FMP final evaluation

FMP final evaluation

The theme and topic:

The brief assignment was to respond to Metamorphosis as a title. I chose the creation of the world as a theme, with particular focus on the first day – the creation of light.
The concept of light in art is something I am constantly curious especially due to its strong relevancy to my name, as Or in Hebrew means light, therefore I chose to name my project “Let There Be Light”.

While studying the subject and experimenting with ideas and materials I have examined different light sources, bulbs and light chains. I found out some tones created different shades and reflections while others stole the focus from the main piece. It was a learning process during which I had to study the basics of optics and physics and find how to make use of this knowledge within my work.

The first stage of the project:

Once deciding that the respond to the topic will be the creation of the world, I started looking at each of the days and responding to it in two levels:

 The first level was as part of the whole creation where I will present each day of the creation using the same medium (painting, sculpting, textile etc.)

 The second level was as a topic within itself. Thus, for example, on the third day on which trees where created I chose to focus on the apple as an expression of trees and document the process the apple is going through (in this case I chose to focus on decay).

One of the problems I was facing during this stage was that I got engaged with every idea and found it very difficult to leave it as an initial idea and not going through it further and further. I had to constantly remind myself that the first stage was only to explore different ideas and not to produce a final product. This is a constant problem I am facing as I tend to explore things thoroughly and it can easily affect my time planning scheme.

Once deciding to focus on the first day of creation as the theme for my FMP I started thinking of how I would like to execute it. I had several ideas in mind and started ruling them out until I had one firm idea to develop from. Being fascinated by large pieces and installations, I aspired to exhibit a big structure piece that will create a “WOW” affect and will make the audience question the meaning of it and the idea behind it. It was only natural to me to focus on an abstract installation but it was also very challenging because by nature I am a highly organised person. The idea of chaos vs. order then came to life and it has constantly represented my inner struggle.

Writing the project proposal:

I knew I wanted to produce an installation and I knew I had to define the nature of my work but how could I do this without knowing what my work will look like? I started exploring similar ideas and presentations online and soon came across the concept of experimental projects where the project itself is a process of learning and the final product can, in fact, be a stage of the learning process that can stop at a certain point or keep evolving forever. I decided to go along with every stage of the installation and stop when I am happy with the result.

The main problem I faced during this stage was meeting the requirements of the brief. Throughout the year I struggled understanding the briefs because they were very vague but on this occasion it was nearly impossible to figure out how to write the proposal. I eventually wrote the proposal based on my experience and knowledge, and although it might have been “too much” for college purposes, I am happy with the result.

The second and third stages of the project:

Due to the nature of my project and the way I chose to document it, I approached stages 2 and 3 as one continuous unit on which I was experimenting with materials developing my idea and showing constant understanding of the contents we have learned through the year such as colour, line, shapes, space, aesthetics etc.

Managing time:

Due to personal circumstances I constantly had to change my time plan depending on fulfilling tasks on a daily basis. At the time of writing the initial time plane I was not aware of the resources I will need to put towards the project as well as other commitments (external exams outside of college) but being very determined and focused I pushed myself (and sometimes my tutors) into making decisions and commitments regarding my schedule (for example approving use the cubicle long before anyone had an idea about the layout of the exhibition space). I cannot thank my tutors enough for being so patient with me!
Although my time management plan kept changing, following the steps and stages made it very easy for me to maintain my time frame and stay focus on tasks that still needed to be done. I couldn’t start a task before completing the previous one and I always made sure I have extra time to explore different approaches before committing to one (for example testing a stronger projector after the top piece was hung, something I couldn’t do before it was placed).

Documenting the process:

Having an Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) I chose to document my work using a video camera to ensure that my work was fluent and I was not being distracted by having to stop, step back, take a picture, write notes and so on. I have asked the video and photography departments for technical advice and together we explored to options and methods of documenting before deciding to use my mobile phone.  This form of documentation proved itself well for me, as I could comment on each phase of my work in real time, and refer to it later when reflecting on it. I chose not to share the full files due to size limitation but I have edited a full video in a form of time-laps to show evidence of my work.

