Tutorial Report

In today’s tutorial, Jonathan and I discussed the level of my reflective writing. I was concerned that what I was writing was too analytical and not reflective enough. Jonathan seemed to be pleased with what I have written, but urged me to question some things in more detail. I have stated that I like some of my clips more than others and Jonathan said I must question why I like certain films and why I’m not so keen on the wind and solar ones for example.

He stated:
‘asking yourself why [you like them] will force you to investigate your own feelings and emotions towards the work, for the purposes of understanding yourself and your work better, so that you more often produce work that you are happy with’

I feel that this is very valuable advice, and the rhetoric is that I must question these things in greater detail to become a better artist and not just to satisfy course requirements. I have learned that these tasks do have a profound effect on the production of my work and enable me to step back and look at things in a different perspective.

Jonathan and I also discussed the use of sound in my final piece, and he suggested that I should consider providing headphones for the viewer to create an all encompassing environment. My feelings towards this is that the audio I have selected to support the visuals should be considered as background noise, and providing headphones would make the sound too immersive; I would like the visuals to take precedence over the sound, so I am currently thinking about playing the sound through speakers at a low volume to support the visuals, and not have the sound and visuals on equal par.

Jonathan and I also discussed how I will present my work at the final show, and discussed the possibility of a plinth that will hold my computer, whilst secretly holding another computer to power another student’s work. This sounded fine to me, as it won’t inflict on my exhibit; it will help the other student and will condense the amount of equipment on display in the room, which in turn will make for a better exhibition.

1w63 Tutorial Report

Today Andy and I discussed my philosophy of the screen as a Graphical User Interface (GUI) incorporating a new ‘z’ axis that is depth/dimensionality.  There was, at first, some confusion, with Andy thinking that I may be taking about time being the additional axis, but this was resolved with further explanation.

After this explanation of what I am attempting to discuss, Andy did state that it sounded interesting and that I seemed to be clear in my direction, encouraging me to continue.

Overall my paper is almost finished, yet I was grateful for the last minute tutorial to ensure that I was on track.

1w60 Tutorial Report

Today, Andy and I discussed my research paper that discusses the dynamics of the screen and its developing use a three-dimensional environment, as opposed to one that is two-dimensional.  We discussed the citations that I plan to include and Andy advised that I should consider incorporating evidence/outcomes of projects that utilise multiple screens, such as Jane and Louise Wilson and Paik Nam Jun.

We also discussed using the e-library, as these articles are considered as current, peer reviewed and specifically looking at an issue.

1w38 Tutorial Report

Issues discussed/Subject:  The Interface

In today’s tutorial, Andy and I discussed the challenges and possibilities that the interface will play in my project.  Although the theme of the project is climate change and sustainability, the aim of my research is empowering the user to create an interactive video that reflects choices made to their own specifications.  So, the next problem is how to present the user with ‘choices’ from which they can make their selections, and therefore own the design of an interface, making it customisable to the users needs at their convenience.

Preliminary thoughts about the design of the interface was simple drop-down menus, although Andy stated that drop-down menus and often fixed, and suggested that I could use the database to allow these to amend themselves dependant upon the choices made by the user, and suggesting that these ‘choices’ could be the focus of the interaction.  So how will they look?  How is it tangible?  How does the user interact and construct the piece?

Andy also suggested that climate change is a series of choices – we can choose to make our lives more eco friendly by, for example, driving a car or using public transport to work – can this be reflected in the design of the interface?

The themes of climate change and sustainability should be integral to the design and theory of the project/interface.