Assignment 6 (part) - Reflective Evaluation

I undertook a research project to find out more about a variety of drawing based art. I feel that I did this moderately well, there are a few gaps in my research, this is due to the short time period that this project has. I could have focused more intently on one subject matter and really driven into it, but instead I thought it would be better for my creative practice to cover more of a wider area of research. This meant I would end up learning about more things on a intermediate level, than becoming an expert in a specific area. 

I found my research to be very valuable to my creative practice. It fully informed my practice and made me able to make informed decisions over judgements such as style, and line form. My research developed over the course of time, It spread from one subject to another, but I feel that I have a good range of sources from different places. I have a mixture of academic books and dissertations, to websites looking at very current thinking. It was important for my work to have a bit of historical and theoretical backing, but I was mainly interesting in what is happening now, and gathering the most recent sources. As these most recent sources will be more current and correspond to the most contemporary thinking. 

I learnt about Harvard referencing, Literature Reviews, Contextual Reviews, Research Methodology, Practice led research, Research led practice, how to write a reflective journal, and, how to become a reflective practitioner. These have been important to my understanding of this module, and I can say that I have partaken in all of these areas. I decided to do a mix of research methods, and I used online sources, from places like Google Scholar, Jstor, and My Athens. I used websites that were current and matching my needs. I used the Library to find some academic research, and I collected a range of exhibition information. I carried out my own primary research by going into local art galleries and writing a small report on what they were like, how they were run, and what they contained. This was vital to my understanding of how small galleries run and has also improved the size of my fairly small network of art connections.

The most difficult thing about this project was finding sources that were relevant to my contemporary subject matter. I could not locate any academically sourced papers on internet trends. I am sure they are being worked on at the moment and will be published soon, But I have identified a lack of information on this subject area. It is a highly interesting and niche area that I might explore again in the future. The online sources that I have been using are not academic, the information has not been through any formality, and is just one person expressing a view, which lacks any merit. Random websites are not credible sources, but it was the only way I had of finding out certain information.  

The most satisfying part of this project was seeing all of the information take shape, when it was all complied together. Looking at all of my hard work and hours spent typing out Harvard referencing, When it was all done, that was the best part. Another good part of this project was finding one or two really brilliant sources, such as 'The Daily Mail's articles on cats doing funny things. This helped to build up a key part of my experimental project.

If I had the time to do this project again, I would have done a few things differently. I would have gone to a bigger library and spent a few days skim reading for background information on kawaii before I committed myself to studying cuteness. It turned out there was not a great deal to research unless you went off on slight tangents all of the time. Kawaii has turned out to be something that I have no interest for. I have more of an interest now in illustrations that were produced by Beardsley in 1900, than I do for modern day Japanese aesthetics.

Assignment 6 (part) - Conclusion

My project has developed a vast amount over the course of this project, I have covered much more than I intended to when I started. I feel that although my work seems fairly sporadic it is tied together by the fact it's all based on types of drawing, or digital art. I wanted to move away from taking photographs myself, so I have networked and made it possible so I did not have to take photographs as a project. I am glad that I started drawing with Joan Haywood, but as that project was not viable at the time to continue, and it wasn't particularly experimental, I started researching tattoos, and working with a tattooist. This taught me a lot and I gained some primary research with my own experience. 

My project became truly fascinating to me when I started the research based on online trends of cats, this really inspired me to use the internet and social networks such as facebook, to network and collaborate with people on images of their cats, they sent me the photographs they had taken, and this meant that I had something to illustrate. I then posted the images back onto facebook to exhibit my work. I researched the use of cats on the internet to make sure that this was an acceptable project, as I did it very publically in front of everyone that I know (on facebook) so I did not want to make too much of a fool of myself, or seem like I had gone crazy. It worked well, and through researching I have even had some possible ideas on how I could develop this project further creatively.

My investigation into local art galleries has proved to be a good networking activity, I have received an email from one of the gallery owners saying he enjoyed reading my blog, and thanked me for my interest in his gallery. This proves that some galleries care, and they actively chase up people who make an impression on them. I hope to visit this gallery again soon and it might even be a good opportunity to get some of my own work exhibited in the local area.  

