Level One - Art Portfolio

 

In art, we are focusing on creating a portfolio that is divided into sections of different art methods. we started doing dry media which includes pencil art, we have currently moved on from dry media and transferred to wet media which includes painting and printmaking. 

The artist I have been inspired by lately is the artwork from Sofia Minson, I have taken the design idea of trying to add geometric patterns to the background of my art so it fills in the white around it so it isn't so bland. My board filled with the art I have done is a mixture of pencils and I am now starting to develop a linocut of some flowers. 

Update: 28/7/20 

I successfully created my linocut which was created from by the laser cutter on wood. My next steps are to find another design to do with some sort of triangle, eye, painting type of creation as my second wet media art. My steps with the top 2 are to add some sort of gold. 

Update - 23/9/20 

As I mentioned that my next steps were to add gold to my art I successfully did that. After a lot of discussions with the teacher, we decided where we wanted the gold to be on the diamond flower. I haven't finished the gold dots on one of the drawings but they will be done soon hopefully once my gold pen has been ordered. I have also been playing around with the woodcut that I have and play with the colors to possibly include mountains and sunset to it, I am trying to include designs that are from Sofia Minion's art. My next goal is to re-create the other diamond drawing with a geometric background because I didn't like how the gold was on it and the smears around it with the glue and eraser marks. My next steps are to complete my digital artworks and put them on my board, do a moon transition on the gold petal design, and figure out if I can include any gold to my blue flower. 

Update 15/10/20

I have currently been working on an image from the internet and changing it around and playing with the different things to add and erase. I am using this image, below and added some gold swirls that are on have replaced the smoke that lingers around her. I have also taken the butterflies that are positioned in the hole of her face and replaced that with random flowers I have found around and improvised with. The big change that I decided to do outline the girl's hair and shoulders etc, and turn that into a laser-cut like my previous art that had the 3D red and blue lines. So with this are I have printed out the gold swirls, the butterflies, and the flowers onto paper, and then I print the girl onto it. It has been a real struggle to try to line it all up as I wanted it to be perfect but it was/is extremely difficult, but my teacher has been trying to reassure me that it still looks fine if it's off-center so I'm slowly letting it pass.

Update 29/10/20

So far I have made good progress with my artwork lately. I have been touching up the artwork above a creating another piece for my first board, which is extremely annoying because I still have to do another full board and haven't started on it and this is all due next month. Back to some new news, I finally got the gold pen I have been asking for, for like 2 months now. BUT it wasn't the right gold so it turned out weird but I have to deal with it because I have already used it on one of my artworks shown below. I have also added some of the gold stuff on some of the dots because I already added it before I used the gold pen. 

Update 18/11/20

These last few lessons and days I have to finish by boards have been intense. I have been working on two more pieces to add to my board to finish board 1. I have recently finished an art piece which is shown below and I am currently working on the other two. I am hoping to have my first board done before the end of the week so I can work on my second board and complete this as quick as I can. 

The piece below is what I am working on now: 

I am planning on putting some flowers on the left-hand side to fill in space and possibly move everything around that is bundled up on the right-hand side. Once this is printed I am also going to put gold on the ribbon in front of the other gold which is on the ribbon.








Update 24/11/20

I managed to find some flowers that fit well and work with everything that's in the art piece. I also bought some pop out flowers and other pieces to stick on here to fill in some gaps. I have also been working on my last piece for my first board which I am happy about so I can start on my second board which will have to be the best board I have made or else. The last piece on my board is a bit different because it shows a real model instead of an art design, but with this piece, I am going to put some sort of flowers near her shoulders then draw around her face a one-line outline of her face and project that from it. 

Formal Writing - Mobile Phones

 Mobile phones control people’s lives. 

Are you aware of how often people use their phones during their lifetime? Mobile phones presently are taking over the lives of this generation. They’re easily addictive, they cause heightened levels of danger, and the device is known for developing health problems. However, they are beneficial for some cases with a variety of applications installed in the device. 

As mobile phones represent the need in this generation, they do more harm than good. The point behind that is they can cause horrific injury if used in inappropriate situations. For instance, in New Zealand, between 2014 and 2016, 216 drivers in fatal or injury crashes contributed to the crash by being distracted by a cell phone. In the United States, 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35% admit they do it anyway. Many teens and other ages are losing their lives to these portable handheld devices. By just one glance at your phone, if it’s just texting, checking the time, or replying to someone; you are risking the lives of yourself, your passengers, and your loved ones around you.

