Alex Mendoza's profile

Stimuli Analysis & Planning

STIMULI ANALYSIS

STEIN 1914 Objects 
The text can be analysed as a series of poems which encourages the readers to re-determine ordinary thoughts towards mundane objects. She does so through her inclusion of adjectives which mainstream culture does not often associate these particular objects with. Where readers struggle to comprehend their thoughts and ideas due to the author’s use of inappropriate form, challenging the readers understanding as their mind attempts to make sense of what they are reading as they progress through the text.  The text could be viewed as an abstract and conceptual piece which presents dynamic ideas challenging mainstream themes and concepts accepted by mainstream society.

LARGERFELD 2010 REMEMBER NOW
During the introduction of the short film, this idea of time and youth being loss and unattainable after time progress was a reoccurring theme throughout the narrative. 
- Liveliness of the city during dawn and different scenes that are presented during the youth night life.
“It’s day, is it worth going to Pamela’s?’ was stated in the tone which presented the idea of them potentially being late, which is ironic as it was 7:30 in the morning and as they enter the house everybody was passed out. Potential idea of music keeping the youth alive? As music fades they fall asleep’ 

LYNCH 2006 QUINOA
Absurda’s motion picture seems to encapsulate this theme which demonstrates that purpose and meaning of particular topics can be greatly altered as the understanding of the audience is wholly dependent on the presentation of the idea. This is supported by his production of a quinoa instructional video with his use of slow paced music and monochromatic colors. Through his mixture of elements, including his voice, behavior, tone, volume, camera angles were all combined to produce a grungy horror like atmosphere rather than a cooking instructional video. It can be concluded that what one says is not always emphasized, the audience will not understand concepts if it is not presented in an appropriate manner with themes and ideas relating to the topic​​​​​​​
GODDEN 1972 - 1976
Through the combination and production of the series of images, these ideas of growth, nurture and comfort were produced as a result of the mixture of particular elements. 
All images are composed in a monochromatic manner, placing the object of the scene in the middle of the canvas. The image is surrounded by a large amount of white space, which compliments the imagery as it places great emphasis towards the picture. 
The inclusion of great amounts of shadows contributes to the emphasis that is placed towards the subject of the image. These shadows also contribute to this peaceful and quite tone that is displayed by the series of images. ​​​​​​​
FORM AND IMAGE ANALYSIS

initial idea and design thoughts
Initially I had planned to combine elements and attributes from all stimuli as I thought through the mixture of all texts I am able to produce an intricate and complex design; however after consideration and analysis, I came to a conclusion that due to my lack of skill and time constrains it would be very difficult to produce a high quality project which demonstrates elements from each stimuli. 

GODDEN 1972 - 1976 & LYNCH 2006 QUINOA
...were the two texts that were chosen and the following keywords were developed. 
PROJECT INTENTION

After heavy critical thinking and self analysis I gathered that my capabilities would be a limiting factor during the construction of my final project. As an individual I don't hold great experience in physical hand related production as I often use digital media to represent my ideas. Having considered this, I was required to research methods and mediums which transformed imperfections into visual aesthetics. After some research I discovered the art of spray painting and its potential in the creation of abstract and dynamic work. 

The series of materialization intends to encapsulate both form and imagery inspired by the two texts through the heavy expression of texture and color. This in turn will work cooperatively to communicate the mood and idea of each image, expressing key words gathered from both Quinoa and Gooden. ​​
RESEARCH

Having no experience in creating imagery with spray paint, it was only appropriate to research and watch  tutorials demonstrating essential techniques and materials. Videos demonstrating the production process of scenery such as space, water and nature all illustrated relevant techniques which would be used during the production of my final product. Through this I was inspired to use geometric shapes such as circles which represent planets to illustrate form. The concept of space showed relevance to my stimuli as it is both peaceful, quiet and isolated whilst displaying a lot of darkness and emptiness. 
SPRAY PAINT TUTORIALS  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnD0ZgxbL6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqfFbsXtAe8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1TRlkZ8H4g

IDEA GENERATION & SKILL REFINEMENT
After the viewing multiple tutorials I decided to attempt to create similar imagery to display the skills and methods that were obtained from the videos. Bottle caps and magazine paper was used to produce texture and shape which in turn created a planet like image. White splatters of paint was then added on top of the black painted canvas to replicate stars. To create more depth, white paint was sprayed onto a piece of cardboard paper to create light light flares.  On the last image I attempted to create water but failed due to the material that the paint was sprayed on. 
 Further experimentation was approached in attempts to create a more dynamic overall piece, transforming each image into more interpretive and abstract pieces; slowly digesting and retracting elements inspired by space whilst demonstrating elements evoked by the two texts. In attempts to add further depth, balsa wood was placed on top of the canvas to signify closeness and distance. This idea however did not compliment other pieces and was discarded.  Natural elements such as leaves and dirt were added on to the canvas to create mood and texture. As a result of this developed a both a natural aesthetic and a grungy, galaxy look which complimented the idea of space and isolation.

