Time Based Media Unit 7 Evaluation

I have found experiencing working with contemporary time-based forms of art and design valuable because it has allowed me to explore both modern and old animation techniques. It has made me appreciate how far animation and time-based forms have developed over the years and how we should conserve it for future generations. I have found working with contemporary time-based forms valuable because it has allowed me to gain skills and knowledge that I will develop further in the future such as computer devices and software programs. The final recording for the Zoetrope worked out well because all of my drawings were equal and connected to each other successfully so that the animation would work well. To improve my zoetrope images, I would include colour to my character to make the scene stand out better through the process when it is spun. I think that our I-Movie turned out well because it incorporated all the elements required for the task and matched the subject that we wanted to create. To improve the piece as a group we would have liked to extend the movie further as we didn’t talk about Andy Warhols enough and mainly focused on the screen-printing process. I believe that the action-painting outcome did turn out well as it expressed my thoughts and emotions and related back to Jackson Pollocks work and techniques. However, I would change the video recording because I think that it is too slow and it would work more effectively as a fast motion piece. I think that the collection of reportage drawing was successful because I took photographs at every piece which built up to show my development throughout the task on my blog. Finally, I think that the Stop-Frame animation film turned out well because the whole video and story flowed successfully and created the story that we presented on our storyboard. I think that collecting research around time based artists such as Helen Green, David Hockney and Bill Viola was effective because it presented how artists are using a variety of time-based elements to create their own individual artwork. I believe the artist Helen Green inspired me in the project because I wasn’t confident with creating a gif file but I was determined to learn because I found Helens work incredible. By collecting research about Bill Viola, it has allowed me to analyse how effective his work is because I have learnt the inspiration behind his pieces. I found the visit to the “Animotion Workshop” interesting as it allowed me to explore different animation techniques and the processes behind each individual piece in the exhibition. It allowed me to explore and learn about both old and new animation techniques and to interact with them as a visitor. Throughout the workshops I have planned and prepare for the tasks through creating story boards which allowed me to develop my ideas. Also I have planned in this project through taking photographs which were taken into the Gif task. In the project, I have applied practical skills from each workshop and produced 5 different edits. I have also applied practical skills from video outcomes from each individual workshop I completed. Also, I have collected a series of images from the reportage drawing workshop which shows my development. I have also gained practical skills through the software Photoshop and I-movie as I have gained confidence with using them. I have had difficulties in the production of the Time-based project as I had a problem with uploading videos I have taken onto my blog. To overcome the problem, I created a YouTube account and placed all of my videos onto that channel. All the links from the YouTube videos were placed onto my blog which solved the problem about uploading videos. Throughout the project I have used my blog as a digital sketchbook to document my workshop tasks, research and video outcomes. I believe that I have used the blog well and have gained confidence with using the “blogger” website to upload elements onto the page. To improve my blog content I would include more videos and images as I believe that some of the workshop tasks I completed doesn’t have enough photos or films. I believe that I have managed my time in workshop tasks and outcomes but I haven’t managed time well when writing on my digital sketchbook. I will develop my time-management skills for the next project and develop what I have learnt from this project.

Jackson Pollock and Action Painting Workshop

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock is an American, abstract expressionist artist who is known for creating the most iconic abstract styles in the history of modern art. During his early life, Pollock experienced Native American Culture which led to influences and similarities through his artwork. When he moved to New York in 1929 he was also inspired and influenced by Mexican Mural Painters and works by Picasso. His involvement with gestural painting was inspired partly by the sand paintings of the American Indians and partly by surrealism. Jackson started to create techniques of dripping trails of paint onto a canvas laid flat on the floor which was named “action painting”. In 1940 he introduced this technique because he was aware of human vulnerability after World War II and he wanted to express his concerns through abstract art and “action painting”. To create the action paintings, canvases were set on the floor or laid out against a wall, rather than being fixed onto an easel. Then Jackson used the style where he would allow the paint to drip from the can at different angles to create effects onto the canvas. Instead of using a brush, he would add depth to his images using knives, trowel or sticks. The pieces reflect the artist’s emotions, expression and moods when he created them which makes the artwork individual and unique. Another technique that Pollock uses is the “All-Over Method” which avoids any clear points of emphasis or parts within the canvas being used to create the piece. The images which were created using this painting technique has no relation to the style of canvas used which makes his pieces unique. The canvases had to be cropped and trimmed in order for the final image to fit in that Jackson created. In the 1960s Jackson Pollock was viewed as one of the most important figures in the art world and continues to inspire abstract artists. The risks and creative approaches he took has influenced future artists to create pieces through abstract expressionism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfwUxQrDGqw- This Video presents Jackson Pollock creating an "Action Piece" painting.