Assessment of research methods:

Choosing to work on an experimental project mostly meant trying and erring while constantly assessing my work, however a deeper research was needed. Most of my research was online, especially when I was looking into the qualities of lights and casting of shadows. I watched numerous YouTube videos explaining how light passes through objects, how it breaks and how it projects when hitting different surfaces. This initial research allowed me to decide which light source to use, the volume of the light needed to create the affect I was trying to create and how to manipulate it to my needs. I do believe I could have get a satisfying result without learning the basics of physics, but there is no doubt in my mind that this research saved me a lot of time and even some heartbreaks… using a prism and a lens, for example, is something I wouldn’t have considered without previous research and without using it i doubt I could get a range of light effects when using plastic bottles.

While the internet was a great resource of knowledge for some of the research, other things I had to see for myself: how an installation is placed in space, how it is hung, health and safety issues that needed to be taking into consideration and how materials can be manipulated to my needs.  I have spent a lot of time in several museums looking at different installations, how they are placed or hung, how they relate to other exhibits in the same space or how they are placed if they occupy their own space. I also researched artists that focus on light both online and in person to learn how other artists perceive light and show it in their work.

By personally witness other artist’s work I was constantly challenging myself. While some exhibits brought up my awareness to the process, others arouse my curiosity about the final result. Either way, gallery visits were an essential part of my understanding and learning process as they allowed me to assess my idea and execute it better.

Meeting the requirements of the original brief:

Looking back onto the 3 stages of the brief, the learning outcome and the final project I believe the outcome has met the requirements of the brief. I managed to produce a piece I am proud of within the time frame I was given. I have investigated the initial topic metamorphosis and responded to it by creating a piece that constantly changes and responds to the individual viewing it. This outcome is something I am very proud of and it has not changed conceptually from the planning stage to the final outcome. I managed to maintain the time frame and managed my time effectively and the final piece matches the original proposal to explore and demonstrate how the eye can be manipulated into seeing something different than what is presented in front of it depending on the perspective and perception of an individual. I have presented the relationships between chaos and order/beauty and ugly and I have managed to maintain a very low budget.

Other conclusions:

Once setting up the space for the end of year exhibition I realised that the space I was provided with was not very accessible for the viewers. In fact, due to the nature of my installation and the fact that all occurrences take place inside the cubicle it was essential that it will be located in a space and way it could be approachable by the audience.  On this current occasion, the location in the studio the cubicle was placed the only way the audience could see the installation was by accidently coming across it while viewing someone else’s piece.

In the future I will keep such things in mind and will consider this from the early stages of planning to the final stage exhibiting.

FMP stage 3 - Reflective journal

FMP reflective journal

Time management:

My original time management plan was to divide my work the following way:

Week 1 1-6/5	Exploring materials and how they show when being projected onto.
Week 2 8-13/5	Building the stand and placing it
Week 3 15-20/5	Start placing the materials onto the stand and decide what needs to be hung off the ceiling.
Week 4 22-27/5	Installing the ceiling piece and placing sources of light (projectors)
Week 5 29/5 – 3/6	Finalizing the location of the projectors, finishing placing the central construction and securing it.
Week 6 5-10/6	Final adjustments of projectors, and central constructions
Week 7 12, 13/6	Setting up – finishing touches if need be.
Week 7 14/6	Exhibition day: Turn on the projectors and radio.

In reality, things have slightly changed according to other people’s time tables and my dependency on them.
Due to the nature of my project, I feel I am all over the place: I am dependent on the availability of the photography technicians for assistant with video and lights, i am dependent on assistance from the 3D workshop staff with set up accessories and I am mostly dependent on my tutor with placing things in the space in the best way possible.

The first thing I needed to do is to secure my exhibition space. Due to other commitments, it was essential that I know where I am and I can start placing my installation as soon as possible.
It was important to be clear while presenting my arguments for asking this specific space. I know it is not directly associated with the course, but being able to argue for myself and be clear and persuasive is a skill I believe I will benefit from in the future, if I ever find myself in a similar situation.

Knowing that my space is secured took a lot of pressure of me and allowed me to focus on what I need to do next, which is placing my installation.

