Saturday, December 13, 2008
Reading Response
In Material Memories Time And The Cinematic Image, by Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky), presents the topics of culture, space and time portrayed through film. The essay discusses how historically, art has always been associated with ritual. He goes on to explain how time and space are explored through editing, lighting, music, and visual fluidity is created. The explorations are important because the surrealist ideal can be achieved through art by disrupting the patterns of conformity. Unlike basic Euro-American ideals that are based off of logic, time and space can be transformed through the unconscious. He also presents how this can be shown through narrative. I enjoy this idea of the unconscious disorder of culture. I often try to convey my perception of time and space in my work. Film and video, as a medium, are important to this cause because it can be the most clear representation of reality. In my work I try to manipulate that reality through aesthetics.
Hardware/ Software Response drift 2
My experience with the digital camera was a decent one. I was a little disappointed in the image quality of the digital video. The images that I attempted to capture that were within three inches of the lens were hard to see or blurry. I haven’t used many other digital cameras to capture quality video, however the ones I have used tend to have the same disadvantages. My strategy for collecting and editing images was attainable even with the lack of useable close imagery. Ideally, I would have liked to use a camera that has zoom capabilities and better quality while capturing images. I have no complaints about the quality of my still images.
To edit my video I used Final Cut Express HD. I enjoy using this final cut. I find it the applications easy to work with. I enjoy how visual the applications are. It is easy to work hands on with the program because you can see exactly what you are working with. I haven’t worked with many other editing tools, however I am please with Final Cut. The only problems I do face with the program is when it comes to rendering. At times, it won’t allow me to render my work for playback purposes.
To edit my video I used Final Cut Express HD. I enjoy using this final cut. I find it the applications easy to work with. I enjoy how visual the applications are. It is easy to work hands on with the program because you can see exactly what you are working with. I haven’t worked with many other editing tools, however I am please with Final Cut. The only problems I do face with the program is when it comes to rendering. At times, it won’t allow me to render my work for playback purposes.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Will Self: On ‘Psychogeography’ and the Places That Choose You
I read the interview, "Will Self: On ‘Psychogeography’ and the Places That Choose You.’ by Frank Bures. I am extremely inspired by the interview. Self is very passionate about Psychogeography and the practices of walking. His excitement is contagious. I am an artist that feeds off of other people’s excitement and fervor. As a passionate person myself, I am inspired by experiences. The experience of Psychogeography is a new concept for me, but is one that I would/am enjoying.
The article itself initially presents the concept of Psychogeography as a way of walking, but through his interview with Self, there is evidence that it is more than merely a means of transportation. For Will Self, it is “the only form of real exploration”. He’s walked from JFK airport all the way to Manhattan, and has composed a collection of essays reflecting his adventures. Identifying with walking is not just an artistic experience of Self, instead it is a sort of remembrance of his Father, who was big walker. He believes places choose you, and that touring is “a search for a place that will embrace you” and that in this practice, the “flaneur” needs nothing but himself.
The ideas that Will Self brings up in his interview are inspiring because he points out the essence of Psychogeography as an experience. I had not initially approached my drift in this way. I am an advocate for anything that promotes constructive activities of any kind. With that, I am also always looking for new experiences that will aid in my artistic in devours. Originally, I wanted my drifting strategies to be me hanging out, looking around trying to find something interesting. I didn’t realize until reading the article that having a “mission” when walking helps to maintain motivation. It’s like keeping your eye on the prize. Having a mission will help me distinguish the experience and in turn, create better and more innovative art.
The article itself initially presents the concept of Psychogeography as a way of walking, but through his interview with Self, there is evidence that it is more than merely a means of transportation. For Will Self, it is “the only form of real exploration”. He’s walked from JFK airport all the way to Manhattan, and has composed a collection of essays reflecting his adventures. Identifying with walking is not just an artistic experience of Self, instead it is a sort of remembrance of his Father, who was big walker. He believes places choose you, and that touring is “a search for a place that will embrace you” and that in this practice, the “flaneur” needs nothing but himself.
