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Research and planning: 3 hours

Studio time: 10 hours

For me this week was really focused around getting back into the studio mindset and remembering how to have a consistent studio practice. For this reason, I started off the week with a couple hours of researching and planning to figure out how I wanted to approach the 10 works. This process took form in reformatting my website to review all of my past works as well as researching the medium of Yupo paper, which I have been wanting to try. After this preliminary work, I got into the studio and began the process of actually creating my pieces. I started with inspiration from my final project from last semester with the dura-lar mixed media paintings except this time I let the art influence the code by choosing keywords that described the characteristics I wanted my art to portray. The phrases I chose were "harmony of matte and glossy highlights", "sleek luminosity", and "spontaneous imprinting". In these three works, I tried new layering techniques that tried to emphasize each of these keywords. Next I explored the Yupo paper and tried doing some studies inspired by this circular form and the ideas of layering and transparency. After focusing on this concept for a bit, I tried to switch it up and think about how my interest in my honors thesis project surrounding data visualization could inspire my seminar work. From this brainstorm activity I created three studies that incorporate data and different mediums. During this time, I continued to explore the Yupo medium and sculptural ideas. Finally, I revisited the dura-lar to focus on the physicality of the material and how I could begin to make these pieces more dimensional. I used the scraps from my first three dura-lar works in this project to play around with these features and how they could be built up. Overall, I feel like this week was successful. I got back into my studio space actively working and thinking about my work and developed some good directions to explore for the following 10 works and the rest of the semester. I did have some times during my studio time where I would spend time developing an idea only to completely disregard it, however this process helped me to reach the ideas I was hoping to get at.

Research and planning: 2 hours

Studio time: 8 hours

After getting back into the studio last week, this week I really tried to build upon the first 10 works I made. One way in which I explored this idea is by trying out new ways of creating physicality and dimension my mixed media dura-lar paintings. I experimented with cardboard as a tool to build layers as well as investigated new techniques of taping sections together to see how they could bend and twist to achieve this characteristic. Throughout this process I also researched more into emotion AI and the relationship between state of minds and technology. I first became interested in this idea for my final project last semester so I wanted to look into it further to see what else I could gain inspiration from in this area. From this study I was able to come across the idea of words that describe very specific human experiences or emotions -- ones that a computer would never understand or replicate. I have included some examples of these words on my "Research" website page, but some that I selected to look into for these 10 works were opia, onism, and nostalgia. I tried to capture the essence of each of these words with my dura-lar media, while also trying different shapes, forms, and three dimensional techniques. I repeated the color palette process from final project last semester by inputting these keywords into my image search code.

Apart from exploring dura-lar again, I also continued my practice of Yupo watercolor paper. I've found that I like this medium of watercolor because it reminds me of the fluidity and water-based nature of my dura-lar process. I can achieve similar transparency elements that I see from my mixed media. I did more studies based on my paintings to get more familiar with the material and see how the two mediums can interact with one another or provide complementary compositions. 

The work I chose to reuse for this project was my "Mood Simulation: Inspiration" piece from my final project of last year. I wasn't really satisfied with how it came out and thought it would be a good idea to reuse the dura-lar pieces I had made for that piece to continue my experimentation with building up layers. For this reason, I cut up the old pieces and constructed a new piece based off the data series I was doing last week. I like how this study came out and think this technique of layering could be a good one to keep exploring in the future on a larger scale. I was able to build each layer on top of one another to achieve a sense of depth and dynamic movement.

Research and planning: 2 hours

Studio time: 8 hours 

This week I really dedicated my time for my studio practice on ensuring my plan for the next project is resolved and thoughtful. To begin, I started some research again on more words or phrases I could consider for the series I mentioned last week in my Research tab. Then, I selected three words from the list and created a sketch note for each of those to prepare myself for the process of making them into mixed media dura-lar paintings. I laid out the basic color palette each would have according to the code generator, the scale of the piece, some features I may want to highlight, and quick sketches of my rough ideas. 

I also explored some new mediums and techniques for adding texture and dimensionality to my pieces. Last week Professor Pacheco gave me some new paper to try out that has a more textured surface so I played around with using my watered down acrylics to see how it could interact with the dura-lar. I also tested out using different things I could add to the surface after such as gel mediums and even more unconventional things like painted tape. As someone who doesn't really think of themselves as a sculptor, I want to give myself the freedom to just explore and experiment with different techniques and see what inspires me. 

