Friday, December 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Time Arts Class Reflection
1) What is the most surprising thing you learned about yourself, whether it is a new interest or an old interest made new, this semester? Throughout this course I experienced a creative aspect of myself that I did not know I had. I was able to explore through a variety of projects to find myself as an artist. During my final project I learned that if I cannot physically major in dance, I can incorporate it in my every day studies. My final piece was choreographed by myself and constructed to reveal the true emotion behind the expression of dance.
2) Write a short narrative of where you began in Time Arts, the conflicts you faced, and how you resolved them. Entering the Time Arts lab I was nervous as to what I would be challenged with. Sound was very unfamiliar for me as I have a strong background in animation. In high school I did a lot of computer work oppose to fine arts so I was excited to take Time Arts (way more interested than foundation drawing!) I became frustrated at times during the process of my works but in the end everything paid off.
3) What 3 time arts concepts (think of our formal vocabulary like pitch, tone, constancy, variation...) are most apparent in your final video In my video I demonstrate constancy by interrupting one long clip with several little additional excerpts. I chose to do this in order to not drain my audience and hold their attention. I also used pitch in my sound piece of my final video. I wanted to grasp the attention of my audience during transitions with an unfamiliar sound to keep them viewing attentively. Lastly, I experimented with the effects in iMovie to create unexpected footage. I enjoyed playing with the contrast and brightness controls on my piece for a brighter color to stand out to my audience.
4) What was the most challenging assignment for you? In what ways did that assignment challenge you? The most challenging assignment were probably most of the sound piece assignments because I was very unfamiliar with sound when entering this course. I did not understand the mean behind abstract pieces until I composed one myself. Having to create a piece of my own forced me to understand the meanings behind sound and how important it is to the everyday life.
5) What assignment came most naturally to you? Why? The stop animation pieces came most naturally to me because I have done many projects like this in my high school career as I took a variety of different animation courses.
6) What does your analysis of challenges and natural inclinations tell you about your future educational path, and/or your career choices? An individual will always be faced with challenges, it is a matter of whether they get through them or quit which determines one is sufficient enough for the real world. Challenging tasks only make an artist stronger and more open minded.
7) What have you learned about your creative process? My creativity process was shown to me through my final video. I did not know I could choreograph such a successful piece. Once I chose my topic everything flowed into my mind instantly. I chose a few inspirations and ideas swarmed my brain instantly.
8) Have you learned anything about facilitating and participating in a creative group? Participating in a creative group has helped me greatly in my own creativity. The input from others has opened my eyes to more opportunities than I brainstormed on my own. I enjoyed the input from my peers as well as reviewing their finished projects. I loved seeing everyone progress; by the end of the semester we all are on our way to successful final pieces.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Response to the California Now Show
Examining the California Now Show, I enjoyed the Caught in the Act video by Eleanor Antin. She attempts to pose for a still photograph in pointe shoes. Unexperienced, she needs assistance to stand and hold balance. Therefore, she has a man hold one end of a stick for her guidance. She lets go of the stick for a split second as her photographer captures the still image successfully. This movie reminds me of the theory of dream big. Although Eleanor clearly cannot preform as a ballerina, she pretends she is capable of that talent.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Three Important things I learned in Class
Three Things I learned in Class:
1. In class we were introduced to the different functions of a video camera. Anyone can easily shoot footage on automatic settings, however we were taught how to manually set up the settings depending on our environment for a stronger shot. I successfully learned about the white balance, focusing, and exposure settings.
2. Dana taught us how to import our videos into iMovie. We simply just had to connect our cameras to the computer through a firewire and open the program. iMovie successfully imported the footage sliced it into clips for every scene break.
3. As a class we paired up and experimented with our cameras. We took still footage using tripods. For our project we chose to film movement of people in a still frame. The tripod was helpful to vanish all possible movement within the scene.
1. In class we were introduced to the different functions of a video camera. Anyone can easily shoot footage on automatic settings, however we were taught how to manually set up the settings depending on our environment for a stronger shot. I successfully learned about the white balance, focusing, and exposure settings.
2. Dana taught us how to import our videos into iMovie. We simply just had to connect our cameras to the computer through a firewire and open the program. iMovie successfully imported the footage sliced it into clips for every scene break.
3. As a class we paired up and experimented with our cameras. We took still footage using tripods. For our project we chose to film movement of people in a still frame. The tripod was helpful to vanish all possible movement within the scene.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Witness Video Questions
1. Name three techniques you can use when trying to shoot steady shots without a tripod. You can get the correct grip with correct placement of your right and left hand. Also, stability is important, supporting your elbows against your chest and standing with your feet apart helps the steady shot. Leaning against walls and supporting your elbows is crucial.
2. How can you minimize camera shake when walking and taping? You should keep your legs bent and a low body at all time. You should put one foot down at a time and glide along the ground. When crabbing one foot should go infront of the other at all times. Tracking involves something with wheel to move your body at a specific pace while your elbows are supported.
3. What camera movements mimic the way the eye moves? Moving the camera left to right to capture a full picture that can not be captured as a whole mimics the path of eye movement.
4. Why is it important to consider how long you remain on a shot and how quickly you move the camera? If movement is too fast the image may be blurred during panning and the audience will not grasp the picture being shown. The camera should be moved slowly and last at a 5 second interval per object.
5. Give at least two examples of how they suggest you can avoid causing seasickness. Avoid 'hose-piping' or panning and tilting at the same time during one shot. Also don't stop recording during pans and tilts as there will be abrupt edits later on.
6. How do they suggest you avoid lighting problems? Avoiding low light pictures will result in higher quality. Backlit subjects appear silhouetted was lights approx, 3 feet away are most flattering. In addition, wearing gloves to handle main lights is important.