Mobile phones are also known to be one of the most typical ways to cure boredom at your fingertips, but sometimes it can become unstoppable. For example, Statistics show that the estimated number of mobile users is around 4.8 billion people in 2020 worldwide. As mobile phones can contain multiple apps, games, and tools, though it’s not the cellphone itself that is addicting; it’s what can be accessed that captivates people to be so hooked. As checking your phone is included in your daily routine, it constantly becomes an excessive habit which creates that urge to continuously check their mobile phone, primarily social media. As people are growing further addicted to their phones each day, it enhances the risks of the lives of all ages incredibly. Phones are one of the top 5 most dangerous distractions, particularly when driving. 

With many individuals using cell-phones every day for longer than they should be, it increases the risk of any health issues that could be long term or short term. For instance, it’s believed the average age for an individual to have their first mobile phone to be around 10. It is surprisingly old as this generation produces more innovative technology that all children want these days. Since more and more people are on their phones for longer periods each day, it exposes them to unfortunate events and situations which affect their well-being. Situations like being cyberbullied. On a more serious note, people on social media platforms who are categorized as influencing don't affect people the way they want to. Teenagers react harshly to certain posts including appearance requirements that they don't meet. Because of this, it is causing those affected to tap into their depressive, anxious, or isolated state.

Although Technology suffers its unbelievable disadvantages, there’s more than meets the eye. They provide assets that include a torch or calculator, communication apps to keep in touch with friends and family, and immediate emergency service access. Phones provide unlimited access to emergency services anywhere you are. It is beneficial for those who are deserted somewhere with no service or if someones in a situation that involves burglary and in need to contact the police fast. Meanwhile, those who are addicted and inseparable to their phone are going to be safe if they are in need of any emergency help. 

There are many reasons to embrace technology, but we can’t ignore the consequences when operating them. Considering they are beneficial for a variety of tools and emergency contacts for if you find yourself in danger. If you find yourself on the hazardous side when using technology without care you're at risk for anything that could happen. This could lead to anything like Addiction, increased levels of danger, jeopardies, and mental health issues.

Static Image: Introduction and Basics

 

Task: 

Find at least one visual text from the internet

Identify 5 statice images aspects and write a statement on what they are, give evidence from the static image, and then explain how they show the meaning

Visual Text: 

This advertisement is revealing the effects of nicotine smoking. It gives a visual warning to show us that if others were to continue smoking, damaging consequences can result in them. The black background gives a thought of death within the image. The involvement of the smoke grey ghost-like face taking most of the ad up to get the mysterious attention that shows pain and dullness within the person. The grey also represents the consequence and shows the hurt the victim could be experiencing from smoking. The ad isn't just overloaded with the harms of smoking, it provides the help that others can use to avoid being in this situation. 

Features described separately:

Color: The Poster is complete darkness behind the placed pictures to show the loneliness between the images and the text, isolating their pain to themself and with the words incorporated to this it provides help to ease the pain away. The smoke grey, ghost face expresses the pain that is coming from the victim. 

Shape, Proportion, Dominant Image: The face and the smoked ghost is the bigger picture in the ad to show it is the dominant image to catch those passing the poster, it centers the pain that smoking can cause.

Font: The bold Text in the ad does also takes part in the poster to get the message clear of the help provided within the ad to follow along with the pain enduring act. The quick line "Talk to us before it's too Late" catches the eyes of people as it is simple and easy to read within a minute, people do not have to stand around and read a paragraph of words. It's clear and gets the message across fast.

Task: 

Continuing with Visual text description on images and describing 5 aspects of the image. 

List of aspects:

Symbols 

Colour 

Lines 

Human Figures

Lettering

Layout

Viewpoint 

Balance

Size

Blankspace 

Framing

Visual Text:

This image seems to be representing how society can affect us and our thoughts. With the included hammer object hitting the circular image, it portrays the look of it smashing through the barrier of thoughts and invading their point of view for things. 

The proportion of the large hammer colliding with the head shows that the impact of the words is hitting hard against what the person had already believed and thought of the world and themselves. 

As the color is dull with a brown-grey background, shows that there is no happiness within the person anymore because of this. The meaning behind having white within the hammer could purely be because it contrasts from the grey and is easier to see but in my eyes, I have a feeling that it is showing the purity and innocence that the society thinks it is portraying and people are drawn into this but once it actually hits you it is filled with negativity. (Lettering)

(Layout, Viewpoint)  As we first look at the picture we instantly put our focus to the hammer shown, it takes our attention as it is the object that is in front of the person's face. The second thing that catches us is the hammer which is filled with blurbs of negativity, it's including words or objects that have been influencing those around and effecting their thoughts on how everything. However, the words within the person, which is filled with positivity and strength the person had, has now got broken thoughts. 

