Homework Questions.

The Human Skateboard video utilizes interesting camera angles to catch the viewer's attention. The camera angle is from the level of the person personifying the skateboard looking up.  This angle is rarely used in commercials.  This angle makes the viewer look at the human skateboard directly, and makes it the focus. This focus, in turn, causes the viewer to listen more closely to the sounds because they relate directly to the position of the person on the ground.  If this commercial were shot from only one camera angle, it would not have been nearly as strong of a piece.  This is because there would have been less of a focus on the human skateboard, which is what makes the commercial so eye-catching. 

After watching the video "Moth" without sound for the first time, I could still tell what the clip was designed to be. However, the title of the video gave it away. But the way the clip moved was exactly like a moth, from the attraction to the light to the sudden flitting movements. Even the frog as the tape dispenser was easy to understand without sound. 

Watching the video with sound was easier to understand, although not essential. The sound gave more information about the wings and the speed of which they were moving.

"Acausal" refers to an event or situation that does not have a certain cause of effect. Two situations are put together that might not have anything to do with each other. Einstein's article defined this for me through the many examples of two separate situations described back to back. For example, the situation with the man who is depressed and without company, as well as the same man acting rude and antisocial. Although these events seem like they could be closely linked, it is impossible to tell with just the excerpts given. 

Learning Reflection 10/29

Today in class I learned how to create a stop motion video using the new iMovie.  These types of videos are created using many photographs taken with a digital camera and are placed sequentially, one after the other, to create the illusion of movement.  The length of each picture should be about .05-.10 seconds to keep the movie running smoothly. 

It is a good idea to import the photos into iMovie rather than dragging them.  Do this by going to File>import.  This is so that there photo settings are available for each picture. I found that if a picture was simply dropped into the photo library, the Ken Burns effect would automatically play; this setting has the option of being turned off when the pictures are actually imported.  Also, this allows for the adjustment of the time of each picture. 

ALWAYS SAVE and RESTART your computer if iMovie is crashing frequently.

While working with our stop motion videos, it is possible to record a story line or sounds right from iMovie. However, it is important to check the sound quality before proceeding.  This can be done by going to Desktop>Apple>Preferences. Click on Sound, and change the setting to internal, or built in, microphone. 

Speed.

1. How does Sacks describe conscious perception as it relates to frames?

Sacks states that conscious perception is not fluid as most would think it to be; in actuality, it is made up of many "discrete frames" that usually make up a movie.  These frames are then blended together to give us the smooth continuity that we think we experience. This means that smooth movement is actually an illusion.

2. How could you apply this concept to controlling the pace at which your viewer experiences your videos?

Using this frame method gives the artist a lot of control over the speed at which the viewer experiences the video.  Longer frames create the illusion that the image is moving slowly, while frames with images that change at a fast rate indicate a faster speed.  This technique will come in hand when working with stop-motion video.  The artist has so much control over the pace of the video through the rate of change in the pictures. 

3. What does the power of intense attention have to do with the rate at which we experience time? Give an example.

Intense attention slows down the duration of time of each individual frame.  This makes the experience seem as though it is occurring in slow motion.  This is what happens when athletes are "in the zone," or even when there are emergencies.  Intense concentration makes the person focus more on the individual frames. 

4. Does the description of the power of intense attention recall concepts of previous articles? Give an example.

The power of intense attention directly relates to article "Into the Zone."  This article described the type of meditative state that removes you from the stress and pressure of the situation at hand.  This is the type of concentration that slows down frames to create the illusion of time passing slowly.  

Learning Reflection 10/23

Three things I learned:

I learned yesterday in class that there are several steps to take when creating a video, or any work of art for that matter. The first is paying attention to details such as visuals and feelings. The second is accepting what unfolds as you work on your project. The third is rapid cognition, or letting thoughts and feelings develop naturally. The fourth is nurture; this means that it is important to accept your project and move forward without harsh judgment or goal orientation. The last step is to create action, or moving forward based entirely on what is offered.

Another thing I learned in class was that it is important to have a graphical focal point, as well as high contrast. Having a smooth transition between pictures in an abstract video is essential. This can be achieved by having similar shapes in each picture.

there are five different things to keep in mind while editing an abstract video. 

1. Relating sounds and images.

2. Having a focal point.

3. Having high contrast.

4. Syncopation/ Asyncopation.

5. Take risks. 

Transition Slides.

The beginning and ending image are very different from one another; although both are abstract, the first one is a human figure, and the last almost looks like the inside of a computer. In between these two shots, there is a picture of a group of clansmen on horseback. Transitioning from the first picture to the last picture would be very difficult without this common ground picture in between them. This way, each picture has a relation to the other, and the transition is smoother and more interesting. The playing with the abstract shapes and lines are also a good transition technique because it is easier to incorporate a little of the next picture at a time so the shift is more gradual. 

