Evaluation and Reflections

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Ethics and sustainability is extremely important, not only does it have that significance because of this project, it’s something I believe in very strongly and has contributed to the selection of topics in my work, such as consumerism and waste. I have researched ethics and sustainability by reaching deeper into these topics as I wanted to create a space to communicate the urgency to act on our current situation regarding the planet, and use my creativity to produce a piece of work that showcases the reality of consumption and obsessive production of items, that eventually lead to waste. Also, I have kept in mind my audience for the exhibition and have conducted the necessary research (e.g. reading college policies) to make sure I am careful with what I include in my work so it does not cause any sort of offense and that it is socially appropriate for viewing.

 

I made a promise with myself to stay as organised as possible and to keep to a plan as this is the final major project, unfortunately things don’t always go smoothly as I did steer off my original plan a little. I left the bibliography to the last 2 weeks, as I was focused on uploading to Wix and writing my evaluation. Fortunately, I was able to access all my old website links through my history and I completed the bibliography with an hour or so.

 

I have identified my ideal audience – 16 to 25 year olds based in Chippenham/surrounding areas who study nature, animals or science, could have an interest in illustration. I conducted the appropriate planning and research (research page, transcribed interview and a mind map), in order to find this out, I based it around the exhibition as I wanted to be more realistic, but to also find a specific group of people who would be interested in my work.

 

Planning was crucial within the project to make sure I was prepared each week and had specific goals to reach. I produced weekly plans that agreed with my timetable and personal life, as well as targets, mind maps on certain activities, digital mock ups of outcomes/practical work, mood boards, etc. Although some things were left till late and I did struggle to stay strict with the plan. However, the planning gave me a lot of reassurance and structure for the project, so I was aware of what needed completing and when. I made sure these plans where clear and easy for me to follow along with so I didn’t feel the need to go searching for anything/to make a new plan. Something I would change about my planning would be to include voice memos – this allows me to communicate ideas in real time without having to write anything down however, this came down to my self-confidence and recording my voice isn’t something I’m fully comfortable with. Despite this, I found other effective ways to plan creatively, that worked for me.

 

In my previous projects, I haven’t managed to say up to date with my weekly reflections however, this time I was determined to complete the weekly reflections/other thoughts, throughout the project. This was extremely helpful for me to share my progress, successes, fails, attempts, etc. as if I was speaking to a real person. I kept it real and honest to avoid sugar coating and tricking myself into believing everything was ok, as this project was so enjoyable, but challenging (in the best way).

 

Visual Language allows me to recognise different elements of a piece, I then use the same/inspired techniques and processes, into my work. This includes observing things such as: colour, shape, line, composition, texture, space, angle, motion and pattern. I have used both analytical writing and labelling to point out visual language and what it does for that piece of work, what it reminds me of, what it means, how did an artist/I achieve it, etc.

 

 

Context, aim and intent

 

I have responded to the project theme of ‘weather’ by using types of weather (rain, tornadoes) and combining it with sub themes like consumerism, waste and climate change, to include more personality into the project. I have always had a strong interest for nature and animals – growing up I loved horse riding and looking after my pets at home, as I got older I realised what extreme danger the world is in, and started to research and find ways to contribute to helping the environment. I would start using more sustainable materials/ products where I could, having a re-useable water bottle, attending local groups (youth strike for climate), donating small amounts to charities instead of buying a packet of sweets on a Friday, buying clothes from charity shops and so on.

 

I was eager to start researching and producing ideas for a project where I had much more leeway to talk about/produce art in subjects I was passionate about.

 

I have successfully applied ethics to my ideas by including such real, important matters that are relatable to the current times. My work has a purpose not only to be seen as art work, but a message, a reminder to those who must do more for the planet (where they can of course) and to change their perspective on the amount of time we have. As I am a true creative, I wanted my work to radiate only positive energy as I was aware of who would be able to view my artwork in the exhibition (students, lectures, parents, family members, etc.) Saying this, I included positive but important quotes/messages such as: “Put your rubbish in the bin” and “let’s save the world”, as well as earth and recycling symbols. I also used exciting visual language elements to add vibrancy and light.