7. How is proximity used? Proximity is influenced by the composition of the shooting area. Interviews should always take place at eye level. Action shots should enable the camera to follow into the movement of a shot. Lastly, the rule of thirds is crucial during proximity.
8. Go to the homepage of this organization and read a little about their mission. Who uses their cameras and why would they want to put masking tape over the light indicating that the camera is recording? The witness protection is focused on the human rights aspect throughout society, as they cover the recording light to hide from their surroundings that the camera is in function.
2. How can you minimize camera shake when walking and taping? You should keep your legs bent and a low body at all time. You should put one foot down at a time and glide along the ground. When crabbing one foot should go infront of the other at all times. Tracking involves something with wheel to move your body at a specific pace while your elbows are supported.
3. What camera movements mimic the way the eye moves? Moving the camera left to right to capture a full picture that can not be captured as a whole mimics the path of eye movement.
4. Why is it important to consider how long you remain on a shot and how quickly you move the camera? If movement is too fast the image may be blurred during panning and the audience will not grasp the picture being shown. The camera should be moved slowly and last at a 5 second interval per object.
5. Give at least two examples of how they suggest you can avoid causing seasickness. Avoid 'hose-piping' or panning and tilting at the same time during one shot. Also don't stop recording during pans and tilts as there will be abrupt edits later on.
6. How do they suggest you avoid lighting problems? Avoiding low light pictures will result in higher quality. Backlit subjects appear silhouetted was lights approx, 3 feet away are most flattering. In addition, wearing gloves to handle main lights is important.
7. How is proximity used? Proximity is influenced by the composition of the shooting area. Interviews should always take place at eye level. Action shots should enable the camera to follow into the movement of a shot. Lastly, the rule of thirds is crucial during proximity.
8. Go to the homepage of this organization and read a little about their mission. Who uses their cameras and why would they want to put masking tape over the light indicating that the camera is recording? The witness protection is focused on the human rights aspect throughout society, as they cover the recording light to hide from their surroundings that the camera is in function.
Witness Video Questions
1. Name three techniques you can use when trying to shoot steady shots without a tripod. You can get the correct grip with correct placement of your right and left hand. Also, stability is important, supporting your elbows against your chest and standing with your feet apart helps the steady shot. Leaning against walls and supporting your elbows is crucial.
2. How can you minimize camera shake when walking and taping? You should keep your legs bent and a low body at all time. You should put one foot down at a time and glide along the ground. When crabbing one foot should go infront of the other at all times. Tracking involves something with wheel to move your body at a specific pace while your elbows are supported.
3. What camera movements mimic the way the eye moves? Moving the camera left to right to capture a full picture that can not be captured as a whole mimics the path of eye movement.
4. Why is it important to consider how long you remain on a shot and how quickly you move the camera? If movement is too fast the image may be blurred during panning and the audience will not grasp the picture being shown. The camera should be moved slowly and last at a 5 second interval per object.
5. Give at least two examples of how they suggest you can avoid causing seasickness. Avoid 'hose-piping' or panning and tilting at the same time during one shot. Also don't stop recording during pans and tilts as there will be abrupt edits later on.
6. How do they suggest you avoid lighting problems? Avoiding low light pictures will result in higher quality. Backlit subjects appear silhouetted was lights approx, 3 feet away are most flattering. In addition, wearing gloves to handle main lights is important.
7. How is proximity used? Proximity is influenced by the composition of the shooting area. Interviews should always take place at eye level. Action shots should enable the camera to follow into the movement of a shot. Lastly, the rule of thirds is crucial during proximity.
8. Go to the homepage of this organization and read a little about their mission. Who uses their cameras and why would they want to put masking tape over the light indicating that the camera is recording? The witness protection is focused on the human rights aspect throughout society, as they cover the recording light to hide from their surroundings that the camera is in function.
2. How can you minimize camera shake when walking and taping? You should keep your legs bent and a low body at all time. You should put one foot down at a time and glide along the ground. When crabbing one foot should go infront of the other at all times. Tracking involves something with wheel to move your body at a specific pace while your elbows are supported.
3. What camera movements mimic the way the eye moves? Moving the camera left to right to capture a full picture that can not be captured as a whole mimics the path of eye movement.
4. Why is it important to consider how long you remain on a shot and how quickly you move the camera? If movement is too fast the image may be blurred during panning and the audience will not grasp the picture being shown. The camera should be moved slowly and last at a 5 second interval per object.
5. Give at least two examples of how they suggest you can avoid causing seasickness. Avoid 'hose-piping' or panning and tilting at the same time during one shot. Also don't stop recording during pans and tilts as there will be abrupt edits later on.
6. How do they suggest you avoid lighting problems? Avoiding low light pictures will result in higher quality. Backlit subjects appear silhouetted was lights approx, 3 feet away are most flattering. In addition, wearing gloves to handle main lights is important.
7. How is proximity used? Proximity is influenced by the composition of the shooting area. Interviews should always take place at eye level. Action shots should enable the camera to follow into the movement of a shot. Lastly, the rule of thirds is crucial during proximity.
8. Go to the homepage of this organization and read a little about their mission. Who uses their cameras and why would they want to put masking tape over the light indicating that the camera is recording? The witness protection is focused on the human rights aspect throughout society, as they cover the recording light to hide from their surroundings that the camera is in function.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Three Important things I learned in Class
Three Important things I learned in Class:
1) In class Dana showed us her Theme Video which inspired me to make my video an over and beyond level. She took alot of time to make her concept reach her audience. I hope to do the same. She showed us her inspirations which helped me determine how I am going to go about successfully creating my piece.
2) During crits I envisioned many different abstract videos. I learned a variety of techniques that people used to coordinate their photos into a video. People used tone, color, rhythm and other elements to make their videos visually appealing.
3) During class we were to analyze our concept brief for our theme videos. This process allowed me to plan out my topic sufficiently to compose in the best manner. I decided I want to have my audience look into the body of a dancer and grasp their true feelings about dance and how it changed their life.
