line book revisions

munsell and mannequins

Three-dimensional through psychological space, flat spiral and helical score

interpretation/abstraction

The function of my final shapes are an initial guide to the interpretation of my haiku. The first and last images of my haiku (blistering rainy and dimly, breezily) are abstract which allow the viewer to have a more emotional response, in comparison to the representational image of petals in the second line.
The tool documentations are literal representations of the objects used. A far greater depth of meaning can be experienced by the marks in comparison to the tools. Literal representations can be much more shallow, for example, how much can a person read into the photograph of a fur ball?

The inclusion of text further assists the viewer’s interpretation. Since abstract shapes can be read differently, text is especially helpful for clarification. For instance, the first line of my haiku, Blistering rainy, is represented by a violent splash with hints of leaves. Without the assistance of text this image could be interpreted a number of ways. Additionally, although my mark of petals for the second line happens to be a literal representation of rose petals, the poem is not specifically about roses. In this case, the text guides the reader as to which details to take in, and which to overlook.

The connotations implied by my formal language are that I long for the viewer to see and find more. An intense unforgiving rain, petals dancing in the aftermath and a soft breeze lingering; I interpret this as the relief after a terrible experience–although, any interpretation is welcome.

objects I have known

before / after detail

nearly final set

tools for haiku

vector vs. bitmap

A vector image is made up of points, lines and curves. A bitmap is made up of tiny microscopic pixels, only visible under magnification.

Bitmap format is useful when attempting to retain soft details. Yet, scaling can create quality problems. When a bitmap is saved smaller, pixels are basically thrown away. When a bitmap is saved larger, pixels are added somewhat randomly (or interpolated by the computer); therefore, the image can appear less detailed or down-right nasty.

Vector images can be scaled from a tiny logo to a colossal billboard at no loss of quality. Vector format is easily manipulated similar to the stretchable quality of a rubber band. Yet, if a photographic quality is necessary, at least at this point in time, vector is not the ideal format.

Bitmap is my format choice for the haiku illustration project, since I would like to retain soft details contained in my marks, especially for the lines, "petals ruminate kindly," and "dimly breezily." The delicate nature of petals and also a soft breeze would be difficult to capture with a harsh, crisp vector format.

bitmap font creation

living color arrangements

denotative and connotative lists for haiku

Blistering rainy:
denotative: hot, steamy, wet, slippery, muddy, moving water, puddles, splashes, drips, tapping, rhythm, outdoors, nature, weather

connotative: angry rain, frustrated, longing, alone, lost, blinded, uncomfortable, loud drops smacking, overwhelming rain, intense, rapid, annoying, storm clouds, harsh, cloudy, outdoors, nature, weather.

Petals ruminate kindly:
denotative: petals, flowers, garden, dirt, ground, grass, smooth area, sporadically placed, continuously falling, petal-less flowers.

connotative: dancing petals, twirling petals, joyful, content, happy, pleased, soft petals, delicate, unpredictable, petals leaving, longing to move on, insecure petals, roaming, following one another, together.

Dimly, breezily:
denotative: softly blowing wind, darkness, shadows, rustling leaves, tumbling trash, quiet humming, occasional crackling sound (leaves passing by), movement, motion

connotative: calm, at ease, delicate breeze, low light possibly hiding, eerie, moving on, direction unpredictable, confusion, breeze controls direction of leaves, trash; wind in control = power.

dada collection

In my recent design past, type has mostly been an afterthought. When I transferred to the graphic design department, I actually wondered why on earth we have to take so many typography classes. Now I know. . .  Type and design are one. (Amen.)

my haiku

a face in nature

a statement about process

When I first began this line study project, I found the restrictions intense, painful even–until a revelation occurred. Similar to strategically placed circles, I discovered lines, even straight ones, when displayed in a particular arrangement, can convey emotion. I knew I had been brainwashed when: just the other day I saw a crumbled up napkin and thought it looked sad. . . My project is not just about lines, but rather, it tells a story about the progress and possible loss of a relationship.

Although the ancient world of analog supremely slows the design process, it is for the good of all. Applying analog qualities to a design allows it to retain a human quality. For instance, we added text to the line studies not by typing on the art, but by the gloriously, meticulous process of hand-made mockups. This included cutting out individual letters and glueing them imperfectly onto the art. Only after the mock-ups were complete did we scan them in and attempt to reproduce the awkward, yet amazing positioning of the letters. If every element of the design were created by the perfection of the computer, it would likely look controlled and stiff. (And in my mind, controlled and stiff equals: dull as tombs.)

The more the boundaries for this project were loosened, the more personal creativity was able to seep in; therefore, the level of narrative steadily increased. And in my surprisingly, opinionated opinion, narrative is vital to design. In the resonating first line of Claus Oldenburg's I Am for an Art essay: I am for an art. . . that does something other than sit on its ass in a museum.

the desire page

slightly more interesting picks

the full set

diagonal line study

fonts in the environment

line projections + people

projecting with my projection

garamond to scala

The letter "f"

progressive line inspiration

base compositions

revised thumbs

thumbs for domesticity

mind map

mind map still in process (typed since the good lord did not give me legible handwriting).

underwater me