The ideas that Will Self brings up in his interview are inspiring because he points out the essence of Psychogeography as an experience. I had not initially approached my drift in this way. I am an advocate for anything that promotes constructive activities of any kind. With that, I am also always looking for new experiences that will aid in my artistic in devours. Originally, I wanted my drifting strategies to be me hanging out, looking around trying to find something interesting. I didn’t realize until reading the article that having a “mission” when walking helps to maintain motivation. It’s like keeping your eye on the prize. Having a mission will help me distinguish the experience and in turn, create better and more innovative art.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Hardware/ Software Response
My microphone building experience was an overall good one. I had some trouble with the initial soldering, but after a second try (and a hotter soldering wand), the mic was secured. I really enjoyed the process of making my own mic, in comparison to purchasing pre-made kits. It was an easy process and a lot less intimidating than I had thought. The felt end of the mic blocked the wind and made the recording process a lot easier. I also attached the each mic to the end of a metal rod. The rod was flexible, thin (I think it’s used to hold up gutters) and easily bent around my hands to secure and steady them during my walk. It worked well, but with more time and available equipment, I would create something that was completely hands free. I would possibly use antennae, or something that can be elongated, to extend into small areas. I would manufacture an apparatus that could be attached to a backpack of some sort. The antennae would fit easily into a holder of some sort. It would be very stable so not to record the rustle of my movements and would be easily detachable, so to allow me to manually maneuver the mics.
I’ve worked with MiniDisc recorders before this experiment, so I was familiar with it throughout the project. The only problem that did arise was volume set during recordings. I thought I was adjusting the recorded volume, when I was actually just adjusting the volume that I was hearing. This caused some problems with the distortion of the sounds I gathered that were high in ambience. I couldn’t use some of the recordings unfortunately, however I will know better for next time for sure.
I’ve worked with Audacity in the past, so I was comfortable with working with it on this project. Although I tend to like using final cut to edit my sound with video, when just editing sound, I enjoy many of the tools Audacity has to offer. My next project I will most likely work with final cut. However, If I come across problems, I will refer to Audacity.
I’ve worked with MiniDisc recorders before this experiment, so I was familiar with it throughout the project. The only problem that did arise was volume set during recordings. I thought I was adjusting the recorded volume, when I was actually just adjusting the volume that I was hearing. This caused some problems with the distortion of the sounds I gathered that were high in ambience. I couldn’t use some of the recordings unfortunately, however I will know better for next time for sure.
I’ve worked with Audacity in the past, so I was comfortable with working with it on this project. Although I tend to like using final cut to edit my sound with video, when just editing sound, I enjoy many of the tools Audacity has to offer. My next project I will most likely work with final cut. However, If I come across problems, I will refer to Audacity.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Drift Assessment
1. Describe two situations that aggravated, bothered, shocked or otherwise stressed you during Drift 1. (Please note that the situation CANNOT be technology-related.)
I wasn’t particularly aggravated on my drift, at least not enough for it to make a huge impact on my experience. However, once I was back in the studio attempting to edit, I wish I had gathered more material. A lot of my recordings weren’t held out long enough to hear the natural fade of the sound. While recording, I did not turn down the dial correctly for some of my recording that was exceptionally high or low pitched. With that, the sounds were distorted and basically unusable. I also wished I had more time when I was out on my drift. I felt like I had just started when the time came for my to head back.
2. Describe, with details, two situations during Drift 1 in which you felt unusually peaceful, at ease, or contemplative.
I think in general, I felt really at ease with my headphones on. It was as if, when I had my ears covered, I was invisible, making the sounds that much more obvious. I felt like an outside observer than a participant. This intensified the experience a great deal. I was more able to rid my self-awareness and indulge in the aural surroundings.
3. Describe three surprises or unexpected situations you encountered on your Drift and in the days that followed. The surprise could stem from your expectations that conflicted with "on the ground" realities, cultural or social issues of which you were previously unaware, feelings and reactions that you did not expect to have, appearances and soundings of things you did not expect, good or bad outcomes of "on the spot" decisions you had to make, or the discovery of "deeper" realities in the materials you brought home. (Again, skip anything technology-related!)
I guess I was most surprised by the small bloopers in my recordings, those sounds that I didn’t even hear while I was making the recordings. I noticed that a great deal of interesting sounds go unnoticed. Little taps and splashes were sometimes too faint. Other, louder sounds were sometimes just too quick. Both kinds I would forget about until after I reviewed the sounds multiple times. Those were the sounds too that grew on me and eventually became my favorites. I also overlooked the presence the constant sounds, like the rain. Those background noises that were steady began to blend together forming a white noise effect.