Concept Brief
1. Three Approaches:
a. I could visualize interviews displaying what dance means to a true dancer. The aspect of dance is much different to a trained dancer opposed to an individual who enjoys jumping around at a party. I am interested in the feelings of dancers and how they believe dance has changed their lifestyle. What would make them different if they had never began their dancing career? Does dance give them any advantage? For me, I would be a completely different person without dance. Not only is it my hobby but it launched a new family. I grew up with the same dancers since I was three and we grew up watching everyone progress as we got older. Departing for college was really hard as we all had to say goodbye and transition to a new family and break away from the past. Dancing puts me in another mindset; especially when I am performing on stage, my thoughts are invisible and I feel as if I have entered another world where no one is watching. I would like to bring this feeling into my theme video.
b. I could shy away from the interview aspect and focus more towards the performing portion of dance. Although rehearsals are fun and a great experience, dancers most enjoy the show. Being able to show off your talents to a large crowd creates an abundance of adrenaline in a positive manner. Being able to export the adrenaline will be difficult but could be visually impressive if successfully created.
c. To compose an excellent piece I could combine the two ideas above to experience all aspects of a dancer’s life. I would think it would be very visually compatible with the audience if I were to introduce both the essence of performance and how dance interacts in one’s life. My goal would be to illustrate for people the life of a dancer and have them look more deeply into the interior rather than just focus on the exterior bland picture.
2. Clear Presentation of one approach;
> Why are you doing this and why it matters to you.
I have grown up falling in love with dance and it has become a huge part of my extracurricular life. In my elementary to high school life I would spend endless hours at the dance studio. I would give up anything for dance; I was known to be the dedicated girl who gave up her social life to progress and be in the dance studio. Being in the studio allows me to step out of the world and forget about everything and express my own feelings through movement. I would like to bring my own love for dance into the eyes of my audience by displaying the hidden hardships and dedication applied for a trained dancer.
> Locations for shooting. (Show Still Shots)
I can take my footage at danceworks practices as well as stage shots. In addition, I’d like to take footage of a person stressed and leaves the room to go dance.
> Ideas about shots and lighting - what camera angles? proximity? location and context? time of day? answer with still shots.
I want bold lighting in the color scheme of royal blue/purples to bring aspiration into my piece.
>Permits and permission: who must approve
I would have to get a permit from the danceworks choreographer that would be teaching at the moment I am filming.
>Potential Problems
Getting volunteers, finding the correct atmosphere, getting the correct lighting
Inspirations: Dancer’s Life MTV & Step Up 1 & 2
Idea: Ballerina with point shoe zoom down leg angle
a. I could visualize interviews displaying what dance means to a true dancer. The aspect of dance is much different to a trained dancer opposed to an individual who enjoys jumping around at a party. I am interested in the feelings of dancers and how they believe dance has changed their lifestyle. What would make them different if they had never began their dancing career? Does dance give them any advantage? For me, I would be a completely different person without dance. Not only is it my hobby but it launched a new family. I grew up with the same dancers since I was three and we grew up watching everyone progress as we got older. Departing for college was really hard as we all had to say goodbye and transition to a new family and break away from the past. Dancing puts me in another mindset; especially when I am performing on stage, my thoughts are invisible and I feel as if I have entered another world where no one is watching. I would like to bring this feeling into my theme video.
b. I could shy away from the interview aspect and focus more towards the performing portion of dance. Although rehearsals are fun and a great experience, dancers most enjoy the show. Being able to show off your talents to a large crowd creates an abundance of adrenaline in a positive manner. Being able to export the adrenaline will be difficult but could be visually impressive if successfully created.
c. To compose an excellent piece I could combine the two ideas above to experience all aspects of a dancer’s life. I would think it would be very visually compatible with the audience if I were to introduce both the essence of performance and how dance interacts in one’s life. My goal would be to illustrate for people the life of a dancer and have them look more deeply into the interior rather than just focus on the exterior bland picture.
2. Clear Presentation of one approach;
> Why are you doing this and why it matters to you.
I have grown up falling in love with dance and it has become a huge part of my extracurricular life. In my elementary to high school life I would spend endless hours at the dance studio. I would give up anything for dance; I was known to be the dedicated girl who gave up her social life to progress and be in the dance studio. Being in the studio allows me to step out of the world and forget about everything and express my own feelings through movement. I would like to bring my own love for dance into the eyes of my audience by displaying the hidden hardships and dedication applied for a trained dancer.
> Locations for shooting. (Show Still Shots)
I can take my footage at danceworks practices as well as stage shots. In addition, I’d like to take footage of a person stressed and leaves the room to go dance.
> Ideas about shots and lighting - what camera angles? proximity? location and context? time of day? answer with still shots.
I want bold lighting in the color scheme of royal blue/purples to bring aspiration into my piece.
>Permits and permission: who must approve
I would have to get a permit from the danceworks choreographer that would be teaching at the moment I am filming.
>Potential Problems
Getting volunteers, finding the correct atmosphere, getting the correct lighting
Inspirations: Dancer’s Life MTV & Step Up 1 & 2
Idea: Ballerina with point shoe zoom down leg angle
Marcus' Abstract Video Analysis
1). Does the video maintain continuity by editing for graphical and rhythmical relationships as well as transitions? Give examples of this using screen shots and written description. Yes, when the rhythm in the sound is differed from the mainstream, the images change in color often. For example, Marcus changed the tint of the lightbulb fixture during one of a repetitive pitches.
2). Does the video include non-linear structures (i.e. structures other than linear narrative)? These include acausal structure, list structure, and cyclical structure? Please describe in detail. The video is not a narrative at all. It is composed of a variety of random fixtures that follow along the sound clip. He also includes the same image at a repetitive sound to stick a mental note onto the viewer as the video clip progresses.
