Brandon's Blog

"Every drawing can be understood as a motion study since it is a path of motion recorded by graphic means." ~ Moholy Nagy Jumping into Lake  For this week's project, I decided to use a photo taken of me during the summer. This picture was taken at lake geneva as I was jumping off a boat into the lake. We can see tons of motion going on in this photo. We see implied motion from me jumping off the boat. We also see minimal motion from the waves moving in the background. We can imply that the waves are moving based on the different shades of contrast in the background. This picture was taken at the perfect time as I was still airborne before crashing down into the waves. We can also see the movement of my necklace on the top of the picture as it swings upwards towards the blue sky. There can be a case made for the motion of the clouds in the blue sky. This is a great example of motion for this week's project. Lupton states that "any word or image that moves function...

 "A diagram is a graphic representation of a structure, situation, or process" ~ Lupton/Phillips L Train For this week's project, I decided to take a picture of the L train system within Chicago. I chose to use this picture because I think it is a great representation of a diagram. As Lupton/Phillips states, "A network, also called a graph, is a set of connections among nodes or points."(Lupton 201). We can see the connecting lines between the direction the train heads in. We can see the network of connections between the different routes and colors of each line. The flow between each line is really interesting and we notice that they all meet at the center in downtown Chicago.  The structure behind this diagram is very controlled and rigid and has a set path for the way the train system connects. I chose this picture because it means a lot to me and my hometown. From taking the L train to cubs games and St. Paddy's day to going back home after a day of fun ...

"Grids function similarly in the design of printed matter. Guidelines help the designer align elements in relation to each other." ~Lupton  Grid wall For this week's project, I decided to take and edit a photo from Alexander Gymnasium. The photo is of a wall leading up to the gym. I walk past this wall thousands of times but this project has helped me realize the beauty within these walls. With the help of a photo editing app, I was able to really define the lines and shades that make up the grid of this wall. The consistent pattern of bricks and gridlines shows the sturdiness of this wall. "The grid offers a rationale and a starting point for each composition, converting a blank area into a structured field."(Lupton 175) The structure within this field is very consistent with what Lupton states. We see a pattern of brick after brick separated by dividing grid lines. It is important to note that we see this regular pattern and the gradual tonal difference from d...

"Layers are simultaneous, overlapping components of an image or sequence." ~ Lupton/Phillips For this project, I chose to do layers between two photos of myself playing basketball. I love the concept of overlapping because it's a great tool to use for comparing and contrasting. The first photo taken is a picture of me playing basketball in 6th grade. The second photo is the most recent one of me playing basketball at Lawrence University. I was able to use pic collage to overlap the first photo over the second. I love the concept of overlapping pictures because these two pictures tell a story. A story of me growing up playing the sport I love.  The growth shown between both photos is astonishing and I'm truly proud of where I'm at today.  Basketball "Transparency means a simultaneous perception of different spatial locations." ~ Lupton/Phillips This second photo is a great example of transparency. Windows are the most transparent objects we have in this l...

 "The frame is in no way a background...but neither is its thickness as margin a figure. Or at least it is a figure which comes away of its own accord."~ Jacques Derrida Ceiling For this project, I chose to photograph the ceiling of my room. This picture portrays framing in the sense that each tile square is framed out from another tile square. We can see the borders that separate each tile from another. Although this may seem bland and boring I like to look at this picture in a different way. The separation of these tiles creates an organized and solid foundation for the ceiling. Together they create a solid and complete wall whereas one would do nothing on its own. "A well-designed interface is both visible and invisible," (Lupton 100). This photo embodies this quote by Lupton because the framing of the ceiling could go unnoticed hence the similar color scheme between the tiles and the borders separating each tile. It feels good knowing that the sturdy foundation ...

"The form of an object is not more important than the form of the space surrounding it." ~ Malcolm Grear Brandon's Guitar "Figure/ground relationships shape visual perception."(Lupton) I chose to photograph my guitar for this assignment. I was able to focus the camera on the background that the guitar is placed on. By doing so we see the contrast that happens between the guitar and the surrounding world behind it. In my photo, we see an emphasis on the fall trees and their vibrant colors. The guitar is illuminated in darkness and has a very strong contrast to the outside world. We can see the shape of the guitar and very subtle dark tones of brown black and white. We see the use of positive and negative space between the outline of the guitar and the background of the real world. We see the manipulation of perceptions such as patterns within the center of the guitar. The dark strings display a consistent pattern against an even darker center. As Gestalt states, ...