Another thing I started to investigate was how I could incorporate the use of projection on my pieces. I am interested in seeing how I could combine this feature with my dura-lar as I think it could bring an interesting new layer. To start this process, I used some studio time to just be able sit and reflect on the works I feel like represent the direction I would like to go, and then while I was searching for inspiration artists, tried to keep in mind these works and what characteristics I might to emphasize with the projection. In my Research tab, I have included four projection artists who I think have some elements that I think could be interesting to think about in my work (such as working with geometry or text). 

Finally, I also explored the use of AI image generators to see how I can maybe use them with my art. For this investigation, I tried inputting a series of words and phrases that mimicked my dura-lar mixed media, as well as uploaded a source image of one of my pieces. I then ran the program several times to see what imagery it would create from these inputs. I was really intrigued by this process (the results are in my Research section), however I'm not sure how I may want to use this in my work. I'm not sure if it necessarily fits the message or direction I would like to continue in. 

For me, this week was really a week of reflection and preparation. Compared to the last two weeks I definitely do not have as much physical output in my studio, however this time was very crucial for me. Especially after seeing my work displayed at ArtsWorcester last week, I am really trying to formulate my ideas for what I want my work to look like at the senior exhibition. I think going into this project it was good for me to get a solid grasp on both the content and medium of my work which makes me feel more confident going into the next few weeks of creating the works. After this week, I have my idea and my materials purchased (with the exception of some larger dura-lar sheets) and feel ready to jump into the series. 

Research and planning: 2 hours

Studio time: 8 hours 

This week I began my series for the Developed Works project. My main focuses were starting on my dura-lar works as well as investigating possible ways I can incorporate projection into my compositions. Over the last few days, I completed one smaller scale dura-lar for my series which was made from a mixture of matte film and reflective film. When I was ordering my larger dura-lar sheets I saw that they also offer reflective material. I decided to add one to my cart to explore how that could play a role in my pieces.

The collage I made this week represents the word enouement. This word defines itself as the bittersweetness of having arrived in the future, seeing how things turn out, but not being able to tell your past self. In order to capture this word I used the hue of the stains to create a sense of depth and as if the circles are progressively moving toward the viewer in order to represent the feeling of time or past selves passing. I then knew I wanted to add more dimensionality to the piece by having segments coming from the center (or "current self") that are trying to reach back to previous layers (or "past selves"). Originally I was going to use simple dura-lar pieces, however I decided that experimenting with the reflective material could be interesting in this context. For example, I made it so the pieces may appear to connect with distant layers but really they are looping back to the center. This factor paired with the reflective nature of the loops perhaps sends the idea that you're stuck in this present moment and version of yourself which the viewer can see distorted images of themseleves through the material. 

Apart from this work, I also got into Premiere Pro and started to figure out how I could use images of my dura-lar works to form a projection. I attempted to follow a similar process to my video Dissolve at ArtsWorcester by adding some wave distortion and movement to the still images and then morph cutting them together. However, I've been having some difficulty getting the transitions to appear smoother. I've been getting stuck on them having more of a glitched feeling which I'm not sure fits what I am going for. 

This week I also completed the Ghost Writing assignment. I really enjoyed this assignment and thought that it was a good way to connect with another classmate as well as practice my writing skills. It was nice to talk to Unique and learn about her studio practice and what inspires her work as well as talk to her about my work and try to improve my skills of articulating my own artistic ideas. I think the writing exercise was beneficial as well because it helped me get back into the mindset of thinking about artist statements but not having the pressure of it being my own.

Finally, over the weekend I visited the PAC to see the artwork displayed both in the hallways and in the gallery. I enjoyed being able to see what other students have been creating as well as see how the art work is displayed in order to get some ideas for how I may want to present my work.  

Research and planning: 2 hours

Studio time: 8 hours

This week I focused on my large scale dura-lar collage painting. I was a little nervous at first to complete this one because I had not done a larger scale piece since my final project last semester. However, once I got into the process I really enjoyed putting it together and feel satisfied with the final result. 

My original plan was to make this piece circular like the rest of my recent works in this series. However, with the rectangular shape of the dura-lar sheets I had, it made more sense to make an oval shape instead. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about having to make this alteration, but I realize this decision fit well with the word associated with this piece: moachopsis which is the subtle but persistent feeling of being out of place. Therefore, I feel like since the rest of the works I have are circular but this one is oval, it fits into that theme of still having a round nature but not quite like the others (making it slighly out of place). I decided to keep this work more two dimensional because I do still really like some of my pieces that aren't as dimensional and I wanted to focus on tackling the scale first then maybe adding in physicality later. I also tested out a slightly different technique of putting together the different stains by going for a more collage based look as based to more layered. Typically I am layering each film on top of one another for the most part with some cut outs. However, with this piece I decided to cut the pieces out first based on the shapes of the stains and then tape them on. I think this helped me maximize texture and think a little bit harder about where each color and piece should go. Overall, I really like how this piece turned out and I think the larger scale has a great effect. I hope for the show to either display this one or create more that can be included with some of my smaller works. 

