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Writing Initiative #8

You have now had a chance to present your finalized body of work (2D, 3D, 4D, Experimental, Reflective) to the class for feedback and discussion. 

As we conclude the semester, please write a summary of your experience as a final blog post, including responses to the following:

What have you learned about yourself doing this self-directed assignment?

One big thing I've learned is how important it is to manage time well and stay disciplined. When you're working on your own project, you have to be responsible and organized. This experience has helped me get better at deciding what tasks are most important, setting goals I can actually reach, and using my time wisely. These skills don't just apply to art—they're useful in lots of areas. Additionally, this experience has shown me how important it is to try new things and be open to experimenting. When I step out of what's familiar to me, I often discover new ideas and ways of doing things that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

Another important part of this project was learning to let things happen naturally without trying to control everything.I've found that when I stop trying to control every little detail, I give room for unexpected and exciting things to happen in my work.  Especially since most of my projects were drived with letting things unfold on their own. As I had to wait for the movement of the flowing paint to distinguish the final outcome of the pieces or the growth of the bacteria determine the overall look of the 4D project. 

What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of your chosen assignment? Creativity? Research? Connecting design to research? Craft? Organizational skills? Time management? Something else entirely?

The most challenging part of my assignment was connecting my designs with research and translating them into physical pieces that reflect both the research and the meaning of my chosen word. I had to balance being creative with making sure my work had depth and meaning. It was important that my craft not only looked good but also communicated the ideas from my research. Additionally, working on the craft aspect proved to be demanding. I had to rely on letting some elements evolve naturally, which meant waiting and observing over time to see if they worked as intended. This took patience because sometimes I had to start over or try different approaches until it looked right. Overall, combining my designs with research and turning them into physical art was a big challenge. It pushed my artistic and creative skills while also testing how well I could adapt and keep going until I achieved the desired result.

What did you enjoy about this opportunity?

I really enjoyed this opportunity for several reasons. First, I loved learning new skills and exploring different art mediums. It was exciting to step outside my comfort zone and try things I hadn't done before. Working with hands-on materials was particularly enjoyable compared to digital platforms like design software. Another aspect I appreciated was the freedom from specific briefs or fixed outcomes. This assignment allowed me to pursue what I wanted creatively and have a unique outcome that differed from my classmates. I liked having the flexibility to present something different and explore different ideas without strict guidelines. I loved the flexibility to experiment and see where my creativity took me. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that allowed me to explore.

How would you rate your performance over the course of the semester?

This semester, I feel like I did well overall, especially in terms of giving and receiving feedback and learning from my classmates. I made a conscious effort to approach each class with an open mind, ready to absorb new ideas and insights. It was great to see how much I gained from these interactions and how much I could contribute as well. I must admit that I struggled with procrastination at times and didn't always push myself beyond what was comfortable. However, I worked hard with the resources I had and tried my best to make things work, even when they didn't go as planned. There were moments of frustration and feeling like I could have done better, but I remained positive and persistent, pushing through challenges and staying focused on improvement. Despite the ups and downs, I'm happy to say that I ended the semester feeling accomplished and satisfied with my progress.

Hindsight is 20/20. What would you do differently, now that you've had this opportunity to work this way?

Looking back, I realize that there were opportunities I could have approached differently. One aspect I would change is my willingness to tackle intimidating challenges, such as incorporating interactive components or working with digital editing. These areas felt daunting at the time, but now I see them as a path for growth and innovation. I think I could have tried harder to make artwork that was more challenging for me. Trying out new ideas or techniques could have made my portfolio even better and pushed me to be more creative. This experience has shown me that taking on challenges is important and can help me grow as an artist.

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Experiments with the papermaking process

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Reflective Process

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Papermaking Process

In the process of papermaking, flocculation plays a crucial role in separating fibers from water and creating a cohesive sheet of paper. Initially, the raw materials, such as wood pulp or recycled paper, are mixed with water to form a slurry. Through the images provided, it can be seen that I blended some pieces of cardboard from a egg carton and some scrap white paper with water to create the pulp.

Flocculation occurs as these flocculants encourage tiny particles and fibers in the slurry to come together and form larger clumps or flocs. This clumping process helps in the rapid settling of dispersed solids, including the fine fibers and impurities (added elements for the purpose of texture in my case), from the water. As a result, the clarified water can be separated from the fiber-rich flocs, which then move forward in the papermaking process.

After flocculation, the flocs are further processed through steps like refining, screening, and pressing to create a uniform fibre sheet. I used two old picture frames and glued a stretched-out net to make my own papermaking kit.