The symbolic hammer is showing the harsh reality of which the world has created, and even those with set minds can be broken down by the negativity hitting them deeply. 

Logos, Pathos and Ethos

 What is Pathos? Pathos is the emotional appeal, persuading the audience with emotion. It is used in a to convince your audience in an argument by using emotion to make a more convincing story. For instance, it is used for persuading and convincing others.

What is Logos? Logos is the appeal to logic meaning convincing the audience by use of logic and reason. It's is similar to pathos as it has persuasive techniques that try persuade others but with logic and reason. For example, in the iPhone commercials, they highlight the latest features and specs like saying how it's upgraded. 

What is ethos? Ethos is used for persuading by promoting emotional response. For example, playing sad music to make others feel sorry. 

Critical literacy Matrix question - Group work

In groups, we had to choose a movie trailer and a PSA (Public Service Announcement), and write a SEXXXY paragraph for each video and describe 1 film aspect which was used in each of the videos. After finishing our paragraphs we were to complete 4 critical literacy questions about our writing. 

SEXXXY Analysis written about "Walk The Line" :

The effects of fading are used deliberately throughout the trailer "Walk The Line" by James Mangold. For example, we see in the trailer scenes of Cash being happy which drastically changes to him looking unwell or angry furthermore under the influence of drugs, as one scene fades into the other. This shows the audience the highs and lows of Cash’s life. The audience feels intrigued by the scenes shown in the trailer and confronting as Cash’s addiction is displayed. The director has done this to depict the struggles and achievements in pieces of which Johnny has dealt with in his journey through the music industry and dealing with addiction. The fading between scenes works well with the music that is playing in the background. "Ring of fire" creates a mix of meaning and emotion which is why it works perfectly. In the trailer, Walk The Line, directed by James Mangold, Johnny Cash can be heard singing the lyrics, "The taste of love is sweet" while Johnny Cash and June Carter are together. This scene fades as Johnny Cash sings "I fell into a ring of fire" and is shown in an enraged state, having a run-in with the police.

SEXXXY Analysis written about PSA "Sisters" 

Facial expressions were used effectively in Meth Project's ad titled "Sisters". This is seen at the beginning of the ad when the sisters approach three middle-aged men. The older sister of the two is in the front and has a neutral expression as if she is used to it, although behind the expressionless look she appears helpless. The young sister's emotions are visible through facial expressions. She appears scared and upset as she stands behind her sister. This shows everyone how being influenced by drugs has effected the sister's lives and the lengths in which the older sister is willing to go to in exchange for drug money. She is willing to exploit her younger sister so she can feed her addiction. And the reaction of which they have upon it. The director's purpose of it was to show the sad reality in the life of a drug addict, in this case with meth. They become slaves to their addiction and will do anything in order to get their fix. The troubles of which they have gone through are shown on their bodies. The aspect of facial expressions worked well with the body language that was put into the ad. Throughout the entire film their bodies remain slim and constricted the entire situation, their bodies then tighten as they all enter the bathroom. 

Critical Literacy Questions asked to both videos: 

What views of the world is this presenting?

In the film "Walk the Line" it shows the backstories of which celebrities go through before getting to the top. It also reveals he gets to the point where he falls from the top and goes down-hill in life along with his career. We see the truth behind Celebrities/singers in their careers and life and how addiction can affect their entire lives and careers. The video "Sisters" shows us the levels of which people go to when under the influence of drugs. It shows us the wreck of which the world is with what these substances are causing. 

Who is really in the text?

In both videos shown are based on real events. "Walk The Line" Is written about a famous country singer whose life had horrible twists and how his life was constrained by the control of drugs such as amphetamine. The video "sister" Is about real-life events that are happening around the world affecting anyone at any age who have been introduced to the substance of Meth and has gotten so lost that it has controlled their lives.

What does the author of this text want us to know?

For "Sisters" video, It gives us a glimpse in the reality of what being influenced by drugs truly does to you and what it causes you to do just to soothe your desires of that feeling of what Meth produces. By the "Walk The Line" trailer, the director wants us to see how far celebrities go before they fall in their life or career and how addiction takes control of everything after introduced to it. Furthermore the "Sisters" PSA and the movie trailer and incredibly the same with what they are presenting to us. 