3). Does the video modulate in pace so that it has sections of slow and fast time? Can you see the artist paid careful attention to the changes in graphical relationships, rhythmic relationships, and use of sound? Yes, as the tempo of the video differs, so do the timing and pace of the images. He was careful in the sense of rhythmic relationships and coordination with his sound. I especially liked when images would change in color during the repetition of a particular pitch.
4). Did the artist try abstracting atleast some of the images beyond recognition aka wreck the images? Given examples. There was no true abstraction in the video. However, he did alter pictures by playing with the exposure, saturation, contrast, and other tools in iPhoto in order to complete a visually appealing piece.
5). What additional formal aspects are emphasized in this video? Analyze the following: Color temperature, graphical layout/composition of frames, camera angles, proximity, pacing, contrast, repetition, and sensitivity to light. Color mostly paid attention to throughout the clip. There is a balance between bright/bold colors and dark/gloomy colors. However, in every image the tones presented visually work off each other. His composition differs throughout the piece allowing the viewer to shift their view and grasp their attention. He successfully paced the images to coordinate with the sounds in a series of repetition. There is a variety of contrast in the images and as a whole. Most of the contrast appears in the colors composed within the piece.
2). Does the video include non-linear structures (i.e. structures other than linear narrative)? These include acausal structure, list structure, and cyclical structure? Please describe in detail. The video is not a narrative at all. It is composed of a variety of random fixtures that follow along the sound clip. He also includes the same image at a repetitive sound to stick a mental note onto the viewer as the video clip progresses.
3). Does the video modulate in pace so that it has sections of slow and fast time? Can you see the artist paid careful attention to the changes in graphical relationships, rhythmic relationships, and use of sound? Yes, as the tempo of the video differs, so do the timing and pace of the images. He was careful in the sense of rhythmic relationships and coordination with his sound. I especially liked when images would change in color during the repetition of a particular pitch.
4). Did the artist try abstracting atleast some of the images beyond recognition aka wreck the images? Given examples. There was no true abstraction in the video. However, he did alter pictures by playing with the exposure, saturation, contrast, and other tools in iPhoto in order to complete a visually appealing piece.
5). What additional formal aspects are emphasized in this video? Analyze the following: Color temperature, graphical layout/composition of frames, camera angles, proximity, pacing, contrast, repetition, and sensitivity to light. Color mostly paid attention to throughout the clip. There is a balance between bright/bold colors and dark/gloomy colors. However, in every image the tones presented visually work off each other. His composition differs throughout the piece allowing the viewer to shift their view and grasp their attention. He successfully paced the images to coordinate with the sounds in a series of repetition. There is a variety of contrast in the images and as a whole. Most of the contrast appears in the colors composed within the piece.
Trailer Comparison to Abstract Piece
Comparing the Step Up 2 Trailer to my Abstract Video piece, I have found similar characteristics. The trailer follows the beat of the background music. There are black outs at sharp sounds. There is a transition from frame to frame connected with a "swoosh" sound. The background tempo follows the middle 20 seconds in as each frame is interrupted with a blank out to transition to the next at the beat of the music.
My Abstract Video Analysis
1). Does he video maintain continuity by editing for graphical and rhythmical relationships as well as transitions? Give examples of this using screen shots and written description. Yes the video has continuity throughout the piece by following the rhythm of the sounds. There are transitions as well to enable the piece to flow.
2). Does the video include non-linear structures (i.e. structures other than linear narrative)? These include acausal structure, list structure, and cyclical structure? Please describe in detail. Yes, in the video there are rhythmic inferences. At sharp sounds pictures morph from one to another in change of style and color. Most of the video is non linear as it does not tell a narrative and illustrates the sounds instead.
3). Does the video modulate in pace so that it has sections of slow and fast time? Can you see the artist paid careful attention to the changes in graphical relationships, rhythmic relationships, and use of sound? Yes, when the beat of the sound piece is slower the transitions are extended compared to when the beats are rapid.
4). Did the artist try abstracting atleast some of the images beyond recognition aka wreck the images? Given examples. Yes, the crystalized effect and color tv effect was used along with many others to attract appeal to the audience through abstract images.
5). What additional formal aspects are emphasized in this video? Analyze the following: Color temperature, graphical layout/composition of frames, camera angles, proximity, pacing, contrast, repetition, and sensitivity to light. The colors are typically bright and bold grabbing the attention of the audience. The composition of the frames and camera angles are usually centered to have direct eye contact with the object. The pace of the images follows the rhythm of the sound (starts slow and becomes rapid). A lot of contrast within colors and repetition of photographs were used within the piece.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Three Important things I learned in Class
Three Important things I learned in Class:
1) In class we had a lab day where we experimented with iMovie. At first I was frustrated with the program because I didn't know what I was doing. However, after assistance and exploring I was able to utilize all the tools and special effects to compose my abstract video piece.
2) Being a step behind most Mac genius', I did not know what iPhoto was or how to use the program. Working in iMovie forced me to explore the iPhoto program and learn the different techniques I could apply to my photos. I learned many effects that can be applied in photoshop in a much easier way!
3) At first I was discouraged to compose my video because nothing was working in my favor. However, after viewing Pete's masterpiece, I was encouraged to expand my talents to the fullest potential. He also assisted me in learning about the Ken's Law that I could apply to my photos for additional animation.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
DJ Spooky
How does DJ Spooky as an artist deal with visual sampling? DJ Spooky investigates body language around him and incorporates reality into his film. He explains in his interview that his goal was to shy away from the mainstream typical films and introduce a shocking view to his audience by showing the KKK and other shocking factors. His goal is to make his audience think outside the box.
