Steps Closer

The single most important thing I learned from the previous Visual Research exercise is that big doesn't always mean better.  The largest print I made for the exercise was a little bit over 20x30ish inches.  I thought initially that I would like the largest print size the best but after the review I realized that a smaller size was better.  I liked how the 9x13 sized print was big enough that the small details were retained but the viewer was drawn into the photograph and stepped closer to look.

All about borders

The single most important thing I learned from the latest Visual Research exercise is that borders border the line of either being completely cheesy or completely perfect.  I think that my work can be benefited by borders.  Here is an example of a photoshop created border that I like a lot:

When I go to create my final prints, which will be in the darkroom, the use of borders is something I want to explore a lot more.  Filed negative carriers and such will be involved... 

Other Concerns

At the moment I am taking advanced sculpture and I am trying to tie both advanced photography and sculpture together.  My initial ideas at the beginning of the quarter was to create and build unique sculptural framework for my thesis photography to be shown in at DAAPworks. I have been looking at lot at the work of Christian Boltanski.  The content of our work is very different, he reflects a lot on death, memory and loss, but I am really drawn to his work due to his use of mixed mediums.  He uses a mixture of photography, sculpture, projections, and found objects at times.  When working on my sculpture projects I am trying to emulate Boltanski through use of layers, opacity levels, mixed mediums, and play of light.

Here are some examples of some of my favorite work of Boltanski:

 

France | photo installation

New Directions

I'm wanting to show parts of myself within my photography to get away from straight documentation of buildings.  I'm happy with my work from last quarter, but I feel that the next step is to create moods and reflections of myself into my work. The previous three photographs posted are my first attempt at stepping away from straight documentation.  They are a good first step in the right direction but I have a lot more work to do. 

New Steps

Working on new ideas for my thesis.  Using projections and myself within the photographs.

Thesis 2010

The basis of the ideas behind my thesis began with the vague concept of exploring and photography abandoned spaces throughout Cincinnati.  As time has progressed I have discovered that what I enjoy the most about this project is the act of exploring and the emotions I experience when doing so.  The next step for my thesis is to take my scientific-like photographs and turn them into a more emotional, personal experience.

Throughout the last quarter I spent much time researching various artists and methods to pursue my interests in urban exploration.  This quarter I am going to continue researching various artists to hone in on my personal style, and the finalized look I am going for.

My plan for the winter quarter, 2010, looks like this:

1. Re-evaluate my work from the previous quarter
2. Continuation of research of artists, mediums, and formats
3. Begin the process of writing my thesis paper
4. 10 rolls of film to be shot
5. Decisions made on the final subject matter to be enhanced and refined for the spring quarter