BOOK STACKS

To create these book stacks I went to the Guelph library and began looking through the shelves for any titles that I thought had potential for my stacks. I ended up deciding on the books below and captured these photos in different locations to help accentuate my created sentences. This first stack (The Aesthetic Body) suggests a concept or image of a beautiful and or artistic form that exists in a distant, unreachable place, free from external constraints or limitations. The second stack (Be Very Afraid) suggests that aging is a significant aspect of life that can evoke various emotions and experiences, including both fear and growth. It invites the reader to reflect on their perceptions of aging and its impact on identity and existence. The last stack (Shameful Behaviours)suggests a range of ideas or emotions related to personal relationships, experiences, or situations, such as a fight that had occurred leaving there to be an incident where the couples had disputes and ended up breaking up.

1. The Aesthetic Body

2. Be Very Afraid

3. Shameful Behaviours

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ARTIST RESEARCH

Rebecca Belmore

Belmore’s known for her powerful and thought-provoking work that often addresses issues related to Indigenous rights, identity, colonialism, and social justice. I was drawn to Belmore’s performance art, as her own physical body is present in a majority of her peices as a means of expression, enabling her to explore the self and community boundaries between her own ideas and those of the viewer. She incorporates photography and video into her work to document her performance and create visual narratives that complement her themes. Additionally, Belmore creates sculptures and installations that often incorporate found objects and materials with historical and cultural significance. This aspect immediately seized my attention, lending greater strength to her artwork. She frequently employs symbols and metaphors in her work to convey complex ideas and emotions, allowing viewers to interpret the meaning on multiple levels.

Overall, Rebecca Belmore’s art is characterized by its multi-faceted approach, blending various mediums and strategies to create works that are not only aesthetically engaging but also deeply meaningful and thought-provoking in their content and messages, serving as a platform for dialogue and reflection on important societal issues.

Fountain (2005)

In “Fountain”, Belmore repeatedly carries heavy buckets of ocean water, symbolizing the enduring Indigenous struggle against colonization, with water representing the journey’s challenges and witnessing the transformation from Indigenous beauty to oppression. The bucket itself symbolizes the weight of colonization’s burdens on Indigenous people, mirroring their centuries-long oppression. A distant fire unites land, water, fire, and air’s elemental forces, channeled through her body. Fire, crucial to Indigenous life for ceremonies and sustenance, also mirrors its destructive capacity, akin to the devastation of Indigenous culture during colonization. Belmore emerges from the water, walks toward the camera, and throws the water, which turns blood-red, symbolizing the connection between water and humanity. The act shifts the burden of Indigenous history’s bloodshed cycles back to its European source, illustrating how purity turned to violence due to colonialism. Red, signifying pain, represents the blood spilled in the abuse of Indigenous people, emphasizing the ongoing impact of brutality and colonization. Belmore’s work highlights the tragic repetition of such acts between water and blood.

Biinjiya’iing Onji (2017)

Rebecca Belmore has created a memorial to transience using locally sourced materials. She has painstakingly carved a tent, which is increasingly becoming a long-term dwelling for refugees and migrants, out of marble. This sculpture serves as a testament to the enduring state of crisis and the makeshift havens it compels. The tent’s design also draws inspiration from other traditional shelters, notably the wigwam, a significant part of Belmore’s Indigenous heritage. Wigwams, traditionally constructed with young tree branches and covered in birch bark, showcase a resourceful approach to building with available materials, allowing nomadic communities to establish homes wherever needed.

Rebecca Belmore responds to nature, creatures, and environmental conditions in her work by often incorporating natural elements, materials, and symbols that hold cultural significance, particularly as they relate to Indigenous perspectives. Her response is deeply informed by her Anishinaabe heritage and her commitment to addressing pressing issues. Belmore conducts fact-based research by delving into Indigenous histories, traditional knowledge, and contemporary challenges. She collaborates with Indigenous communities to ensure her work is authentic and representative. Her work is motivated by ideas of Indigenous sovereignty, resilience, and cultural survival. She values the importance of giving voice to Indigenous experiences and challenging the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. These ideas resonate in her final works through various mediums such as performance art, sculpture, and installation. Many of Belmore’s works, such as “Fountain” and “Biinjiya’iing Onji” are intended to challenge the status quo and raise awareness about social and political issues, Indigenous rights, identity, and the interconnectedness of nature and culture.