  

How I chose to document the process:

I have agreed with Keith that my supportive documentation system will be by filming the process of putting up the installation. This will allow me to focus on my work and still show evidence of how I work. The idea is to present the video files in a form of time-lapse edited video(s). It also allows me to talk through my work and focus on problems or processes I am dealing with Ed-Hock. I am still thinking how to present the problems, if I should stop the time laps on a certain point to show how I am dealing with it or if I should reflect on it in this journal. I am thinking of reflecting here as it will save time while editing the videos.

Problem: My initial idea was to use a video camera, placing it on a tripod outside my cube space. I also wanted to be able to take it with me as I work in different studios such as the 3D studio etc.
Keith suggested I speak to Sarah, our photography tutor so we can decide on the best way of doing that. Sarah has offered to let me use a SLR camera that can take up to 20 minutes videos (Max usage of the memory card) – it was not a very good solution to my needs. We also thought about taking stills photos every few seconds and edit that later on, but that wouldn’t allow me to speak and present my work (and issues I am coming across while working). We thought a Go-Pro camera might be a good device to use, so I looked into this option too. Solution to the problem: The best idea we came up with was to use my phone camera as it does answer all my needs. The problem with using my phone was the limited space on my card.
I ordered a bigger SD card for my phone and over the weekend I tested it and set the settings to save all video files onto the SD card and leave all other input (such as photos) saved onto the camera storage. This will allow me the maximum space without taking any additional space of the card.

How to project the installation onto the wall:

I started looking at few projecting sources:

1.        an old photo projector, the kind that used to place a transparent image on a surface and by using mirrors it project an enlarged image onto a wall/screen: 

The problem with this projector was mainly the lack of space in my exhibition area. In order to create a wide framed area this type of projector needs to be further away from the installation and I only have a limited space available. Another thing is, because I only need to use the top bit of the projector, and due to its height, had I chose to use it I would have ended up blocking the view.

2.       I also looked at a light table, but mostly used it to examine the transparency of materials. The light it produces is not strong enough and definitely cannot project on to an opposite wall.

3.       The best projector available was an old slide projector. There are few of them at college and as far as I know, no one else uses them. The idea was to use 2-3 of them to create a wide light area in the shape of a semi-circle.

This light is strong enough, it doesn’t take a lot of space and while exploring the use of different materials it performed well from every angle I positioned it.  Problem and solution: It only works with the slide cassette in it so I needed to go through all the slides until I found one that had nothing printed on it. Using a slide also distributes the light in a softer and evenly way. I also tried some of the printed slides but it did not contribute to the outcome. It didn’t really harm the projected image, but changed it a bit. I didn’t see any reason why using other slides apart from the “empty” one.

4.       At some point during my experimenting process I used another slide projector by placing it next to the first one and over it. This created a distortion on the wall, which was very interesting in one hand but not what I had in mind. I am planning on using the second projector by placing it closer to the installation main piece (bottom piece) in a way it will produce more light on the front items. I am still investigating it and will reflect more on the subject.

Testing materials:

One of my initial ideas while researching for the first part of the project was to use mostly recycled materials and avoid buying new materials or spend unnecessary money on items I will not use in the future therefore I am aiming to use any material that can be found firstly in every house hold (such as bottles, tins, cans, old clothes, broken toys etc.) and also re-use materials that can be found in the studios at college.

I started by collecting acrylic scrapes from the 3D studio. The acrylic is transparent and often colourful and it can contribute to the presentation of my idea. I love using bright colours in my work and enjoy surrounding myself with colourful (and often shiny) items, so my personal definition of beauty involves using colours.

Fabrics:
I used different types of fabrics in different colours. My assumption was that using different colours will create an interesting scene, however, I completely ignored the fact that it doesn’t matter what colour I use the materials will cast the same shadow. In fact, what changes the projected object is the type and density of material I am using not its colour.

Bottles:
Another item I was curious about is plastic bottles: I managed to collect few sizes and shapes, some with stripes, others with dimples and bumps, some thicker than the others. I was interested to see what they will look like when bent and twisted. The result was interesting: the projection showed something that reminded me of ripples and clouds, depending on the type of bottle I used.
I was curious to find out if using colour will contribute to the scene: the first option was to use little bits of acrylic plates and simply throw them in the bottle and hope for the best. That could have led to a nice result or a not so nice one, depending on how they end up in the bottle. Although the project is an experimental one, this option was ruled out as it leaves too much in the hands of luck. The second option is what I chose to use: pieces of cellophane placed along the curves and bents of the bottle. I managed to put the cellophane in by using the end of a very long paint brush. At first I had to bend the bottle to get the shape I wanted then open it so I can push the cellophane in, and then bend the bottle again.

