Mini Series
Exploring Intention and Creating a Series/Body of Work
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Objective
In this assignment, you will explore the concept of intention in art and create a series/body of work based on topics that matter to you. You will research artists who have explored similar themes to gain inspiration and context for your own work.
Materials
> Sketchbook
> Writing materials
> Internet access for research
> Art materials for experimentation
Part 1: Exploring Your Intentions
Reflect on what matters to you in life. In your sketchbook, write down 5 things that matter to you. These can be personal beliefs, values, interests, or concerns. They can range from deep, philosophical ideas to simple everyday pleasures.
For each of the five things, write 2-3 sentences to describe them to yourself. Answer questions such as:
What is it?
Why did you choose it?
How does it relate to or affect you?
What emotions or thoughts are associated with it?
Share and discuss these five things with your classmates or instructor. Sharing your thoughts will help you articulate your intentions and connect with others who may have similar interests.
Part 2: Exploring Your Topics
Choose 2 of your favorite topics from the list of five that you've just explored. These should be the topics that resonate with you the most and inspire you.
Take a deeper dive into these two topics. Research how these topics can inform a series/body of work in art. Look for artists who have explored similar themes. Consider the following questions:
How have other artists approached these topics in their work?
What art forms or mediums have they used?
What is the historical and cultural context of these topics in art?
How could these topics inform a series/body of work?
Create pages in your sketchbook about each of your chosen topics. Include images of artworks by artists who have explored these themes, and provide information on the artists' approaches and intentions.
Part 3: Visual Exploration and Presentation
For each of the two topics you selected in Part 2, it's time to visually explore how your research and investigation can inform your own artistic approach.
Create 2 thumbnail sketches for each topic. These sketches should be driven by the insights you gained during your research. Consider how you can visually represent your chosen topics in a way that conveys their significance and aligns with your artistic intentions.
- When creating your thumbnail sketches, focus on composition, style, and the elements of art (such as color, line, shape, and texture) to convey your ideas effectively.
Be prepared to present and discuss these thumbnail sketches with a classmate who has also completed this assignment. During your presentation, explain your artistic choices, how they relate to your chosen topics, and the research that inspired them.
Part 4: Choosing and Narrowing Your Topic
9. Review the topics you explored in Part 2 and choose one that resonates with you the most. This will be the focus of your mini series.
10. Select two questions related to your chosen topic that you want to explore further. These questions should guide your research and investigation.
For example:
- What historical events have shaped this topic?
- How have artists addressed this topic in the past?
- What cultural contexts are relevant to this topic?
Part 5: In-Depth Investigation
11. Dedicate 3-4 sketchbook pages to each of the two questions you've chosen. Research, write, and gather information about your topic. Explore its history, cultural significance, and any relevant artistic movements or works. Include images, quotes, and your own thoughts.
As part of your investigation, consider how your chosen topic aligns with your artistic intentions.
How do you plan to visually communicate your ideas?
Part 6: Experimentation with Materials and Processes
12. Think about the materials and techniques you will use to create your mini series. Experiment with different materials, styles, and processes that will help you convey your chosen topic effectively. Document your experiments in your sketchbook.
13. Describe the materials you intend to use, the techniques you want to employ, and the style you aim for in your mini series. Explain why you believe these choices will best serve your artistic intentions.
Part 7: Thumbnail Sketches
14. Create three thumbnail sketches that represent the direction you plan to take with your mini series. Each sketch should convey a different aspect or approach related to your chosen topic.
15. Pay attention to composition, subject matter, and the relationship between foreground and background in your thumbnails. These sketches should serve as visual proposals for your mini series.
Part 8: Pitching Your Mini Series Idea
16. Now that you have deepened your investigation, research, and thumbnail creation for your chosen topic, you are ready to pitch your mini series idea. You will have a one-on-one conversation with your instructor to discuss your concept, research findings, materials, and thumbnail sketches.
Part 9: Creating Your Mini Series
17. After your pitch, refine your ideas based on the feedback received. Begin working on your mini series or body of work. You will create three 4.5x6 inch pieces that convey your chosen topic with intention and creativity.
> Keep in mind the insights gained from your research, experimentation, and thumbnail sketches as you bring your mini series to life.
Mini Series Examples:
Click images to see Mini Series
Submission:
Take clear photos or scans of your work
Submit the photos/scans of your work
Reflection:
After your presentation and discussion with your classmate, write a short reflection on the feedback and insights you gained during the presentation. Reflect on how discussing your work with a peer influenced your ideas and approach to your series/body of work. What did you learn from your partner's perspective?
This final part of the assignment will help you translate your research and intentions into visual concepts and provide you with valuable feedback from your peers to further develop your artistic ideas.
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