Assignment Two
Class Activity
Figure Eleven: Class Activity on iconic and indexic representation
For the class activity, we were expected to form a group of 2 and create iconic and indexic representations of the chosen object within 45 minutes. An iconic representation is a photograph or realistic illustration which provides a high degree of fidelity to a particular object, and is usually easy to recognize. On the other hand, indexic representation is a kind of drawing which is depicted by suggestion. With the understanding of the two terms, we had first chosen to come up with a rough sketch of a stalk of rose that shows a high degree of resemblance of a rose (as shown in picture 1 of Figure Eleven). Initially, we thought of drawing thorny stalks similar to picture 2 of Figure Eleven. However, it was commented that the thorny stalk could suggest not only rose. It is really kind of tough and challenging to come up with a draft that would only suggest it as being a rose and not any other types of flowers. After brainstorming for some time, we had managed to overcome constrains of representing a rose by drawing the petals in a different aspect such as the one depicted in part 3 of Figure Eleven. In that drawing, we had pencil in the thorns with triangular shapes as well. Generally, with the design of the rose petals and thorns, it had probably provided a better suggestion of it being a rose as compared to that of Figure 10’s picture 2.This exercise has gave us a better understanding of the iconic and indexic concepts as well.
Week Assignment
For the week assignment, we are supposed to select an object or activity or location and create a representative image of the object. After which we have to distill the image through process of abstraction with at least 5 levels of abstraction from realistic to abstract. Followed by, we are required to indicate the point at which the object looses its specific identity and communicates generic meaning by marking an arrow below the drawing. Then the image will be selected and developed into a symbol. Basically, this assignment has indeed helped me to understand and overcome constrains/problems of representation. Also, it helps us to develop skills in controlling visual message. The specific learning process would be described in greater detail in the following section.
This could be considered as one of the most difficult assignment of all as the process of choosing the right object to distill is undeniably challenging. Besides that, the distillation of objects had to be also one which is well thought out else it would loses its generic. The following would elaborate more on the processes undergone, with me starting off by brainstorming a few ideas for distillation. At first, I thought of distilling images of computer speaker and crocodile (Refer to Figures Twelve and Thirteen). After seeking friends’ comments, I found out that these were not properly distilled. Hence, I had faced constrains/problems of representing them as symbols. However, the problem was solved after researching for more information.
Most importantly, I had learnt one valuable lesson from the abstraction drawings done by one of my tutorial mates – Zhen Ying. She had chosen to abstract a giraffe but not of any particular breed, which had resulted in a not very clear abstraction. Hence, I came to a conclusion that in order to distill an animal well, certain breeds of crocodile with distinct features have to be chosen. Otherwise, the final distilled image most probably would not display a clear distinction between one that convey specific and generic meaning. After taking into consideration of several objects’ constrains, I had decided to distill a convertible car as portrayed in Figure Fourteen.
Initial Ideas
Figure Twelve: Initial consideration of distilling crocodile
(Sorry, for some reason I am not able to upload Figure Thirteen (1) to the blog. Do refer to my learning Journal for the specific drawing)
Figure Thirteen: Initial consideration of distilling speakers
Figure Thirteen (continued): Initial consideration of distilling speakers
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Final Idea: Drawings done on the sketch book
Figure Fourteen: Sketches of car at different level of abstraction
Figure Fourteen (Continued): Sketches of car at different level of abstraction
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Drawings done with the help of Macromedia Fireworks MX
Figure Fifteen: Sketches of car at different level of abstraction
Figure Sixteen: Final Symbol
For this assignment, I had decided to use a convertible car for abstraction and it is presented in Figures Fourteen, Fifteen and Sixteen. To start with, I drew a top view of the convertible car and distill the drawing by first not putting in the specific details like colors and linings of the seats. At this stage the specific meaning of it being portrayed as a convertible car --- Chrysler Dodge Viper car, is still maintained. However, as I went on to remove the specific details; the drawing loses its specific meaning of being a certain car's brand as shown in drawing 3 of Figure Fourteen. Nevertheless, the drawing would still retain its generic meaning of being a convertible car despite losing its specific meaning. After which, I had continued to distill the drawing by taking away all the specific detail of the car and stop at drawing 6 of Figure Fifteen. For drawing 6, it still conveys the generic meaning of it being a car with 2 symbols of the seats and head light represented inside the rectangle. I had chosen to stop drawing at drawing 6 of Figure Fifteen is because the drawing would no longer convey any generic meaning if I were to continue to distill the picture. Hence, for this distillation, the symbol is depicted in Figure Seventeen.
Indeed, some valuable lessons were drawn from this assignment where it is noted that there is a need for careful selection of object for distillation. The reason being some objects like toothbrush does not have specific characteristics or breed for us to distill except an electronic toothbrush. Thus, the entire distillation of conventional toothbrush might not result in clear distinction between objects that convey specific and generic meaning. One other lesson learnt would be that we could continue to distill the drawing infinitely but it somehow would lose its purpose and it would even loses its generic meaning.
Figure Fourteen: Sketches of car at different level of abstraction