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ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEO RESEARCH

1. Chickadee

• SONGS: Across the majority of North America, you can typically hear a straightforward, melodious song consisting of two or three clear whistled notes, often resembling “fee-bee” or “hey, sweetie.” However, in the Pacific Northwest, the song differs slightly, featuring three or four notes at the same pitch. In many regions within its range, male birds commence their singing in mid-January, and as the winter season unfolds, the frequency of their song gradually intensifies. Interestingly, females in this species also occasionally join in with their own songs.
• CALLS: Chickadees employ their distinctive “chickadee-dee-dee” call, which includes an increasing number of “dee” notes, as an alarm signal when they sense danger. Additionally, they utilize a specific gargling call, particularly in confrontational situations, such as when a lower-ranking bird approaches a higher-ranking one. This call is also exchanged between members of a pair. In the case of Black-capped Chickadees, they emit a high-pitched “see” call as a high-intensity alarm signal, typically in response to the presence of a rapidly approaching predator. When other chickadees hear this alarm, they instinctively freeze in their current position until they receive the reassuring “chickadee-dee” call, which signifies that the threat has passed. Notably, the high “see” calls are most frequently produced by male chickadees.
• OTHER SOUNDS: Nestling chickadees employ a defensive strategy by emitting a sudden and forceful hissing sound while simultaneously striking the interior of their nest cavity when they perceive an intruder peering inside.
• To hear samples of the calls and songs of the Chickadee, click on the following link:
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/sounds#

2. Eastern Screech Owl

• SONG: Their most common song is a high pitched tremolo that can sometimes resemble a soft “purr.” It is a 3-6 second long song that the screech owl uses to keep in touch with their family or mate. The second song is one called the whinny. It is a 0.5–2 second long shrill that resembles the sound of a horse neighing, and is used to defend territories.
• CALLS: Screech Owl calls can often sound like a soft, low “caw” or “hoot” sound. As their name suggests, these owls can also produce a screeching call that is used to indicate danger, alarm, or agitation. 
• To hear samples of the calls and songs of the Eastern Screeching Owl, click on the following link:
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Screech-Owl/sounds

3. Loon

• Loons exhibit a diverse range of vocalizations, comprising four primary types: the wail, tremolo, yodel, and hoot.
• The wail, often the most frequently heard, is a haunting call employed by loons when they find themselves separated from their chick or in cases where their mate has not returned. It serves as an expression of their willingness to engage with others.
• The tremolo, conversely, serves as an assertive response when loons feel disturbed by boaters or potential predators. This wavering call communicates their distress and encourages a move to a safer location. It also functions as a means of announcing their presence at a particular lake.
• The yodel is another vocalization that signifies aggression and is typically emitted by males during confrontations. It plays a crucial role in territorial disputes, effectively conveying a message to nearby loons, asserting, “This territory belongs to us!” Interestingly, each male loon possesses a unique signature yodel, which they may modify if they relocate to a different territory.
• Lastly, the hoot is a softer, brief call used to symbolize curiosity and/or happiness. Loons employ hoots to maintain contact with one another, with parents using hoots to communicate with their chicks and mates hooting to stay connected with each other.
• To hear samples of the calls and songs of the Loon, click on the following link:
• https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/the-common-loon-what-are-they-saying/#:~:text=They%20make%20four%20basic%20types,its%20mate%20fails%20to%20return.

