Cheng Mun's 2208 Journal: tut

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Stencil Cutting:

Original Image

Onto Tracing Paper

In order to transfer the original image onto the card paper, we had employ the skills we learnt during the 'lines' tutorial to trace the image onto tracing paper first.

Transferred to Card Paper

This is one skill I was very excited to learn! I never knew we could transfer drawings from tracing paper onto another paper. Why didn't our primary schools teach us this skill unlike Miss Eve's primary school?! *inserts angry emoji*

Basically, to transfer the image, we had to flip the traced image over and draw over the pencil markings.

To create the stencil, the shaded areas have to be cut out. We also have to ensure that the white areas remain connected so the stencil would not fall apart.

Painted with Black Acrylic Paint

As I did not have spray paint, I used acrylic paint instead. Painting over the stencil made Ariel look like a ghost.

Stencil Alongside Final Image

Compared to the original image, the final image is more simplified and a lot of details are lost. I had originally wanted to include the details but faced a tremendously difficult time finding ways to create bridges for every detail.

Despite the loss of details, the image is still recognisable.

Response:
The original image makes Ariel seem more cheerful, possibly due to the bright colours used. After painting over the stencil, colours and depth are lost. The final image looks flatter and more minimal as a result. Cutting the stencil look a long time as it was my first attempt at creating a stencil. Many details (e.g. shells, strands of hair) were lost as they were hard to cut and bridges between that many details were hard to create.

Description:
As mentioned, the final image looks flatter and more minimal as there is only one colour. Details were also lost due to the difficulties I had with including the details and creating bridges for them. Nonetheless, the contrast between black and white still makes the final image look visually appealing.

Analysis and Interpretation:
With the colours lost, it may be difficult to identify the character as Ariel as the iconic red hair is now gone. Without shadows, Ariel's bikini top does not look like shells anymore. Using black as the base, the character now exhibits a more grungy style, deviating from the cheerful and happy Ariel portrayed in the original image.

Evaluation:
As it was my first attempt at stenciling, the stencil is not cut as smoothly as I hoped. I also did not possess knowledge sophisticated enough to include all the details I had intended to include.

Paper Cutting:

Original Image

Transferred and Traced Images

Similar to Stencil Cutting, Paper Cutting involves tracing and transferring the original image. Bridges must also be formed to ensure that the final product stays together.

The difference lies in the areas being cut out. For Stencil Cutting, you would want the final image to be cut out. However, for Paper Cutting, you would want the final image to remain.

Final on Black Surface

Final on Wooden Surface

Response:

The original image is very colourful. The use of cool colours makes the image look rather cold and detached, yet also oddly calming. This is also my first attempt at paper cutting. Compared to the image used in the stencil cutting exercise (Ariel), there are way more details to be cut out here.

Description:

One can still see buildings and a slope in this landscape. However, the slope is not as obvious as before.

Analysis and Interpretation:

The buildings are still relatively obvious because of the clear outlines and cut outs of windows, allowing us to associate it to a building. However, the slope is not as obvious, possibly due to my selection of details to cut out.

When placed on a black surface, the contrast is very apparent and the details are stark and clear. The image gives off a cool, yet detached. On the other hand, the textured wooden surface lends a more rustic and warm feel to the overall image. Here, I discovered that the backdrop plays an important part in determining the vibe and atmosphere of the final image.

Evaluation:

As it was my first attempt at paper cutting, the final product is not cut as smoothly as I hoped as well. Due to the very tiny details of some elements which necessitated the creation of even tinier bridges, this second exercise had to be done very meticulously. Unfortunately, as some of these bridges were very thin and small, some of them broke. Nonetheless, the entire image still manages to stay as a whole due to the other connections present.

Original Image

Negative Space

Response:

In my first attempt at positive and negative space, I did not really know which parts I should black out. The original image has a sense of melancholy as Totoro stares into the distance, and somewhat blends into the background due to the similarity of colours.

Description:

The first step I took was to black out the background. As a result, Totoro stands out more as there is a significant contrast in colours. The black colour also makes the mountains in the original image look like the night sky.

Next, I blacked out the tree branches as well as the foreground, excluding the two creatures. This made the the remaining characters seem like they are enveloped in shadows, giving a more sinister vibe to the image. By blacking out the background and foreground, perceived distance disappears. Totoro and the two creatures seem much nearer to one another. Perhaps, this is due to the eradication of the different shades of colours which give depth to an image.

