penguins

 

pdfs, proposal

whales updated (pdf)

turtles updated (pdf)

proposal update 10/28

My project is about depicting animals in their natural habitats and evoking feelings of being surrounded by them, as if the viewer is in the image as well. The reason I chose to focus on aquatic animals, at least so far, is because they always seemed mysterious to me. They’re beautiful and complicated, and the ocean they live in is so unexplored. The majority of organisms alive currently live under the ocean, and most of the ocean is unexplored.

I wanted to use colors that helped convey the peaceful feeling of each image, and the text in each image is supposed to complement the visuals. I used text taken from spreads in my final book that I printed last semester, to keep some continuity, and I repurposed them to fit the images I’ve added or changed for this book. I’m trying to be experimental with the placement of text, using colors and font styles that complement the rhythm of the images from one page to the next.

I decided that the more scientific or observational text passages would be separate from the more poetic text, and I positioned the scientific text in places that it wouldn’t take over the image. The poetic text is bigger and shapes itself around each image, flowing together more easily and being seen as two parts of one whole. The color scheme in each book depends on the mood of the images inside it; I wanted to create a sense of flowing through the pages, like they fit together. The books I’ve finished so far are supposed to be viewed in context with each other, like a series. I’m currently working on two or three books total, that will hopefully expand on the ones that came before them.

turtles

Some Color

One has a little and one has a lot. Stylistically I like the one with a lot of color but I think it's a bit too much.

Environmental Fast Facts

I have this new idea where I would take the photos that I have, along with other photos that I plan to take and create a layout. I'm thinking of doing this sort of page layout where I use the photograph and on the page next to it I will put an environmental "fast fact" about said product in the image. I would most likely do this for many of the products that are found in the ocean and streets. These items would be particular items that are bad for the environment. 

notes, week of 27-29 October

reviews, via Google Meet, Wednesday evening, 28 October.

6:00   Leslie
6:30   Paige
7:00   May
7:30   Rowan
8:00   Nate
8:30   Adam

reviewers: John Colan, Blyth Hazen, Jesse Kahn, John McVey

Each student will be invited to join the Google Meet review immediately before their scheduled time (so be ready). Students will give a concise summary of their intentions and where they are in their work, and present that work (via “presentation” — not of screen, but of open tabs, or from a google slideshow that you have prepared in your drive).

We will “rehearse” procedures during seminar on Tuesday 27 October. (I will demonstrate the use of google’s “slideshow” function at this time.)

It is expected and critical that thesis proposals be updated to reflect where projects are now, rather than what was imagined about them back in May. Think of these updated proposals as a progress report – they need not be long (one “page” might be sufficient). Reviewers will read the proposals/progress reports in advance of the reviews. Either post updates to blog, or send to me, who will add them to the respective proposals pages.

Seminar will meet on Thursday a.m., perhaps in part for debriefings; no classes next Tuesday 3 November (election day).
 

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reminder

Each week, I post notes that variously include information pertaining to seminar discussions, asides, and links to resources/work relating to individuals’ work-in-progress.
View these by clicking on posts “labeled” John.

I do also comment on students’ blog posts, and not always on the day that post was created.
 

Developments in Walking And studies of trash

 

Possible words I associated with this particular specimen:

Thumbnail studies of the specimen for possible print compositions with sample text:

Samples of smaller specimens found on walks mounted on a decorative print. Might later be paired with a detailed calligraphic label inspired by early specimen labels from archeological and discovery expeditions from the 18th to the 20th century. 

more books same dogs

 Using the accordion fold that Nate showed me

More Social Media Posts

 

Collecting- pieces of wood and root from around the North Shore- And a brief musing on labeling

 

Apple Tree Root from Connor’s Farm Danvers

Specimen Type Unknown- Park by Bridge St. Ryal Side Beverly

Root, Specimen Type Unknown- Cabot Street Beverly

Study and drawing of an Apple tree from Brooksby Farm

Apple Tree, Brooksby Farm

In science the label is as important as the specimen- it tells you exactly what you are looking at and exactly what to look for- I am curious as to how this can be applied to my pieces to help document the experiences of finding the various pieces in my collections, to make them more personal, and more real to the viewer. 

Apple Tree Stump- Brooksby Farm

Specimen Type Unknown- Sally Milligan Park, Beverly