Art418 | Self Initiated Topic Introduction.

22/01/2024

Today's focus was initial responses and ideas for potential topics. I mapped out ideas around the theme of metaphor and sign, to explore options without making a final decision. Noting these initial thoughts on paper helped me keep track of ideas and explore linked themes, from stereotypical signs to more conceptual understandings. 

Thought Progression:

•   Metaphor- _______ is a ….

• Semiotics, The study of signs.

• Physical, man made signs. Street, locational. The shapes of typical signs.

• Zodiac. Meaning. 

• Astrology. Star, character representations + meanings. Readings + study of the sun, moon, planets and stars. Predictive.  

• Non-verbal- Sign language. Signs for communications. Accessibility. 

• Visible, Predictive, Physical. Human. Characteristics. Details: Weather (cloud and rain), Speech, actions - state of health, state and diagnosis. Noticed/ told information. 

• Visibility.  Accessibility. Reason (warning e.g lighthouse - Warning). (medium- neon. Light. Setting. Street signs, lit by headlights. Night/ low light direction and safety). 

• Nutrition. Health. Ingredients. Inclusivity and Precaution. Clarity. 

• CHANCE- Looking for a sign. Non-typical. Unexpectedly. Finding reason/ creating. Justification. Permission. The idea of what if _____ happens. Is ____ happens, then I can do ______. Looking for signs to do/not do something. Evaluating and understanding want vs need.  Confidence. Expression and action. Doing.

This list provides one clear direction for this project, however, there are other themes I’d like to explore in the same way before making a final decision. Information and Communication, Histories and Reinterpretations and Dominant Narrative and Society, are some topics I’d like to learn more about. The key points of consideration are 1. Pre-existing knowledge 2. Deeper meaning. 3. Processes.

To utilise time before the deadline for the project proposal, I will use a variety of workshops and technical processes to explore simple ideas and concepts. The use of different mediums to show themes creates a different sense of narrative and feel. Creating a narrative theme here may be useful to narrow down the topic ideas, allowing for depth of quality over minimally informed quantity. Explorative creation allows for unexpected and unique outcomes. Removing limitations to expand and reveal more opportunities within a project.

 Anyone has the ability to look at a piece of art and instinctively know if they like or dislike it. These simple trials will help inform the final project concept.

In addition to the focus on the project proposal, today as a class we talked about the influence and inspiration of contemporary artists. The process of looking and learning with the aim of relating it back to your own work can help inform progress. The thoughts of “How does this relate to me as an artist?”, “How does this relate to my work?” and “Now I know this, what can I do next?” are things that I will now consider when completing research: Online, Physical or Social (Artist talks or gallery/exhibition visits). 

We also discussed the importance of working in the studio to remove limitations to work. The space allows for more work room, physical and social opportunities, time to explore and change ideas. This space supports peer feedback and advice, building confidence and diversifying initial ideas.