Thereafter, I decided to black out the two creatures, and part of Totoro's body. With most of the details removed, Totoro looks just like a baby in a blanket, with a tree branch tattoo.

After colouring Totoro's eyes, it looks more sinister than ever, as its eyes look hollow.

Analysis and Interpretation:

When colours and/or shades of colours are removed, perceived distance and depth disappears (i.e. when a single colour is used, one cannot perceive distance). Removing certain details can completely alter the meaning and intention of the original image. In this case, the melancholic landscape has now turned into one where Totoro looks like a sinister baby in a blanket.

Evaluation:

In this exercise, I had left Totoro to the last. However, I wonder how the image would have turned out if Totoro, the main element of this image, were to be the first element blacked out. Perhaps, by blacking Totoro out, it would look more like a shadow in the background, extending the distance between the two creatures in front and Totoro.

As such, the choice of blacking out different elements may result in differing perceived distances. When the background and foreground is blackened, perceived distance shortens. When Totoro is blacked out, perceived distance lengthens.

Positive Space

Response:

I had wanted to see what the same images looked like when coloured white, hence I replicated the sequence above, but in white this time. By comparing two of the same images, differing effects of positive and negative space becomes clearer.

Description:

I followed the steps I did in the 'negative space' exercise above.

With a white background, the image looks brighter and more ethereal. The trees can be seen here as opposed to 'negative space' as the black contrasts with the white background (gestalt principles - figure and ground).

After removing the grass patches and trees, the background and foreground is now connected by a single colour. This, similar to 'negative space' removes perceived distance due to the eradication of shades, shadows and details.

Just like 'negative space', removing the two creatures make Totoro seem like it is under a white blanket.

Analysis and Interpretation:

In both exercises, removing shades, shadows and details leads to the loss of perceived distance. The reasons for the difference in the meaning of the final images go back to colour. When black is used, the image seems more sinister and menacing. This is because black is commonly associated with death, mourning and evil. With the whites brought out, the image seems less menacing. This is because white is commonly thought to be pure, ethereal, and innocent.

Evaluation:

In subsequent exercises, I should try to remove prominent elements in the background instead of the background itself, to determine the various implications of positive and negative space.

Scale:
Original Image

Scaling the planets

Scaling the planets did not result in a stark difference from the original image. The scaled images still look relatively normal. On one hand, it could be because the difference in the sizes of the planets scaled are not significantly different. On the other, it could because the differing sizes of the planets still mimic reality.

When comparing the scaled images, the differing sizes results in perceived distance. The smaller the planet, the further away it seems.

Scaling the astronaut (in the middle)

Similar to the scaled planets, the scaled astronaut looks normal. The smaller the astronaut, the further away it looks.

Scaling the head of an astronaut

I wanted to create something that did not look normal. Hence, I enlarged the head of the astronaut. This made the astronaut look more cartoon-like. When a section of an element is scaled, the deviation from the original image (on the left) is more obvious.

Constructive Critique

The original image is a magical starscape. As mentioned, when an entire element is scaled, the resulting image looks relatively normal. The difference in sizes leads to perceived distance where the larger image looks closer to the viewer. Then again this depends on the context of the image as well.

When a portion of an element is scaled, the resulting image may deviate from the norm and seem odd. With reference to the final image of the scaled head, the larger head makes the astronaut look more cartoon-like on its own. However, when compared to the other astronauts, he seems as though he has an allergic reaction of some sort. This highlights the importance of contextual cues.

Thus, from this exercise, I learnt that size creates distance, and context provides important insight to how "normal" an image seems.

Repetition:

Learning from the 'scaling' exercise. in order to make the image look unusual, I had chosen to duplicate the heads.

Constructive Critique

I was drawn to the original image because of the colour scheme used. The colours green and purple are complementary on the colour wheel, and the neon colours make the image pop and stand out. The original image looks like a normal beach scene with the sun setting in the background.

The final image is wildly distorted. By duplicating the heads, the meaning of the image has most definitely shifted from the originally simple beach scene. As the face is typically a representation of one's identity, when the faces are multiplied, it points towards the multitude of identities the character holds. When the head is placed in the sky, it's size in comparison to the female in the background makes her seem like an all knowing, god-like figure.

