Sunday 1 May 2011

Couldn't not have a post without the mention of the Wedding...

Firstly, I hope you all had you hair done, dresses out etc for the BIG day; the wedding of the year/ century blah blah blah...yes it was lovely but by the time the highlights were on, I was ready to switch over to Channel 4 for Come Dine With Me. The only dilemma I faced was on which channel to watch, BBC or ITV? I went for ITV...
However, this has been to my attention and I thought it would be rude not to share. Very funny...Hope you enjoy!

The Royal Wedding: Abridged!
www.youtube.comLike Cribble crap: http://fb.com/cribble If you didn't have three hours to watch The Royal Wedding, or the patience, here's an abridged version to get you up... 





Just a couple of clips from the link. I recommend a viewing.

It's been a while...

It has been a while since my last post and I have to say that I am working overtime- or at least, I should say that I am suffering from sleep deprivation!
The interview for Watford is fast approaching- a bit too fast for my liking! I have been up learning, reciting, scribbling down all the UK's leading ad agencies and their clients. I have been reading up on the history of adverts and all the famous campaigns. For example, the Levi's Launderette campaign. I can tell you that BBH (Bartle Bogle Hegarty) work with KFC, Barclays Bank, Audi etc; TBWA work with Whiskers cat food, Muller Yoghurts and John Smith. I won't bore you anymore, but I feel overwhelmed with information- and I still don't know what is expected of me on the big day...


In saying that, I had a professional portfolio review the other day, in which I received positive feedback and some very invaluable advice- so thats always nice to hear.


I have also been working on a campaign for BirdsEye Fish Fingers as part of my portfolio. I have actually had great fun working on it and experimenting with various slogans. Due to the industry, I won't be posting my ideas up on here yet- maybe in a few weeks IF I get a place on the course. Finger Crossed- or perhaps more to the point, Fish Fingers Crossed!


I was also contemplating working on a campaign to encourage people to take up cycling over the summer- or more simply, to advertise Bicycles... 


As I am updating you on my creative life to date, I wanted to alert you to the typography on the McCaan Erikson Website (Subway, Mastercard, Coca Cola and I Can't Believe it's not Butter). I really loved the hand rendered text and thought that it makes/ ads a really funky, unique quality to the website. It's not as formal as some of the other websites I have been browsing, (like WPP).
So on that note, below is the typography I have been talking about. However in conjunction with the text, they also had some really characterful illustrations on the website too...me like ALOT!



I really like the simplicity of the bear, the use of line and the incorporation of text...please do 'show me the money'...I'm waiting!

AND, now back to my Google collection;

Over the past few days, there have been some really interesting creations. I thought there may have been one relating more to the Royal Wedding- after all, everything else has been, however to my surprise they have decorative and dream like. 



Wednesday 20 April 2011

Catch up.

Its been about a week since I last updated the Blog- and what a busy week it's been. My Moo.com postcards have now arrived and they do look good- even if I say so myself. So much so that I am now unsure whether I should print the final images for the exhibition on a semi gloss paper or 100% matte? decisions decisions...
I have also been preparing for my Watford interview and reading up on all the major ad agencies within the UK; all the creatives and which agency have which clients. My main struggle has been remembering all the abbreviations for the firms. For example, BMB, BBH, TBWA and WCRS. I still need to wise up on my advertising history...for example the WCRS Dambusters advert for Carling Black Label. (Apparently the most expensive advert ever made).



The above image is a clip from the famous Dambusters advert.

To continue on my theme of 'cool' Google images, I have one more to upload from the weekend. They have definitely proved to be a point of discussion between me and my friends! 


Going back to the theme of advertising, I just want to alert you to the new T-Mobile advert- a brilliantly funny Royal Wedding some what piss take. (Please excuse the language). It definitely made me chuckle when I saw it. The advert shows Royal look-a-likies bopping/ dancing down the red carpet at the church; they are so accuate, its hard to believe that its not Camilla enjoying a little grove!