 

My work effectively communicates my ideas that I originally intended, as I stuck with my concept and allowed for the ideas to flow, as I produced more work. I loved the idea of having waste weather, as surrealism is also an area of artwork that is enjoyable to make, as the sky is the limit.

 

Having the project theme as weather, I learnt a lot factually about the types of weather I was using in my artworks (rain, tornadoes, lightning) and such fascinating history behind each form and how powerful weather really is. Using this information, I decided to create a surreal, extreme degree of ‘waste weather’, expressing the severity of waste and consumerism, and its impact on the environment.

 

 

Research

 

As my specialist pathway is illustration, I chose to research 3 artists that focus on illustration and produce weather or place illustrations, these artists are Priscilla Tey, Skottie Young and Jeremy Adams. I made sure to research into the materials, techniques and processes they use by observing social media pages and website Q and A pages. This helps massively as I’m able to gather tips and tricks I didn’t know of before, such as the Sketchpad app (Skottie Young uses) and adding textured layers (Priscilla Tey). I also produced a written analysis of their work, commenting on visual language, messaging, what the piece reminded me of and how I intended to use certain elements in my idea generation process. After looking back at my research, I could have watched some videos on these artists to grasp a better idea of who they are, what they do, how they produce their artwork, etc. These could include tutorials, classes, Q and A’s, art shows/exhibitions, vlogs.

 

For Illustration, I used the procreate app to produce multiple digital experimentations of weather, patterns, mock ups, etc. I did this to practice my illustration skills and find new techniques within the app – symmetry mode, gradients, distortion, swirl and more. Ink pens were also a useful tool for to use to create experimental and messy pieces (what I enjoy most when drawing), and filling pages in my sketchbook full of mark- making, patterns and shapes.

 

For primary research, I produced relevant but exciting photographs on place and weather, observational, expressive drawings and paintings on place and weather, observational digital illustrations on weather and patterns/textures, visiting real life galleries and museums – Natural History Museum and The Design Museum in London, visiting places – the beach, exploring Bath (city), mood boards on weather, place, consumerism and waste, and interviews. All the information collected was used effectively as I was able to find starting points for my ideas, visiting the museums in London made such a difference, combining research from both museums and finding a primary idea (consumerism, waste and weather), that was interesting, personal, relatable to weather and my audience. If I was to do anything differently during the primary research stage, I would visit more exhibitions, museums and galleries near me, such as: Holburne Museum, Bath and Victoria Art Gallery, Bath– their ‘Myths and Monsters Exhibition would’ve been informative or character Design.

 

Another idea would have been to interview random people to gather different views and opinions on weather and climate change however, I hesitated to do this as a lot people are busy/don’t want to talk. An alternative solution would be to interview fellow classmates, lectures, family and friends, as I am more comfortable speaking to them.

 

I researched materials, techniques and processes effectively by testing, planning and experimenting with different mediums and methods. These included: digital illustration to inform character design, collage, observational and quick drawings using ink pen, recording weather on a large scale using graphite, charcoal and random tools, creating 3D structures to respond to clouds and experiment with shape, textures and practice with model-making techniques (cutting, sticking, building, ripping, altering), creating alternative books to express clouds and climate change – the same model-making techniques, ripping coloured paper to play around with shape, composition and space in order to produce initial character designs, mixing paint to produce various colours, shades, textures, gradients and patterns, using ink pen and watercolour paint to experiment with mark making, space, shape and patterns, recording weather using drawing machines (pencils, pastels and pens) and ink to play around on a larger scale to produce various patterns, fill the space and let the weather control the artwork, cutting out pieces from weather recording activity and practicing composition by arranging the pieces in different ways, creating a simple illustration using Procreate expressing the potential emotional impact of rain (sadness), testing Procreate brushes and colours to inform my finished piece.

