Thursday, November 3, 2011

Design Theory Exam


Write a comparative analysis on Pendant A (figs a, b, c) and Pendant B (fig. d)
OR  
Write a comparative analysis on Brooch A (fig. e, f) and Brooch B (fig. g)
Describe each piece in detail comparing similarities and differences, interpreting possible meaning and symbolism.
[400 words]

Pendant A
Pendant A, fig. a
Pendant A, fig. c
Pendant A, fig. b

Pendant B
Pendant B, fig. d





















                                                                                                               
Brooch A
materials: silver, gold, photo, perspex
Brooch A (front), fig. e 
Brooch A (back), fig. f

Brooch B
Brooch B, fig. g

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Comparative analysis


Write a comparative analysis on the following two pieces of jewellery. 400 words.
Describe each piece in detail comparing similarities and differences.
Completed in class.

Chamber Heart Locket
Thomas Mann
                             http://www.tomferrerostudio.com/products/functional/phoenixnecklace/



Phoenix Pendant
Tom Ferreror


Friday, October 21, 2011

Design Analysis Template


Design Analysis Template

Over all description
·         This is a very basic description e.g.: Box ring made of yellow metal with a flat band. The flat top has a small tube set green stone in the left corner.
·         Use jewellery terms that  you have encountered in manufacture
·         Brooches, rings, bangles, bracelet’s, pendants, neckpieces, cuff links, chains

Materials
·         Name the materials in the design e.g.: yellow metal, wood, rubber, red stones, plastic etc

Techniques
·         Here you can talk about techniques you have used e.g.: riveting, roll press textured surfaces, soldering, tube setting, piercing.

Ergonomics
·         How does the piece relate to the body?
·         Where and how is it worn?
·         Discuss comfort, (im)practicality, scale

Design
·         This is your interpretation of the design
·         Discuss how design elements and principles have been used (remember principles are usually employed by elements e.g.: small pale pink stones are repeated around the rim of the bangle, creating a pattern and rhythm. (pink=element, repeated, pattern, rhythm=principle)
·         Contextualize the design: i.e.; does it belong to or remind you of a particular style, genre, tradition, historical movement? E.g. the rectangular shape and dark blue colour of the stones, framed by the yellow metal reminds me of mosaics, similar to Byzantine art.
·         Discuss content: What is the intention of the designer? Here you discuss meaning and symbolism: what is the design saying e.g. the regular and symmetrical placing of rectangular cut white stones along both edges of the bangle, brings a feeling of elegance and sophistication to the piece.

Tips
·         Avoid references to personal likes and dislikes
·         Try to be as objective as possible
·         Qualify all your statements by referring to aspects of the actual piece

Using this template, practice your writing with the following designs ( approximately 300 words each)








Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Library Tour

On Friday we will be having a presentation in the library. Please be at the check-out desk @ 8: 25 am sharp

Thursday, October 6, 2011

4th Term Written Assignment


http://www.klimt02.net/exhibitions/index.php?item_id=25108


Oscar Abba: Bijoux Contemporains
Artists: Oscar Abba
Place: Espace 181
(Palaiseau, France)
07-Oct-2011 - 30-Oct-2011


Oscar Abba
Bracelet: Folds 2011
Silver



Oscar Abba
Bracelet: Folds II 2011
Silver




Oscar Abba
Brooch: Liquids II 2007
Silver



At a glance Oscar Abba's pieces could be mistaken for bits of scrambled metal scratched out of a metal recycling bin! On closer inspection one notices meticulous precision in manufacture and craft. 


Write 300 words analysing the above 3 pieces. Some of the following concepts may help you with your discussion; preciousness (in material and form), abstract use of form, relationship of craft (technique) and design, surprise and contrast.


To be completed in class.


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Dubious Designs/Improved Designs


In our discussion we defined and established the following:

  • The function of a design
    • this is not negotiable, a satisfactory design has to perform its prescribed function
    • form follows function
  • Ergonomics
    • how designs relate to human proportions and how this informs function and our sense of aesthetic
  • 'Good' Design satisfies both function and sense of aesthetic
  • Aesthetics
    • attraction/repulsion...like/dislike
    • personal opinion, though I am able to appreciate things I don't like
    • depends on context
    • are determined by the use of Design elements and principles
    • symbolism and meaning holds much weight in our sense of aesthetic
    • our sense of value and worth is also subjective, though socially and culturally informed


Bring to our next class two designs that you have photographed. One Design that needs improvement and another which you find pleasing and successful. Post these photographs on your blog.