The clip above shows 'Prince Charles' and 'Camilla' sharing a romantic wiggle'...


The Whole 'Royal Clan'.

Thats over and out folks!

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Bill Sharp-

As a point of reference, I am going to add Bill Sharp to my list of research material. He is an artist/ painter of urban landscapes, in which many of his paintings have similar subject matter to my photographs. He primarily uses oil and watercolour paints, yet sometimes ventures into the world of mixed-media. 


Below are some examples of his recent work:






I have to say that I am not a fan of expressionist paintings, moreover I know that the fine art style of image doesn't support my style of work nor my preferred method of working, yet the subject matter does. I think the images above show, like my photographs, how our natural landscapes are being destroyed with the growth/ development of underpasses, train tracks and general construction. 

Latest Photographic work for EEEEMMMMMPPPP.

I am now on Easter break, and even though it should be a time for eating lots and lots of chocolate, sitting in the sun and taking walks along Bournemouth's beautiful beach, I am lucky if I get to leave my room for lunch. Sad times.





I am working on/ experimenting with new photographic images, layering, editing etc. I have also been monitoring my poor bean seeds as well as prepping for my Watford interview. (4 weeks today I may add). And even though that is a fair amount of time, I just feel under pressure to get everything done and to the best of my ability. I don't want to fall at the last hurdle- like the poor horses at the Grand National on Saturday...







I am trying to be as organized as possible and therefore have written my 2000 word reflective essay- although it needs re-structuring and doesn't actually need to be in an essay format. I have decided to submit it in the style of a little booklet so I can incorporate some of my Watford work. Unfortunately, as I have replaced my sketchbook with my blog for the EMP, I can't use my blog twice- ie. in replacement for writing the essay. Again, sad times. 


Anyhoo, below are some of my latest photographic experiments.






Over the past few weeks, I have found that I have a new interest. I am becoming increasingly fascinated by Google's creativity when it comes to their logo. I have been taking note on their varying topics, from cakes/ice-creams and food to Science and technology. It maybe insignificant to most people, but due to the amount of time I spend on Google and how reliant I am on them, I want to thank them for brightening up my daily internet experience. Thanks Google. On that note, below is yesterdays and today's designs.



WHAT DO YOU THINK? COOL OR WHAT?

Saturday 9 April 2011

The Sun is out and the Beans are growing.

Its been about 10 days since I last checked on the beans, and there have 'bean' some major changes. Sorry for the awfully bad pun! Below are some of the photographs to document their progression.







The photos above show the seed that has had access to normal light conditions and has been maintained at room temperature. In contrast however, the pictures below document the seed that has been kept in the fridge. (Therefore restricted temperature). I am still surprised at how much the seed has grown despite the harsh conditions of the fridge drawer!






So that's it for today with the beans folks! Got to get on with some interview preparation for Watford! Scary stuff.

The only thing I have 'bean' considering (sorry, couldn't resist), is whether I should exhibit any of the Bean Seed photographs at the end of year show? I really like some of the pictures and think they make interesting images, yet I am unsure whether they would fit/ work alongside my landscape photographs. Something to think about I suppose.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Bean Seeds Continued...

Since starting the Runner Bean Seed experiment, I have become slightly excited about their development despite their unusual conditions. (I know they freak some people out)! Here are some more photos to record their recent growth activity...





I have also uploaded some new photo experiments that maybe part of my EMP submission. I am really enjoying Photoshop at the moment (and the results even more so). I hope you like them too :-)






I still just need to work out the size in which I want them printed and on which paper/ material. 





Sunday 3 April 2011

Christine Hargreaves- Illustrator

Even though I have used photography all the way through my EMP, it has not stopped me researching, commenting and noting down other illustrators that have caught my eye. My latest addition is an illustrator called


CHRISTINE HARGREAVES.

I really like her simple, yet delicate approach to her drawings/ collages. Much of her work is based on wildlife, with birds being the subject matter for many of her images. She also divides her time between children's narrative illustrations and more sophisticated adult illustrations. 