How does DJ Spooky make use of recurring images, and repetition, in his work: 1. on a storytelling level? On a more abstract level? DJ Spooky sees repetition works with the music using it as a motif/image. Working with electronic material, he uses repetition to hold his piece together. He is fascinated with social circuitry, applying a shape to each person to visually describe their personality and mood. He manipulates the audience's focus with his shapes to emphasize moods. In addition, he will have the 'black' people actually be white and vise versa in order to make a statement.
What does DJ Spooky have to say about how he holds his works together, or makes transitions? He explains that he works with electronic material (digitally altering pieces) he produces repetition throughout his piece to hold together his work. He also engages his audience by visually applying puns within his piece to make his viewers think. He has emotional content with repetition to replay over and over in one's head that will be stuck on their mind for a while to think twice about.
Does the above resonate with anything you encountered in working with sound this term? Give examples of how your process is similar, and/or different. When creating my sound pieces, especially my abstract sound, I took DJ Spooky's approach to engage my audience. I chose to have loud unexpected sounds to surprise my listeners and make sure they do not fall asleep from boredom throughout my piece. With a twist in a work of art, an audience is more likely to thrilled and attentive to the entire piece.
If you were a critic reviewing this film, would you give it a more positive or a more negative review based upon this question: Does the work do what DJ Spooky says he hopes it will do? As you answer this question, write as if you were writing an article for a newspaper in which you have to describe to the reader what they would see as you support your critique with specific observations. The film is such an abstract piece that everything visually works effectively. DJ Spooky's music coordinate with the visual representation shown. In addition, every excerpt is different whether it is a passage, citizens, or emotionally strong clips which bring out the diversity throughout the film. The music in the background resembles an investigation where as DJ Spooky is presenting the long term criminals vs. the public lifestyle.
Watch Rebirth of A Nation. Choose two images that are very different form one another, but which are sequenced one immediately after another in the film. Make screen shots that show the stages or steps of transition between the two photos.
Transitioning from a portrait to a video clip beginning with the shuffling of leaves, DJ Spooky successfully morphs the first picture into the next. He chose to use an abstract motion of multiple rectangular 2d linear boxes that overlapped each other in motion. Taking the colors from the first photograph and morphing them into the illusion to switch to the video clip allowed a smooth transition. The first frames incorporate the first photo in the far background while the end frames resemble the first frame of the video clip. DJ Spooky excelled in his ability to use a digital reference in order to illustrate a smooth alteration between frames.
How does DJ Spooky make use of recurring images, and repetition, in his work: 1. on a storytelling level? On a more abstract level? DJ Spooky sees repetition works with the music using it as a motif/image. Working with electronic material, he uses repetition to hold his piece together. He is fascinated with social circuitry, applying a shape to each person to visually describe their personality and mood. He manipulates the audience's focus with his shapes to emphasize moods. In addition, he will have the 'black' people actually be white and vise versa in order to make a statement.
What does DJ Spooky have to say about how he holds his works together, or makes transitions? He explains that he works with electronic material (digitally altering pieces) he produces repetition throughout his piece to hold together his work. He also engages his audience by visually applying puns within his piece to make his viewers think. He has emotional content with repetition to replay over and over in one's head that will be stuck on their mind for a while to think twice about.
Does the above resonate with anything you encountered in working with sound this term? Give examples of how your process is similar, and/or different. When creating my sound pieces, especially my abstract sound, I took DJ Spooky's approach to engage my audience. I chose to have loud unexpected sounds to surprise my listeners and make sure they do not fall asleep from boredom throughout my piece. With a twist in a work of art, an audience is more likely to thrilled and attentive to the entire piece.
If you were a critic reviewing this film, would you give it a more positive or a more negative review based upon this question: Does the work do what DJ Spooky says he hopes it will do? As you answer this question, write as if you were writing an article for a newspaper in which you have to describe to the reader what they would see as you support your critique with specific observations. The film is such an abstract piece that everything visually works effectively. DJ Spooky's music coordinate with the visual representation shown. In addition, every excerpt is different whether it is a passage, citizens, or emotionally strong clips which bring out the diversity throughout the film. The music in the background resembles an investigation where as DJ Spooky is presenting the long term criminals vs. the public lifestyle.
Watch Rebirth of A Nation. Choose two images that are very different form one another, but which are sequenced one immediately after another in the film. Make screen shots that show the stages or steps of transition between the two photos.
Transitioning from a portrait to a video clip beginning with the shuffling of leaves, DJ Spooky successfully morphs the first picture into the next. He chose to use an abstract motion of multiple rectangular 2d linear boxes that overlapped each other in motion. Taking the colors from the first photograph and morphing them into the illusion to switch to the video clip allowed a smooth transition. The first frames incorporate the first photo in the far background while the end frames resemble the first frame of the video clip. DJ Spooky excelled in his ability to use a digital reference in order to illustrate a smooth alteration between frames.Abstract Sounds Video Project
For my Abstract Sound Video Project I like Heather's soundtrack the most. I wish to make a montage with my high contrasted folder of photos. Most of them are from an abandon barn implying a creepy gloomy setting. Therefore, I want my soundtrack to have a jittery feel to my audience. Her piece reveals the murder and wrong doing environment that I am looking for in my project. In addition, her sharp slice sound will offer a smooth transition time between photos.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16, 200
Three important things I learned in class this week:
1) Throughout critique we are able to explore our peer’s work and learn from their achievements. During my piece I included a heavy breathing to embrace the hard work of a talented dancer. The group consensus was that my breathing was much distorted and I should take a different technique. Succeeding to capture breathing in his piece, Pete let me in on his secret of recording breathing at 90 wav lengths and position the microphone around your lower chest for less distortion. I plan to reform my piece with this insight.
2) After our critique, our TA, Dana, introduced iMovie. This program will allow us to construct our movies for our next project and successfully create stop animations. We learned how to upload still images into the program through iPhoto. Also we learned how to change the duration of time each frame will last.
