Week 5
Last week was a big week as far as making all the final preparations to shoot the performance. I officially have all my paint supplies and girls dialed in on their sequences. This week is dedicated to practice shots with a camera I rented from TLT as well as establishing my final exhibition vision for the incorporation of Eyecon.
Biggest issue is the date of the final exhibtion. I was originally hoping for it to happen on March 11th, however there are booking issues that the owner just informed me about. Could be problematic for my fianl crit.
Thinking past the final crit, my ultimate goal is to turn this project into a business and produce actual yoga mats with this art. There is a huge market for this product and nothing like it! I have been doing a lot of research and it seems to me that the door is wide open. As soon as this project is completed, I will be filing a copyright with the government!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Week 4
The Paint:
Initially I had purchased acrylic paint to mix with a gel medium. However, after talking to my hair stylist Kate, and a body painting artist, Edin, it became apparent that acrylic could be a difficult medium to work with and could ruin our hair if it got in it. I decided to head over to Ace Hardware where I picked up latex paint. This paint is slow drying and easily comes off the body and does not crack when it dries on the skin.
The test run:
Using an extra canvas and the latex paint, 2 girls came over to help go through the test run. I was covered in turquoise paint from neck to toe. Stepping on the canvas, my first reaction was how slippery the pain felt. The postures had to become more slow moving and calculated. As the paint began to dry on my body, it became increasingly sticky and in some cases moved the canvas as I pulled up.
I was concerned about the paint drying and felt rushed, however, after looking at the end result, I believe that not only is the drying paint not a concern, but it makes the painting kind of nice in its variations of saturation.
The sequences:
Because doing yoga covered in paint on canvas is challenging, there are modifications that need to be made to my original sequences. I was also concerned that the having same sun salutation postures within each sequence may have been too dominating in their mark making not allowing for each painting to be as unique as I wanted. To figure this question out, the girls repainted me and we went through a different sequence. I was covered in the same color paint although in reality these will be different, but it helped to see how different the marks actually are.
It turned out that the paintings are not only very different, by they speak to their intentions in very interesting ways.
The Process:
Throughout my planning of the project, I did not anticipate the social, spiritual conversations and connections that would occur between the girls who are participating. Almost immediately, their were very insightful and creative conversations that ran deep and shared a common holsitic thread. Over the course of the test run, there were conversations that stemmed from sexuality to racism to overcoming traumas and the dominoe affect of energy. I stood back and watched as these intelligent women spoke of profound concepts and their high awareness of life.
Because not everyone can understand what the chakras or yoga truly mean, it can be frustrating to convey such a meaningful and serious message without sounding redundant or preachy. I believe that the best way to share what this project truly means to ask the girls to offer a quote for their chakra that they help create to share at the exhibition. I think it will be touching and inspiring and as unique but as unified as they are.
Why Women?
Although I have not fully explored this concept, I did read an interesting article in Yoga Journal. Apparently, in the West, 77% of yoga practitioners are women. The article outlined many reasons why, along the lines of the actual postures and holistic body movements, the discussion of feeling and the exploration of one's inner spiritual side. Women tend to naturally understand yoga as a whole as they are more naturally connected to their bodies and their bodies rituals, as well as being more nurturing, sensitive and emotional. In my classes alone, I often have 1 man to every 10 women.
Because these paintings need to be as authentic and true to the yoga postures and their connections to the chakras, it is critical that the performers are able to embrace and truly feel what the process means. Furthermore, the idea of offering and giving of oneself is innately feminine which is found in our own infantile experiences with the female body.
Aesthetically, the female figure is beautiful and pleasing to look at, while it seems that the nude male body can add a level of discomfort for the audience, as men are socially dominant and nudity is equivelent to volnurability.
Technology:
I met with Clint ot discuss Eyecon and will head down to TLT to rent a video camera and recieve training.
The Paint:
Initially I had purchased acrylic paint to mix with a gel medium. However, after talking to my hair stylist Kate, and a body painting artist, Edin, it became apparent that acrylic could be a difficult medium to work with and could ruin our hair if it got in it. I decided to head over to Ace Hardware where I picked up latex paint. This paint is slow drying and easily comes off the body and does not crack when it dries on the skin.
The test run:
Using an extra canvas and the latex paint, 2 girls came over to help go through the test run. I was covered in turquoise paint from neck to toe. Stepping on the canvas, my first reaction was how slippery the pain felt. The postures had to become more slow moving and calculated. As the paint began to dry on my body, it became increasingly sticky and in some cases moved the canvas as I pulled up.