On reflection, I can see a few small areas that I could have made slightly clearer for on lookers who do not have the background knowledge that I do. I understand the elements that make up this project, and how my ideas and therefore my researching has changed in relation to my practice. I have tried to look at different ways of making lines, and a few ultra modern examples of how to use illustration in contemporary society. I have been left at the end of this project with a fairly concise and clear set of research, I have made sure that I have worked to the best of my abilities and did not take any shortcuts when conducting my research. I have read the sources that I have selected and am now familiar with a few of the more well used sources. I can identify something that I need to work at, is being more concise with what I am trying to do. But I have many strengths, such as I am confident with my researching methods, I am more than adequate on the computer, and I can skim read and pick out relevant sections when researching.

I feel that I have become more prolific with my researching skills, I can make the most of my time and work effectively. I work methodically and take the time to double check my work to try to weed out as many inconsistencies as I can. Overall I feel that this research project has been a useful activity for me to engage in. It has exercised my mind into new ways of thinking. It also puts me in good practice for the next assignment.

Assignment 6 (part) - Online Cat Culture

This post might seem a little strange to anyone who isn't particularly comfortable with the internet, so I will try to explain as simply as I can.

On the internet (where you are now) is a cyber world, full of its own politics, bullying, sex, and humour. It does contain some actual information as well, if you can find it. I have been interested in looking at the humour side of the internet. With this I want to look at popular websites people will visit because they find them funny. One of the main websites that started a massive trend was ICanHasCheezBurger.com which enabled internet users to upload photos of their cats, and add a caption. This took off as a massive trend, that isn't entirely comprehensible on its own. First we need to look at who uses the internet for sites like these, its mainly people who have a little bit too much spare time, a bit goofy and easily amused. These tend to be people who like cats.

The internet has developed its own form of language, and its own online culture. One can be a completely different person online, because they have less of the repercussions of actual life

"The simplest, a catchphrase is usually a sentence or less, commonly just one word. Significant examples are often everyday English words corrupted, such as "sauce" (instead of "source"), or Japanese words, such as "DESU" (which implies something is cute). Other catchphrases include "DISREGARD THAT, I SUCK COCKS", "I did it for the lulz", "pics [pictures] or it didn't happen", and "tits or GTFO [Get The Fuck Out]"."

(Gage, 2010)

"It is also very likely that the earliest individuals to post kittens and cats on extreme message boards, being highly intelligent as early adopters of technology tend to be, had a degree of self-awareness about the surprising context, i.e ‘isn’t it funny that we are wanking to drawings of sushi being served inside a naked woman’s eviscerated torso and yet we also enjoy kittens’; ‘we are all aware that the fact we enjoy kittens is evidence of our lingering human vulnerability in the face of the fact we are wanking to pictures of fingers being sliced up into tiny pieces’, and ‘we are probably too socially disabled or traumatized by images we have seen here or the reasons that we were attracted those images to talk about things like feelings but we will participate in cute animal exchange as a shorthand for expressing ourselves’ [recall the research determined that cat people are ‘more open’]."
(Alexander, 2011)

The internet is a place where people are generally rude to each other, and it seems to worsen with each passing year. More new phrases are coined and new ways to anonymously insult each other ensues. Some people, like myself, are just after a quick giggle, and a little bit of a smile, This is where cats on the internet become important. Cats aren't generally offensive and they have won over the internets heart. (if it has one)

It similarly became popular to caption images with white block text in order to make them funnier; thanks to the unfortunately-named website ‘memegenerator.net’, images with white text on them from the internet became known as ‘memes’ even though ‘meme’ doesn’t mean ‘picture with white text on it’. Cat memes are generally the most popular type of captioned image; people go to websites such as ‘cute overload’, ‘icanhazcheezburger’, and, more recently, ‘cute boys with cats’ and, perhaps the most exciting of a million cat-related Tumblrs, ‘cashcats.biz,’ simply to view pictures of cute cats all day, with or without text thereupon.

(Alexander, 2011)

 Cats appeal to people who are busy and are fed up of the violence and sexualization of the internet, and the real world. Cats are a bit like escapism, you can enjoy a few brief moments looking at how cute, and adorable they are. And you can reflect a personality back onto them, some of my own research shows that some people like to think 'that their cat would talk with a Russian accent'. People are drawn to their cats in a way that is totally different to dogs, maybe dogs aren't as popular on the internet, because their owners are outside walking them, rather than curled up on the sofa with the cat and a laptop.