The sheets undergo the process of drying and pressing to remove excess water which I did by using a sponge and pressing the sheet onto a towel to absorb the excess water which ultimately forms the finished paper product. Flocculation, therefore, is a critical step in papermaking that aids in the efficient separation of fibres and the production of paper.

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Reflective Final

Papermaking itself is a form of flocculation, similar to the purification process in wastewater treatment plants. The blending of paper pulp in water mirrors this purification process, where the gathering of pulp serves to purify the water. Here flocculation occurs through the separation of micro paper pieces in the water, gathering in the continuous straining of pulp to create paper sheets. While the process of flocculation is most evident during papermaking rather than in the final product, I aimed to capture this experience by incorporating various elements into each sheet of paper, conveying the essence of the process in the final result. Assembling these sheets into a book, a silent narrative emerges—a tale of the process itself, embodying concepts of growth, separation, creation, and life. Through the inclusion of seeds, vines, twigs, plants, and flowers, the story of life unfolds within its pages, inviting readers to delve deeply into its meaning.

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Experimental

The making of the jewelry was done by using resin. I wanted to work with making a simple pair of pendant that two individuals would wear as an everyday accessory. The pendant contains some of the bacteria growth from my 4D project. The design is very unique but have a familiar resemblance.

(More on the thought process of the making and the concept of the jewelry is in writing initiative 6)

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Experimental Final

These necklaces offer a fresh perspective on the concept of "flocculation." They symbolize the separation characteristic in the flocculation process, serving as a tangible connection for partners, be they lovers or friends, to remain linked even when apart. Metaphorically representing the separation and pulling apart of masses and components in flocculation, the uniqueness of these necklaces lies in the inclusion of growing bacteria inside the pendants. This bacterial growth symbolizes the increasing yearning for connection between two individuals. Deliberately designed to resemble a globe and a heart, the interior components of the necklaces reinforce their symbolic significance.

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4D process

Growing bacteria was a discussion topic from the beginning. I was advised to explore the process of growing bacteria particularly on a petri dish. I researched many examples and processes of petri dish art where the naturally growing bacteria can grow in different colours and styles. However, after receiving feedback and suggestions during classroom critiques, I shifted my focus to observing natural mold growth on everyday items like bread.

Flocculation is a process and an outcome where small particles clump together to create flocs. Flocs can settle at the bottom of the liquid (sediment) or float to the top of the liquid (creaming). In the case of bacteria growth for my 4d piece, the clumping of natural mold demonstrates the flocculation process.

In my 4D project, I concentrated on growing mold on a slice of bread and a beet. I placed the bread in a petri dish and situated it in a warm, humid environment to encourage mold growth. Additionally, I carefully positioned my camera to ensure a fixed angle. This setup allowed me to align the images perfectly when layering them for the timelapse video.

I worked in Photoshop and Premiere Pro to assemble the numerous photographs I had taken of the bread and the beet. I decided to showcase both of the mold growth simultaneously through a split-screen setup

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4D Bacteria Growth Final

Employing a natural and organic method, I explored the concept of "Flocculation" through bacterial growth. The spontaneous clumping and formation of small masses on the beet and bread were executed effectively. Consistently documenting the mold growth enabled me to compile a stop-motion timelapse video illustrating the entire process.

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3D Process

During the process of dropping paint onto the glue base, paint begins to disperse.

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3D Lamp process

Creating the textured appearance on the lamp's exterior involved several steps. First, I applied a coat of clear glue as a base. Next, I added diluted paint drops, which were mixed with water to help their flow through the glue and to disperse the pigment effectively. To enhance the process and achieve a paint-breakage effect in the final dried result, I also sprinkled fine sand on top of the paint drops.

Due to the rounded edges of the glass, the paint started to flow down the side and created movement within the paint. The last image is a closeup of the granules and the breakage of the pigment.

This was the first experimental approach to the flocculation process using paint which can be seen in the 2D and the 3D pieces.

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3D Lamp

This lamp embodies the concept of flocculation by illuminating the textured paint granules on its cubed-shaped exterior. Powered by a small battery, the light inside cycles through various colours. Photographs showcase the lamp in practical settings, like atop a bedside table, demonstrating its aesthetic and functional appeal. My approach to the 3D concept is consistent with my theme of displaying the idea of the word in a literal and practical sense. i achieved the texture and the rough clumping and separating of paint particles through the process of flocculation. The process of applying the paint onto the surface of the glass lamp was more expressive in displaying the process of Flocculation. The light within the lamp was able to transfer that into the final outcome by revealing the paint granules more prominently.

