Way finding in a new light

The start of second year studio has certainly redefined my definition of "group project." Working on a single project from an individual level to a group of nearly 60 shed light on the difficulties of working in a group. It is never easy for a handful of minds to unite on a single idea, but in the modern world this is a challenge we will often encounter. Our challenge here was to map out an assigned "way finding" experience through annotated images, which were then incorporated into a small group project. The products of each small group were then absorbed into a project involving our entire studio, thereby introducing us to the delicate balance of leadership and cooperation. Through much trial and even more error, our studio combined the models, maps, and images of our small groups to produce a life size game exploring the idea of way finding. I am not only impressed by the project we were able to produce, but too by the way in which we were able to organize people and ideas in such a large group. There was a strong effort to bring each and every idea to the table for consideration, and a universal push for cohesiveness both within our group and project.

First Year Finale

For our final project we were assigned a famous individual for whom we were to create a habitable wall. We were then assigned to a group and our clients' "walls" were to collectively create a neighborhood within the 3rd floor of the UNCG Gatewood Studio Arts building. Our resulting design was to best suite the needs of our client considering location, relativity to other clients, structure, and lighting. My client was Mark Rothko, celebrated abstract expressionist painter. I plan to continue revisions in my iterations, but my most recent product was designed to be a movable, changeable structure to fit his mood- whether it be joyful or depressed. I took advantage of the many windows in our studio to optimize lighting for his painting. His structure incorporates a select few of his signature colors, but not so much that it could overwhelm and strain his ability to start afresh on a new painting. My next designs will move towards a more simplified, unified structure to express a more solid concept.

No where like Elsewhere

Most anyone that has been to Elsewhere Museum (Greensboro, NC) would probably describe their experience as... well, hard to describe. Elsewhere is an artist's haven, brimming with just about any and every object imaginable. On numerous occasions, I heard people express the need for some particular object, followed by "Well it's got to be here somewhere!" This statement really describes Elsewhere in a nutshell. The great part about this space is its interactive quality. The objects in Elsewhere are designed to be rearranged and manipulated, so long as nothing is removed or added. Artists create eerie and playful exhibits amidst the towing piles of, well, stuff! One will surely find our classes' once stratigically placed post-it notes moved and worked into any number of places throughout Elsewhere!

My Design Visualization class was challenged to map out the Museum for Elsewhere's website. Considering the amount of space available to draw, it was difficult to choose just one. I chose my space based upon it's composition. The fabric on the walls created interest in contrast with the objects arranged around the couch. This was such a fun and unusual experience, from which I gained great drawing experience. Thank you Elsewhere and thank you Suzanne!

Nick Knack Pattywack

In preparation for an upcoming visit to Elsewhere Museum (Greensboro, NC) our Drawing class was assigned the task of drawing "Nick knacks" around the house. These are just a few that I had fun drawing. They became rather animated once I added color, which really made it a fun assignment!

Salsa with that Sketch?

My drawing class took an excursion to El Carraton, the local Mexican restaurant, where we spent our class period sketching over lunch. This was certainly not a "good day" for my drawing, but it made for a very fun experience!

These perspectives began with a floor plan of a 12'x 36' room at 1': 1/4" scale. The room progressed through rough perspectives to create a finished perspective. To experiment with color, we divided the perspective into four quadrants and used a different medium/ paper for each. We then chose our favorite medium and used it to create a renovated perspective of a classmate's room. My renovation followed Kara's downtown loft-style space.

My first experience with perspective drawings has certainly taught me a lot about mechanical rendering. I have always toyed with perspective, and always found the lack of perspective to be a severe flaw in my drawings. Having mastered the technical, scaled steps to creating a perspective, I hope to improve my free-hand drawing skills.

In a new light

After months of black and white, we have finally approached color in our drawings! We began learning perspective through furniture, and proceeded to add color and shadow to bring our drawings to life.