Photoshop Project
Jackie Eifler
October 3, 2017
ART 335
Problem Solving and
Integration of Creativity: Postcards
For
my first post card, “Choices,” repetition is used to create two seemingly
identical paths. In the center is a marked tree that depicts the choice made on
which path will be taken. Although both paths seem alike, the unknowable end of
each could lead a person anywhere: freedom, uncharted territory, or even simply
a dead end. The solution here lies in the marker, colorfully revealing a
familiarity of this spot to those who recognize it. Simply put, sometimes the
best solution after making a choice, whether it be to follow your instincts or
the compass, is to return to the spot of familiarity before the choice was
made. Venturing into new territory will require you to backtrack to familiarity
with the new knowledge you have obtained on that journey.
For
the second postcard, “Hidden Depth,” I used the transformation technique to
combine different scenes in the forest to accentuate not only its beauty, but
the danger lurking nearby. It is very easy to get caught up in the beauty and vibrancy
of these woods. An umbrella was left on the path, abandoned by the owner for
unknown reasons, reminding us that something is not quite right here. It acts
as a distraction to the drop nearby that could potentially plunge someone into
the steep grounds below, but also a marker that causes us to look around—to
question our surroundings. We may never know what happened to the owner of this
umbrella, but we will recognize if we have been in this area before and what
dangers lie ahead, or beside, its path.
My
final postcard, “Instinct,” questions the choices we make and where the come
from. If you find yourself lost within this vast forest, what will guide you
out? Will you look around yourself for the answers, or will you use the
knowledge and heart you have to find your way out? Would you want to continue
to the path least traveled and risk the unknown for what you are searching for?
The answer is simple: having enough trust and faith in yourself. You must be
prepared to make significant decisions based on your instincts and experiences in
life. You must trust yourself the take the right path that will lead you to
safety when you find yourself lost on what to do.
All
of these postcards were made with different pieces of the same forest using a
plethora of techniques on concepts from class. I used Bamberger’s art as a
guideline for how I wanted “Choices” to be perceived. The paths from reality
that are made for us can be skewed and often very foreign, but there is always a
piece of familiarity to hold onto and keep us moving forward. I wanted to
create a simple dynamic between the reality of the known and the fantasies crossing
the unknown. For “Hidden Depth,” I use the idea from Eric Rabkin about the
feeling of fantasy. For me, I find a fantasy-like beauty in the color
alteration and vibrancy of my surroundings, but also in the twisting paths that
could take me anywhere. Sandy Skoglund’s ideas about changing something from
familiar to unusual were also a big inspiration. This area of the forest does
not exist, but conveys the same meaning: many areas in life cannot be analyzed
in one glance. You must look around the picture through the smog to see what
really stands out. “Instinct” was created with a similar idea of Holzer’s work
by using the text to connect the reader to the image, although the negative “portal”
within the image was also inspired by Rabkin’s take on fantasy. The petrifyingly
beautiful path contained within the forest’s trees draws attention using this otherworldly
feeling, but relating it back to the original question, “who can you trust here?”
It is meant to draw the viewer in but with no promise of release.
The first picture is my favorite because it looks like its from the Blair witch project.. its dark and mysterious.
ReplyDeleteI think the most successful postcard is #1. It creates a lot of depth and mystery and conveys your concept of fear and unknown very well. Good sense of emotion throughout and good balanced composition that draws your eye.
ReplyDeleteI think your Postcard 3 “Instinct” is the most creative. Your use of color and placement of words is very interesting and adds a lot to this piece. I think that your word choices for this piece were very strong and tied in well with the image. I also think that the way you wrapped the text around the ledge is almost like it is holding the person in and works really well with the idea behind the image. I also like how you have two different color choices of the different paths. Makes me question which one I should be taking.
ReplyDeleteThe first image is really striking. I like the darkness and how you can't see where the paths lead to. The concept is drawn throughout all your postcards so they are very cohesive.
ReplyDeleteI think that the concept for your post cards is very interesting, you added interest and a new idea to a place that some people would never think of. I really like how you made the first post card so dark and unknown. I would say that the first post card is most creative, with Tom Bamberger as the inspiration for repetition and a twisted reality.
ReplyDeleteMost creative is the second one (Imaginative)
ReplyDeleteProblem-solving: Adding color to make focal points and giving the feeling of being lost and the fear with it.
Self-expression: Adding focal points to each imagine like the red umbrella.
Domain- changing: Adding pops of color to the image and making part of it blurry like someone was running. It helped with the fear of being lost.
The sense of light in these are very helpful in conveying the mood and feeling associated with your concept. Effective use of tools made for effective and well put together compositions.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a really nice job with the different techniques. I can tell that you put some time into it. My favorite one is the second postcard. I like the subtle colors that you added as well as the effect and feeling it gives.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion your first and third postcards were the most clear in regards to your idea. The third postcard instantly captured my attention because I was curious as to what would happen if I walked through the left side of the image that resembled like a portal to me. Along with the words provoking thought, it really helped in the overall interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the third piece, 'Instinct'. The change to the environment creates a lot of contrast with the other half of the image and I think the text adds effective meaning and is placed well in the image (I really like the arcing text on the right and how it's separated by the tree).
ReplyDelete