4. Pileated Woodpecker

• CALLS: The Pileated Woodpecker call consists of a fast staccato high pitched repeated sound. The call can last up to several seconds. They have a second call that is more spaced out and is lower in pitch. It usually sounds like cuk, cuk, and indicates danger, or marking of territory.
• OTHER SOUNDS: Woodpeckers are most known for their drumming sound that they make by repeatedly pecking their beak against a tree trunk. This sound may be used to solicit mating/courtship, or to alert others of a predator near a nest. For males, drumming may also be used to mark or defend their territory.
• To hear samples of the calls and songs of the Pileated Woodpecker, click on the following link:
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/sounds

ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEO BRAINSTORM

Idea 1: Hanging from a Tree Until you Fall

“hanging from a tree until you fall” serves as a thought-provoking symbol that unites environmental concerns with the human experience. It underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and responsible stewardship of our natural world while acknowledging the inevitability of occasional setbacks in our journey toward a sustainable future.

Idea 2: Hide and Seek

Hide and seek in the forest is more than just a childhood game; it’s a transformative encounter that binds individuals to the natural world. Through sensory immersion, physical interaction, and environmental awareness, participants learn not only about the forest but also about themselves. This connection between body and nature cultivated through play endures, fostering a lifelong reverence for the natural world and a desire to preserve its beauty and vitality.

Idea 3: Imitating Bird Sounds (FINAL IDEA)

Embracing the harmonious symphony of nature, our project focuses on the art of imitating the bird sounds in Ontario. This endeavour offers a unique opportunity to compile an auditory journey, seamlessly weaving together recordings of individuals own attempts at replicating these sounds. Here, we immerse ourselves in the richness of the environment, capturing the chirping of birds. It’s an exploration that celebrates the interconnectedness of humans and nature and invites listeners to experience the beauty of the outdoors in a novel and creative way.

ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEO PROGRESS

During our first outing to film our video, Alexia and I went to the mall. We went up to people and asked them to be in our video. However, this proved to be difficult, because many people said no and it was hard to find people who said yes.

For our second attempt, we went to campus and stood outside with handmade signs that said ‘BE IN OUR VIDEO’ and another that said ‘MAKE A BIRD SOUND. JUST 5 MINS OF UR TIME!’ This was much more effective, because we weren’t putting people on the spot. Their participation was a little more voluntary.

We went to the mall again for our third attempt, and ended up making a sign in front of Michael Hill that said which “MAKE A BIRD SOUND AND GET 20% OFF AT MICHAEL HILL!!” helped us to get some attention and get more people to be in our video.

ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEO PROGRESS (final re-edited)

“Primal Instinct”

For this assignment, Alexia and I were driven by the ambition to narrow the divide between humanity and nature. Our mission sought to illuminate the primal connection by peeling back the layers of conventional verbal communication, directing our focus to the raw, fundamental ability of individuals to produce sounds. The intentional decision to feature individuals spanning various ages served as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic nature of mimicry and noise-making, characteristics often prevalent in infancy as one explores bodily functions and vocal capacities for communication. Despite societal norms that tend to suppress such behaviors as we age, the inherent urge to vocalize and replicate sounds persists, deeply rooted in our nature.

Throughout the immersive filming process, which engaged a diverse group primarily composed of strangers, shared moments of laughter became the threads weaving a genuine bond among participants. This collective experience served as a profound testament to our universal inclination to express ourselves through vocalization and imitation. In capturing these authentic moments, our project not only aimed to bridge the gap between humanity and nature but also to celebrate the enduring, natural ties that bind us all through the expressive art of sound.

ARTIST BOOK PROGRESS (pdf version)

ARTIST BOOK FINAL (hard copy)

For this project, my primary goal was to delve into the nuances of scanning ordinary items, such as rubber bands, string, underwear and more by incorporating dynamic movement, specifically by dragging them across the scanner. By embracing this unconventional approach, the project aimed to go beyond conventional static representations, seeking to capture the inherent beauty and variability that emerges when objects are subjected to movement during the scanning process.