Also this week I developed my projection more. I kept with the idea of having each image of my collages morph and dissolve into one another. I created two short animations that explored these effects but in different ways. In one I had the images be more clear and each clearly shows the texture and nature of the original physicla piece. The other I added a pixelated effect so that it focuses just on the colors blending into one another. In both sequences, I used a circular mask so that if it were to be projected, it would just be the shape in order to stick with the theme of the pieces themselves. I'm interested to hear in the critique what people respond to in the videos and how I can improve them.

Since the last week was Spring break I was not able to make much progress in my studio. However, I did take the time to think about my proposal for the show and how I can alter my artist statement to better fit my current work. After the last critique and writing up my proposal, I started to really feel excited for the show as it felt like it was finally in reach. I was happy that during the critique and talking with Roz that I was able to land on an idea for how to incorporate my code into my work installation. This concept was a long-standing issue for me so it feels nice to have it be resolved and work as an actual component with my work by allowing viewers to interact themselves with the process. 

Overall, my previous artist statement covered the main ideas of my current work, but I wanted to change it to incorporate more of the subject matter I was dealing with. Before, I left the actually concepts of my work very vague and focused more on the formal aspects such as color and form. However, I think that the subject matter of the pieces is very important and deserves to be highlighted in order for my vision and message to properly be communicated to an audience. I think it still needs some editing but is a good start to get my newer thoughts onto the page. 

I also reflected on my studio visit with Roz Crews. I think meeting with her was a very valuable experience and I enjoyed getting to talk with her. I learned a lot about how to stay active in the arts community after graduation as well about her work. I was interested in hearing about some of her pieces as they are more based in performance which not something I know much about. It was nice to learn about a new part of the art world and see how maybe some of those aspects could work their way into my art. For example, during the critique she suggested I do live paintings for viewers using their code inputs. It was also beneficial to get her perspective on my artwork and what she read from it without having any background knowledge of myself or my process. I think this situation was good for me to practice how to articulate my ideas behind my artwork as usually I don't have to as much since everyone in class already knows what I typically do. Her feedback on my work and how to incorporate the code will definitely be helpful as I move forward.

Research and planning: 2 hours

Studio time: 7 hours

This week I really focused on the digital aspects of my work for the exhibition. I have determined I am going to use at least two of my previous works in my collection so I felt that I could take a step back from my physical pieces. I began my work on my interactive coding program and the video projection.

I have made significant progress on my coding. Right now the program displays a white circle in the center of a black square and allows the user to input select emotion keywords. After the input, the user can drag the mouse around the circle to display randomly sized circles filled with a random color from that emotion's color palette to make their own emotion sketch. The way I have set this up is to have a text file with pre-selected emotions and another text file with the corresponding hex codes for each of those emotions. When the user types in a valid emotion on the list, the program pulls down the hex codes and translates it into its correct RGB values to be used in the drawing program. I am also working on a way to save the drawing after the program is exited so that by the end of the exhibition, I could see all the sketches created by the users. I thought it could be interesting to have a feature where it could email or send it to the user for them to keep, however I don't think Processing supports that feature (I will continue looking though). I'm excited to show this program in critique and see how the class responds to the code.

I also explored the idea of projection this week. I tested out the projector to see if I wanted to follow this direction or use a tv screen instead. I have decided that I would prefer the projector because it retains the circular nature of the rest of my pieces so I think it would help with keeping a cohesive nature in my works. Additionally, I liked the more organic movement it created on the wall, which would be impossible to see on just a screen. Now that I have decided this factor, I am going to put more effort and thought into what the content of the projection will be (i.e., order of images, will it just be the works I am displaying in the exhibition?, etc.)

Overall, I feel like I am in a good place with my works for the show. I have at least two physical works done, including one large scale, a pretty solid interactive program, and a set plan for the projection. I also have several questions prepared for feedback I am looking for in the critique. 

Studio time: 9 hours 

This week I again focused on the interactive code and projection aspects of my work. I also dedicated some time preparing for the Reardon award, which included editing my artist statement further. 