This Image captures Jackson Pollock when he created
"action paintings".

Convergence 1952

Reflection of the Big Dipper, 1947

References- http://www.jackson-pollock.org/ 

 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/jackson-pollock-1785

On Thursday 23^rd of February we completed an “Action Painting” workshop inspired by the works of Jackson Pollock. The task allowed me to apply my previous artist research knowledge to support solutions to a time-based problem in art & design. Also the task allowed demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions to the project. Finally the project allowed us to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve time-base problem in art & design. To start the task we collected a variety of paints and materials to create a Jackson Pollock “Action Painting” style piece. Once the collected the materials I needed, I started to set up the environment for where the action piece was going to be create. In order to film and document my action-painting a clear piece of Perspex was used so that the camera could be place underneath to capture the paint being placed onto the surface. By placing the camera underneath the Perspex it gave a special effect as the video appears to be covered in paint. Also, by filming the development of the action-painting, it relates to Jackson Pollock’s work because he built up his pieces with layers of paint and tools. I decided to use primary colours to create my action painting piece because they are bold colours that are eye-catching and relate to Jackson Pollock’s work as he used the same colours for his work. I also used primary colours because they would stand out on the Perspex when the filming it. To build up the piece I created, I used different techniques to place the paint onto paper which gave a unique effect like Jackson Pollock’s work. Once I completed the action-painting the final outcome was presented on the Perspex.

Final "action" piece outcome and the materials
that I used.



Final Action Painting Piece

Overall, I am really pleased with my action painting and video outcome because I have presented each step and process I did in order to complete the piece. Also I am pleased with my action painting because I used a variety of colours and techniques to build up the final piece which expressed my thoughts and ideas when creating it. I enjoyed expressing my ideas and filming the process I made to present my final idea because I believe it related back to Jackson Pollock’s Work. My final piece relates to Jackson Pollock’s work because I built up the work with a variety of different colours and tools. Also, my piece relates to Jackson Pollock’s work because I used similar materials and tools to create my final design. However, my final piece and Jackson Pollock’s work has differences because we expressed different thoughts and ideas when creating the action painting. Finally, my final outcome is individual and personal to me which makes it unique like Jackson Pollock’s work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea3v_GRPxNw&feature=youtu.be - Video Of My "Action Painting Piece

Reportage Drawing

Also on Thursday 18^th of February we continued to explore workshop tasks and created a series of “Reportage Drawing”. This technique involved capturing moments from different drawing elements including line drawing, quick sketches and observational drawings. The task allowed us to demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions to the project. Finally, the workshop allowed us to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve problems in the workshop.

To start the task we collected paper and a variety of different materials to work with to create our reportage drawings. Firstly, we created quick sketches and focused on drawing people in the class. We created 5 different sketches in the time slot we were given and used different materials for each drawing. 5 sketches were created on one sheet because it allowed us to show our progress and development throughout the task. Also, we created 5 different sketches because it allowed us to explore drawing a variety of different facial features. We also used different materials because it allowed me to develop my strengths in particular materials but also give me confidence with new materials. Different materials were also used to identify the individual sketches I have created and the development of my work.. I found creating quick sketches challenging at first because I was wanted my drawings to be detailed and resemble from what I were observing. However, after developing my skills at each sketch, I learnt that creating quick drawings needed to be simple when presenting features. At the end of the task I gained confidence with creating quick sketches as I could include basic features and outlines in the time slot I was given and relate to what I observed.

First quick sketch attempt didn't work because
I focused on the hairstyle for too long.

The second outcome was developed as I completed
the full outline and some facial elements.




The third attempt wasn't successful as
I was drawing from a different angle.

The fourth attempt was better as I developed
and emphasised features which was the hair.



The fifth attempt presents my development
and understanding of the technique.

Final Page

  After creating quick sketches we completed continuous line drawings that observed people and objects around the room. We continued to use the same process with using different materials to allow me gain confidence with using materials and develop the skills I previously had. Continuous line drawing is a technique where the pen can’t leave the paper which creates an individual drawing effect. I repeated the same process and observed 5 different objects and features which were developed throughout the session. I enjoyed creating continuous line drawings because I could emphasise shades and tones with the thickness and amount of lines. Also, I enjoyed creating continuous line drawings because the unique effect made all my drawings eye-catching.

First attempt went well as I created the piece
which matches the object I observed.

Second attempt wasn't successful as I couldn't create
the specific facial features.