 

This was all done to ensure I produced as much ideas as possible, and felt ready to create finished pieces that were full, informed and well planned. If I was to do something differently during the materials, techniques and processes experimentation stage I would try out materials/techniques/processes I don’t normally use, to challenge myself and perhaps produce work that I end up loving. This could be oil pastels, colour pencils, clay/fimo, ink, using the sea to create a texture or pattern after drawing/painting on it, going back to primary school art techniques such as hand painting, etc.

 

Other research methods I used including internet research on the theme and sub-themes, film research, photography, mood boards and collages influenced by The Design Museum, London, an idea factory,  my 6-year-old sisters’ artwork on weather, ’30 ideas in 30 minutes’ activity, internet research and mood boards on presentation skills.

 

Conducting research into the ‘Cloudy with a chance of meatballs’ film and ‘Golconda’ (Magritte) painting, contributed to the concept of having raining waste/consumerism objects. My photography, illustration and mood board research into place contributed to the design of the buildings in my digital outcome (I used the architecture in Bath, my home city, to make the piece even more personal).  If I was to do something differently during the secondary/other research stage I would’ve liked to carry out some alternative research tasks I initially thought of as the project went along, these included: responding to music to create an experimental, abstract piece on weather, researching into weather literature, and creating a newspaper article style research booklet on weather, consumerism and waste.

 

To create initial ideas, I looked into specific weather types – such as tornadoes in my idea factory, and combined that subject with a process (knot) and ISM (dystopia). Idea factories are one of the best research/ideation methods as you have so much freedom and space to create whatever you like - the ideas are endless. Visiting places was probably the number one ideation/research method that was most helpful, as I was able to research the theme in depth and look at artworks done by amazing artists – observing their techniques and processes helped me determine how I was going to create my own work.

 

Final solutions

 

For my digital piece, I produced a digital illustration using Procreate on my IPad, I am very pleased with the work as my idea had finally come to life and I was able to complete it successfully – the most successful parts included: the lightning strikes, use of colour and staying within a complimentary colour palette, well informed and textured buildings, vibrant and quirky cars and the waste rain and tornadoes. Unexpectedly, I didn’t stay completely with plan of my first sketch, as I didn’t include the street lamps – I would add these in if I had the chance to, as they filled the space and added more illumination. I used visual language effectively by including vibrant colours that agreed with each other/didn’t clash, texture and realism on the buildings (highlights where the rain had fallen to), interesting shapes, illuminance and brightness to create a neon effect, squiggle lines for expressive tornadoes and to represent motion, contrasting elements such as white objects against dark background, range of brushes to showcase texture, etc.

 

If I had the chance to alter the visual language/add something it would be filling the space more as the bottom corner is left a bit empty – the reasoning behind this for composition, and so my audience could focus on the rest of the illustration.

 

My piece is dynamic, as I have used a range of elements, messaging, techniques, visual language elements and have filled the space to create a busy atmospheric illustration. It is bright, busy, city-like, fun, expressive, real and crazy! If I was to add something to make the piece more dynamic, it would be more cars and signs.

 

For my oil painting, this was a more spontaneous and last-minute decision to complete as I wanted to produce another outcome that expressed a different feel and to be a response to my sketchbook – the research, planning, practical, presentation, etc. It is exactly how I envisioned it as abstract art is so easy and fun to create as there is no right or wrong. The most successful parts of the painting, includes: the red and white swirl in the middle, the fizzy drink can, ice cream, the disco ball and the thickly painted raindrops and cloud. If I had the chance to change something about the piece it would be the dollar sign area, I would change this to a pound sign as its more fitting for me and my audience, and use bolder paint strokes, such as a black and white checkerboard pattern. For visual language, I have used vibrant complimentary cool and warm tones, patterns, shapes, line, and effective use of space – very full. The painting is dynamic, as the space is completely full and there is so much to observe and analyse, such lively colours, patterns and shapes that relate to meaningful subjects.

