Week 1

MONDAY

Introductions

Course Description, Assignments, Evaluation

Tech orientation to studio, blogs, and equipment

How to Make a Blog Post

Watch the video: Book Stacks by Nina Katchadourian)

See Nina Katchadourian’s examples:

http://www.ninakatchadourian.com/languagetranslation/sortedbooks.php

SHORT ASSIGNMENT 1:

MAKE THREE BOOK STACKS IMAGES

1. In your own home library/bookshelf, or the home library bookshelf of someone you know – make three book stack sculptures and document them with their phone cameras, or cameras from our class equipment selection.
2. Consider how the books are arranged to make the titles, or colours, or shapes you would like to highlight most legible to a viewer.
3. Consider how the stack might create a portrait, or tell a story, or create an image that alters, exceeds or expands the intentions of the materials on their own.
4. Avoid distracting from the books and their titles/colours by creating a plain background, and clear bright lighting. Be resourceful in how you solve this in a non-studio environment.
5. Post your three best images to the blog with a short description of your ideas and processes to make them.
6. DUE for in-class discussion from your blog page next week – see schedule for details.

Demo on using cameras/phones at home for shooting/high res.

Demo on using home lighting, being resourceful with available light.

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WEDNESDAY

Lecture:

Environmental Video Art

Environmental Video Art Assignment

Based on research on environmental themes, and the approaches of artists discussed in class – you will create a work of video art up to 5 minutes in length with a partner.

Use a COSTUME for one or several performers – as a way to activate a site in the arboretum. You or your partners and friends may activate the costume in a simple gesture/ series of gestures.

We will go to the Arboretum together for a class visit and activity. And we will also have independent work time in the arboretum with our partner. Be prepared for any weather, and work time/consultations during class time.

Some approaches and motifs to consider with your costume and your gestures on site:

Curiosity and experimentation where you don’t know the outcome

Acts of resistance

Acts of submission

Blending in or standing out

Forms of communication with things in the natural world

Collisions of culture with nature

Rituals and ceremonies

How language meets landscape

Playing with perceptions of scale

Playing with perceptions of time

Identity and the culture of nature

Trying to relate across species

Works will be evaluated considering all of the following criteria are met:

Presentation of research and ideas in context of artists discussed in class

Showing work in progress, seeking support when needed

Working effectively during class time and managing production to meet deadlines

Using professional recording and lighting equipment effectively

Original and compelling subject matter

Thoughtful conceptual approaches

Focus and rigor in performance

Effort and effectiveness of costume

Considered video processing and editing to convey feelings/ideas central to the work

Considered video presentation and discussion for critique

Blog post with finished, revised video, and concise artist statement to describe ideas, research, and artistic references in the work.

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:

1. Research and brainstorming: Research an aspect of the arboretum/environment with your partner. Topics might include: Native trees, rare plants, seeds, flowers, birds, migration, weather, ornamental gardens, raptors, reptiles, mammals, “invasives”, clouds, astronomy, fungi, seasons, insects, conservation, camouflage, forest fires, drought, climate change, floods, maps, walking, bird calls, birders, nature guides, wind, swamps… etc. Discuss approaches to video artmaking in relation to strategies used by artists discussed in class.

2. Develop a BLOG POST including research and ideas for your video to share with the class: Be as specific as possible and create a short blog postwith information about your topic, artists that have inspired your approach, and ideas/sketches for your own video. What would your costume/s be? How would you activate it on site? Where is the best location for your idea? How would you frame and record the action? Post production ideas? Etc. Be prepared to discuss variations and open to alternate strategies in a class brainstorming discussion.
3. Record your videos in the arboretum: Edit and finish your final videos with feedback and support in studio.
4. Post your final videos to the blog: Include a title, a short description of the work, and brief relevant notes about your ideas and process.

Be adventurous, but SAFE and RESPECTFUL at all times. See below:

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*IMPORTANT NOTE:

As with all student projects and activities in Experimental Studio and while a student at the University of Guelph you should never do anything illegal, unethical, or that can harm yourself or others in any way. And dangerous/hazardous materials and tools are not allowed on campus or in the studios.

By agreeing to participate in this course you must adhere to these guidelines.

You must discuss your idea with your instructor if there can be any question about the safety of your projects. Students who do not follow this process will receive 0 on assignments, in addition to facing any other academic or legal consequences.

Be careful, be safe, use good sense, and be considerate of others always. Thank you!