 






Third attempt was successful because all the
lines connected worked effectively and matched
the object I observed.



 





Fourth attempt was successful because it
allowed me to include tone and shading
with the thickness of the lines.

The Fifth attempt was the most successful piece because
it presents my development of the technique.

 

 

 

Next we created drawings around observing an object and shutting our eyes to create the sketches. We continued to use a variety of materials and created 5 different observational drawings. I found completing this task challenging as I couldn’t control the drawings which made them look irregular and didn’t relate to the object I was drawing from. However, I did develop my skills and by the end of the task I enjoyed creating the objects with this technique.


The second attempt presents my development and
confidence that I gained in the task.

The first attempt wasn't successful because I didn't
feel confident with using the technique.

The third attempt was not successful as I couldn't draw
individual objects within the piece I was wanting to create.

The fourth attempt was successful as all the lines
and sketches are joined together to create the object
I observed.

 

 

Finally, for the last “Reportage Drawing” we created a piece that involved drawing a variety of objects with different materials and each time a new drawing was completed the page was turned around to create different angled drawings. I enjoyed creating this task because it allowed me to create different layers of the variety of objects I observed. Also, I liked how all the different elements are combined together to create one final, abstract piece. Finally, I enjoyed creating this task because it allowed me to use and develop all the materials that I have used throughout the workshop to make one piece.

All the images from this technique present the process and layers
that were developed to create the final piece.

Overall, the “Reportage Drawing” workshop was successful because it allowed me to develop and gain confidence with new drawing techniques and materials.

 

 

 

Thaumatrope and I-Movie

On Thursday 18^th of February we completed a workshop based around the classic Thaumatrope animation and creating our own videos and editing them through the app I-Movie. The workshop allowed us to demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions for the task. Also the workshop allowed us to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve time-based problems in the task. Firstly we were given a brief introduction into the animation technique “Thaumatrope”. The Thaumatrope is a Victorian toy which is made from a simple disk that features a different picture on each side. The disk is attached to two pieces of string and when the strings are spun rapidly, the disk rotates and the two images appear to combine. The animation technique was invented by John Ayrton Paris in 1825 who was an English physician. Also, in the introduction we watched a presentation that explored the history of animation which I thought was interesting because it showed me how much animation has developed over the years to create the modern animation films we watch today. After the introduction about “Thaumatrope” we watched a tutorial on how to create them which led to a task that allowed us to create our own “Thaumatrope”.

To start the task we were given templates that had different character outlines which were going to be combined together to create a “Thaumatrope”. The two separate images were upside down because when they are combined it gives the successful outcome that the device creates. Also the templates had the same outline for the hole puncher to be measured from because both pieces have to be equal when spun together in order for the device to work. Once we chose the templates we cut them out and stuck the circles together. Then we attached rubber bands to the end of each circle to allow the spinning technique and animation to work correctly. The outcome worked successfully and I repeated the process a couple of times which included my own “Thaumatrope” design. I enjoyed creating these devices because it allowed me to collect inspiration from the templates to create my own designs which were also successful. Also I enjoyed creating “Thaumatropes”because they were an easy device to make which allowed me to create a variety of pieces in the workshop.

Templates For The "Thaumatrope".

The Two Selected Scene Templates



The Final Template Thaumatropes

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnvOwjW8Hcw - Video Of My First Thaumatrope

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3nE4GilN9I - Video Of My Second Thaumatrope

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsoosvQrUP8&feature=youtu.be- Video Of My Third Thaumatrope

 

After the “Thaumatrope” workshop we started a new task which was to create an I-Movie film. At the start of the task I didn’t feel confident because of the app as I had difficulties using it before in the Stop-Motion animation workshop. However I wanted to develop my skills and gain skills from using the software so this task allowed me achieve this. I-Movie is a video editing software which can create a variety of films including elements such as photos and sound clips. For the task we put into teams and had to decide what topic to choose from which was to either create a film about Andy Warhol or Grayson Perry, to create a film about an artistic process such as screen printing or create a short film about promoting college. As a team we decided to create a short movie about Andy Warhol as we had previous knowledge of the artist and we believed that we could incorporate elements into the short film. Also we decided to create a short movie based around him because as a team we had library books about the artist which included images and information which was useful for the project. Finally, we decided to choose this topic because we could incorporate a screen-printing process because Andy Warhol used this method to create his artwork. After choosing the topic, we gave each individual team roles and planned out what we were going to create. Our storyboard and plan is presented below. The storyboard allowed the whole team to understand what were going to create and what elements we were going to incorporate at each stage. Also the storyboard was useful as it allowed us to include all the elements that the I-Movie had to incorporate which was:

•Add a video

•Picture

•Theme music or sound effects (built in)

•Voice over

•Sound effect

•Music

•Text

Storyboard

To create the “Brief History” Of Andy Warhol we had to record a voice-over in a quiet room for the IPad to pick up the recording. Before we created the recording, we created a script which highlighted Key points in Andy Warhol’s career. The voice over was going to be played through a selection of Andy Warhol’s artwork that we collected through the library books. After completing the “brief history” we moved onto creating a screen print for the short film. To capture the technique, we filmed a video showing the process at each step and relating back to the same technique that Andy Warhol used. Once we collected both of these elements we started to edit the short movie but we faced a problem with the voice recording. Initially we decided as a team to break the voice over parts into different sections of the video but this sadly didn’t work. To solve the problem we created another voice clip that combined all of the information together.  Eventually we edited and created a final short film that incorporated all the elements required for the task.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkqQyO34mSY&sns=em - Our Short Film

 

 



Stop Motion Animation Workshop

On Tuesday 16^th of February, I completed a stop-motion animation workshop which was create, complete and edit our own short stop-motion films. The workshop allowed us to apply practical skills, understanding and methods to solve time-based problems in the task. Also, the workshop allowed us to demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and prepare solutions for the time-based project.  To start the workshop, we were given an introduction into stop-motion animation and the history behind the technique. Stop Motion is an animation technique that makes objects appear like it is moving on its own through photography and film. The first stop motion technique was created in 1887 by Albert E Smith and J Start Blackton called “Humpty Dumpty Circus”. Around this time stop motion animation was seen as “Magic” and audiences were amazed by objects moving around by themselves. Then we explored the development of stop-motion through the years and iconic animators such as Willis O Brian who created King Kong scene in 1935 and Ray Harryhousen who is famous for creating stop motion sci-fi films. After we were given the background history and development of Stop-motion animation, we were given the different elements within the technique that we could use to create our own animations. The stop motion animation techniques included clay, graphic, cut out and puppet animation. To create the our final piece we decided to choose “cut out” stop-motion animation technique because we believed that we could create an effective piece of work from paper. Also, we decided to choose this technique because as a team we felt confident with creating 3D paper models and origami which gave us inspiration to create our final animation piece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGh6maN4l2I- Humorous phases of funny faces created in 1906

To start the final stop motion animation piece we started to create a story and theme for our piece which was inspired by paper sculpting and cut out techniques. We decided to create a story about 2 swans dancing because origami would be incorporated into the animation which allowed us to match the stop-motion animation element. Also, we decided to create a story about 2 swans dancing because it relates to the birds in real life who swim around each other called a “dance” when they first meet each other. As a group, we believed that we could re-create this story into a stop-motion animation and present our skills by allowing the birds to dance in the movie. Before we started to create the piece, we first created a storyboard to plan out what we were going to make and what materials were needed. By using a storyboard, it was useful for the group because it allowed us to understand how the piece was going to be created and what we needed to complete in order to achieve it. Also, the storyboard was useful because it allowed us to explore and combine our ideas together to create a final scene that was ready to be developed into the next stage.

To create the final piece, we decided to create a water background to symbolise the swans dancing in water. A background was created because it allowed the scene to be more realistic and understandable to match the story we wanted to create. Also we believed that creating a background would make the scene more engaging and eye-catching when the final piece was edited and created. Watercolour paints were used to create a peaceful, water background which presented shade and tones. However, watercolour paints were not useful as the camera didn’t pick up the colours when photographs were taken. Also, watercolour paints were not useful because it didn’t make the origami swans stand out on the sheet. To solve the problem we decided to use acrylic paints to create a more colourful background which had more tones and shading. This made the origami swans start and all the pieces were ready to be taken and edited.

Origami Birds

Water colour background for the scene. 

A photograph of myself creating a watercolour
background.

Frist initial background colour.



Creating Origami Birds

Final acrylic background for the scene with
different shades and tones.

To capture the scene through stop-motion animation and make it accurate we collected a camera and tripod. The tripod was used because it allowed the camera to be held at the same positon throughout the scene which would make the final piece equal and accurate when created. Also a tripod was used to position the camera at a particular angle so that all the photos taken would be equal and accurate. For the stop-motion animation to work, we placed the origami swans onto the paper and moved them at short distances at each stage and took a photograph which was built up to create the dance scene. I found moving the origami swans challenging because I kept moving them at bigger distances and placing them out of shape. However, I gained confidence from the task and created a full scene which was captured on camera. After creating our original idea, we had spare time, so we decided to create a title for our piece which would be incorporated into the animation film. We decided to keep the title of the film simple and named it “Swan Dance”. Stop motion animation was used to move the letters of the title away from the centre so that the story would arrive after they left. Paper cut outs were used to create the title which matched the animation technique. After the title was created, we captured all of our scenes and moved to the University Of Barnsley to edit them.