4. Describe your favorite experience, situation, place, or recollection from your Drift. Be specific about what happened, how you felt, how you reacted, and why you think this particular experience affected you so much.
I liked the entirety of the experience. I very much liked the stages of it; invisible walking and observations, followed by recollection period where I listened to my recordings over and over and over again, and finally the editing. Although I wasn’t necessarily motivated to go out and do it in the first place, the process was inspiring. And once I was familiar with my sounds, I became attached and enjoyed the artistic power to decide what material was pleasing enough to present.
10 Questions
1. What is directly to my right, left, in front or in back of me?
2. What is the most prominent color in this environment? What colors are rare?
3. Is there anything completely natural in this environment?
4. If I walk down this road, and then backtrack, will I see anything different?
5. Do the shadows on objects directly show the time of day?
6. Where do the lined detail in something originate?
7. How does the presence of people manipulate the immediate environment?
8. What would an object look like upside down? On an angle?
9. What is the different between two things that look outwardly the same?
10. Is there a sign visible?
I wasn’t particularly aggravated on my drift, at least not enough for it to make a huge impact on my experience. However, once I was back in the studio attempting to edit, I wish I had gathered more material. A lot of my recordings weren’t held out long enough to hear the natural fade of the sound. While recording, I did not turn down the dial correctly for some of my recording that was exceptionally high or low pitched. With that, the sounds were distorted and basically unusable. I also wished I had more time when I was out on my drift. I felt like I had just started when the time came for my to head back.
2. Describe, with details, two situations during Drift 1 in which you felt unusually peaceful, at ease, or contemplative.
I think in general, I felt really at ease with my headphones on. It was as if, when I had my ears covered, I was invisible, making the sounds that much more obvious. I felt like an outside observer than a participant. This intensified the experience a great deal. I was more able to rid my self-awareness and indulge in the aural surroundings.
3. Describe three surprises or unexpected situations you encountered on your Drift and in the days that followed. The surprise could stem from your expectations that conflicted with "on the ground" realities, cultural or social issues of which you were previously unaware, feelings and reactions that you did not expect to have, appearances and soundings of things you did not expect, good or bad outcomes of "on the spot" decisions you had to make, or the discovery of "deeper" realities in the materials you brought home. (Again, skip anything technology-related!)
I guess I was most surprised by the small bloopers in my recordings, those sounds that I didn’t even hear while I was making the recordings. I noticed that a great deal of interesting sounds go unnoticed. Little taps and splashes were sometimes too faint. Other, louder sounds were sometimes just too quick. Both kinds I would forget about until after I reviewed the sounds multiple times. Those were the sounds too that grew on me and eventually became my favorites. I also overlooked the presence the constant sounds, like the rain. Those background noises that were steady began to blend together forming a white noise effect.
4. Describe your favorite experience, situation, place, or recollection from your Drift. Be specific about what happened, how you felt, how you reacted, and why you think this particular experience affected you so much.
I liked the entirety of the experience. I very much liked the stages of it; invisible walking and observations, followed by recollection period where I listened to my recordings over and over and over again, and finally the editing. Although I wasn’t necessarily motivated to go out and do it in the first place, the process was inspiring. And once I was familiar with my sounds, I became attached and enjoyed the artistic power to decide what material was pleasing enough to present.