Her main influences include landscape and the environment with a strong sense of colour. She primarily uses printing and painting techniques to create her images. I have added a couple of Hargreaves' illustrations below:




Once again, due to her subject matter of birds and Sparrows more specifically, I thought a reference to Hargreaves work would be quite relevant- especially as they are fairly endangered in urban, heavily built up areas; thus linking back to Biodiversity and the likes.




Biodiversity

During a discussion regarding my EMP, the topic of BIODIVERSITY was mentioned- and not knowing much about it, I decided to research it further. I found it to be very interesting, and more to point, fairly relevant to my work and the point I am trying to express with my images.


Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is an internationally recognized program addressing threatened species and habitats. It is designed to protect and restore biological systems. 


 ‘Biodiversity’ – is the term given to the variety of life on Earth, and the natural patterns formed as a result. Biodiversity has been defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), signed in 1992, as:

"The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.”

The UK Government has called for the development and enforcement of national strategies and associated action plans to identify, conserve and protect existing biological diversity, and to enhance it wherever possible.  Action plans for the most threatened species and habitats have been set out to aid recovery.

England’s landscapes are valued by people for a variety of reasons and each is characterised by its own pattern of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement, which create local distinctiveness.
Landscape is more than just 'the view'. It is about the complex, interacting natural and cultural systems that make up each landscape and it is also about the relationship between people, place and nature. It is therefore essential that we protect our natural environment and restrict our building and construction.
The aim is to conserve and enhance the natural environment and deliver high quality, environmentally sustainable development. For example, in London a total of £2.6m has been awarded to 12 projects in London under Natural England’s Access to Nature programme.
The grant scheme, which is funded by £28m from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme, seeks to help communities to enjoy and improve the green spaces on their doorstep. For example, programs include:
  • bushcraft sessions;
  • hedge laying.
  • Green woodworking and creating habitats.

It is for this reason, when reading about Biodiversity, I thought it relevant to my work; 
Especially as I am commenting on how our natural environment is gradually becoming more restricted. This being due to the demands of people, increased construction and the increased need for housing and transport links etc. However, as the information above states, much of Britain's wildlife is being effected with areas of countryside being transformed from beautiful to building site...

Once again, on a completely different note, I really like the Google logo today...Very American Diner I feel!


Thursday 31 March 2011

And I forgot to Say...



My Business cards arrived (very exciting)... 


and


with some advice, I have decided to print my final 9 EMP images onto a type of double laminated foamboard. As I stated previously, I definitely don't want the photographs framed, and by using this method of printing, it keeps the images looking contemporary.(I just need to ensure that the corners don't get bent)... It also gives me the flexibility when arranging the images as I haven't decided on the layout yet; I may position the photos together to create a panoramic landscape as I won't have any heavy frames dividing up the image. Moreover, I may decide to display all the photos separately anyway?


My only concern is that the foamboard is too thin a material- and therefore, the images will be too flat against the wall when exhibited. Ideally, I would like the images to be printed on something with a depth of a couple of centimeters. So, on that basis, some more research will need to be undertaken in regards to various foamboards and their properties! However, at present, I am content with the idea of having 9 images on a foam like material...


Anyway, the printing is courtesy of a company called FLUX, based in Boscombe, Dorset. 


And on a completely random, off topic note:


I really like the Google logo/image today. 


I think it's really clever and interesting. I am always amazed at how one can combine/position objects together to create another image; or in this case, alphabetical characters. Big up to the Google! 




Runner Bean Update:

As promised, here is a photographic update of the runner bean seeds that I planted in varying conditions.






The above photographs show the seed that had normal conditions; access to normal light, water and stored at room temperature.



These photos show the seed that was kept at room temperature although in complete darkness. I was surprised with the amount that the seed actually developed considering its limited conditions.


This been seed was in the fridge. Once again, I was surprised that there had been any changes due to the cold conditions...

I'd never have thought that nature could be so resistant to such unnatural conditions. An interesting experiment that has caused some interesting results...