Monday, August 1, 2011

summary of the discussion on the syllabus

Definition of Design Theory:

  • Analysis of design without bias
  • Establishing universal principles, elements and methods of analysis of design
  • Establishing a universal understanding of design
  • Getting to know and understand design
  • Developing personal methods of interpretation of design
  • Study of all areas of design, put into words
  • Exploration of all elements in design, which allows us to think out of the box
What would you like to explore:
  • Jewellery and non-jewellery design elements and principles
  • Emphasis on jewellery-design exploration
  • Historical design eras
  • Fashion (all areas of design)
  • Cultural studies
  • Analysis of Jewellery
Projects:
  • Writing to be handed in as hard copies
  • Class/group discussions
  • Revisiting/revision, slide-shows
  • Suggested reading leading to discussions/questions
  • Studying history
  • Building vocabulary
  • Group work
  • Individual/solo projects
Assessment:
  • Personal feedback
  • Rubric
  • Streaming
  • Questionnaire for overall self assessment
  • Tests in class
  • Crit groups
  • Assessment every other week, covering work covered in previous week
Essays:
  • Reviews and revision
  • 1 long essay per term
  • Shorter writing: minimum 11/2 page maximum?
  • Longer essays (problem waffling)
  • Smaller components of writing building to form a larger piece

Monday, July 4, 2011

Why? Where? What? How? in Design

Ask yourself the following when writing on a Design:

Why? The reason for the design; meaning or the commission (the brief)

Where? The composition of the design, Eg. a neck-piece, a painting, a chair etc.

What? The principles that are being employed; balance, proportion, repetition, dominance, contrast, direction, harmony, variety

How? The principles are demonstrated through the elements; line, shape, form, space, tone, colour, texture

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Klimt o2 brief

Edgar Mosa
Necklace: Untitled 2010
Wood
28x28x0.3 cm 


Learning Outcomes:
  • To practice visual literacy.
  • To develop an ability to describe designs using formal elements and principles.
  • To develop research skills
  • To develop referencing skills
  • To develop ability to work with in dead-lines and parameters of the brief.

Task:
Go to http://www.klimt02.net/ ( Klimt02) select two Jewellers, and do the following:

  • Write a brief background on the Jeweller, including one quote, clearly and acurately referenced. (1/4 page)
  • Write three descriptions on three different pieces of their work. (1/2 page per item)
  • Include clear images, clearly referenced.
  • Include your bibliography. (minimum of two references)
Rubric:
  • How competently have the designs been described using formal elements and principles?
  • How clear and concise is the writing; (non-judgemental/non-evaluative descriptions, keeping within the prescribed writing length)?
  • What is the level of competence in referencing?
  • What is the competence in the use of images/layout?
Hand-in:
18 July, posted on your blog. No writing accepted after this date.

Study support buddies:
Ashleigh, Hubert and Monique
Sam, Avuyile and Lesley
Gillian, Simphiwe and Sara-lee
Eileen, Luke and Rebecca
Roxanne, Neil and Mika
Juliana, Lucille and Whedon
Francesca, Andrea and Mujaahid
Naomi, Amy and Vuyolwethu

Thursday, May 19, 2011

research paper one

Research Paper 1        1st year             20 May 2011            hand in: 4 June 2011

Submit a research paper (one and a half pages) on any particular design you find interesting, any design field. Your writing is to include the following:

·         A very clear and detailed description of the design, showing your ability to describe design elements and principles (a third of a page)
·         An image of the design, which is properly referenced
·         Brief Biography of the Designer
·         Influences, inspiration, use of materials, techniques used
·         Bibliography: Use the Harvard  template [ go to: CPUT homepage, click on: Library button, go to: Postgraduate Research Support, go to: Guides, Manuals and Templates, look up: Harvard for beginners!]
·         A minimum of three references
·         Submit on your blog.