For my interactive code, I added libraries so that I could achieve the effect of the circles have irregular boundaries and look more handmade. Now the circles randomly generate as having either the effect of looking like a marker or colored pencil, which also helps to create texture variety. I also added more words to the emotions list for users to choose from so now there are 20 words instead of 5. This updating took a little while since I had to run the code, copy and paste the hex codes into the text file, and then edit the codes so they are formatted properly for the code to read. I like how the interface is working and thinking it will be a great addition to my pieces and a good way to provide engagement for the gallery visitors. One thing that I did spent a good amount of time trying to implement but couldn't figure out was how to save the images after each run of the code. It was easy to figure out how to save it to the sketch file, however I was concerned about what to call each drawing since if they have the same name, it will simply just write over it. I spent over an hour researching this issue and trying to develop solutions. However, none of them seemed to work like I wanted them to, so I might have to drop that idea. 

For my projection, I revisited the same technique I had been using before, but created one where the only pieces involved are the ones related to my exhibition emotion pieces. This draft I focused on the order the pieces were displayed in and how they connected to one another as well as played around with rotating some of them. I may try to experiment with different speeds to see how that changes the projection and can create more variety in the loop. I also played around with different Dura-lar backgrounds to see which size and shape looked best, and I ended up with a medium-sized circle. 

To reflect a little on the in-progress critique, I still have some questions that I would've liked address with my mixed media paintings. Although code is an integral part to my process and one component of the work I will be showing, I feel that most of the discussion went towards that aspect which took time away from getting feedback on other elements I was hoping to talk about. I was really hoping to get feedback on my three Dura-lar paintings that I showed and how they worked together as collection. I also wanted to know what scale and form I should focus on for my final one, if any of them should be re-made, or just any other general comments. I think this discussion would've helped me better prepare for the coming weeks since I see my mixed medias as the main works and the code and projection as supplementary pieces. Some takeaways I did get though were to develop a better interface for my code and to create a new surface for my projection. The critique did bring up some hesitations for me about the projection since Meredith seemed concerned about getting the space dark enough. I really would like to make the projection work, however if it is going to look poorly in the gallery, I would rather switch to a TV screen. I would like to know for sure how possible it is for me to do the projection and have it look good in the space before I continue to put time and effort into developing it further. I am also going to rethink how to display my code since I thought the instructions I provided would be enough to guide the user, however I don't think they were received in the way I was expecting they would be. 

Studio Time: 10 hours

This week I focused on the feedback I was receiving from the critique last week and from the Reardon juror. Before continuing with my works for the final exhibition, I wanted to make sure I had a set plan and knew how to best achieve my goals. 

After getting feedback and observing how people reacted to my interactive code program, I liked the idea of making a process video display next to my works. It seems as though people weren't really getting my process or getting too caught up in what code is and how it is working in this artistic context. By creating and showing this video, I hope it can clarify some confusion for viewers and allow them to appreciate my paintings as artworks instead of focusing on the usage of technology. I made a draft of this video where I screen record myself using my color palette generator code, then I mix two colors from this palette, followed by a clip of me pouring the paint onto a dura-lar film. It ends with a short clip of the various items, such as plastic wrap and paper plates, laid on the dura-lar to show how the stains are made. This video was a rough draft so I will likely re-film to achieve better quality. 

This week I also worked on fixing my interactive code. After spending about two hours trying to figure out how to get my code as it was before onto html, I liked Sean's suggestion of having the list be visible next to the circle in order to avoid filling the screen with text and instructions. I am currently working on this idea and have figured how to display all the words next to the circle. Now I am figuring out how to edit it so if a user clicks on one of the words, it will allow them to draw with that color. I also want to add a "clear" or "reset" button so the circle would return to white and the user could start over. In this format, I believe that this Processing sketch could be uploaded onto an html file and work from a webpage. 

Additionally, I revisited some of my smaller dura-lar works and I am in the process of remaking them to better fit the visual language of my large scale. Before I think I was too focused on trying to make the pieces represent the word they were portraying instead of just letting them about the color. I hope these new versions will better capture the idea I am going for and be more cohesive as a series.

Studio Time: 10 hours

This week I put a lot of my time into finishing up my interactive code program. I continued to fix up the layout so now users can simply click on the emotion they want to see and when the drag the mouse around the circle, it will generate that color. This process took some time since I had to map out exactly the coordinates for each of the twenty words and create conditional statements to check if the mouse click was in that coordinate box. I also created a clear button so that the screen could easily be reset and the website would not have to be reloaded each time someone wanted to try it. I ran into some issues with using the Handy preset import feature which allowed me to get the different textures and more hand drawn appearances of the circles. Since it is an import, I don't think the html could understand the reference and so I was unable to get it to work. For this reason, I had to move back to the default setting of the circles looking more digital. I think this change was a good tradeoff in order to have the sketch be displayed webpage. My interactive code is now live at https://brookebailey.github.io/interactiveSentimentSketches/. I plan to have some physical instructions on paper near the computer if possible. That way the only thing on the screen is the interactive drawing and the screen isn't crowded with information.