 

My ongoing, reflective practice was essential, in order for me to plan out different activities and idea generation processes, that lead me closer to producing well informed, finished pieces. I was very successful in keeping these up to date, weekly reflections as I recognised the importance of keeping a ‘mini diary’ to express my progress and journey throughout the project. As said before, I would eventually like to include voice memos in a future project to showcase real-time more in depth reflections, as I can just speak!

 

I have considered sustainability in the use of my materials for my final pieces, as my digital outcome only requires a tablet/iPad – no harsh chemicals, other equipment, plastics, etc. The piece will be printed however, it will definitely not get thrown away as it is such a special piece I am very proud of, it will be kept. For the painting, I am aware I have used oil paints however, these were water mixable, therefore they are easier to clean up. To clean up my working space, I let the paints dry completely, as you shouldn’t pour paints directly down the drain, as they may be mixed with linseed oil and solvents for disposal (found out from the internet).

 

Planning and Organisation

 

I have met all the deadlines and have completed all the tasks required and set by my lectures. As mentioned, there were a few research and practical tasks that I would have liked to do, unfortunately I ran out of time.

 

Next time, I will need to be stricter with my plan as I didn’t follow it completely as I left a shorter amount of time to complete my final outcomes and bibliography. I have learnt how essential planning is to the whole project as it is a form of support and guidance (even if written by yourself), you have that structure, time stamps and reassurance to make sure tasks are completed when required, in order to move on and potentially save room for more work.

 

Presentation and Audience

 

For presentation of my artwork, website and sketchbook, I have been very determined to find imaginative and effective ways to present each individual piece – being precise with theme and responding to it. In my sketchbook, I have loved to create vibrant, exciting pages by sticking down objects and materials that related to that sketchbook page, different typographies, textured/pattern background, etc.

 

For my website, I have used clear, simple and well put together titles that are easy to read and visible, scanned sketchbook pages, composition techniques when presenting photos, adding time-lapse recordings of work documentation, edited photographs, professional studio shots of final outcomes, animated presentations and an alternative, video game inspired movie of my painting process. Next time, I would like to present my work by creating a music video/documentary or producing graphics/illustrations to create a themed layout across all website pages.

 

I have identified my ideal audience carefully and effectively by carrying out the necessary research and planning in order to gather informative results, to then produce a final mind map niching down a specific group of individuals. My audience is 16 to 25 year olds based in Chippenham/surrounding areas who study nature, animals or science, could have an interest in illustration.

 

In order to gather feedback and to see if people understood the intent and messaging of my work, I have created a Microsoft form with multiple questions about both my outcomes, climate change, sustainability, waste and consumerism. I have posted the results on my wix website under ‘Research’ and ‘Evaluation and reflections’. Through this form, I found that people had a great understanding of what my work was about – my ultimate goal was for people to understand as this was such a personal project to me! People recognised how there were objects relating to waste and consumerism, the extreme weather expressing over consumption and production, related to the piece by expressing how they contribute to helping the planet and felt motivated to start making a change.

 

Developing as a creative practitioner

 

My personal goals as a creative practitioner is to be fully experienced and capable of creating work with a range of mediums, processes and techniques, that I enjoy using. My specialist pathway is illustration, I am working towards landing a job within the industry and hope to contribute to exciting projects in the future, and to have my work recognised by others. This project has supported that goal as I have been able to produce a rich, expressive, personal and informative website that adds to my portfolio – I would use it on my CV when applying for jobs, or university.

 

To keep moving forward with this goal, I will keep creating work that expresses who I am as an artist and putting the most amount of effort into this course as I am determined to do well. I could create social media pages on illustration to reach a larger audience – gain experience, learn from others, advice, job offers, etc.