The aim of this is for you to develop your own writing style and vocabulary.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Design Principles hand-in date

The hand-in date for the Design Principles Power-point has been extended to 3 May

  • There are 10 categories to follow
  • Look up the power-point I presented and follow those headings
  • Post a minimum of 3 images per category
  • Be clear in your explanations, point out how the principle is being used

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Marks

I have marked your Colour and Shape, form and space presentations, thank you.
Any queries, please consult with me.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Extension for Design Principles Presentation

Hand in date for Design Principles Power-point: 18 April

Brief:
Construct an power-point displaying your understanding of the 10 Design Principles we covered in class:

  • Use a minimum of 3 images for each principle
  • Include some writing for each image, explaining your choice and how the principle has been employed
  • Present on your blog by Monday 18 April

Thursday, April 7, 2011

elements and principles exercise

Using the design elements, gestalt principles and design principles; analyse the following designs:









Friday, March 18, 2011

Tone and Colour

 Tone and colour demonstration


Homework
  • make a PowerPoint with 20 images, exploring tone and colour
  • add writing for each image
    • explaining your choice,  describing the principle behind the tone/colour displayed
  • hand in 1 April

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Shape, form/volume and space

Continuing with the design elements; Shape, Form and Space


Homework
  • make a PowerPoint with 20 images, exploring shape, form and space
  • add writing for each image
    • explaining your choice, describing the principle behind the shape/form/space displayed
  • hand in 18 March

Friday, March 4, 2011

Design Elements

Exploration of Line

  • principles of line
  • types of line
  • line in nature
  • line in design
Homework
  • make a PowerPoint with 20 images, exploring line
  • add writing for each image
    • explaining your choice, describing the principle of the line displayed
  • hand in 11 March
Reminder
  • the following to be ready by 11 March
    • Exploration of line P/P (go to: http://www.slideshare.net/ to post, Claire(tutor) will help you)
    • Infecting the city writing
    • Awareness of Gestalt in design, writing
    • Gestalt presentation
    • POST A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG WITH YOUR NAME AND BLOG ADDRESS 

Monday, February 28, 2011

Friday 25th February

Infecting the city

Post an entry on your blog responding to your 'Infecting The City' experience. Were you infected? If you were invited to participate as an artist what would you come up with? As a Jeweller/participant how could you contribute? etc


Please post a comment with your name and blog

Friday, February 18, 2011

Gestalt Theory

Reviewing Gestalt Theory, Learners share their research.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Reminder

Next week ( Friday 25th ) we are attending 'Infecting The City', for our lesson. Please meet outside the main entrance to Cape Town Station (Adderly St side), 8:30 (please be punctual)


Also by next week, link your blogs to this one, post your gestalt project and answer the following (use images if appropriate):


As a Designer, why is it important to be aware of the gestalt principles?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Design Indaba

http://www.designindaba.com/expo

Infecting The City

Feast your eyes on Cape Town’s fine art treasures

When:

Mon 21 – Sat 26 from 07h00 – 18h00

Where:

The glass wall cabinets at the Festival Hub
Cape Town has many wonderful art galleries that show the works of our talented photographers, sculptors, painters and printmakers. Infecting The City recognises that only a tiny percentage of our population visits these treasure houses where artists display their varied visions of the world.
The Festival has invited six local galleries to show their artists’ work to the general public. The Festival hopes this will encourage those who never enter art galleries to venture inside in future: everybody is welcome!
The Satellite Galleries are housed in two rows of wall cabinets at the Festival Hub. Two different galleries will be featured every two days.

Greatmore Studios

‘Art is a truly cultural treasure, changing with us as a society and offering us all a window to look to the future for inspiration or examine our past and present in detail for fresh perspectives,’ says Kate Tarrat Cross, director of Greatmore Studios.
Greatmore is a creative hub that prides itself on encouraging its artists-in-residence to participate in community outreach programmes, aiming to provide a greater understanding of the meaning and practice of art in those communities. ‘It’s with great solidarity that we support Infecting The City in its drive to bring art to street level,’ says Kate.
For the Festival the Studios will be showcasing a diverse, multifaceted selection of works from its expressive stable of local and visiting artists.
When: Monday and Tuesday

Michael Stevenson

Since its inception in 1990, the Michael Stevenson Gallery has gained a deserved reputation as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary galleries, having notched up the talents of artists as diverse as Zander Blom, Meshac Gaba, Nicholas Hlobo, Anton Kannemeyer and Zanele Muholi. Staying true to its innovative vision, the gallery has commissioned the MADEYOULOOK collective (made up of Molemo Moiloa and Nare Mokgotho) to produce work specifically for the Festival.
Says the gallery’s Joost Bosland, ‘It’s very exciting that MADEYOULOOK will be participating in this event, especially since their work challenges the existing boundaries between art spaces and public spaces.’
When: Monday and Tuesday