I was concerned about the paint drying and felt rushed, however, after looking at the end result, I believe that not only is the drying paint not a concern, but it makes the painting kind of nice in its variations of saturation.
The sequences:
Because doing yoga covered in paint on canvas is challenging, there are modifications that need to be made to my original sequences. I was also concerned that the having same sun salutation postures within each sequence may have been too dominating in their mark making not allowing for each painting to be as unique as I wanted. To figure this question out, the girls repainted me and we went through a different sequence. I was covered in the same color paint although in reality these will be different, but it helped to see how different the marks actually are.
It turned out that the paintings are not only very different, by they speak to their intentions in very interesting ways.
The Throat Chakra on the canvas with gesso
The Root Chakra (will be in red paint) on the natural canvas
The Process:
Throughout my planning of the project, I did not anticipate the social, spiritual conversations and connections that would occur between the girls who are participating. Almost immediately, their were very insightful and creative conversations that ran deep and shared a common holsitic thread. Over the course of the test run, there were conversations that stemmed from sexuality to racism to overcoming traumas and the dominoe affect of energy. I stood back and watched as these intelligent women spoke of profound concepts and their high awareness of life.
Because not everyone can understand what the chakras or yoga truly mean, it can be frustrating to convey such a meaningful and serious message without sounding redundant or preachy. I believe that the best way to share what this project truly means to ask the girls to offer a quote for their chakra that they help create to share at the exhibition. I think it will be touching and inspiring and as unique but as unified as they are.
Why Women?
Although I have not fully explored this concept, I did read an interesting article in Yoga Journal. Apparently, in the West, 77% of yoga practitioners are women. The article outlined many reasons why, along the lines of the actual postures and holistic body movements, the discussion of feeling and the exploration of one's inner spiritual side. Women tend to naturally understand yoga as a whole as they are more naturally connected to their bodies and their bodies rituals, as well as being more nurturing, sensitive and emotional. In my classes alone, I often have 1 man to every 10 women.
Because these paintings need to be as authentic and true to the yoga postures and their connections to the chakras, it is critical that the performers are able to embrace and truly feel what the process means. Furthermore, the idea of offering and giving of oneself is innately feminine which is found in our own infantile experiences with the female body.
Aesthetically, the female figure is beautiful and pleasing to look at, while it seems that the nude male body can add a level of discomfort for the audience, as men are socially dominant and nudity is equivelent to volnurability.
Technology:
I met with Clint ot discuss Eyecon and will head down to TLT to rent a video camera and recieve training.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Week 3
Filming Tips:
Depending on what camera you use, set your cam settings to
- NTSC 1280x720p, this is a little smaller HD image size that'll be easier for your computer to edit with!
-Also, if you can, make sure you use a tripod. And make sure the place is nice and bright, it's easier to darken your highlights, midtones, and shadows, than to make it look good brightening them.
-depending on how you want to edit this, rule of thumb is to shoot the outside of the place (establishing shot) then work your way to where the subjects/actions are...or take photos of flyers etc..
-when your shooting, get wide shots of the subject(s), mid shots, then super tight detailed shots..and use pans (left to right) and tilts (up-down) for each of those 3 shots, this makes for fun editing!
-another thing that adds another dimension to videos is to have someone interview you/or the participants about the event, idea etc..you can edit these parts inbetween the bodypainting, so it's not the same footage showing constantly, and things that you talk about in the interview you can go shoot too and edit in..
-Besides that, just remember that it's usually impossible to go back and re-shoot things, so go to the place and setup and make sure your dialed in and ready...charge your batteries, and if your using mini-dv tapes record 1minute into the tape (black screen) before you record your event, and if your using a DSLR (canon or Nikon) format your cards and triple check all your settings!
My Insight:
The Studio
Hi Ladies,
First off, I so appreciate each one of you wanting to be involved in my yogart project! As I said before this project is for a class through UNR. The project has been critiqued twice now, which is great because it offers direction, but it also throws some interesting considerations to the forefront. In light of this additional information, I wanted to get your opinions as well as offer a timeline.
Initially, my plan was to have an intimate setting where the focus would remain on the painting and the videography. It has been suggested that the project would be more interesting if it served as a performance piece in itself and then the art would be displayed as a result. This would mean that we would have an audience who would essentially watch us be painted and move through our own yoga sequences. Additionally, I am using an eyecon software which responds to the body in movement. We would each be at our own canvases (the size of a yoga mat) and a camera would segment each of us in our own frames. As one person moves, music would play according to their chakra. As the next person moves the music would change and so on.
My initial reaction is fear and only because performing is not my thing, however, it could be amazing.