10 Questions
1. What is directly to my right, left, in front or in back of me?
2. What is the most prominent color in this environment? What colors are rare?
3. Is there anything completely natural in this environment?
4. If I walk down this road, and then backtrack, will I see anything different?
5. Do the shadows on objects directly show the time of day?
6. Where do the lined detail in something originate?
7. How does the presence of people manipulate the immediate environment?
8. What would an object look like upside down? On an angle?
9. What is the different between two things that look outwardly the same?
10. Is there a sign visible?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
to reflect
As a music enthusiast, I spend probably around four hours a day listening to music. I normally listen in transitional setting, such as walking to class, driving to work or getting ready for my day. I do not however, spend as much time as I want just listening. In David Troop's, Art of Noise; sound art, music and art with sound are all defined separately. Although this is not an entirely new concept to me, I enjoyed the way in which it was depicted. He describes sound as a force that can work with, or against the popular logic that we call music. The idea of "organized sound" is relative and is defined by how we accept sound. Are we more aware of our environment when the sound is pleasing? Toop mentions sound as a "function of time" and describes it's perception as nothing more than our own awareness of the noise around us. I hope to use this "awareness" in my drifts to magnify my experience and find the best and most "musical" environment for recording.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Soundwalk
OK! so this is dated wrong because I somehow posted this under a Drift 1 blog title when it was really supposed to be posted to my research blog. The original posting date on this is september 14th
Soundwalk
On the sound walk, I was much more able to listen when the group dispersed and we sat by ourselves. Even though we weren’t speaking amongst ourselves when we were walking through the downer forest, it was still more difficult to listen to distinct sounds because we were hearing so many other things. When we were sitting and listening, I as able to hear noises coming from pockets in different areas of the environment.
I found I was making sound even when I was attempting to be completely silent. The sound of my breath became stronger and the more I tried to quiet myself, the more my own heartbeat was distracting.
When my ears were plugged I could hear almost nothing except my heart and my breath. The sounds that were near me that were loud enough to hear were muffled. And the distant sounds of airplanes and automobiles were the only external sounds that were distinguishable. It seemed the sounds that were lower in pitch we heard best when my ears were closed.
When I unplugged my ears, every sound became more distinct and unique. It became easy to label sounds with their source.
I heard: Buses coming off stop signs and switched gears, I heard little rodents carrying things or scuffling their paws against the bark of the tree branches, I heard bird chirping, low, indistinguishable chatter and tennis playing alternating as the ball bounced against the court followed by yelping and laughing, the wind gusts moving the leaves to brush against other leaves and the tree branches, jazz music including horns and guitar, clock towers chiming on top of churches, airplanes roaring overhead.
I knew where most of the sounds came from, or at least the direction they came from. A lot of the noises I could pinpoint exactly what was happening and place an imagined visual on the action that caused the noise. (Example: the bus switching gears) Some noises I couldn’t figure out where they were coming from. Like the music; I knew it was coming from the dorms, but I couldn’t decide if it was coming from inside someone’s room? It sounded to strong of a sound to be in boundaries.
I think overall the sounds that I heard were not manipulated and consistent with the environment. I liked the idea of remaining in the environment and waiting for something to happen. Something sooner or later would cause a reaction that would inevitably make a noise, and that noise would be recorded. I liked that I was an inactive part or this experience. I enjoyed simply being the spectator of the event.
I have a grave appreciation for sound and noises, mostly because I am so intrigued by how our senses can be manipulated by an outside source and with that, provoke feelings. I hope it will aid my creative outlook and make me a better observer and originator.
Soundwalk
On the sound walk, I was much more able to listen when the group dispersed and we sat by ourselves. Even though we weren’t speaking amongst ourselves when we were walking through the downer forest, it was still more difficult to listen to distinct sounds because we were hearing so many other things. When we were sitting and listening, I as able to hear noises coming from pockets in different areas of the environment.
I found I was making sound even when I was attempting to be completely silent. The sound of my breath became stronger and the more I tried to quiet myself, the more my own heartbeat was distracting.
When my ears were plugged I could hear almost nothing except my heart and my breath. The sounds that were near me that were loud enough to hear were muffled. And the distant sounds of airplanes and automobiles were the only external sounds that were distinguishable. It seemed the sounds that were lower in pitch we heard best when my ears were closed.
When I unplugged my ears, every sound became more distinct and unique. It became easy to label sounds with their source.
I heard: Buses coming off stop signs and switched gears, I heard little rodents carrying things or scuffling their paws against the bark of the tree branches, I heard bird chirping, low, indistinguishable chatter and tennis playing alternating as the ball bounced against the court followed by yelping and laughing, the wind gusts moving the leaves to brush against other leaves and the tree branches, jazz music including horns and guitar, clock towers chiming on top of churches, airplanes roaring overhead.
I knew where most of the sounds came from, or at least the direction they came from. A lot of the noises I could pinpoint exactly what was happening and place an imagined visual on the action that caused the noise. (Example: the bus switching gears) Some noises I couldn’t figure out where they were coming from. Like the music; I knew it was coming from the dorms, but I couldn’t decide if it was coming from inside someone’s room? It sounded to strong of a sound to be in boundaries.
