"Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated."  
-Paul Rand

Scientific Art

In our studio class we are exploring scientific principles in order to incorporate them into our design panel.  This led me to research work that combines scientific ideas and principles with art.

I came across the Scientific Art Studio.  They describe themselves as a "multi faceted design and fabrication facility housed in a large complex of well equipped shops and studios located in Richmond, California."  Their list of services includes...

• Content development and science research
• Exhibit concept development
• Exhibit Design
• Illustrations for presentation and fundraising
• Scale and life sized models of humans,animals, plants, environments and planets etc.
• Reconstructions of extinct animals and plants
• Realistic and stylized animal sculpture
• Diorama production and installation
• Murals painted and/or photographic
• Digital Mural
• Architectural models

Below you can see some examples of their artwork!

Tidal Marsh Background
California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco, California

Hummingbird, Red Tailed Hawk and Quail
Morango Casino Resort
Cabazon, California

Visit the Scientific Art Studio's website by clicking here

Digital Work: JPEG Files

Just learned how to convert large Photoshop files into smaller JPEG files!  Above are my three concept boards and my surrealistic landscape.

Scientific Principles Value Project

I am excited to being working on the Scientific Principle project.  It combines aspects of surrealism, scale, proportion, geometry, and personal inspiration in order to develop a pleasing composition.  Surrealism emphasizes that which is dreamlike and encourages subconscious approaches to art.  The resulting artwork often lacks the ability to be rationally explained.  This is a critical component in our new projects.  I find it difficult to think in an irrational way to achieve a positive outcome, however the challenge is enjoyable. 

            Scale and proportion relate to the size of objects.  They are closely tied to the emphasis of a focal point.  Also, in past centuries, scale has been used to depict and relate thematic importance.  The use of scale and proportion is an integral part of the design project.  It helps to create depth and dimension within the composition.  This dimension and depth then begins to form a visual separation between the foreground, middle ground, and background. Without the objects of various sizes placed throughout the artwork, such as the enlarged microcosm, the viewer would lose any and all sense of depth.

            Geometry is one of the basic foundations for this assignment.  Emphasis is placed upon the golden mean, the desirable middle between two extremes.  It is important that we incorporate the golden section of a rectangle into the piece using the Fibonacci number sequence.  Along with all this, the extended criteria must be met as well.  The following elements must be included: striations, a light source, contrast, perspective, cropping, and enlarging.  These elements will assist in the creation of depth and the illusion of space.

            My concept is based off of the bird of paradise flower, more formally known as Strelitzia.  I will focus on the flower as the microcosm portion of my design and will zoom in on its structure and delicate features.  Because it is native to South Africa, I plan on developing the theme of an African landscape within my piece.  This will influence my macrocosm component and will allow for a more expansive viewpoint.  For the section that is required to be inspired by the golden mean, I intend to depict a vine or plant with leaves protruding from its sides.  I would like to simplify its shapes and reducing it to its most basic structure.  This will allow me to manipulate geometric forms.  Again, I am thrilled to being working on such a project, and am prepared to take on all of the work it will require to receive a successful outcome.

Strelitzia (bird of paradise / crane flower)

Concept Boards: Editing

I decided to go back into my some of my concept boards and make some major adjustments. The results look something like this... 

Scale & Proportion Concept Board

Illusion of Motion Concept Board

I think that I am finally happy with the results. Hopefully any further adjustments will be minor.

:)

Surrealistic Collaged Landscape: Inspiration

Dorothea Tanning

A Parisian Afternoon (Hôtel du Pavot)

1942
Oil on canvas
40 1/2 x 17 3/4 in

I'm in the process of looking up inspiration for the surrealistic collaged landscape project that we will be working on over the next couple of weeks.  While researching artist Dorothea Tanning, I came across her oil painting A Parisian Afternoon (Hôtel du Pavot).  I was immediately drawn to the composition of this piece.  In my landscape I hope to use buildings and architecture in combination with elements of nature, as Tanning did.  With that in mind, my overall goal is to establish an ominous mood, aesthetic appeal, and strong composition in my finished product.

Charles Ray: Hinoki

"Hinoki has a seductive, tactile presence. It boasts impeccable craftsmanship with an ornate and varied surface where original impressions of bark have been translated into an expert vocabulary of descriptive lines. As such it is constantly shifting, depending on your vantage, between a carved surface and a trompe l’oeil reproduction."

Caroline Picard

The Undead Tree of Charles Ray

November 2nd, 2012

Charles Ray, “Hinoki,” 2007. © 2007 Charles Ray. Courtesy Regen Projects, Los Angeles.

Detail of “Hinoki.”

Currently in our studio classes we are experimenting with different textures and the techniques that will allow said textures to be created.  I am really enjoying the trial and error process of learning what methods form certain textures in art and design.  

This quote, from an article on Art21, immediately caught my eye because it directly correlates to what we are exploring in class.  The piece "Hinoki" by Charles Ray displays an imitation of actual texture, but in doing so it possesses it own actual, tactile texture.  I find this work of art to be dynamic and loved reading about it.  Picard's article is an interesting one and describes the artwork in depth.

Concept Boards

I'm currently in the process of going back and taking another look at my three concept boards.  I'm pretty happy with them so far, and am pleased with the way they have turned out.  Although, as far as my scale and proportion concept board goes, I am wondering if I should add more text to it.  I love all of the images in it, and feel as though adding more text to it may clutter the entire composition and make it feel too jumbled.  I suppose I will leave it as is for now and perhaps go back into later and move some things around if need be.

My Scale and Proportion concept board