The alternative is to keep it intimate and focus on creating a video that would be projected as an art installation along with the paintings. I could still incorporate eyecon, like as a viewer approaches the art chakra painting, the video of the art chakra painting in process would be triggered and play.
Let me know what you guys think!! The most important thing is to have fun and make some original art.
Lastly, the project has to be completed by March 13th, so I was thinking about doing this the weekend of March 3rd. Perhaps a Saturday and/or Sunday night.
Thanks again!! You ladies are the best :)
Ash
P.S. Lauren we will be using non toxic acrylic paint for that little babe!!
The Girls and their Chakras
1, Root: Nora Ann
2, Sacral: Fairlane
3, Navel: Jessie
4, Heart: Ashley
5, Throat: Stephanie
6, 3rd Eye: Dulce
7, Crown: Edin
Filming Tips:
Depending on what camera you use, set your cam settings to
- NTSC 1280x720p, this is a little smaller HD image size that'll be easier for your computer to edit with!
-Also, if you can, make sure you use a tripod. And make sure the place is nice and bright, it's easier to darken your highlights, midtones, and shadows, than to make it look good brightening them.
-depending on how you want to edit this, rule of thumb is to shoot the outside of the place (establishing shot) then work your way to where the subjects/actions are...or take photos of flyers etc..
-when your shooting, get wide shots of the subject(s), mid shots, then super tight detailed shots..and use pans (left to right) and tilts (up-down) for each of those 3 shots, this makes for fun editing!
-another thing that adds another dimension to videos is to have someone interview you/or the participants about the event, idea etc..you can edit these parts inbetween the bodypainting, so it's not the same footage showing constantly, and things that you talk about in the interview you can go shoot too and edit in..
-Besides that, just remember that it's usually impossible to go back and re-shoot things, so go to the place and setup and make sure your dialed in and ready...charge your batteries, and if your using mini-dv tapes record 1minute into the tape (black screen) before you record your event, and if your using a DSLR (canon or Nikon) format your cards and triple check all your settings!
My Insight:
After much discussion I have decided to remain true to my original, artistic inclination. While the concept of performance for the enjoyment of the audience is intriguing and heightened in its own right, it does not serve the best interest for the ultimate meaning of the art. Furthermore, the addition of technology should serve the art and not the audience, therefore serving the audience. Yoga is a spiritual journey that occurs over time and within the layers of one's own existence. The practice of yoga should remain quiet and contemplative, honoring the breakthrough of the body without hindering the process through unaccustomed stimuli. The artwork and creation is raw and primitive. The use of technology should be advanced and go without notice. Technology will serve the art and remain as an aide rather than an additional medium. The installation will focus on the 7 abstract paintings while the video and Eyecon will serve to elucidate their process. Ultimately, the installation will remain peaceful, fluid and contain elements of support without contradiction or desensitizing variables.
Need 1 more Canvas (71"x26")
And the truquoise paint!
Need 1 more Canvas (71"x26")
And the truquoise paint!
Hi Ladies,
First off, I so appreciate each one of you wanting to be involved in my yogart project! As I said before this project is for a class through UNR. The project has been critiqued twice now, which is great because it offers direction, but it also throws some interesting considerations to the forefront. In light of this additional information, I wanted to get your opinions as well as offer a timeline.
Initially, my plan was to have an intimate setting where the focus would remain on the painting and the videography. It has been suggested that the project would be more interesting if it served as a performance piece in itself and then the art would be displayed as a result. This would mean that we would have an audience who would essentially watch us be painted and move through our own yoga sequences. Additionally, I am using an eyecon software which responds to the body in movement. We would each be at our own canvases (the size of a yoga mat) and a camera would segment each of us in our own frames. As one person moves, music would play according to their chakra. As the next person moves the music would change and so on.
My initial reaction is fear and only because performing is not my thing, however, it could be amazing.
The alternative is to keep it intimate and focus on creating a video that would be projected as an art installation along with the paintings. I could still incorporate eyecon, like as a viewer approaches the art chakra painting, the video of the art chakra painting in process would be triggered and play.
Let me know what you guys think!! The most important thing is to have fun and make some original art.
Lastly, the project has to be completed by March 13th, so I was thinking about doing this the weekend of March 3rd. Perhaps a Saturday and/or Sunday night.
Thanks again!! You ladies are the best :)
Ash
P.S. Lauren we will be using non toxic acrylic paint for that little babe!!