L1 English - SDL individual work

WALT: Analyse how film aspects show the meaning.
Success Criteria: I can explain why and how tone is used to show meaning in a film.

Expert = 12 red boxes and 1-3 green boxes.

1. How does tone work in a film? Film tone

Questions I must answer: 

What else can we call tone in the film? Brightness 

What are the 3 main elements in tone? Lighting, exposure and art direction

How and why does Coppola use tone in the classic film "The Godfather"? He uses tone in his film when the characters Sunny, Vito and Tom are all in darkness and Michael with his girlfriend outside.  He does this to show the different settings due to the moods which are shown on the scene. When the tone darkened with the Godfather, Sunny, Vito and Tom all in the same room, the change was because in the scene the topic of violence and death was being discussed. On the other hand, when the scene with Micheal and his girlfriend show up, The exposure is brighter and more clear, showing that it is on a happier term and oblivious to the plans of the other's actions. 

How can directors control the feelings of the scenes? They control the feelings of the scene by controlling the brightness. In the movie No country for old men by the Coen Brothers, a scene comes up which is brightly shown, an older man steps out of his car and comes across a man which is dressed dark and mysterious. That scene shows that they play with the contrasting brightness by mixing in with an emotional tone, showing the bright scenery then a dark dressed man shows he didn't belong there and the audience feels that.

2. How does the over-the-shoulder shot work? The over-the-shoulder shot in film

Questions I must answer: 
What is the effect of an over the shoulder shot? To connect two people in a shot while they're having a conversation verbally or through facial expressions.
What film aspect shows a disconnection between characters? A single shot.
How does the director of this scene show the disconnect of the characters? They show it by separating the two people by making the shots singular, only showing one of them instead of joining them both in the same shot.
What eventually totally isolates the female character? The camera is focusing on her while in the background the man is discussing something, then the scene is connected but only by the waiter who appears in the scene pouring wine in a glass but overflowing it. All this action is playing along while the lady is feeling confused and out of place, she then looks around noticing the other waiters around the room have paused. This completely isolates her, showing in a close-up shot.

3. How does film blocking work in film? Film blocking

Questions I must answer:
What are the 3 ways directors use blocking in the film? Space, Shapes, and Lines.
What are the emotions associated with these shapes? Circles feel safer and inclusive, Squares create limited spacing boxing someone in, triangles are sharp and they feel more aggressive but they also have an apex.
What are the 3 basic shapes for film blocking? Circles, Squares, and triangles
What two things can blocking help with? Contrasting and Communicating subtext

4. How does camera movements work in film? Directing camera movement

Questions I must answer:
What are the purposes of the whip pan and the slow pan? Whip pan is the equivalent of quickly turning to see something, It creates a jolt of energy. Slow pan gives us time to take in the scene or landscape.
What is the purpose of the tilt shot? To reveal something to us by suddenly directing our attention.
What does the reverse dolly zoom help show? Help show that a character is having an intense internal experience.
What is the difference between a Steadicam and a dolly shot? They are very similar but a Steadicam is when the camera is stabilized on the camera operator.
What can the hand-held shot help create for the viewer? The sense of fear or tension in a scene.
What should directors ask themselves with their camera movement? Does the audience have something to follow/look at through the scenes or is it just thrown at them without any leads?.
Camera movement should be doing what? Catching the audience's attention and guiding them through the movie giving them something to follow.

5. How is the contrast used in a film? Film making Techniques for Directors (Directing Example

Questions I must answer:
What are the ways directors can contrast in a film? There can be a contrast in tone, art direction/production direction, blocking, camera movement, and color.
What is contrasted in Spike Jonze's ad? At the start, there is a desaturated darkness, nearly absent color, with dark streets with people clothed in darkness, but once the main character comes into contact with the main product. The tone then changes dramatically, she then is wearing lighter colors, it shows what she really is. The lighting shows more, we can see her face clearer. Blocking is then used when she is dancing in a lit-up rainbow tunnel to tell the story of how someone constricted breaks free.
Why did he contrast these things? To grab people's attention as well as show meaning and emotion with the mixture of sadness then once the main product came to view it was happiness.