“They’re the perfect distraction from our hectic lives. You don’t need any explanation or prior knowledge to understand the slapstick humor that animals provide. Cat videos and images are a quick hit of pure, unfettered ‘cute.’ They’re also entertainment in easily digestible doses.”

(Elliot, 2010)

“Cats have very expressive facial and body expressions, so they are a perfect canvas for human emotion, which makes them awesome for captioning and anthropomorphization,” says Ben Huh, CEO of The Cheezburger Network.
Cats get themselves into all kinds of amusing predicaments, and when there’s a human on hand to capture the moment, whether in a photo or on video, that’s raw material just begging to be shared. And because lots of people have cats, that’s lots of content.

(Elliot, 2010)

There are of course trends within this subculture, Last weeks trends were featured in 'The Daily Mail' such as 'Breading', 'Lion Kinging' and 'Sitting like people'. Both are simple ideas that feature cats that have gone viral. Its a strange place on the internet. I have researched cats, and their use in modern contemporary society, They are ultra in trend at the moment, which is why this has related to my practical work and I have illustrated a collection of cats, that I received images of, Through social networking online.

Example - 'Lion Kinging' - Taken from Daily Mail

Example - 'Breading' - Taken from Facebook

Example - 'Cats sitting like humans' - Taken from daily mail

Assignment 6 (part) - Tattoo Culture

As part of my creative practice, I have been researching the art of tattooing. I have learnt from my research and it has helped to form the ideals behind some of my work.

Tattooing uses ink and needles to draw permanently onto the skin. Designs vary by culture and by equipment that is available. I have been looking at Polynesian tattooing and how this has affected the wider tattoo society. This is a tribal group who use tattooing as a way of expressing themselves to their society, it is expected that to be a man, you must endure the pain of having a tattoo. Its a sign of pride and a mark of will. Different countries view tattoos in different ways, and each individual has differencing opinions on them. Its a question of taste, style and aesthetics.

"Some people said to me that I would never understand tattooing unless I was tattooed. Others told me that I would never get into the tattoo community without a tattoo on my body. Both sets of people were right. I would never fully understand tattooing and I would never belong to the tattoo community"

(Kuwahara, 2005)

This is interesting to me because it shows a real insight into how something cannot be fully understood, unless you have done it. It makes you question if tattooing can really ever be actually understood, the art of having drawings or designs placed over your body for decoration, or social purposes. I myself, have been under the needle six times, and a few more if you count 'touch ups'. I do not fully understand why tattooing is as important as it is to me. It reaches back to a far point in history, to tribes, to pirates, to sailors and to the painted ladies. Having a tattoo isn't a massive social implication in modern times in the Uk, But I still am expected to cover my tattoos for important formal social occasions, such as job interviews, and other peoples weddings. They are in fashion, but not entirely sociably accepted, which I feel is what draws the rebellious side of people, towards this form of art.

"Many of my Japanese friends advised me that I should not get tattooed because 'tattoos are for yakuza.' 'If you have tattoos,' they said to me, 'you cannot go to public baths and swim in public pools'."

 (Kuwahara, 2005)

This idea that the Japanese may hold is pretty incredible, that 'tattoos are for yakuza' is saying that tattoos are a sign of gangs and the Mafia. There isnt this type of community in the UK, but in similar respects, the culture of prison tattoos is well established. Tattooing to me seems to be about experience, people like having it done (those who choose to have it done) and it seems to me that it can become addictive. The amount of people I know who have had one tattoo and not had another after is very little indeed. Its a habit, maybe people get hooked on the pain or the general satisfaction of having it done.