3) Learning a program cannot be any easier without actually doing it yourself. Dana split us up into partners to create a small video clip of a simple task. Pete and I chose walking up a flight of stairs. We successfully were able to import all our photos that we took using a tripod and camera into iMovie to create a QuickTime video. Stop animation was a fun and exciting process that I look forward to work in. In addition, Professor Beffel gave us the extra credit option to make a video on our own for homework; I plan on taking the opportunity!
1) Throughout critique we are able to explore our peer’s work and learn from their achievements. During my piece I included a heavy breathing to embrace the hard work of a talented dancer. The group consensus was that my breathing was much distorted and I should take a different technique. Succeeding to capture breathing in his piece, Pete let me in on his secret of recording breathing at 90 wav lengths and position the microphone around your lower chest for less distortion. I plan to reform my piece with this insight.
2) After our critique, our TA, Dana, introduced iMovie. This program will allow us to construct our movies for our next project and successfully create stop animations. We learned how to upload still images into the program through iPhoto. Also we learned how to change the duration of time each frame will last.
3) Learning a program cannot be any easier without actually doing it yourself. Dana split us up into partners to create a small video clip of a simple task. Pete and I chose walking up a flight of stairs. We successfully were able to import all our photos that we took using a tripod and camera into iMovie to create a QuickTime video. Stop animation was a fun and exciting process that I look forward to work in. In addition, Professor Beffel gave us the extra credit option to make a video on our own for homework; I plan on taking the opportunity!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
In The Zone
Zone: Being in the zone is when an individual blocks out anything surrounding them whether it is sound, activity, etc. to focus on one particular thing. As a dancer, I am In the Zone when I am performing on stage. I am able to block out the song, thoughts, sounds, vision, people; all I see is the lights blinding me. I have no idea what I am doing when I am performing because like Bocca, being in the zone allows you to block out anything possible that is a distraction. If you do not get in the zone you will result in a failure of success. One time, we made friends with the stage crew that stood back stage (bad choice!). They were screaming to us and whistling at us while we were on stage resulting in our break of concentration and quite a few mess ups!
Flow: After being In the Zone one encounters flow. Flow is the process of where everything runs smoothly in order to succeed. When the flow is broken, so is concentration and failure claims victory.
How do acts of repetition relate to flow? Repetition allows flow to progress. Encountering the same processes repeatedly guarantees flow to occur in a particular mind set.
Do you think rhythm has anything to do with flow? For example, does rhythm of your breathing have anything to do with a state of flow or being in the zone? Explain why or why not. Yes, rhythm is coordinated with flow. Your mind has specific settings that your body must meet before being In the Zone. If the ritual is corrupt, the process will not work.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Short History of Time
Why is time not really universal? Time is slow and rich sometimes and a blur and fast in others. Oliver explains that in his recordings, particular years he remembered more than others.
Consider how being in the zone impacts our senses of duration and tempo. What happens to the length of a moment, and the speed of time in your mind and body when you are at a state of peak performance? Being in the zone allows time to fly by just like the expression "time flys when your having fun". However, everything seems slower to one's mind being in the slow. Everything seems in slow motion but in reality, it is just a state of mind.
Besides the inducement of state of flow by athletes, musicians, artists, and religious practices, what other means or reasons are mentioned in "The Short History of Time" that could change our perceptions and experiences of time? Name two very different ways for changing our relationship to time. A disease can slip someone into turtle time or fast time. One girl Esther experienced this as her reaction time was 1/10th of a second while 1/7th was experienced through amazing athletes' eyes. Adrenaline also changes the perception of time.
What was the single greatest factor in moving human beings into Greenwich Mean Time? Moving into Greenwich Mean Time is the basis of the world time ensuring everyone to be on the same level no matter where in the world they are. Although one person may be experiencing a different time of day but this depends on their location in connection with the sun. However, GMT unties everyones perception of time.
What are the implications of living according to GMT? What are the pros and cons? Living in GMT all time is synchronized where everyone lives on the same time of day rather than having a different time for every clock like he 1850s before the birth of "railroad time".
Would you rather live in a world with GMT or a world with other kinds of time? Explain why. No, living in a time without GMT time would not be convenient as everyone would not be in synch. Although, living in a different time would be crucial for those who never can get to class on time, the synchronized timing is what keeps the world in order and organized.
Russolo and his colleagues embraced mechanical rhythms and noises. They celebrated not attunement with another human in the present moment, but the future. They were the products of the first mechanized World War, and were terribly disillusioned with Romantic ideals. How has this attitude played itself out our century? Can you think of art forms or media that celebrate the same things Russolo valued? Referring to the future brings a special attention to a work of art as the public has yet to experienced anything similar to one's piece. The Art Nouveau movement was similar to this as they disregarded the past influences and began a new era with strictly new forms, styles, and decoration.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 2, 2008
3 Important Things I Learned Today:
1) We explored the creative process in class today: Interrogate The Question/Problem, Brainstorm, Throw yourselves into the possibilities, analyze/evaluate. We demonstrated the process by performing, observing, evaluating, and refining our pieces for a further understanding. My group chose to fulfill our task by "crossing the room without touching the floor" when using the media of tape. We walked the tape across the room preventing the touching of the floor. We created a cross with our tape. After evaluations we were able to refine our piece by perfecting the timing and structure of our piece.
2) We also explored the important aspects of the process. We determined that they were similar to our sound project syllabus. We came up with: Rules/regulations/limitations/obstructions, resources, objectives (steps), criteria for evaluation, drawing upon what you know, and open to interpretation. With these aspects we were able to further broadcast our ideas for our piece.