6. How is the dutch angle used? How to use a Dutch-angle shot

Questions I must answer: 
The Dutch angle does what? To signal that something is unsettling or disorienting.
What is a Dutch angle? A dutch angle shot is a shot that has a noticeable tilt on the cameras x-axis
Who and when created thee dutch angle? German expressionists in the early 1900's
What 3 things do directors need to consider for the dutch angle? Identify the moment, Consider the moment, enhance the moment.
What 4 things can enhance a dutch angle? The degree of your tilt, The camera level of your shot, Focal length of the lens, Depth of field.

7. How do visual motifs work in film? Visual motifs in Film

Questions I must answer:
What is a motif? A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.
Why are they important? They ensure the story is able to operate on more than one level.
What makes a great work of art? Getting different meanings and thoughts from the same film after multiple viewings.

8. How does POV or POT shot work? Point of view

Questions I must answer:
What is a POV shot? Where you can see through the eyes of the characters.
What is a "Point of thought" shot? It is a shot that gives your audience a visual expression of your character's mind.
Why are they important? They help express the emotions of the characters and feel throughout the scene.

9. How does the insert shot work in a film? Insert shots

Questions I must answer:
What is an insert shot? It focuses on specific detail within a scene.
What is the purpose of an insert shot? To make the audience notice something specific as well as to communicate crucial narrative information. 
What are the 3 main aspects of the insert shot? Composition, color, and timing.
What 3 things help the audience feel about the insert shot? Shot size, shot angle and camera movement.
The composition of the insert shot helps with what in a film? To represent the state of a shot.
Colour in the insert shot helps with what in a film? To draw attention to specific points.
How long you dwell on the insert shot helps show what? To give different senses of urgency or how dramatic a scene can be.

10. How does production design work in the film? Production design

Questions I must answer:
What is the production design? It is the overall visual look of the production.
What makes up production design? Colors and contrast, Wardrobe choices and Empty or full frames.
What are the 3 main things production design can help reveal? Mood, Character, and themes.

11. How does color work in film? Color theory in film

Questions I must answer:
How does color in the film affect people? They elicit emotions (brings them out)
What are the 3 factors in determining color? Hue, saturation, and brightness
Why is the hue in "The Matrix" mostly green? Because the movie takes place in a digital matrix and the color green is associated with code.
Why do some films desaturate? It drains it of the color, giving it a cold, rude or/and gritty sort of look.
What can brightness and a lack of brightness show in a film?  To create a contrast in the film.

12. How do establish shots work in film? Establishing shots

Questions I must answer:
What is an establishing shot? A shot that establishes a scene
Why is it used? For transitioning into a new scene
Why are establishing shot usually the most expensive? Because you see everything that they put in the scene, it is usually a scene that involves more scenery.  

14. What is film criticism? Film criticism is the comparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or evaluation of films.

L1 English - Creative writing - Post-Writing

Post Creative Writing Tasks - Adding 6 different R.I.D.S to my creative writing to improve it.

1. The 5 sense: 

What did you feel? I could feel the faces of confusion stare at me as more tears ran down my face.

What did you see? I could see that I arrived at the right place due to my mother's Red Mini in amongst the few cars at the funeral services. 

What did you taste?

What did you hear? Just as I'm about to leave I hear my phone ring

What did you smell? 

2. Replacing words:

1. However, as I believed everything was fine, it all changed instantly once I saw (viewed) the row of which my family was squished up in. 
2. People's (The) whispers grew as I strolled passed my mother without getting a single look from her.
3. The ringing stops so I gather my coat and lock my apartment door. 

3. Inserting words:

1. I could see that I arrived at the right place due to my mother's Red Mini in amongst the few cars at the funeral services. (I eventually changed the sentence around from what it was original "I knew I was at the right place when...")
2. I hesitate to pick it up, So I found myself just standing there staring as it rings. (Again with this one I merged 2 sentences forming this one. "I hesitate to pick it up. I found myself just standing there staring as it rings.)
3. People's whispers grew deeper as I strolled passed my mother without getting a single look from her.

4. Deleting words:

1.  After laying for 2 hours, I decided it's time to get ready and get this over with since my brother would have wanted me to.
2. However, I believed everything was fine, that all changed instantly once I spotted the row of which my family was squished up in. 
3. Putting all the bad memories with my family past me, I sit down at the back of the hall making as little noise as I could. making sure I didn't draw any attention to myself or allow them to know I had arrived. 

5. Onomatopoeia and alliteration:

1. She slowly made her way up the stairs followed by the clicking of her heels.

6. Similes and metaphors

1. Walking past the rows of people, I watch their faces light up with confusion one at a time like as if someones set dominos off in their expressions.