I think overall the sounds that I heard were not manipulated and consistent with the environment. I liked the idea of remaining in the environment and waiting for something to happen. Something sooner or later would cause a reaction that would inevitably make a noise, and that noise would be recorded. I liked that I was an inactive part or this experience. I enjoyed simply being the spectator of the event.
I have a grave appreciation for sound and noises, mostly because I am so intrigued by how our senses can be manipulated by an outside source and with that, provoke feelings. I hope it will aid my creative outlook and make me a better observer and originator.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Survey
1. What is your name (first, last)?
Christina Gill
2. Do you have a preferred name or nickname you would like us to use?
Tina or Christina is fine with me!
3. Do you own your own computer? If so, what platform (Mac, PC), and what operating system (Windows XP/Vista, Mac Tiger/Leopard, Linux, unsure)? If not, have you had experience with Mac or PC or both?
I have a MAC. I think I have vista? I have the basic operating system that comes with a mac book.
4. Do you own a digital camera and/or video camera? If so, describe your gear, and talk a little bit about your experience capturing still and moving images.
I have a digital camera, however it is broken. It was a basic digital camera (about three years old) that takes stills and video. I am a photographers and a videographer. I am comfortable using basic digital cameras and camcorders.
5. Have you ever edited a video before? If so, what software did you use?
I have final cut express and adobe CS3 software. I have also used final cut pro. I am most comfortable with final cut express.
6. Have you worked with sound (or music) before, either performing, recording, or processing? If so, please describe.
I have edited sound before, however I am less comfortable editing sound than I am editing video.
7. Who are your favorite filmmakers?
I love Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg. I am probably mostly influenced by Sophia Coppola and Ang Lee.
8. What are some of your favorite films?
I love Movies. Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, Once, Stranger than Fiction, Almost Famous, Marie Antionette, Winter Passing. There are a great deal more.
9. Who or what inspired you to pursue studies in Film?
I love movies. I enjoy evoking thoughts and feelings through art.
10. What kind of career do you imagine for yourself in Film or other Media Arts?
I enjoy working on projects. I like to challenge myself and work with other people who will challenge me. I could see myself working on both a commercial setting, or independently. I plan on interning and learning as much as possible and when I figure out what I would like to do… I will let you know.
11. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I’ve already taken this class once. And I’m going to try really hard to pass it with flying colors
Christina Gill
2. Do you have a preferred name or nickname you would like us to use?
Tina or Christina is fine with me!
3. Do you own your own computer? If so, what platform (Mac, PC), and what operating system (Windows XP/Vista, Mac Tiger/Leopard, Linux, unsure)? If not, have you had experience with Mac or PC or both?
I have a MAC. I think I have vista? I have the basic operating system that comes with a mac book.
4. Do you own a digital camera and/or video camera? If so, describe your gear, and talk a little bit about your experience capturing still and moving images.
I have a digital camera, however it is broken. It was a basic digital camera (about three years old) that takes stills and video. I am a photographers and a videographer. I am comfortable using basic digital cameras and camcorders.
5. Have you ever edited a video before? If so, what software did you use?
I have final cut express and adobe CS3 software. I have also used final cut pro. I am most comfortable with final cut express.
6. Have you worked with sound (or music) before, either performing, recording, or processing? If so, please describe.
I have edited sound before, however I am less comfortable editing sound than I am editing video.
7. Who are your favorite filmmakers?
I love Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg. I am probably mostly influenced by Sophia Coppola and Ang Lee.
8. What are some of your favorite films?
I love Movies. Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, Once, Stranger than Fiction, Almost Famous, Marie Antionette, Winter Passing. There are a great deal more.
9. Who or what inspired you to pursue studies in Film?
I love movies. I enjoy evoking thoughts and feelings through art.
10. What kind of career do you imagine for yourself in Film or other Media Arts?
I enjoy working on projects. I like to challenge myself and work with other people who will challenge me. I could see myself working on both a commercial setting, or independently. I plan on interning and learning as much as possible and when I figure out what I would like to do… I will let you know.
11. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I’ve already taken this class once. And I’m going to try really hard to pass it with flying colors
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