Using a prism:
As I based my project on light, I had to learn the basic scientific methodology. I learned about Refraction-the bending of light rays when passing through a surface between one transparent material and another, and how to break the light by using a prism.
I started by looking at materials I can use to construct a prism. Luckily, there was a left over acrylic block at the 3D workshop and David was very kind to cut it for me and explaining how to polish it.

Once the right shape was cut, I needed to smooth the panels with a sharp blade, scraping all sides over and over and over again until it is all clear. Both David and I agreed it would be wise to buy one should I decide to use it as acrylic blocks cost a fortune and who knows what size/how long/how many of them I will decide to use eventually.

Setting up the space for my installation:

I wanted to set the installation in a way that there will be a background and the main scenery.
In order to create the background I thought of hanging the objects from the ceiling:

I didn’t want to staple the wires to the ceiling because I was not sure of the exact location and how objects will look when placed together. Because this was a lot of a try and error process, I chose to use poles across the ceiling, on which I can hang each individual piece.

Knowing I want to use something to hang the pieces from, I had to think of a material that will be flexible enough yet very strong. Although it will not have to take a lot of weight, I wouldn’t want it to snap or collapse at any point during set up or exhibiting.
I decided to use timber cut to different lengths and push it in various angles into the space. Because it is very flexible, it will not break and will hold using pressure onto the sides of the cubicle.

For the bottom bit of my installation I was planning on building and placing a stand made out of acrylic plates.

Ideally this planning looks very attractive but after consulting with Keith, we have decided not to go further with this idea for few reasons:

1.       Costs of acrylic plates.

2.       The time it will take to put all the bits together and let the glue dry (in this case – silicon).

3.       We could not predict how stable the structure will be.

Instead of using a stand I will use one plate and place it on two slabs of timber screwed to the walls of the cubicle. To make sure it stands straight and doesn’t bend, I will use acrylic tube(s) as support.

Using the acrylic sheet this way will also allow me to place more light sources under it and control the main scenery in more detailed manner (deciding the amount of light that will be projected on certain objects etc.).

Setting up the background (top) piece:

After studying my space and materials it is time to start setting up the scenery that will be hung up from the ceiling. The first thing I needed to do was to take out the chair I was using and replace it with an appropriate stool that I can stand on.
For the background piece I chose to use mostly bottles and cellophane. I started with twisting the bottles and cutting little bits of the cellophane to put inside. After twisting the bottle the reflection on the wall will be uneven and all the twists will break the light beam coming through the bottle and will make an interesting texture like image.

I used a needle to punch holes in the bottles and thread the fishing wire through it. In every bottle I used two sources: one closer to the lid and one closer to the bottom. Once deciding on how I want to place the bottles, I used hot glue gun to make sure the bottles stick together.

Problems and solutions:

1.       As I relay on the projector when setting up the scenery, I often stand between the light and the wall and casting a big shadow over parts of the scenery. There is not much I can do about it while working, and in fact, sometimes I need to imagine what the outcome would look like and hope for the best. The more I do this I can predict the outcome more accurately, but the first two hours of the setup were a journey up and down the stool trying to get the correct height and distance from the wall.

2.       At this stage I am working with one projector placed in one corner of the cubicle. Whenever I am using another projector the scenery changes and the shadows/reflections change with it. I cannot predict the final outcome at this point.

3.       The walls in the cubicle are painted black, but probably different types of paint or a very bad paint job. There are lines showing on the wall and I had to make a firm decision if I want to use white background (I have tested some of the reflections on a white board)? If I want to re-paint the wall? Or maybe leave it as is? Choosing to leave the wall as is may distract the audience from the main scenery but I think it does contribute to the general feeling of chaos I am trying to achieve.

An interesting thing I found was that the closer I am to the source of light – the bigger the scene will look on the wall. This is one thing I am curious to find more about when placing the bottom piece: how the two pieces will interact.

Trying to use different projectors

After setting up the top scenery I wanted to try using different projectors. My first choice was to use a very bright light that will hopefully be placed far enough from the main piece and will create a reflection big enough on the entire back wall of the cubicle.