Here, I attempted to make the image seem more normal by duplicating the cans of, what I assume is, beer. By duplicating the beers, the meaning of the image has also shifted to make the character seem more like an alcoholic.

As such, from this exercise, I learnt that the choice of element one chooses to replicate has differing implications on the meaning of the final image. The number of times an element is replicated also results in separate meanings. With reference to the image above, the more the beer cans, the greater the severity of her drinking problem seems.

Deconstruction:

Here, the deviation of the final image from the original image is most apparent. I first cut out all the elements of the original image. Many of the resulting images were not whole and had random gaps and holes in them as the original image was heavily layered.

Constructive Critique

Again, I was drawn to the original image due to the striking neon colours and the whimsical foodscape.

The final deconstructed image has transformed into an alien battlefield. The arrangement of the various elements, coupled with common associations of various shapes (e.g. circles to eyes), allow viewers to perceive the combination of elements as an alien.

Depending on how one deconstructs and arranges the elements, the resulting image can be a complete deviation from the original image. The meaning and the intention of the original image is completely lost in the final image.

Original Artwork:

Hot Air Balloons Folk Art Painting by Renie Britenbucher

Obtained from: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/49597155/hot-air-balloons-whimsical-colorful

Traced Images:

a) Outlines only

b) Thicker outlines of some elements

c) Details only

d) Dotted outlines of hot air balloons

e) Thick, coloured outlines of hot air balloons

f) Thin outlines + coloured details

g) The whole sky

h) Darker parts of the sky

i) The whole grass

j) Shadows on the grass

When details are taken out of the original image like in (a), the image is still somewhat comprehensible (even to friends who have not seen the original image). However, the whimsical nature of the original image is removed, and we are left with empty bulbous forms.

When the details are traced, some of the hot air balloons are still comprehensible because the details follow the shape of the balloon. On the other hand, the trees become completely indiscernible. The overall image becomes less obvious relative to (a), and it could take some time for viewers to realise that those are details of hot air balloons.

This is interesting because while I was looking through some of my classmates' blogs, I noticed that the details were what made the image comprehensible.

Then again, when the landscape is totally removed like in (b) and (d), it becomes almost impossible to tell that they are hot air balloons. Perhaps, due to our tendency to associate round shapes on landscapes to hot air balloons, it is easy for us to discern what the image is when both elements are included.

Experimentation:

Initially, I attempted to experiment with the different layers in photoshop. I reduced the opacity of all the individually scanned images and layered them differently. However, in doing that, the results were not prominent and the positioning of the layers were not obvious, as compared to the layers that were directly scanned together.

For example, in (b) and (c), the different positions of individual layers are very apparent but when layered the same way in photoshop, (e) is produced for both. Similarly, even when a thicker outline is used like in (d), the position of the thicker outline is not clear unlike in (a) where is is obvious that the thicker outline is in front.

On the bright side, the colours are brighter when photoshop is used as they do not get diluted by the thick layers of tracing paper - compare (b) and (c) to (a).

When the thicker outline is placed in front like in (a), it gives dimension to the image where some balloons seem to be "jumping out" at us, as compared to (b) where the image is more flat. When the details are placed in front like in (c), the hot air balloons look relatively normal whereas the shadows look very unnatural. This is probably because shadows are naturally of a lighter and softer shade, while patterns on hot air balloons are very colourful and random.

Here, I replaced the black outlines with colourful dotted ones. This adds a very whimsical and playful touch to the image, which reminds me of Arabic lights (pictured above).

Next, when I removed the grass layer, I was pleasantly surprised with a landscape that looks like snow-capped mountains.

These are some of the images I came up with, with the thick coloured outlines. Individually, the lines look very rough and uneven due to the marker used. In my opinion, it does not really look like anything and it is not very appealing. However, when combined with the black details, it reminds me of pop art, where vivid colours and bold black lines are prominent.

Again, when the black outline is layered on top, the pinks and blues are diluted. Regardless, the colours still clash in a beautiful way and the shadows look more natural - one of my favourite compositions!

Finally, when the sky and grass layers are layered behind, the balloons do not stand out anymore due to the similarity of colours.