DJ Spooky

DJ Spooky treats his visual projects like any artist would treat their artwork. He looks at every transition between images, and is interested in the relationships between people. In the interview, he states that any kind of interaction is some kind of relationship. He gives the example of the conversation that he is having with the interviewer right then, and says that this interaction could be symbolized as a line between the two people in one of his pieces. He deals with abstract forms and subjects that catch people's attention, such as the KKK in his "Rebirth of a Nation."

Repetition of certain images gets the point across in DJ Spooky's works. These images include the member of the KKK on horseback, waving. This image is disturbing because it is in slow motion, and makes me think of the gesture as calm, confident, and regal.

 Squares, triangles, and boxes often symbolize relationships and communication between people in his works. This is a very abstract way of telling a story and focusing the attention of the viewer to a certain situation on the screen.

 Transitions are very important between sounds when creating a sound piece.  Ambient noises keep a constant background, which could relate to the themes of each of DJ Spooky’s pieces.  The theme holds the video piece together as the ambient sounds create a solid ground for the other noises to work off from.

 DJ Spooky’s goal of this film was to highlight the issues of race in the past, as well as remake a very controversial film into something that people can relate to today.  This relation is created through the use of abstract forms and transitions, as well as the synchronization of the parts of the motion picture to a mixed beat. Many of the “blacks” in the film are white people in blackface in the original film, and Spooky uses these clips in his movie to show the relationship between the two races.  Upper class white families sit around and laugh at people in blackface putting on a clown-like show.  DJ Spooky shows the relationships between people by encircling them with eye-catching geometric forms. Lines such as these draw the eye to what DJ Spooky wants the observer to focus on.  In this way, we have been subjected to exactly what he wants us to see because he controls where our eye lands.  This is the case of any type of creative piece: the artist has the power to convey an idea and control, to a certain extent, what the observer takes away from the piece.  DJ Spooky also uses the negative effect to flip the skin color of the plantation owner and the slaves picking the cotton.  He wants people to be unsure of the media environment around them.  He achieves this by creating an abstract film on a controversial subject based off of one of the most controversial movies ever created.  Many still images in the film are disturbing; these pictures have the potential to hit close to home for anyone no matter the background.  These images are so unsettling because it is uncomfortable to imagine the atrocities human beings are willing and capable of doing. 

Learning Reflection 10/15

I learned the meaning of "graphical editing" today in class. This term means "making transitions through attentions to patterns of light and dark." This is used in video for transitions between two different images. 

I re-learned the importance of "constancy and variation" in Time Arts pieces. This means "same vs. different. Transitions are a great way to achieve this important aspect. Constancy and variation make a piece more interesting.

I also learned the term "rhythmical editing." This means "making transitions through attention to rhythms, pace, beat, and tempo."

Video

Theme Sound

Click to Play

Learning Styles

Three things I can do to learn better:

Based on the results of the test, I am primarily a visual and sequential learner. To help me study, I should draw diagrams and pictures that help me relate to the material. It is also beneficial to me to learn things in chronological order, so skipping around while trying to learn or study would be detrimental. I am also an active learner, so it is good to participate and so activities that relate to the situation being discussed. 

Learning Reflection 10/8

I learned that there are several different types of sounds pieces: environmental sound, a documentary, abstract sound (montage), and narrative. Narrative has several different types. These types are linear (with an intro, climax, and conclusion), a circular narrative (begins and ends in the same place), and non linear (which often relies on list structure).

I also learned that every person has a different style when creating an abstract piece. Although this occurs with any type of art, I still found it very interesting. Each piece said something about that individual.

While editing my theme sound piece, I found it very helpful to just throw sounds into sound studio and start editing. I was unsure on where to start when I first sat down, but placing several sounds randomly turned out to be a great introduction to my piece. I now have a good idea for what I want the whole piece to sound like. 

Zone

What is the zone?

The zone is a type of meditative state that removes you from the stress and pressure of the situation at hand and allows you to imagine yourself being successful. It is an intense state of focus. The zone if often utilized in sports and the use of creativity.

How can you enter the zone?

The zone can be entered by developing "mental toughness." This toughness can be achieved by taking yourself out of the moment, and imagining completely the task at hand. This "in the zone" technique is most often used in sports. Many competitive big-league sports teams hire a sports psychologist to help the team get in the zone.

Have you ever experienced it?

I have experienced the zone in a few different instances. One is playing volleyball. I have a ritual, similar to the ones described in the article, before i serve the volleyball in a match. I must breathe consistently and bounce the ball at least 3 times, spin it in my hands, and toss. This ritual allows me to focus on my placement of the ball. I also "enter the zone" when I paint. this only happens in a quiet environment, but when it does happen I do not notice anything else going on around me. I wish I could enter the zone when doing homework.

How does this concept of the zone relate to our current assignment?

I want to create a soundscape that allows people to enter the zone. I want to make my theme sound something that you can dive in and listen to, and just let the sounds take over your mind for a couple of minutes. I have listened to other works that allow me to do this, and I always think of them as very successful pieces.