It's been far too long. I have changed my thesis idea
Since I've last written, so much has changed. The most important change for the purpose of this blog is my thesis idea. I am no longer going to create a piece that attempts to create Little Red Riding Hood and the characters from the story as real, authentic people that left evidence of their existance.
Instead, I am planning to create small books that will house interviews documented by video, then transcribed for the purpose of the book. I will also take pictures of what ever work they will allow me to. An additional piece of work will be created, inspired by the interview. It could take the form of a poster, a sculpture, a drawing, the development of a new font. I will in turn, ask the interviewee to do the same.... to create a piece of work inspired by the interview. At the end, we will exchange our work. I will give them a copy of the interview book, the DVD as well as the piece of artwork inspired by the interview.
It makes sense that I would go in this direction. This is something I would like to find a way to do for the rest of my life. Seriously. Interviewing people of my time, my area, the people that influence me, the people that I have constant and not so constant contact with but know.... is fascinating to me on many levels.
My thesis writing Proffessor, Mr. Richie suggested that the concept is an odd self-portrait. At first, I felt the need to be defensive about that idea. It wasn't necessary though. It is an honest evaluation of one aspect of the project.
Now... the questions I am thinking about. The books I am thinking about creating. A decision needs to be made soon. Initially I thought the books should be all one size with similar covers. I like that idea very much... it would make the composition of the project easier to deal with. However, just like people are very individual... should these books be individual too? Should each subject, each interview result be as different as the people are?
Since this project has become an odd sort of self-portrait and I will be interviewing people... the suggestion of how to keep the interview on track through questioning has risen. At first I was thinking something like, "What advice would you give me about what to do after graduating?" (or something along that line). When I have approached some people about this question, they have hesitated and felt nervous. So... the challenges of the interview 1. Asking questions that will keep the interview on track and allow it all to be not only reflective but to have a point. Even if the point is getting to know the subject; 2. Finding the time to interview all of the subject I have in mind; 3. Editing the tape.
I have a tall order to fill and I believe with confidence I can put the more chaotic aspects of my life to the side and work on my thesis. It's hard... I must admit. I worry about money, worry about work, worry about life in general. I'm filled with anxiety. However, on the other side of all of that worry, I know I produce a large amount of work and can work fast to get an excellent end result.
Since the interview is an odd self-portrait, I have also thought of things that interest me. Experiences that I've had... and maybe they mirror?
Based on this thinking:
What are some of the aspects of myself that are mirrored in others that I keep company/am surrounded by?
Language ability?
Have you traveled? Where have you been?
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Is there a most memorable student you can share a story about? What makes them especially memorable?
(this question would depend upon the interviewee, of course.)
Was there any doubt that you would grow up to pursue art professionally?
Do you remember the first piece of art you sold?
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
Are there any other passions you pursue?
What is your favorite color/word/phrase?
What is your least favorite color/word/phrase?
What is it about your art that the public doesn't understand?
Would you dance with me?
Who and or what influences your work?
What inspires you?
Have you experienced a time in which inspiration to create a new body of work didn't come to you? How did you resolve it?
Who is your favorite artist?
Have you ever destroyed your own work?
When do you know a piece is done?
I would like to get about ten minutes of excellent footage..... So.. that means about an hour + of tape?
This is where I am at now. I will start taping this week. Let's see what happens and how it changes as I do the work.
Instead, I am planning to create small books that will house interviews documented by video, then transcribed for the purpose of the book. I will also take pictures of what ever work they will allow me to. An additional piece of work will be created, inspired by the interview. It could take the form of a poster, a sculpture, a drawing, the development of a new font. I will in turn, ask the interviewee to do the same.... to create a piece of work inspired by the interview. At the end, we will exchange our work. I will give them a copy of the interview book, the DVD as well as the piece of artwork inspired by the interview.
It makes sense that I would go in this direction. This is something I would like to find a way to do for the rest of my life. Seriously. Interviewing people of my time, my area, the people that influence me, the people that I have constant and not so constant contact with but know.... is fascinating to me on many levels.
My thesis writing Proffessor, Mr. Richie suggested that the concept is an odd self-portrait. At first, I felt the need to be defensive about that idea. It wasn't necessary though. It is an honest evaluation of one aspect of the project.
Now... the questions I am thinking about. The books I am thinking about creating. A decision needs to be made soon. Initially I thought the books should be all one size with similar covers. I like that idea very much... it would make the composition of the project easier to deal with. However, just like people are very individual... should these books be individual too? Should each subject, each interview result be as different as the people are?
Since this project has become an odd sort of self-portrait and I will be interviewing people... the suggestion of how to keep the interview on track through questioning has risen. At first I was thinking something like, "What advice would you give me about what to do after graduating?" (or something along that line). When I have approached some people about this question, they have hesitated and felt nervous. So... the challenges of the interview 1. Asking questions that will keep the interview on track and allow it all to be not only reflective but to have a point. Even if the point is getting to know the subject; 2. Finding the time to interview all of the subject I have in mind; 3. Editing the tape.
I have a tall order to fill and I believe with confidence I can put the more chaotic aspects of my life to the side and work on my thesis. It's hard... I must admit. I worry about money, worry about work, worry about life in general. I'm filled with anxiety. However, on the other side of all of that worry, I know I produce a large amount of work and can work fast to get an excellent end result.
Since the interview is an odd self-portrait, I have also thought of things that interest me. Experiences that I've had... and maybe they mirror?
Based on this thinking:
What are some of the aspects of myself that are mirrored in others that I keep company/am surrounded by?
Language ability?
Have you traveled? Where have you been?
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Is there a most memorable student you can share a story about? What makes them especially memorable?
(this question would depend upon the interviewee, of course.)
Was there any doubt that you would grow up to pursue art professionally?
Do you remember the first piece of art you sold?
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
Are there any other passions you pursue?
What is your favorite color/word/phrase?
What is your least favorite color/word/phrase?
What is it about your art that the public doesn't understand?
Would you dance with me?
Who and or what influences your work?
What inspires you?
Have you experienced a time in which inspiration to create a new body of work didn't come to you? How did you resolve it?
Who is your favorite artist?
Have you ever destroyed your own work?
When do you know a piece is done?
I would like to get about ten minutes of excellent footage..... So.. that means about an hour + of tape?
This is where I am at now. I will start taping this week. Let's see what happens and how it changes as I do the work.