Heidi Erdmann

Although this gallery was launched (in 1999) with the aim of promoting contemporary comic art, it now represents sculptors, painters and printmakers. Says owner Heidi Erdmann of the gallery’s participation in the Festival, ‘I was very keen from the outset because it’s important to take artworks outside the comfort of the white cube.’
For the Festival she’s selected “three very different artists working in a wide range of media: sculptor Brendhan Dickerson, conceptualist Barbara Wildenboer and comic artist Karlien de Villiers.
When: Wednesday and Thursday

Joao Ferreira

Established in 1998, the Joao Ferreira Gallery has, from the offset, established itself as one of South Africa’s foremost contemporary art galleries and fine-art dealerships.
The Gallery aims to cultivate critical appreciation and stimulate discussion around visual art by regularly hosting new shows of work by contemporary artists. It showcases the works of diverse and experimental artists such as Araminta de Clermont, Egon Tania, Mark Hipper, Michael Taylor and Sanell Aggenbach.
When: Wednesday and Thursday

iArt

iArt Gallery, which displays works by some of South Africa’s most prominent contemporary artists alongside works by promising young talent, has always aimed to ‘maintain the highest possible artistic standards’. Director Johan du Plessis believes that public art events are more than just an opportunity to showcase a particular gallery’s artists; they’re a necessity. ‘Every person should, even from a very young age, be exposed to art; especially good art,’ he says. ‘We’re grabbing this opportunity with both hands and are hoping to expose the public at large – especially young people – to good art. This will hopefully lead to getting more people into galleries, which are often seen as somewhat elitist.’
For the Festival it will be exhibiting the works of six well-known young artists: Zwelethu Mthethwa, Matthew Hindley, Carla Leisching, John Walters, Beth Armstrong and Alex Emsley.
When: Friday and Saturday

WhatiftheWorld

Whatiftheworld proudly punts itself as ‘a destination point for curators and collectors to experience innovative work and become acquainted with some new names’. Included among these names are artists such as Avant Car Guard, Cameron Platter, Athi-Patra Ruga, Stuart Bird and Peter Eastman. No surprise, then, that in 2007 it was selected by London’s Contemporary magazine as one of the Top 50 Emerging Galleries from Around the World. Expect to see fresh and highly innovative art.
When: Friday and Saturday

Homework

Homework:
  • Construct a blog. Please include a face pic so that I can get to recognise you!
  • link the blog to this one 
  • find images which correspond to the gestalt principles. At least 2 for each principle, 1 from any area of design and 1 specifically from Jewellery design
  • include some writing indicating how the principle is being employed
  • due 18th February

Monday, February 14, 2011

Guide-line for Marking

A (80+): Highly Competent; has met all criteria through.
  • Excellent research, understanding and delivery. Exciting, unexpected use of examples, images, information and presentation. Highly engaging.


B (70-79): Competent; has met the essential criteria through.
  • Sound understanding. Information well researched, integrated and communicated with ease. Interesting and engaging presentation.


C (60-69): Becoming Competent; has engaged with the criteria.
  • Displaying a basic understanding which needs more integration and development. Requirements of task are covered. Sufficient effort applied.


D (50-59): Adequate
  • Basic elements of task covered. Little integration and understanding of the criteria, but can just proceed to the next task need. More effort required.


E (40-49): Fail; basic criteria not addressed.
  • Fundamental aspects missing. Inadequate research, poor use of material. Cannot proceed to the next task.


F (30-39): Fail
  • Misunderstanding task. Insufficient research and effort. The majority of the criteria not addressed.


G (0-29): Fail
  • Fundamental error. Extremely poor effort. No criteria addressed.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Realising Gestalt

I learned today, whilst teaching the gestalt theory,... well... I realised ....that humans are naturally wired to ...group things...put things in 'order'; images, ideas, concepts, forms, shapes, lines, dots,....to form a unified whole. This is how we make sense of things (?)(!) This is how we make pictures, how we make up stories. It's how we make meaning. A part of me calls this... being deceitful, being a liar, being dishonest.
The drive for this 'making-sense-phenonema' (gestalting) (!) is probably a mechanism for basic survival. The pathology of this is, perhaps, neurotic self-obsessed preservation/defensiveness!! Creativity lies somewhere in between and without this faculty I wouldn't be able to write nor read this!!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Gestalt Theory

Introduction to Gestalt Principles:

Homework:
  • Construct a blog. Please include a face pic so that I can get to recognise you!
  • link the blog to this one 
  • find images which correspond to the gestalt principles. At least 2 for each principle, 1 from any area of design and 1 specifically from Jewellery design
  • include some writing indicating how the principle is being employed
  • due 18th February