Through this dynamic scanning technique, I wanted to illuminate the interplay between form and motion, allowing each item to undergo a metamorphosis in the scanner’s interpretation. The visual outcomes, a combination of the ordinary item on one side of the page and the extraordinary on the other, serving as a testament to the artistic potential inherent in the mundane. This project not only aimed to explore the technical capabilities of scanning but also to evoke curiosity and appreciation for the artistic possibilities embedded in everyday objects through innovative and dynamic perspectives

ARTIST MULTIPLES (cut out)

ARTIST MULTIPLES (digital files)

In the conceptualization of this project, my vision was to create a harmonious blend of realistic scanned images of bandaids alongside whimsical, cartoon-like renditions transformed into sticker form. Traditionally associated with physical injuries, bandaids serve as symbolic healers, but I aimed to redefine their significance by shifting their purpose from addressing wounds to adorning everyday objects.

This involved meticulously scanning actual bandaids, capturing their realistic textures and details, and also drawing them using procreate to create cartoon-style renditions. Transforming these creations into stickers added a playful and versatile element to the concept, allowing them to transcend their conventional usage.

The intention was to challenge the conventional association of bandaids with physical injuries and imbue them with a new meaning — one that extends beyond wounds to celebrate the healing potential within various aspects of our daily lives. By turning bandaids into decorative elements for objects, the project is to invite viewers to reconsider the symbolic power of these everyday items and embrace a more imaginative and positive interpretation.

Jenny Holzer

Sign on a Truck (1984)

Jenny Holzer is an American neoconceptual artist based in Hoosick, New York. She investigates how language is employed as a medium of communication as well as concealment and control. Large-scale installations, advertising billboards, projections on buildings and other structures, as well as illuminated electronic displays are all part of her work. Her aphorisms remind us that language may be basic and direct: self-evident truths, street-level expressions concerning war, politics, death, and violence.

The ability to move content is a great feature of electronic signs. I enjoy it because motion is similar to speech in that you can emphasize phrases and roll and pause, which is the kinetic counterpart of inflection. Having that programming capability is a huge bonus. For Holzer, technology is a tool that allows her to reach a much larger audience with her ideas. In her art, she frequently employs light projections and LED signs. The LEDs are based on technology that has been used in public advertising and warning signs for years. She may ensure that her art is displayed in locations “where people look” by using these screens. The first piece I chose is called Sign on a Truck (1984). Holzer employed a vehicle equipped with a sound system and an electronic display to offer a mix of lectures, interviews, and amusing pictures. On the eve of the US presidential election, the initiative was an attempt to use technology to ignite conversation and record a varied spectrum of voices and ideas. With the use of 27,000 electron tubes, Holzer’s Sign on a Truck allowed New Yorkers to have their pre-election remarks not only heard but also seen.

Inflammatory Essays (1979-1982)

The Inflammatory Essays are a collection of comments influenced by political theorists, religious extremists, and passionate “folk” literature. Holzer has always been interested in ‘rapturous writing’ and has wanted to compose ‘ecstatic, fantastic stuff’ since he was a child. She also employs this tight framework to investigate a range of extreme ideas, with each essay having exactly 100 words in twenty lines. She tests the audience’s reaction by juxtaposing obsessive declarations with the certainty of popular opinion. Originally, the essays were distributed by flyers across New York City. Holzer, like many other artists of her time, relied on mass media and advertising to support her work. She came up with around 300 honest principles, insights, and slogans based on universally acknowledged truths and clichés in the late 1970s. Initially, Holzer would disseminate these phrases to the public via a variety of media, including posters, stickers, and t-shirts, before moving on to electronic displays.

Text Piece

Gun Violence T-Shirt:
Gun violence has become a global human rights issue in recent years. It puts our most basic human right, the right to life, in jeopardy. My first thought for this assignment is to would like to represent gun violence in the US. So far, my thought process has been to illustrate phrases related to gun restrictions and the resulting violence that people may encounter. I’d print this on either a t-shirt or as a poster with words like “stop,” “dead,” and “murder” on the front. I’d use a different font for each word to demonstrate that the words are getting darker and more meaningful as they go further to the worst potential conclusion of gun legalization. Another idea I have relating to this is to have these same words going from left to right with the same fonts below forming the shape of the gun.

