Project 1 Guide

REVEAL - SurfaceThe following pages contain guides for the project

Read the briefCheck the requirements for presentation, be on timeCelebrate and apply your knowledge from other

courses

Task

Investigate the properties of a materialProperties = physical attributesInvestigate = applying a range of physical processesProcess = the method of working a materialMaterial = a physical substance not an object

Discovery and evidence

Discover how material properties are influenced by your process

The process will influence the surfaceThe surface communicates the properties of the

material

Aesthetics

Surface communicates material through aesthetic qualities

What we seeWhat we touch

Form

Surface is influenced by formForm should come from the investigation process I.E.Metal will start to curve when hammeredRope will become unruly when unwoundPlastic sheet can be folded when scored

Initial investigation

Apply as many processes as possible to investigate your material

Select three to develop

Final investigation

Develop three final surfaces from your initial experiments

Each surface can show a different processEach surface must reflect a different understanding of

your material’s properties

Composition of the surface

Your process may be developed and applied to communicate a composition

I.E. space, rhythm, chaos, hierarchy, layers, depth, texture, tactility, translucency

Photography

Reveal the properties of your material as emotions!Depth of field and focus – try switching to macro

setting and get in closeShow us how you see/interpret your surfaceUse the photo studio on level 2Use a tripodHelp each otherEditing and cropping in Photoshop

Mounting and hierarchy

Mounting is not a requirement but if utilised the following rules should be applied:

The composition/photographs are important and should not be overruled by the mount

The mount should celebrate the surfaces - not try to make up for inadequate investigation

Mounting and hierarchy

Think - what am I trying to say by mountingBeware and be careful of ‘powerful’ materials I.E.

acrylic (highly polished, reflective, bling like)A perfectly cut edge will recede, while a rough cut will

draw attentionNarrow or dark borders around photos and

compositions will constrict the work, drawing attention away from the intended viewpoint

Mounting your surface

Surface as individual piecesSurface mounted to another material to support I.E.Tied/tethered together to hangSupported on thin wire to elevatePositioned to show more than one face

Mounting photos

Keep it simple - the photo content is paramountEditing and cropping (show what is important)Format, shape, size (get away from camera shop

postcard size)

Mounting photos

Mounting on card or pin up, orAll 3 printed on one sheet (see the school

shop/print shop for large format printing)Can we see the detail in your photo?Greyscale or colourPaper quality – no photocopy a4s!

Presentation

3 Surfaces of approximately 100mm x 150mm Surfaces are evidence of investigation and design

composition3 Photographs (1 of each surface)Photographs celebrate and communicate your findingsThink about what you will say

Conclusion

After the presentation - Upload your 3 photos plus 3 images from your workbook/initial investigations to flickr (follow instructions on brief)

Remember you may comment on others work including the labs on Flickr

Enjoy, share and participate in the presentationWell done!