"Tattooing is a physical, personal experience. The pain and/or joy of getting tattooed can never be understood without actually experiencing the insertion of a needle into your body. Social freedom and/or constraint resulting from having tattoos can never be apprehended without actually possessing a permanent mark on the body. These experiential aspects make tattooing a ritual and establish a strong affinity, including those who have tattoos and excluding those who have not"

(Kuwahara, 2005)

What is brought my interest to tattooing as a from of art and that of a way of drawing is the idea that it is creating works that are long lasting and made up of a series of lines. Looking into how tattoos are created out of these lines, lines that are made from needles tapping in and out of the skin to create a smooth swift line. Tattoos can be varied depending on the style of needle that is used, similarly to using a different sided pen when drawing. Different needles also have different roles, such as for outlining and for shading. I'm interested as to how line styles can display emotion, and with this, I know from personal experiences; Different needles promote different feelings of actualised pain. Such as I remember when having my foot tattooed, Using a fine needle to get the outline, hurts much more than the thicker line of needles used to fill and colour it in. Also this could raise questions about places on the body to be tattooed, are they personal places, or places that are subjected to others sight. This might implicate what the design is, and whether they want others to see it. In my opinion I have known people who get tattoos purely to show off the fact they have tattoos. In one conversation I was discussing my next tattoo with them, They did not see the point of having a tattoo somewhere that would not be seen all the time, and they so eloquently phrased it "What is the point if no-one will see it" to which I replied "Sometimes its nice to have something for yourself"

"Needles affect the expression and the result of tattooing. The pricking part of traditional tools consists of several flat projections, whose numbers and sizes vary. The needle of the remodelled razor is normally a single sewing needle. The tattoo machine operators often use various types of needle. round needles, which consist of three or more needles together in a round shape, are usually used as liners. Flat needles used in Tahiti are made of either five or seven needles, two needles lying in front of three, or three lying in front of four. The needles are soldered to the top of needle bars after they have been made into the flat or round shape. They are sterilised before use."
(Kuwahara, 2005)

With this research I hope to understand more about the practice of tattooing, and by understanding some of its history, it should help me to design better tattoos. The social significance is also an important aspect for me, such as my parents not wanting me to get any more tattoos, each one I receive is always 'the last one, I promise' but it rarely is. In future research I would like to examine the social implications of tattooing and sample peoples opinions and reactions. Could this be a generational thing, or is society becoming more accepting of people with body modifications.

 

Assignment 6 (part) - Grayson Perry

Grayson Perry is an artist that I feel relates to my practical work. I'm mainly interested in his alter ego 'Claire', with all her feminine charms, And the childhood realm that his teddy bear, Alan Measles, rules.  Grayson is best known for his evocative pottery, which is based on current events, politics, or himself.  The pots, first of all, are crafted in a traditional style, and have become technically 'better' the longer he's been making them. But what's interesting about his pots is the designs and illustrations that he layers onto them, he is truly skilled at this.

 "Many find the pots unpalatable, as undisguised attacks on the (art) establishment, the communication of macho behaviour, and the obscene sex scenes are regarded as shameless, adolescent or vulgar"

(Boot, 2002)

I have been looking at his drawing style, it's very much his own way of drawing, its halfway between realism and abstraction, It is at that stage that gives it the charm of the hand drawn. Things are a little bit wobbly, maybe a little bit a skew. But you can always tell what it was meant to be, whether its a pair of jeans, a doll, or a penis (which are some of his favourite things to include).

"His vases have a traditional shape, they are not shaped on a potter's wheel, but are built up by coiling. This simple technique is time-halloed and lives on in children's work in clay"

(Boot,2002)

I enjoy the fact that he is a professional artist, but he's making his work in the way he wants. He's decided not to use a potter's wheel, but instead is using a method that takes much longer, and is much more childlike. I find Perry's childish side as the most appealing aspect to his personality, He embraces his inner child, and he is proud to display this, mixed with a strange sense of fetishism. Alan Measles his teddy bear proves to be a key character in his work, as its well known that it is the only thing he has left of his childhood. He speaks about him in such emotive ways. I have taken inspiration from Perry and have looked through the back catalogue of his work. I am familiar with this style and will keep it in my mind as 'artistic reserve'. 

"Alan Measles was the leader, the benign dictator, of my made-up land, the glamorous, raffish, effortlessly handsome, commanding character. He was supreme. My aunty knitted me a woolly tortoise stuffed with cardboard to keep its shape, so Tortoise was appointed Alan Measles's second in command: the reliable, slightly portly deputy, like John Prescott to Tony Blair"

(Jones 2006)

Alan Measles