Bullying Poster:
For my second Idea, I would like to represent bullying. Bullying is a major issue that many people have sadly experienced. It is defined as unwelcome, hostile behavior with a real or perceived power imbalance. Over time, the conduct is repeated or has the potential to be repeated. Making threats, spreading rumors, physically or verbally abusing someone, and purposefully excluding someone from a group are all examples of bullying. There are a variety of people who express themselves through makeup and get bullied for it. My plan is to photograph my sister Jordyn with her makeup smeared down her face, almost as if they are her tears  She’ll have a sad expression on her face, and in the background behind her, I’ll have terms like “ugly,” “fat,” and others that people have said to her. ​​Makeup is her life, and she loves to experiment with different looks to express herself, which I think is fantastic! To make an artist multiple, I’ll print four copies, each with a different coloured background to emphasize how these colours reflect distinct emotions.

Paper Filled Boxes:
My third idea is to have two boxes each filled with 100 pieces of rolled paper. One box will have a pen and blank white paper inside. This is for people who might be feeling down, want to express themselves, or even just wanna get something off their chest. It will be anonymous. The second box will include various coloured pieces of paper with encouraging sentiments written on them by me. This is for individuals who need a pick-me-up or simply wish to feel better. They are free to read as many notes as they want. On the side of the box, it will say, please return me after reading.

Final Idea and Coasters

I had been going back and forth on this assignment, attempting to come up with an idea that I liked for a long time. I chose to deviate from my gun concept because I was having trouble coming up with a component I was happy with. When I finally came up with an idea I thought was great for this project, I purchased eight coasters and decided to write messages on them telling people “not” to use the coaster.  I came up with this idea when I noticed coasters on the table beside me, as well as my mug next to the coaster just sitting on the table. I began to come up with phrases and words like “STOP,” “Only for Show,” “Use the Table,” and several others that I found to be ironic. I can picture these in a house or even in a restaurant where coasters are used often. Due to the fact that many restaurants are closed and I do not feel comfortable going to them, I could not take pictures with these in use. Below are all the coasters I made.

Process Images

To make these coasters, I had to paint numerous coats of white over the cork until it was opaque, wait for it to dry, and then paint each word on. I had intended to make eight coasters, but trying to make every letter look nice and clean took a lot longer than I had anticipated so I ended up with six. I decided to paint over the cork as I felt it made it look more professional and clean. Although they look hand-made I truly think it adds to the overall effect.

Parents Video

My parents are a huge part in my life. They do so much for me and my family every day, by cooking, cleaning, working, and overall providing me and my family with an amazing life. For this assignment I felt it would be interesting to hear what goes on in both of my parents lives, as they are completely different and both amazing in their own way. For my moms video I curled my hair and wore something she would usually wear around the house in order to “become” my mom. For my dad, I tied my hair back into a pony tail and wore an oversized flannel that he wears very often.

It was a lot harder then I had anticipated to get all the words spot on as if they were coming out of my mouth. I had to redo this many times and eventually decided to do it in clips (although I did not like the look of it as much), I felt it would be more successful in the end. Although some parts are off with me mouthing the audio, overall I think I did a good job making it look like I was speaking.

