Triffids

To put a simple idea into reality in After Effects is easier said than done! To concoct a short animation that lasts less than 2 minutes has taken me an inordinate number of hours. This short piece is about 2850 frames - the mere thought of making a 10-minute stop motion animation would to me be like redefining eternity.

Although learning the basics of the software was manageable, the execution proved painfully slow. Hopefully, given time, I‘ll learn more of the keyboard shortcuts and After Effects tricks so I can speed up the process. However, having had a glimpse into what can be achieved with the software, I’m eager to learn more.

Hockney

The project looked fairly easy when I first saw it – however, not quite so easy when I first started putting the images together. First attempt using my photos from Frankston looked rather clumsy and ill conceived, so there was just one remedy – off to the City for another round of images.

The composition above is more to my liking. Still not quite sure how it will finally look in print, however, as we appear to be having some monitor/printer profile issues.

Hunting and Gathering

I enjoy hopping on a train to the city for the sole purpose of gathering images. Although I usually have some kind of plan and purpose for the outing, I often get waylaid and end up with a stack of photographs unrelated to the project at hand. And so it was with my last trip to get images for the David Hockney Project – I just cannot resist glass facades, windows and reflections.

I have put together a few images on a web page - click on the picture or just click here to have a look. Enjoy!

Rain!

First winter rain--

even the monkey

seems to want a raincoat.

                          Matsuo Basha

It fascinates me to observe how people change when it rains. Facial expressions, posture and gait   transform to match or reflect the severity of the down-pour. Crossing the street becomes hurried and often complicated by a sea of umbrellas. The landscape changes!

I spent a couple of hours in Melbourne CBD during a recent storm - took shelter where I could and captured a few images. Heavy rain, poor light and people in a hurry - all became a colourful blur:

Catch Up!

Missing the past couple of weeks of classes has made it quite a challenge to catch up on the various projects. Still trying to come up with workable ideas for the “Fire” project. To make a video that can also form part of an installation - - - well, so far, simple, interesting and achievable solutions have eluded me! 

However, After Effects looks like it is going to be quite a bit of fun. As with all new software programs, learning the basics has its usual pit falls. I still think mastering the fundamentals is achievable, despite the annoyance that Adobe is inconsistent with their keyboard short cuts and menu layout throughout the CS4/CS5 suite. Not to be daunted and to gain some practise, I put together this 15 second AE sequence as a challenge – enjoy! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFeH8yQU9NE

Back to it!

Time to get back into the habit of creative thinking.  New venue, different group of students, but fortunately I will have the pleasure of being with the same teacher again. As opposed to last year, it seems I will be the token “old fart” in the class this year. 

It is with some trepidation but also a sense of excitement that I enter into the first term of 2011.  No doubt the expectations of my work will be higher this year – hope I can rise to the challenges.

First assignment – a stop-motion video has now been completed and is here for all to see. Had the usual codec conundrums, but YouTube digested my f4v file without too many protestations. The video probably does not meet any of the criteria set out in the brief – but heck – isn’t that what artistic licence is all about!

The Journey

“Learn to see” was the main objective for the year. I thought looking through the camera lens would be the answer, but participation in this course taught me otherwise.

Looking at what I achieved and the range of activities I have engaged in – merely pursuing a photography only course would have been a limiting experience. Approaching the learning process from so many angles has been liberating as well as mentally challenging.

Having spent the best part of my life in a left-brain environment - suddenly having to attempt to fully engage the right brain in my approach to the arts, at times “messed with my head space”. However, I feel richer for the experience. No doubt, having been with like-minded people in an encouraging and friendly environment made the journey easier.

I feel I have achieved my quest - it is now a matter of building on the foundations laid down during year. I intend to continue this journey next year and hope to travel together with some of the wonderful colleagues and friends I have been with this year.

I would like to pay  tribute to David – his enthusiasm and steadfast belief that we all have artistic abilities was greatly appreciated. The end of year exhibition proves that he is right! Thank you.