I also worked on my smaller dura-lar circles. I have remade the opia and énouement pieces and I think they fit better with the overall theme of the series. The compositions appear more cohesive with the larger scale piece and focus more on the material as opposed to trying to make it look like the word it is representing. By the end of the week I plan to have my third and final piece done. 

I tested the new projector in my studio and it seems to work great. I tried it out during the day with full sunlight and the images and color were really clear, so I think there should be no issues with putting it in the gallery even with the bright lights. I plan to add to my projection video my new pieces, but also keep the previous versions in order to have more variety.

One aspect of my gallery setup I am questioning is if I really need to have my process video displayed. I do think it provides some clarity on how I make my pieces, however I'm not sure how it would look with my series overall. For example, right now I already have my interactive code on a screen and I will have my projection. I don't really want to add another screen to display that video on because I think it would overwhelm my space and take away from my paintings. I think maybe I can just upload it to my website so if people are interested they can scan my QR code and see it for themselves that way. I think hopefully my artist statement will give enough background information and the interactive code will add more insight. I also don't necessarily think viewers need to understand my whole process in order to appreciate the art I have made.

On Friday, I plan to meet with Meredith and Tim during their office hours to confirm how the projector can be set up and what material I need to project onto. I also will ask them about how to set up my interactive code/if I need to reach out to anyone about getting a laptop/computer to put it on. 

Studio time: 10 hours

This week I worked on finishing my work for the senior show. I completed my final dura-lar piece which was inspired by the word Chrysalism. I really enjoyed the vibrant colors that were generated by this word and think they worked nicely with my other pieces. Overall, I am really excited about how my series turned out and I am looking forward to seeing it in the gallery.

I also met with Meredith and Tim both on Friday and Wednesday to discuss where my work will go in the gallery and how we will hang it. It was great to have this meeting to get a better understanding of how I will display my work and allowed me to get the materials I need. I was able to coordinate with ITS to get a loaner laptop for my interactive code which I think will work great. 

On Monday I attended the field trip to Clark to see some of the senior show. I think this was a nice experience to see another college's setup and students' work. I was really impressed by all of the work we saw and how eloquently each artist was able to communicate about their work. I think for next year that it could be nice to have the seniors interact or meet up more with the art students at the local Worcester schools to build more of a community and make more connections with other young artists.

Finally, I worked hard this week to get the exhibition website up and working. It is at the link: https://sites.google.com/holycross.edu/essence/home. At the moment it is still in progress as I wait for everyone to provide me with their bio information. However, the homescreen has the clickable links that go to each person's page, and some people have their completed subpage if I had all the information for them. I think it looks good so far and I am excited to keep working on it.

Studio time: 10 hours

This week was by far my favorite of the semester as I got to see all my hard work and dedication come together for the show. Starting with the installation process, it was fun to learn and see some aspects of what goes into curating and putting together an exhibition in a gallery space. Overall, I think my installation was fairly easy by using the velcro strips for my paintings and obtaining the loaner laptop from ITS for my interactive code. However, the projector did take some more time to figure out. I was really glad and appreciative of all the effort and time the gallery took to ensure my vision of having a projection would work. It was a little frustrating having to go back and forth between projectors, but at the end of the day the solution we came to works well and I'm excited to be able to have it shown as I imagined it.

This week was also exciting for me with the installation of my honors thesis paintings. Although they are a separate body of work and not related to the seminar, it is really fun to see the juxtaposition between the two series as they are so different visually yet touch on such similar ideas and concepts. 

I also enjoyed working on finishing up the website for the exhibition. It was so much fun to put together everyone's bios and photos and provide this resource for the group. 

Overall, seeing my work in the gallery, I feel very proud of myself and the pieces I have created. At the beginning of the fall semester, I could have never imagined that this is what my work would've turned out to be, but I am so happy that it did. Going into the seminar, I wanted to find my style and concepts that embodied myself and excited me and truly think that I did that. This whole experience has been very rewarding and I'm excited to see where my art evolves from here.

Seeing my work in the gallery, I am very proud of my work. Starting off the seminar last semester, I had no idea what I wanted to do or how my work would turn out. Therefore, being able to celebrate and see how I was able to make such a cohesive, thoughtful body of work was very rewarding. It was also nice to see how this series formally diverged from my Honors thesis, but still had similar concepts surrounding technology and our relationship to the growth of the digital world as humans. I hope to continue exploring these ideas in the future as I continue my artistic practice.