REFLECT
Look at your rayograms and paper cut-out creations.
What compositional styles where you drawn to? (pattern, rhythm, directional movement et cetera). How do the shapes of the objects relate to one another on the page? Choose one collage and one print as your most compelling work and explain why.
Rayograms- I tried to keep my rayogram simple by using a few unique objects. The objects that I included were lace, 3 glass tiles, and a glass object that didn't show up. I put the lace on the bottom left corner. Then, I placed the tiles by tilting them differently so that it didn't look too uniformed. I also think that it's interesting how the glass object blurred a part of the lace, which was unintentional. I tried to show balance and a little bit of movement in this one. I also think that the lace represents unity because of the different patterns that come together. I liked how I was able to use a few objects to make a unique piece. I also was happy that there were different transparency levels in my composition, which created different shades and not just one shade of grays and whites.
Paper Cut Outs- For my second paper-cut out, I wanted to try using geometric shapes, since the one I did before was more abstract. I had three sections in my composition- zig zags, small shapes, and then rectangles and squares with small shapes cut out of them. In this composition, I wanted to show balance and rhythm, but it could also be movement. I liked this one because I thought that the geometric shapes stood out and looked more defined on the background.
DEVELOP CRAFT
Working in the darkroom can be challenging. There are a lot of technical and mechanical components to keep in mind. Make an outline of your process in the darkroom, go through the steps of making a print. (you do not need to write in complete sentences).
-arrange objects
-adjust the timing and aperture
-place the paper under the objects
-turn the timer on
-put the paper in the developer for 1-2 min
- move it to the stop bath for 30 secs
-then the fixer for 2 mins
-and finally the water wash for 4 mins
To what degree did you push yourself to rework and refine your work? How well unified are the compositions of you final collage and photogram prints?
I pushed myself pretty hard in trying to find the composition that I was fully satisfied with. I wanted to make compositions that were unique and original by using different object. Even though I spent more time on my first rayogram, I still liked how I was able to make another unique composition in a short period of time. I feel like I spent a lot of time during and outside of class for this project, which paid off because I'm happy with my compositions. The collages that made were similar in a way because they had similar compositional styles. I used a lot of balance and movement in my collages. Different aspects of the compositions were also abstract.
HABITS OF MIND
Look at the Artist Habits of Mind. Besides, Develop Craft & Reflect, which habit did you excel at with this “Shape and Composition” project (consider all facets of the project)? Which habit did you struggle with? Give a little explanation about why you chose each one.
I think I excelled at Engage and Persist, Observe, and Stretch and Explore. I was really engaged in the project and was interested in the different composition styles. I also was persistent and didn't give up in trying to create a composition that I was happy with. I also observed what other people created and tried to see what styles they used. I liked seeing how people used different shapes in their compositions and how they placed the compositions in different parts of the paper to create a unique piece. This motivated me to be more original in my compositions. I also stretched and explored different ways of creating a design. One thing I struggled with is expression. Sometimes, it's a little harder for me to express myself through art, since I need to practice how to convey emotion in my compositions.