3) We also discussed genre and structure. We examined how sounds clips are put together or exist in relationship to each other. Elements within this group include: narrative, voice, noise, documentary, spatial, abstraction/montage. We explored professional pieces to understand the meaning behind structures behind listening for the formal qualities, such as, pitch, tone, timber, rhythm, clarify, character, pyramid of sound, accent, simultaneously, sequentiality, contrast, amplitude, space, and pause. In addition, our interpretation consisted of: "Why do you think form is important to the artist?" and "How do the form and structure support the artist's intention?" When listening to the Anchor Stone by Joan Jonas, I heard a documentary but envisioned a scene with the background sounds complementing the story being told. The background sounds guide the audience's thoughts and interpretations. Without the guidance, the listeners could envision which ever they please, if anything while her monotone (boring!) voice was exhilarated by the background sounds which would expand to a heavy tone at interesting parts to grab attention. The predominant structure is narrative along with abstraction. Next we listened to 16 Great Turn Ons which explores the variety of beginning of objects as their start buttons are consecutively being pressed. The very short clip keeps your attention flowing as the little amount of time distracts your thoughts from guessing on what is happening. Everything was sequential with an even pause allowing your brain to readjust.
This piece was characterized as noise. Next we listened to Territoires de Sans Blanc, a third piece that was mesmerizing. It had a constant wave sound that was interrupted with random pitches or included a faint rhythm. The sound had a lot of pressure resembling a boiler room or UFO. The fourth piece we listened to was an audio walk which allowed the audience to step into a world that was partially theirs. The audience is guided to experience what the artist is experiencing through her choice of sounds and narrative. There was a strong use of voice quality and spatial value. The last sound clip we listened to had a large pyramid of sounds with narrative in the foreground and a constant ambient sound followed by a mid ground.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Analyzing Abstract Sounds
Katajjait on Hamma
How do these formal elements support the overall feeling of the work?
Presented within the piece are a variety of rhythms. They are interrupted by pauses in the work. After each pause a new rhythm is introduced. The change in rhythm after a pause is the key factor that keeps the audience engaged.
Is there a story? If so, how do the formal qualities support, or distract us from the story?
Why is this work interesting to you (be specific – describe the parts that fascinate you). OR, why is it not interesting to you?
The work is so abstract that it attracts my attention. I am fascinated by the change in tempo/pitch and rhythm. I especially like how each sound ends with a human like voice after an abstract animal like noise. (laughs, breathing, etc.)
How do these formal elements support the overall feeling of the work?
The piece has many flat toned periods of sound interrupted by the high pitched sounds that grab the audience's attention.
Is there a story? If so, how do the formal qualities support, or distract us from the story?
Listening to the sound clip I hear an explosion of noises. I envision a rocket ship going out of control as the pilot is panicking to fix the problem by pushing any button possible for a safe landing.
What is the spatial quality of this piece? Is there a pyramid of sound? How does space influence our interpretation of the work?
The space between sounds does not exist. There is no pyramid of sound as the sounds individually follow one another.
Why is this work interesting to you (be specific – describe the parts that fascinate you). OR, why is it not interesting to you?
I admire the chaos of this piece. It forces me to listen more closely to every sound to determine what is taking place rather than a self explanatory boring sound piece.
How do these formal elements support the overall feeling of the work?
Presented within the piece are a variety of rhythms. They are interrupted by pauses in the work. After each pause a new rhythm is introduced. The change in rhythm after a pause is the key factor that keeps the audience engaged.
Is there a story? If so, how do the formal qualities support, or distract us from the story?
The sound reinterprets a story of human beings in animal characteristics (much like the human/animal fight scene in the movie "Mean Girls"). The figures are chasing one another for a competition. At each break in the piece resembles the victim hiding from the enemy as the break begins with a heavy breath which faints away. The chase is on going until the last verse where the enemy caught the victim and laughs for their victory.
What is the spatial quality of this piece? Is there a pyramid of sound? How does space influence our interpretation of the work?
A pyramid of sounds does occur in all different rhythms. A foreground, middle ground, and background are all included and constantly playing simultaneously for a certain span of time. The space is not very wide but not too close together to seem cluttered. The artist was successful in using the right amount of space to express an adrenaline feel to the piece.
What is the spatial quality of this piece? Is there a pyramid of sound? How does space influence our interpretation of the work?
A pyramid of sounds does occur in all different rhythms. A foreground, middle ground, and background are all included and constantly playing simultaneously for a certain span of time. The space is not very wide but not too close together to seem cluttered. The artist was successful in using the right amount of space to express an adrenaline feel to the piece.
Why is this work interesting to you (be specific – describe the parts that fascinate you). OR, why is it not interesting to you?
The work is so abstract that it attracts my attention. I am fascinated by the change in tempo/pitch and rhythm. I especially like how each sound ends with a human like voice after an abstract animal like noise. (laughs, breathing, etc.)
__________________________________________________________
Shi
How do these formal elements support the overall feeling of the work?
The piece has many flat toned periods of sound interrupted by the high pitched sounds that grab the audience's attention.
Is there a story? If so, how do the formal qualities support, or distract us from the story?
Listening to the sound clip I hear an explosion of noises. I envision a rocket ship going out of control as the pilot is panicking to fix the problem by pushing any button possible for a safe landing.
What is the spatial quality of this piece? Is there a pyramid of sound? How does space influence our interpretation of the work?
The space between sounds does not exist. There is no pyramid of sound as the sounds individually follow one another.
Why is this work interesting to you (be specific – describe the parts that fascinate you). OR, why is it not interesting to you?
I admire the chaos of this piece. It forces me to listen more closely to every sound to determine what is taking place rather than a self explanatory boring sound piece.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
September 25, 2008
3 Things I learned today:
1) Today in class we explored the importance of brainstorming. We free wrote for 5 minutes about topics that interest us the most. From these topics we narrowed them down to one topic for our research piece. I chose dance as my topic because that has been my life time passion.
2) During class we were introduced to the approach of planning out our sound project. Being confused and stumped, I requested for the class to discuss my topic for support and incite. This was very helpful as I was given a variety of ideas as to how to begin my recordings. I think I will take the approach to incorporate sounds and beats of teaching a variety of dance types.