Internet Culture Video Research

How is it shot, and framed? Where does the material come from? What is the quality of the footage?
Many clothing hauls are either shot on an iPhone or a professional camera like a DSLR in order to achieve a good quality video. A vast amount of YouTubers set up a tripod and make sure the lighting is good, although this very’s from person to person. The footage is often of good technical quality; it is clear, stable, and in focus. Haul videos originally gained relevance around 2006/2007 through the beauty vlogging community on YouTube. But then the concept has since spread through plenty of other niches. And though they’re still most common on YouTube, they’ve also spread to other platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

How is it edited, and does it flow from clip to clip?
iMovie is the most used editing app for YouTubers. It contains a wide range of editing tools, as well as built-in transitions and titles. When used correctly, these can produce astonishing results. Final Cut Pro is another popular editing tool available in 2020. Packed with features, it has been used on blockbuster films and is able to handle the most complex of editing briefs. The clip selector, editor, and timeline are all on the same three-panel interface as iMovie. It’s simple to see why the latter is so popular with YouTubers because it’s “magnetic,” allowing video to easily slide around each other. Lastly, Adobe has been the standard for Hollywood filmmakers for years and is trusted by many of the world’s most famous YouTubers. Premiere Pro has a vast number of capabilities that, after some practice, can help editors produce stunning video content. To sum it up, there are a plethora of good software editing alternatives available, and YouTubers employ a diverse range of tools to create their smooth flowing films.

What does it sound like? How are sound or image manipulated and transformed from original footage?
A clothing haul is a recording, posted to the Internet, in which a person discusses items that they recently purchased, sometimes trying on the item for viewers to see how it looks or even going into detail about their experiences during the purchase and the cost of the items they bought. Many YouTubers add voice overs in order to either make their voices more clear or to add in something they missed, etc, they add transitions from scene to scene and or add images over top of the video to make it more interesting and or more original.

What are some of the key features that define this genre?What are some weird variations on it?
Many young adults have displayed their shopping hauls, while including their beauty and design commentary in the narration. The videos are often grouped by store name or by type of product (cosmetics, clothing, shoes, postage stamps, etc.) Before haul videos became an online trend, millions of people spent time watching other people, in technical product videos, unbox their latest new gadgets and technology. The trend of “unboxing videos” had emerged during 2006.

What are some of the reasons these kinds of videos are compelling or useful in this historical moment?
Haul videos have also led to celebrity status for some people. Other haul video bloggers have entered sponsorship deals and advertising programs from major brands. Haul videos are rarely negative about the products. This aspect of the genre of haul videos makes sponsorship by brand advertisers particularly appealing. Hauls are often used by YouTubers and influencers to encourage more brands to sponsor them and provide them with free products. This can be incredibly harmful for the planet. Not all brands are bad but many such as Shein and Zara are. According to research on the environmental effects of fast fashion, the industry generates 92 million tonnes of garbage and consumes 79 trillion gallons of water each year. The fashion sector produces 20% of worldwide water pollution and is responsible for one-third of all microplastics discovered in the ocean. What role do fast-fashion hauls play? The emergence of the clothing hauls has aggravated the industry by encouraging manufacturers to produce more. Since the year 2000, the number of garments manufactured annually has doubled. Production rates rise in tandem with demand. Furthermore, the more these businesses produce, the more waste they generate.

How do you relate to it?
When I was younger I would sit for hours constantly watching clothing hauls and adding things to my cart, wanting to own everything they did. On top of this I have ordered from Shein as it is cheap and affordable for a student like me. Now knowing what I do about the harmful impact it has on the environment, I defiantly will not purchase from there again and will try to do better and educate myself on clothing stores before I make a purchase.

Power Puff Girls Video Assignment

Tattoo Assignment

Initially, I struggled to come up with a concept that was both conceptual and satisfying for this task. I attempted to design a tattoo based on my family and twin since I believed I could do a lot with it, but I became stuck. After a while, I decided to entirely rethink my idea, and that’s when I came up with the concept of facial hair. I was thinking about masculinity and how there are gender stereotypes that women should be hairless and shaved, whereas males don’t have to worry about it. This reminded me of my elementary school days, when I was often judged for having hairy arms. In the summer, I would always wear long sleeves since the kids would stare at my arms or make comments if I wore tank tops or t-shirts, making me feel self-conscious and sad about how I looked. For this project, I wanted to focus on the concept of hair and how it might be used on females. It makes no difference what gender you are so I took some photos in public and, while I received a variety of reactions, I was fine with it came to embrace it.