Swan dance title and scene.



Final title and scene

 

Filming Scene



The camera used to create the scene.

To combine and edit our scenes, we placed the images onto the IMovie Software which allows you create a variety of movies. I didn’t feel confident using the IMovie software as I have never edited films before but my skills were developed throughout the session. Firstly, we imported all of the images from the camera and arranged them onto the software so that they were ready to be edited. Next, we shortened the amount of time which all the scenes had to be presented to allow the animation to work and combine all the images together. Finally, we created a stop motion animation piece that featured the title and story combined together perfectly.

 

History Of Stop Motion Animation

Stop Motion animation is a technique that makes an object to appear like it is moving on its own through photography and film. The first stop motion technique was created in 1887 by Albert E Smith and J Start Blackton called “Humpty Dumpty Circus”. The piece features a circus filled wit acrobats and animals and this was created by circus dolls that had jointed limbs because it can be balanced in place. The technique was first discovered by accident from a French film maker called George Melies. He was shooting a street scene and the film got stuck in the camera gate which made it continue to film from where he left it. Eventually the film created a scene that found pedestrians and vehicles moving across the street. In 1906 the creators of “Humpty Dumpty Circus” created a new piece called “Humorous Phases Of Funny Faces” which was seen as the first animated film recorded on a film. The piece was created by 20 pictures to make up one second of the film. Stop Motion animation has continued to be adapted and developed throughout the years into modern stop-motion films.

The Lost World 1925
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Kt-dT0N4w

 

 

 

King Kong 1933
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDI64KNgts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOtEdhKOMgQ

 

 

Chicken Run 2000
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEOfT7hUcDs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coraline 2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO3n67BQvh0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types Of Animation

Clay Animation

From the 1990s animators have used plasticine to create characters and special effects because clay figures can be easily adjusted and shaped. This allows the camera to take photographs easily of the clay figures every time it has been changed. Wire sculptures are also used within the plasticine to allow the clay figures to be shaped easily to allow different positions to be made. The most famous clay animation figures include “Wallace And Gromit” and “Morph”. Morph is an animated clay character who made his TV debut in 1977 for the BBC. The original format and story is still used today and the traditional stop-motion clay animation is continued to be used to create the TV program.


Morph Clay Animation Set Taken From The
Animotion Exhibition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3-MOfcxrBs&index=4&list=PLwl_qAJgXE-oaKSU1HKppdiB5DPmfJktQ- This is a clip taken from the original Morph TV show in 1977

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkRBgKdoPZw - This video clip is taken from the modern Morph TV show which has been broadcasted on TV and YouTube since 2015.

 

Wallace And Gromit

 

 

 Cut Out Animation

Cut Out animation is the process where cut outs from paper and other 2D objects are used to create a stop-motion animation piece.  The Filmmakers employ graphic designers and computers to produce specific cut outs for stop motion animation pieces which allows them to be accurate when the final animation is produced.



Cut Out Animation Paper Outline

Graphic Animation

Graphic stop motion combines flat 2D animation and drawing animation. Images are created in frames and altered in frames in order to create an effective stop-motion piece which is successful.

Puppet Animation

Example Figures Of Puppet Animation

Add caption

Puppet animation is a process that includes photography capturing each movement that the puppet produces to create a final stop-motion animation piece. The puppets can be made from a variety of materials including wire and wood which can all be modified and changed to create a successful stop-motion animation piece.


Puppet Characters Taken From The Movie
"ParaNorman".

Stop Motion Animators

Ray Harryhausen

Ray Harryhausen is one of the most iconic figures in the world of cinematic art and stop-motion animation. He has developed stories based around legends and mythology which created a unique genre of fantasy films during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. His movies include “Clash Of Titans” 1981 and “Tulips Shall Grow” 1942. He is an inspiration to young animators and many movies and short films have been influenced by his own work.

Willis O Brien

Willis O Brien is a pioneer of American stop motion animation. After the production of “King Kong”, Willis worked for another gorilla movie “Mighty Joe Young” which led to him winning an Academy Award for “Best Visual Effects”. He spent his spare time sculpting and illustrating his natural talent led to him being employed as a draftsman in an architect’s office. Willis O Brien has inspired other stop motion animators including Ray Harryhausen.