3) During critiques today, my understanding of pitch, timber, and rhythm were expanded. Going into my abstract project I was a little shaky on the definitions. However, as an audio and visual learner, I was able to fully encounter the correct definition and meaning behind the particular definitions.
Six Questions on Topic:
1) What is your favorite place to dance?
2) What does dance sound like?
3) Why do you dance?
4) Why is dancing important to you?
5) How does it make you feel?
6) When does the dance mood strike?
Thursday, September 18, 2008
September 18, 2008
What I learned in class today:
1) Today we listened to several abstract sounds of our peers. I noticed many different ways of how to fix my own sounds and make them stronger. Listening to Pete's sounds not only encouraged me but intimidated me to enhance and redo my own sounds. He mastered the art of an intriguing rhythm that caught everyone's attention.
2) After being inspired by Pete, I played on Sound Studio and experienced different filters. I favored the pitch and tempo filter, realizing I could slow down/expand or speed up/collapse various sounds. I also enjoyed the backward tool. After experimenting I found using the backward tool on a bell created a cool sound as if it was in Star-trek or another space movie.
3) During critiques my peers liked how my piece contained space and they were able to travel the journey with the sound clip and were able to conclude the exterior and interior settings. However, I understood that my pyramid of sounds were not clear. To make it more distinct, I plan on lowering the amplitude in order for the foreground to not tune out the mid ground. In addition, I plan to add more abstract sounds to interrupt the solid and concrete sounds.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Art of Noises
1) How do you think Russolo would feel in a world without simultaneous sound? Explain your answer based upon what you have learned about Russolo's philosophies of sound from the article.
Russolo would go insane without simultaneous sound. He seems to enjoy the variety of sounds layered together as he expresses how the futuristic sounds will increase. He illustrates that machinery will expand the library of sounds; not by imitating nature, but by creating new instruments.
2) Does Russolo value "noise"? Do you value it? Why or Why not.
Yes, Russolo values noise, as do I. I value sound rather than music because sound is a different approach to pleasant noise to the ear. I am fascinated by the way one can take out one element of music (harmony, beat, or melody) and create a sound. Abstract sound is different and ironically amusing allowing the audience to incorporate their own story behind the sound.
3) What is the role of noise in the media you enjoy (ie. games, films, radio, news, music)?
Noise is produced in all forms of media. Even though the radio contains a lot music, noises are squeezed into the background of commercials. Electronic games also present sounds dependent on the actions of the audience throughout the game. For example, when a character succeeds a rewarding sound is revealed. During films, sounds are apparent as well every time the characters preform an action as little as shutting a door or as large as blowing up a building.
http://www.ubu.com/papers/russolo.html
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
Three most important things I learned in class today:
1) Today we began class by experiencing our first classroom critique. We spent a good amount of time reviewing Matt's Environmental Sound piece. We gave him feedback on how his sounds were very repetitive. We learned the tape rule; where the artist must remain silent during their critique or their mouths will be taped shut! Critiques are very helpful to receive encouraging feedback to improve your pieces. In addition, they teach everyone how to take criticism in a positive rather than negative manner.
2) Next we explored the differences between pitch, tone, rhythm, and timber. I learned that pitch is a high note unexpectedly interrupting another group of sounds. Tone is the repetition of one sound playing in a series of others. Rhythm is repetition in a series of sound and timber is a sound that explains what materials are being used. We used handcrafted instruments to make our own sounds to explain the different vocabulary.
3) I learned what three parts make up music; harmony, melody, and beat. With all three components music is created, which is not allowed in our class. However, if you take one component away, the music turns into abstract sounds, which we are able to produce within our projects.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
September 4, 2008
30 Minutes of Listening Reflection:
Listening for thirty minutes of sounds was a complete new experience for me. Closing my eyes gave me a new interpretation of the beauty of sounds. Instead of hearing everything as many noises piled together, every sound became distinct. When only focusing on sounds, they sound a lot different than when your preoccupied with other things on your mind. Closer sounds would break the simplistic ambient sound in the background. I enjoyed hearing the traffic begin close to myself and fade into the air within seconds. Professor Beffel proposed an exercise where she rang a bell which magically changed our thought of sound. It was shockingly impressive to understand that an interruption can completely trigger your train of thought. I also learned that there is no such thing as silence. Whether there are noises or not in the room your in, your mind is consistently producing thoughts, which generates sound.
Learning Styles Survey
1) As an active learner I can study in a group as different members take turns explaining each topic to each other. I will retain more information if I study with others.
2) As a sensor learner if i connect the material I am learning to real life situations, I will retain more information.
3) As a visual learner I should try to look at photos, diagrams, charts, etc. to see the information visually to retain the most information as possible.
September 4, 2008
Three most important things I learned in class today:
1) In class we went on a journey to an open field where we clustered in the left corner near the road. We were discussing sounds when Professor Beffel brought up the point that there is never silence. There is always some sort of noise in the background whether they are voices in your head, a slight hum, or ringing in your ears. I never had thought of silence never existing until Professor Beffel began the discussion. It was a fascinating fact to encounter.
2) 2) During class we were introduced to audio recorders. We were able to discover the different opportunities the recorders allowed us to use. I learned the difference between he 120 and 90 frequency; discovering that 90 picks up less background sound waves than 120, which has a larger sound range. The audio recorder was an interesting device that was fun and simple to use after following the tutorial.
3) 3) Professor Beffel introduced the program Sound Studio 3 to all her students. The audio mixing program was exciting to experiment with. After learning the basics, my group and I were able to record foreground, midground, and background sounds throughout the quad and import them into Sound Studio. We were able to layer and mix them together to produce one sound stream. For our first project we are assigned to make our own sound stream. I am interested in experimenting with dorm distraction sounds. I am very excited to begin this project!
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