Sunday 27 March 2011

No need for an official title today...

First things first, George the plant has officially died and therefore is no more. (He has however been wrapped in cling film for the past few weeks, so not really that surprising)... Secondly, some more exciting news; some of the Runner Bean seeds have started to sprout and grow roots. Even the ones with fairly limited light and even less oxygen! (Photo updates to follow shortly).


However, back to the research and reference material for my EMP...


I have found a very interesting contemporary photographer called 
Paul Raphaelson.


He is an American artist born in NYC,(1968) best known for his urban landscape photography. 
After moving to Rhode Island, he began producing often dark, complex images depicting urban, suburban and industrial landscapes. 


His work is said to blur the lines between classical formal modernism and the politically aware NEW TOPOGRAPHICS photography from the 1970s. 





I really like his photographs as they are not pretty images. I like the fact that they are 'hard core' urban landscapes, showing scenes that ordinarily may have been ignored if not for Raphaelson's photography. I like the combination of road signs, text (in the first image), greenery etc. His work is also relevant to my EMP as once again, it depicts how nature and greenery is restricted within urban locations.


Thursday 24 March 2011

George Shaw

George Shaw is another artist that I feel is relevant to mention in regards to my work. He is a contemporary artist from Coventry, whom is noted for his highly detailed naturalistic approach as well as his English suburban subject matter. Interestingly, Shaw's preferred method of working is with mini enamel paints; much like those used to paint toy models.


He first attracted attention for painting the estate in which he grew up in the 1970s; The Tile Hill suburb of Coventry.


Once again, I feel Shaw's work supports my work/ photographs from the Negotiated Practice Unit as I focussed on Urban landscapes, high rise buildings and council estates. The main difference between us is methodology rather than the subject matter.




The images above are just a couple of examples of Shaw's enamel landscapes.



(Just  a reminder of one of the photographs used for the negotiated practice)

Update Alert.

So, for the moment I think things are progressing relatively smoothly.


1.I got an interview for Watford! Wayhaaaaaaay...


AND

2. I think the photos I have been working on will work well for my EMP final Piece.


3. I just ordered my first set of business cards. (And hence I am feeling rather old and fairly grown up)...


I just need to remember to stay calm, prioritize and make sure I do my research for the interview. 


Although I am pleased with the outcomes of my photos, I need to decide how best to exhibit them for the end of year show. I know that I don't want the images framed and I know that I want them to have a matte finish rather than glossy. I am no longer considering the option of fabric as I don't want the images to loose the photographic quality that thick Cartridge paper offers. However, my issue is having them displayed forward from the wall- ie. not flush.


I have also decided on reflection and with the aid of a tutorial, that I will no longer embroider and sew into the images- I am going to leave them as they are; especially as when viewed together, they create an interesting panoramic landscape. 




The photographs above are from my more recent photographic explorations!

 And once again, all the photos are my own; I hope you like them. 

Interestingly, in my last tutorial, a reference to the English artist John Constable was made- especially in terms of hues; colour palette and tone. 

The images below are actually some examples of Constable's work.



He was an English Romantic painter whom was born in Suffolk. He is known principally for his landscape paintings of Dedham Vale, the area surrounding his home—now known as "Constable Country"—which he invested with an intensity of affection. "I should paint my own places best", he wrote to his friend John Fisher in 1821, "painting is but another word for feeling".

I find it quite ironic that Constable was mentioned as a comparison to my work as I have visited Flatford Mill in the past. Flatford Mill is a rural place, surrounded in thick woods, wildlife and beautiful views; It is also referenced in several of Constable's paintings. I also find the Constable reference interesting as he painted the good ol' English countryside as it was back in the 18th and 19th Centuries; Where in comparison, I am highlighting the fact that we are destroying/ restricting our natural habitats with over building and populating 200 years later. 

The image below shows Constable's The Haywain; one of his most famous paintings. Flatford Mill can be seen on the left hand side.




The image below shows The Mill as it is today- located in Suffolk.