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3D Final

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Writing Initiative #6

Which piece did you present to the class today? How does it relate to the other pieces previously presented?

In this class, I showed a glimpse of the video and the process of bacteria growth. At this stage, I am working on documenting the bacteria growth I had worked with bread and beet for a few weeks and now I am working on assembling the video but I want to add more stages to the growing mold. Will be working on both and making a split screen in a loop for the 4D. For the experimental, I will be working on a making a pair of jewelry pendants for two loved ones. Mentioned in the previous crits is that the jewelry is holding onto one another. In this class, I presented the prototype of possible charm bracelets but wanted to make it meaningful and symbolic so want to put something inside.

2. Describe 2–3 specific strengths your classmates found in your work and their reasons for identifying them.

My documentation of the bacteria growing and displayed in a split-screen video was encouraged. The papermaking process was also suggested to be a good approach to the project.

3. Describe 1–2 specific ways your classmates thought you could improve this work going forward.

The lamp idea was presented here, as last time I showed the glass plate with paint separated and when held up against the light the granulation can be seen clearly. The light from the lamp will enhance this . I am at the beginning stage because unsure of what I want to do with the lamp or how I will go about making it.

My classmates suggested that I put something inside the jewelry. It will be cool for the charms to have something growing inside,  a mold environment inside it with a photograph of the loved ones consumed by the growth of the mold.

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Writing Initiative #5

Which piece did you present to the class today? How does it relate to the other pieces previously presented?

As everything is in process, didn’t bring in anything physical for the critique. At this stage, I had gathered my materials for the upcoming physical pieces. I got the hydrophobic sand and will use that in the process of flocculation, they don’t mix with water and float at the top but when emerge they still don’t mix but clump up at the bottom. Sand mixed with the oil coats the sand and makes it heavy and brings down the clump. From my previous critique, I decided to create jewelry which will be a new approach to the word flocculation.

2. Describe 2–3 specific strengths your classmates found in your work and their reasons for identifying them.

The small bottles of hydrophobic sand and water resembled a stop-motion lava lamp or a snow globe. With the presented materials and my possible approaches, I was suggested with many different outcomes that I can achieve for my 3d, 4d, 5d pieces.

3. Describe 1–2 specific ways your classmates thought you could improve this work going forward.

It was advice to making a jewelry with the sand. The individual hollow beads can contain the sand and water. Each bead will have like a different colour and assembled together to create a bracelet or a necklace. Can make charm braclets. Mentions from the previous critique was that couples wear matching jewelry as a remembrance of one another when they are apart. I can use the presented materials to creating a pair for the jewelry.

4. Consider the outcomes you still need to present in the remaining classes; why have you put them off till now?

At this stage I have put off the 3D piece as I wasn’t sure to how I can work with the textured glass painting and create a meaningful piece that explains the definition of flocculation. My 4D piece is a documentation of bacteria growth on foods therefore I haven’t brought in any progress works as I will compile the collected photographs in the final stop-motion.

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Writing Initiative #4

Describe 2–3 specific strengths your classmates found in your work and their reasons for identifying them.

The sand painting on the glass was encouraged. It was suggested to continue with a series of these glass paintings and create an experimental piece for the texture that it had. The look of the glass painting resembled bacteria growth and worked well with the theme of my works. Additionally, the colour palette was interesting. It was also observed that when light shines through the glass the particles of the paint granules can be seen beautifully.

2. Describe 1–2 specific ways your classmates thought you might refine or improve your piece going forward.

Ideas were suggested for the possible experimental piece such as working with waterproof sand which does not dissolve in water and works well in showcasing the definition of my word. As I presented the imitation of the bacteria growth on a petri dish, it was advised the choice of colour can really impact the reaction and the outcome of the work. Suggestions of possible things that can mold for my 4D pieces were also mentioned, such as bread, tomato, bread starter.

3.How might this feedback inform your thinking/making going forward? Describe 2–3 specific ways your classmates have informed how you might continue with one of the other assignments (3D, 4D, Experimental, Reflective Piece) through Reading Week and to be presented next.

At this stage, I wasn’t quite sure of my possible approaches for the experimental and reflective pieces. The ideas and suggestions of possible materials I can use were very insightful and encouraging. It was suggested that I work on making jewelry with can contain the essence of bacteria growth that can bloom when touched or can react to heat. Some examples of works were also inspiring such as working with natural materials that tarnish or break apart on their own.