2nd May 2017
| Today the idea generation began, I
immediately set off with my original idea of some kind of Coffee shop; but in
it’s current form it’s extremely bare bones and without a purpose.
|
4th May 2017
Today I’ve set out to complete any
initial pre-production I can to really establish the idea in my mind. This
especially involves: Mind maps and sketches.
In the interest of not limiting myself,
I’m ensuring that I’m also noting down any other ideas I had. Just in case I
decide there might be more content in them.
9th May 2017
Today I've listened to other students ideas for the installation, it was interesting to hear how others were tackling the brief.
To also gain inspiration, I looked back on my notes from the trip to the Tate where we studied installations and the way artists used their space.
This creative journey is useful to developing my idea, I'm learning what's possible and what isn't; as well as what's technically successful.
11th May 2017 Today I informally pitched my idea to the teacher (Deborah) so that she can ensure i'm not planning for some impossible idea. We then exchanged ideas back and forth in an attempt to develop my proposed video idea. In my installation's current form, she liked the setup of the coffee shop and the attention to detail but felt that the projected video might not be enough to meet the higher grade criteria. The video originally would show a recorded exterior of an actual coffee shop: Starbucks, Tunbridge Wells. The video is going to require more content than this to reach this distinction points, this means my task now is to undergo some serious brainstorming. 14th May 2017 The idea has dramatically changed today, but for the better in my opinion. After struggling to find anything that would fit as a video for coffee memoirs; the idea shifted into something else, back to the secondary idea: Fast food. After picturing people drinking coffee in my head, I somehow pictured the comedy potential of someone spilling the drink etc. This struck me instantly as an idea for a piece, it just needed substance, something it could be saying like a message. I was reminded of my fast food idea, how I wanted to present the stark difference in the expectation vs reality of fast food advertising. So then the idea gained substance, how about a split screen video of both the untrue advertisements, and then the reality. So on the left you'd have a lovely looking burger, sparkling and shiny. And on the right, you'd have someone stuffing the same-but less attractive- burger into their face; spilling the contents everywhere. 19th May 2017 After a lot of brainstorming it seems that i'll need to shift the idea back to Coffee Memoirs. The idea is far more well received by everyone i've shared my ideas with. It seems that the idea of being able to interact with the installation through the memoir book is really the selling point. This means I really need to brainstorm and figure out exactly what's going to be playing on the video. My current thought would be the people walking past as normal. With little interviews interjected at random points that might sometimes overlap. The interviews will simply be people stating "My memory of a coffee shop is..." Followed by their own specific memory. If some are opposites, for example a first date for one person and break up for another; I may play them side by side. 20th May 2017 After some thinking, i've realised I definitely don't like the interview idea, my current thought would be to show key elements of a coffee shop. The coffee being made, people talking and laughing etc. The purpose of this would be to set the scene and mood, just as the sound and smells will. 21st May 2017 Today I've finished task one, stating in there which installation artists have inspired me the most. Also including the artists work we viewed at the tate. One specific example being the radio tower. From now, I only need to to finish all of the pre production. 24th May 2017 Today I worked pretty hard completing all of the pre production, i've got a solid idea now and my production folder is all ready to go. Had the project just started now, I feel as though my idea would change. But i'm choosing to stick with Coffee Memoirs because of it's simplicity, it's audience interaction, and it's nice purpose. I also found a coffee fragrance spray on Amazon today, perfect to use for the smell of the installation. 12th June 2017 Narrowly avoided disaster! Today I asked if I could have a projecter set up; only to realise there are none left. Luckily I managed to swap with someone who wants a booth, taking the spot in the main room right next to the whiteboard (Which has a projector) this is a great spot, I'm just worried i might have TOO much room. I've also swapped out the coffee spray for fresh coffee beans, it creates a much stronger smell. Matt has also provided me with an excellent sofa and table.  13th June 2017 Today everyone began properly setting up their installations, it was very interesting to see how everyone else was tackling the task. I couldn't immediately begin due to my spot being the teachers desk, but this will apparently all be fixed tonight. When I come back on Thursday I can properly build my set. My idea is all ready to go, I have all my props here ready to design the installation. I am running into one problem though, the PC is fully visible along with the window. This ruins my idea because not only would the PC look bad, but my video is supposed to be the one window, an actual natural window might ruin the illusion.  15th June 2017 I've set up my installation today, i'm very happy with the finished product. The coffee smells great and almost carries throughout the entire room. Matt has also managed to fix my PC and window problem, he's covered the space with four purple stands that pass as walls. This is excellent because it matches the colour of my sofa. I've also stuck or nailed my frames to the wall and placed my little aesthetic props on the table.  After also demoing the video, i'm very happy with the overall conveyed feeling of the piece. It feels awfully sad which is a surprise but actually somewhat of a step in the right direction. |