The images placed above were some potential techniques and ideas that I was initially planning to use during the construction of my nine pieces. The first image and the third image were carved with a fork to create a hand illustration and an abstract movement of smoke. The result came out very rough which in some sense was visually aesthetic but due to the nature of my final design this method of construction was disregarded. 

Image four and image five involved the use of balsa wood to represent different ideas. It appeared to basic and did not capture the overall message I was attempting to portray. This idea was also reconsidered as it did not meet the over all aesthetic of the other produced images.
STENCILS 
Another approach often used by spray paint artists when creating art works are stencils. In attempts of creating my first material, I quickly sketched an image of a hand holding a cigarette. This image was then traced over with a cutting knife to create its form. With another piece of paper, base colors were applied through the use of spray paint. The stencil was then stuck on top of the piece of paper and then sprayed over with red paint, resulting in image displayed last.
After consultation, it was suggested to remain consistent with basic geometric stencils as this creates more depth and vibrancy towards the overall aesthetic of the nine pieces. This allows the development of more abstract work whilst communicating key ideas gathered from the two texts.
SKETCHES

Two stages of sketches were produced, initial sketches and final sketches. Initial sketches were used to produce draft products which allowed me to rearrange and consider the production process of my final designs.

INITIAL SKETCHES
Initial sketches were very rough and lacked descriptive detail and expression. These were produced to further refine thoughts into design ideas allowing me to practice skill and technique gathered from the viewing of tutorials. Through the construction of draft designs I was able to better understand my capabilities and hence develop finer and relevant images for my final product. The sketches demonstrated above describe materials and color which would potentially aid in the representation of key ideas that were gathered from the two texts.
FINAL SKETCHES
As a result of the development of initial sketches and a draft series of materialization I was able to consider potential sequences based on color communication, mood and atmosphere. Better understanding my skill and capabilities I was able to produce sketches that could be realistically produced. These series of sketches illustrate more detail which better communicate thoughts and ideas. Accompanying each sketch are annotations which describe either the production process or key ideas that will aid during the construction of each image.
POTENTIAL SEQUENCES
The two sequences consist of draft images arranged in a manner suggested by both tutors
The following arrangement was suggested by Naomi who encouraged to avoid detailed subjects and place focus on the development of mood and atmosphere through texture and color. It was encouraged to illustrate geometrical shapes rather than descriptive subjects as this provided more depth and vibrancy to the piece as a whole. She also advised to use both mood and texture as form inspired by the text as it compels the production experience of each piece and in turn allowing it to be more engaging. As Naomi studied each piece she noticed elements of some images falling of the canvas which then suggested to purchase spray on adhesive spray.​ ​
The sequences illustrated above was demonstrated by Mark who viewed the project differently to Naomi. Having brought additional pieces, the design communicated differently as a whole. It was suggested to look at the gradual progression of each design, relating and further developing images as it progresses from 1 to 9. Image 1, 3 and 5 (top row) were placed in the following order as it demonstrates relating elements and appears almost as if attributes of each image was being dissected and amplified. 
FINALIZED IMAGES
Multiple images were developed during the course of the project and were arranged in a manner which groups particular pieces. Each section of the grid on the left image consists of designs which shows relation in regards to texture, color, mood and shape. Although each design was produced for specific positions in the final grid, I thought by doing so as I am able to better convey and analyze each piece and in turn better judge which photo to use and where to place it. This process was done to reconsider all potential arrangements and possibilities and in turn create a more communicative and cohesive overall piece. 

The image on the right is a draft final arrangement which shows the incorporation of both finalized designs and draft designs. Imagery of space was presented on the 1st column from the left, which gradually becomes more dynamic as each image progresses; however, it was concluded that a few images were too similar and did not create sufficient vibrancy. This lead me to deciding to replace some images and rearranging the grid.​​​​​​​
FINAL ARRANGEMENT 
PRODUCTION PROCESS

Rippled Space
The Glared Planet
Abstracted Galaxies
The Heated Community
Rippled Water
Gassed Giant 
Dead Community
Explosive Atoms
Splattered Fire
GENERAL EQUIPMENT USED FOR ALL PIECES
Orange, Red, Yellow, Silver, White and Black spray cans
Sheets of cardboard paper and magazine
14cm x 14cm cut out cardboard paper
Spray paint caps and coins
Stimuli Analysis & Planning
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Stimuli Analysis & Planning

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