The Girls and their Chakras
1, Root: Nora Ann
2, Sacral: Fairlane
3, Navel: Jessie
4, Heart: Ashley
5, Throat: Stephanie
6, 3rd Eye: Dulce
7, Crown: Edin
Monday, February 6, 2012
Week 2 Update
I have 6 confirmed performers including myself. I am still looking for one more to fill the final chakra performance. Over the past week I have been working on creating yoga sequences pertaining to each chakra. I've been thinking about the performance as a whole and the way the video composition will work out in relation to each performance and sound. I'm thinking I want to have two video cameras. One to take the overhead shot of the paintings as they occur, and another to video the entire production. I would love for the seven performers to play off one another, kind of like dominoes. When one finishes the next begins and as they finish they freeze in the same curled up position of child pose. Each performer will begin the same way as well, going through a sun salutation first and then entering into their specific postures. Here's what I have so far for the chakras:
1st Chakra, Root Chakra, Muladhara
color: bright red
location: between genitals and anus
psychological effect: sense of belonging on earth
yoga poses: tree, staff, lotus, mountain, bound angle
2nd Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Swadhishtana
color: brilliant orange
location: above genital, below navel
psychological effect: sexuality, creativity, emotional health
yoga poses: bow, plow, bridge, crescent, cowhead, twist, triangle
3rd Chakra, Navel Chakra, Manipura
color: yellow
location: at the navel
psychological effect: self respect, personal power
yoga poses: warrior one, warrior two, reverse plank, boat, bow, cobra
4th Chakra, Heart Chakra, Anahata
color: green
location: center of chest
psychological effect: forgiveness, love for themselves and others
yoga poses: fish, cowhead, camel/rabbit, wheel
5th Chakra, Throat Chakra, Vishuddha
color: bright turquoise
location: throat
psychological effect: communication, self-expression, intuitive
yoga poses: airplane arms, neck stretches, shoulder stand, plow, fish
6th chakra, Brow Chakra, Ajna
color: blue indigo
location: between the brows
psychological effect: self-identity, personal insight
yoga poses: childs, forward folds, cat/cow, fish, sit with forhead on block
7th chakra, Crown Chakra, Sahasrara
color: purple
location: above the center of the head
psychological effect: related to the sense of our response to the seasons and sunlight, connection to the divine, enlightenment
yoga poses: sun salutation, yoga mudra, head stand
EYECON
I've been researching this technology to determine if a response to light would add to the performance video or if it would take away from the power of the more primitive art. The two themes are so contrasted I'm not sure if it would be better to wait and use Eyecon for something else.
I have 6 confirmed performers including myself. I am still looking for one more to fill the final chakra performance. Over the past week I have been working on creating yoga sequences pertaining to each chakra. I've been thinking about the performance as a whole and the way the video composition will work out in relation to each performance and sound. I'm thinking I want to have two video cameras. One to take the overhead shot of the paintings as they occur, and another to video the entire production. I would love for the seven performers to play off one another, kind of like dominoes. When one finishes the next begins and as they finish they freeze in the same curled up position of child pose. Each performer will begin the same way as well, going through a sun salutation first and then entering into their specific postures. Here's what I have so far for the chakras:
1st Chakra, Root Chakra, Muladhara
color: bright red
location: between genitals and anus
psychological effect: sense of belonging on earth
yoga poses: tree, staff, lotus, mountain, bound angle
2nd Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Swadhishtana
color: brilliant orange
location: above genital, below navel
psychological effect: sexuality, creativity, emotional health
yoga poses: bow, plow, bridge, crescent, cowhead, twist, triangle
3rd Chakra, Navel Chakra, Manipura
color: yellow
location: at the navel
psychological effect: self respect, personal power
yoga poses: warrior one, warrior two, reverse plank, boat, bow, cobra
4th Chakra, Heart Chakra, Anahata
color: green
location: center of chest
psychological effect: forgiveness, love for themselves and others
yoga poses: fish, cowhead, camel/rabbit, wheel
5th Chakra, Throat Chakra, Vishuddha
color: bright turquoise
location: throat
psychological effect: communication, self-expression, intuitive
yoga poses: airplane arms, neck stretches, shoulder stand, plow, fish
6th chakra, Brow Chakra, Ajna
color: blue indigo
location: between the brows
psychological effect: self-identity, personal insight
yoga poses: childs, forward folds, cat/cow, fish, sit with forhead on block
7th chakra, Crown Chakra, Sahasrara
color: purple
location: above the center of the head
psychological effect: related to the sense of our response to the seasons and sunlight, connection to the divine, enlightenment
yoga poses: sun salutation, yoga mudra, head stand
EYECON
I've been researching this technology to determine if a response to light would add to the performance video or if it would take away from the power of the more primitive art. The two themes are so contrasted I'm not sure if it would be better to wait and use Eyecon for something else.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)