These are the final versions with the coloured layer. Comparing the first two images, although the colours got diluted because of the additional layer, the image with the thicker outline is, in my opinion, more attractive than the one outlined with a thin pen. Since the hot air balloons are the highlight of the artwork, I believe the use of a thicker outline would help make the hot air balloons stand out more.

Again, when a variation of outlines is used, the hot air balloons that are outlined with the thicker marker seem to be "nearer" to us as compared to those outlined with a thin pen.

Beauty in Chaos:

Paying homage to Dada, I came up with images that went against conventional rules. Layers were flipped (a, b, c), intentionally misaligned (e), and landscapes were placed in front (d).

As a result, (a) looks very abstract and the original landscape looks more like the sea now.

The misaligned/flipped dotted layer becomes separate from the hot air balloons, and acts like its own element. For example, in (c), the dots resemble fairy/christmas lights. Those in the sky could also be said to look like fireworks.

Constructive Critique:

When I first looked at the original image, I was drawn towards the landscape and its beautiful colours. Upon further research, I realised an annual Hot Air Balloon Festival happens near the artist's house, and if the wind and weather is right, she would get to see the hot air balloons float over her house.

By capturing the scene on canvas, the artist had probably wanted to retain a "snapshot" of this magical moment indefinitely.

In my opinion, the painting brings a sense of warmth and longing. Originally, I thought it looked rather playful due to the combination of colours. However, I later noticed that the colours seem to be of a darker shade, and are not explosively bright. This allows the artist's sense of nostalgia and longing for this yearly event to effectively shine through.

In the layers I have created, although the whimsical nature of the image is brought out - such as when the dotted outline was used - the sense of nostalgia and longing is lost completely. Even when colours and outlines of details were used, that feeling of warmth is not brought back. Perhaps, this is due to the lack of black (except in the shadows) used in the original image?

Thus, from this exercise, I learnt that lines are effective in giving emphasis and depth to an element. The thicker and darker the line, the greater the emphasis. Layering the separately traced elements also give a sense of depth to the final image. Finally, the use of different types of lines gives rise to different messages, as can be seen in the dotted outline adding a touch of whimsicality to the image.

Picture credits: [Arabic lights] [Pop art]

Group mates: Lin Lin, Olivia, Deanne

Meltdown by Kerby Rosanes

Obtained from: http://kerbyrosanes.com/post/100655507202/meltdown-another-take-on-the-causes-and-threats-of

Response:

During class discussion, there was a unanimous decision to go with the artwork Lin Lin had selected as we felt that there is a lot more than meets the eye. Although it may look simple upon first glance, the explosive details Rosanes incorporated into his artwork really took our breath away.

Description:

Produced by doodle artist, Kerby Rosanes, Meltdown depicts a menacing polar bear being torn apart by factories, vehicles, computers, poison, and more. This was done in black and white, on a moleskine journal.

Analysis and Interpretation:

Though seemingly drawn at random, Rosanes' highly intentional choice of including certain elements illustrates his take on the issue of climate change. Along with its expression, the huge space the polar bear occupies points towards its ferocity and power. Ironically, this powerful creature is brutally ripped apart by the clutches of global warming, highlighting the deadliness of this phenomenon.

The black ink used by Rosanes mimics the smoke produced by factories, one of the many causes of global warming. Furthermore, by using only black ink, Rosanes effectively brings out the deathly effects of this pressing issue where the page portraying pollution is darker as opposed to the page on the right. As such, this helps viewers empathise with the sense of suffocation felt by the creatures attempting to escape.

Evaluation and Judgment:

We felt that Rosanes' choice of drawing a polar bear is very apt as polar bears are often used as a symbol of the deadly effects of global warming.

Intentional or not, we also think that in choosing to tackle this issue through the form of doodling, Rosanes manages to highlight the way in which the general public view global warming. Just like how doodles are often said to be done absent-mindedly and not viewed as something with high importance, the threats and effects of global warming may be similarly dismissed or overshadowed by other issues.

What was initially thought to be a simple doodle provoked us to think deeper into the issue of pollution and climate change.

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Cheng Mun's 2208 Journal

W7 Tutorial | Stencil and Paper Cutting

W6 Tutorial | Positive and Negative Space

W5 Tutorial | Collage

W4 Tutorial | Lines

W3 Tutorial | Constructive Critique

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