Unit 2: Image/Object Making

Project #1: Denotative and Connotative Images

• Explain what techniques and media you used in the creation of your work. Were they things you were familiar with or did you try something new and different?

I used many techniques to create my assortment of images. I used markers and drawing utensils in different ways and different combinations. I experimented with charcoal but I found it hard to work with, especially for getting the details of a clock. I was not very familiar with photoshop before this project, but I managed to work with some images and create some interesting pieces. I took photographs of a classic alarm clock from home, uploaded those photos to photoshop, pieced them together in a mismatch of angles, printed it out, then cut up the photo and pasted it on paper. I also messed with the opacity of images and overlaid two clock images on top of each other. My connotative image was made using photoshop by putting wings on a clock. I used pipe cleaners, color squares, and other funky items to make denotative images of a clock. I used many techniques that I had never really worked with before (which was pretty easy because I haven't worked with much).

• Did you employ one or more strategy of making (generative, process or iterative)?

On the drawing side, I used a generative strategy by making many variations during a short period of time. For this, I stuck with the same technique but drew from different perspectives, etc... I also used the iterative strategy in making variations of clocks using different media types and techniques. My process varied from piece to piece, but I explored different combinations of media and perspectives to create a single piece.

• Did you produce a wide range of unexpected and/or creative visual solutions in the project?

I produced many different images which I had not expected to create. I used photoshop more than I intended, and realize in retrospect that I used a lot of marker. In looking at work of my peers I recognize/wish I had done more with other techniques, such as painting, perspectives, etc... However, my choice of a clock is also a bit harder to represent because you need certain aspects to ensure that people understand what it is. Reflecting on my own work, I think I did a good job experimenting and successfully creating a range of images that represent a clock.

• Did you find the making of either Denotative or Connotative images, more interesting or challenging?

I found the denotative images more challenging to make because I had already come up with ideas for my connotative images when choosing my object. It was hard for me to think creatively about using new techniques and representing a clock in different ways, while still getting the clock message across. It has hard for me to think of ideas on my own, so I relied some on looking at my peers iterations. The connotative images I created get the message across, but I probably could have been more creative with my media use. All in all, this was a challenging project for me because I'm not very good at coming up with creative variations on my own.