in depression and suicide.

The significance behind this connection between Play-doh and body dysmorphia is that the material can easily be manipulated into different forms. It is all very light and soft to the touch, which could be seen as a representation of the sensitivity behind the issue along with the fragility of the sufferer’s mind.

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I went back to the Play-doh a couple of weeks later and tried to be more imaginative when it comes to exploring with the material.

I tore the material into small pieces and placed them close to each other. I found this really interesting and significant as it could be seen to symbolise the sufferer’s shattered confidence and the fragility of their mind.

I then went onto using my hands to roll out sections of the material thus creating these long, ill-proportioned shapes.

Finally, I was really interested in slowly tearing the Play-doh apart. I was drawn to this one especially as if you look closely, it seems to resemble a face.

Laser cutting

Laser cutting: “Laser cutting is a non-contact process which utilises a laser to cut materials, resulting in high quality, dimensionally accurate cuts. The process works by directing the laser beam through a nozzle to the workpiece. A combination of heat and pressure creates the cutting action.”

I have never used a laser cutter before but since starting on this course last year and seeing pieces that had been laser cut, I was really fascinated by the process.

We were given a step-by-step guide which explains the whole process to you from setting up the laser, using the software and cutting a design. I found this to be extremely helpful as it will be beneficial to refer back to.

Metals, mirrors, glass and P.V.C can’t be cut on the laser cuter but glass can be engraved and etched into (can not be cut into as it will crack)

First of all, you need to bring up your design on the software (ApS-Ethos) and select each section of your design with how you want it to be cut.

There are five cutting effects:

Cut through which gives the laser enough power to go through the surface and cut out a shape; engrave, which will allow the laser to break the surface of the material and leave a mark; kiss cut reduces the power of the laser even more which will barely break the surface therefore leaving a faint mark on your material; no cut allows part of the design to be hidden from the laser and will not leave any sort of mark on the material; and raster which will filling the solid parts of your design, as well as that, it can be used to ‘print’ raster based images (JPEGs etc).

Using the software, you can select which cutting effects you want on your design (see below).

Next, you must make sure that the laser is correctly focused so the laser will be able to properly cut into your chosen material. To do this, the beam needs to focus on the material. Therefore, you need to loosen the locking screw and lower the nozzle, to which you then need to place the 12mm spacer block under it. The nozzle should then be pushed down so it is touching the block. When it is touching, you can then remove the block as the laser will be properly focused.

Then, place your material as flat as possible, on the bed of the cutter and then close the lid.

Make sure the laser cutter is ‘ONLINE’.

Most importantly, when you are nearly ready so cut, you must let the computer know what material it is going to cut through so make sure you go to ‘Output’ and then select ‘Material Manager’.  Afterwards, you can then go to ‘Output’ again but select ‘Cut Design’.

I was really interested in the laser cutting process and I would find it beneficial to use in future projects, where I can develop my illustrations. However, I definitely need to practice with the laser cutter as I did not have much confidence in using it when I had the induction.

Workshop

Time management workshop

We underwent a time management workshop, to assess how we all manage our time when it comes to receiving briefs and how we come about reaching the final outcome.

In this workshop, we were asked to create a visual representation of how we manage our time.

We swapped our drawings with someone and then analysed how they manage their time. Afterwards, the person was to draw up a plan for you on how you can manage your time a lot easier.

Seeing this visual representation was really helpful and eye opening for me. It brought issues to light and made me learn what I can easily do to reduce stress and keep myself organised.

I have noticed that when it comes to managing time, I become really overwhelmed and flustered. I usually start off by thinking about the brief that I have been given and then I start doing some research, which will help me think in much more detail. Afterwards, I will then write a ‘to-do list’ to then structure out the days that I will be working on the brief. I shall then begin to draw out some ideas but I then become overwhelmed by the process as I then worry about the final outcome. Furthermore, I mainly focus ahead instead of focusing on what needs to be done at that point.

I found it really helpful to have some overlook how I organise myself and suggest ways as to how I can manage my time. Katie suggested that when I need to start recording what I think. As I commute, I use a lot of that time thinking as I have my earphones in and I am looking outside the window. So, I am going to start making notes on my journeys, as I will be able to develop these later on. In order for me to manage my time more effectively, she said that I need to turn off all of my distractions. Furthermore, I also write ‘to-do lists’ to try and organise myself and prioritise each project, so I need to be more strict with myself when sticking to these.

I do get myself worked up so she also suggested that I need to make sure that I regularly have breaks. For me, I really enjoy reading, going on a walk or going for a run as a way of clearing my head and getting anything that is bothering me into perspective.

I am definitely going to work on my time management so I will be able to work on my projects more effectively. I have also bought an academic diary so I can keep track of deadlines and try and set out what I need to be working on each day.

Body positivity from Colleen Clark and Maya Kern

 

Colleen Clark

Colleen Clark is an illustrator from Washington DC who was approached by Marie Curie South Africa to draw what a feminist Barbie would look like. Therefore, she came up with the inventive idea of drawing a line of the dolls that would each represent the different types of women.

 

I find these illustrations to be really playful with all the pastel shades and the parody feel to it. Though, I do find it thought provoking as many women, who had these dolls as they were growing up will be able to relate in some way to the message behind it. Barbie is such a complex role-model, especially for her  unrealistic body proportion  but this illustration is a celebration of women out there and there uniqueness.

Maya Kern

Maya Kern is a comic artist, illustrator and musician based in Minneapolis.

This bubblegum pink comic strip is really eye-catching and light-hearted. It depicts a full-figured woman looking concerned as she stands in front of the mirror, slapping and pinching different areas of her body. She then concludes by looking at her reflection in the mirror and standing proud and she thinks, “dang, I look cute!”.

I love this body positive piece as it shows that the woman starts to accept her body, to the point that she feels comfortable and proud.