With the help of the photography team we managed to set up a very powerful and bright projector. Our main concern was the heath it will produce and obviously being placed in a cubicle with not enough air circulation.
Putting the projector on a stand (yellow) to make sure it will not touch the floor was one step and then adding another stand to give it the right angle (blue).

I decided to place the stand at the front of the cubicle to make sure it reflects an accurate rectangle frame onto the wall. Problems: the light is too strong and the scenery is not projected onto the wall. Solution: I will go back to using the slide projector.

I have decided to align the projectors in the front of the cubicle knowing that there will be a limited view on the opposite wall (a square/rectangle view instead of a semi-circle view like I initially planned) after testing many angles and light sources. The reason I chose this was due to different light brightness and strengths that were beyond my control. Having to deal with existing equipment that often has no replacing components pushed me towards this decision but I am happy with the way it resulted. Having enough time to try and err really benefit me in this aspect.

 

 

The projector at the back casts a stronger light beam that effects the whole scenery (Top and Bottom) while the front projector emphasises some elements on the bottom piece and changes it appearance on the opposite wall.

    

                                                        

Ideally, I would love to give the audience the option to play with the lights and see how it effects the scenery, however, for reasons of health and safety, and due to this project being a college exhibition and not a gallery or a museum one, I will have to decide for the audience and set the projector(s) prior to the opening of the exhibition.

Setting up the bottom piece:

I have decided to use a big acrylic sheet to allow the light to shine from under it as well as through the objects that are placed on top of it and blocking the light. Using such big sheet was possible thanks to other works at college that required the use of such big (and expensive) material. I was offered to use it “as is”, meaning I had to work around the size (trimming a bit of the sides but not cutting it to smaller pieces).

Problems and solutions:

Placing the sheet between the two walls was a good idea but I also needed something to support the middle and stop it from bending. Again, I was lucky to have found some leftover acrylic cylinders. I wasn’t sure how long I need them to be, and I wasn’t sure they will fit at all, so I also took some cardboard ones, thinking I can always drill holes in the cardboard if need be to allow light through it. Luckily, the acrylic cylinder was almost the right length, and all I needed to do to adjust if to my needs was to place few more leftover pieces of acrylic under it to get to the right height that supports the construction.

Shaping the bottles

Using plastic bottles was a good idea as they are see-through and therefore I could add colour and manipulate them to my needs, however, while on the top piece I have only twisted the bottles and wasn’t fully in control of the final result, I wanted to have a better control this time so I decided to use heat that will allow me to work freely without the limitation of the plastic.

My first thought was to use the vacuum former, but it was the wrong tool for the job I had in mind. It did heat up the bottles but it wasn’t enough to work with them.

I then decided to use heating gun that will allow me to work in smaller areas and decide how much heath I will use over each area by placing it closer or further from the bottle as well as controlling the settings.

    How the audience view the installation

At the moment I’m having some thoughts on how to let the audience view my installation. Because the cubicle is raised about 40 cm above floor level the hung piece is in the way of the audience and the back wall, allowing only limited view of the projection. I am aiming towards building a ramp on which the viewers can stand to have full vision of the piece itself and the projection it casts on the wall. Hopefully I will be able to use an already built stairs that are not currently in use (rumours say the drama department may have them available…) but if not, I will have to build something strong and safe or leave it as is.

Due to other commitments, I had to leave this to the last minute, allowing myself only few hours to come up with a satisfying solution. Fingers crossed it will all be ready on time for the final exhibition.

Costs:

Throughout the project I aimed to save as much as possible and to use mostly available resources. I allowed myself a budget of up to £100, when everything I purchase will be usable for me in the future. I am happy to see that my expenses were kept to minimum and that my biggest one is something that will be usable for future projects and other none art related needs.  

Total amount spent on the project
Prism + lens	£15
Cellophane	£6
SD card	£25

FMP video - setting up for exhibition

This video shows each and every step of my set up for the final exhibition. I chose to show it in the form of time lapse because it was a very long process and watching the full version can be exhausting at times...
All relevant information as to how and why can be found in the reflective journal that accompanies the video and the entire process of setting up.

Metamorphosis by Or Williams