Characters of the Story

In the iStopMotion that i edited, the main characters involved were: The Queen of Hearts, the Rabbit, the Mad hatter and the Card Soldiers. The Queen of Hearts is not quite the nicest Queen you could hope for. She just want the power and control over Wonderland. The Rabbit is a funny character and in a way, a bit of a servant to the Queen. He knows everything about Wonderland and wants The White Queen back. The Mad Hatter is a crazy guy and also is on the side of the white Queen.

Alice In Wonderland

Due to complete frustration i have joined groups with Anastasia. I am now completing a edited iStopmotion video of Alice in Wonderland.

Snow White

Evaluation of the Term

During this term in Creative Industries we have been focusing on animation. We started with some simple animation in Photoshop and then when we felt comfortable with that moved to the next level... Flash. For my Photoshop animation I chose to animate my favourite of my avatars from last term "Cyborgatorium". It worked out well in the end but was really quite frustrating until you got your head around all the different terms and processes. Once we moved onto Flash I was excited but a little worried I wasn't going to catch on. After about 3 or 4 lessons of working with it I was feeling confident; I also played around with it at home to practise. I completed 2 animations in Flash. The first one was of a few butterflies flying around in a rainforest landscape. I then created one using an artwork by Fiona Hall as i was studying her in VIsual art. I used her beaded sculpture of a skull and motion tweened two spiders to crawl creepily around the head and eventually sit in the eye sockets. I enjoyed this task although it was very tedious and frustrating at times. I would have liked to work with Flash closer and take my animations to the next level. I definatly am going to play around with the program at home further. I think we are continuing this course into next term so that should be fun :)

Andi Spark

On Thursday the 27th of May this inspirational woman was kind enough to come to St Hilda's School and give a relaxing presentation after school about what she does best... animation.

Andi is one of the most entertaining people I have ever listened too, everything she says and does is so animated much like her work. She was so easy to listen too because she captured your attention so easily. She definitely gave me a create insight into animation which is something I am considering getting into when i leave school so it was great to get a first hand perspective on the career. She showed us so many interesting and entertaining clips that really demonstrated just how diverse animation can be. it's not just about the Pixar movies that everyone has seen. You can do anything with animation, create anything you can imagine.

I think that the session with Andi was definitely inspiring and i hope that we can look into her work a lot more.

Flash Techniques

Throughout this term we have been learning how to use the Adobe animation program Flash. At first I found it quite a challenge to grasp all the different concepts of the program but now after completing my second animation for the term I understand it quite fluently. The animations that i have completed are quite amateur compared to most animation that you see in society but it's all about starting with the basics and learning the process. The program focuses on things like keyframes and layering (much like photoshop). You create different characters separately and then bring everything together. You create multiple keyframes in a certain timeframe and synch all the different layers so that they are moving with each other to create a little story.

I am definitely going to keep playing around with the program to further my knowledge about what you can achieve.

Second Animation

These are some images i have collected for my second animation. It is a simple idea and the final product i'm hoping is going to be a very calming little clip. The background will be of a real rainforest landscape with a few butterflies circling around. I think it would be a good screensaver :)

Inspirational Animations

Final Fantasy 13 - Gaming Animation

Invader Zim - Comic Animation

Up - Pixar Film Animation

First Character

This is my first Exquisite Corpse. To create this i have used the head of Thomas Hans "Pusher", the body of "Rem" and finished the body of with a pair of knee high Doc Marten boots.

Exquisite Corpse V

This is a creature that appeared in the ever popoular Japanese TV series, Ultra Man. He reminds me of a cross between a Furrrbie, a Gremlin, a Dinosaur and a Russian Babushka Doll.

Exquisite Corpse IV

These are a few funny characters from Tim Burtons "Terrible Toys" series. There are many more and I own a few different ones. I just think they great. Very creative and interesting.

Exquisite Corpse III

This is an "Ice Bat" from an alternative plush series called "Ugly Dolls". I think they are adorable and a little bit quirky and have a collection at home :)

Exquisite Corpse II

This is "Rem" and he is one of my favourite characters from the Anime series "Death Note". In the series his character is a Shinigami (death god) that comes to earth and falls in love with a girl Misa. I also have a similar figurine of him at home.

Exquisite Corpse

This is one of my favourite vinyl figurine from Thomas Hans latest series "Pushers". This one in particular is called Monster and I actually own this one myself :P

Animation

This Term we are getting into a bit of animation using our Avatars from Term 1.

We are using the Photoshop version of animation and so far it has been quite frustrating because it is very limited in it's abilities. I have chosen my Avatar "Cyborgatorium" to animate and I've got some ideas so far...

- Moving the eyes (open and close).

- Having the Final Fantasy Character Flying in delicate circles.

- Increasing the length of my hair to create a more flowing movement.

- Enlarging the brown castle.

- Clouds blowing from my mouth.

Animation Definition:

"A simulation of movement created by displaying a series of pictures, or frames. Cartoons on television is one example of animation. Animation on computers is one of the chief ingredients of multimedia presentations. There are many software applications that enable you to create animations that you can display on a computer monitors."

Jerry N. Uelsmann

Jerry N. Uelsmann

This image has been digitally transformed by a digital artist that goes by the name of "Jerry N. Uelsmann". This image to me represents inspirations and passions. The things in life that keep you going. The image is of a little row boat isolated in the ocean and a pair of hands cupping the ocean. It is as if this is the most important thing in the world as he is grasping it in his bare hands. Doesn't want to let go of his passions. Maybe it is signifying a jump in his life where he has had to sacrafice something he loves for something like... work or children. On the other hand it could just be an inspiration that he holds close to get him through life... always looking back at his row boat to be reassured. The colours in this image are quite dull being all different shades of grey. It gives a real sence of depth and emotion through the image. The contrasting negative space really illuminates the ocean and the clouds because the colours are so contrasting; Black and white. This creates a strong focal point of the image: the row boat. This image really gets you thinking about the things in life that motivate you and mean the most to you. I think to thi artist this atmosphere and scene is a real place to just get away and relax, forget about all the problems in life and just enjoy the relaxing sounds of the waves and the chiming sea birds.

Check this site out :)
He is an amazing digital artist, His works all have strong depth and emotion...
http://www.uelsmann.net/

FreedomGrowls

This is my third avatar and I have decided to call it “FreedomGrowls”. This image is exploring my free spirit. I like to live the way I want; like the things I want and I don’t let other influences affect that in a negative way. I have photo shopped a few different images together to create this image and each have a symbolic meaning. I have chosen to include a white, snow tiger as a visual representation of myself because a tiger is strong and has a strong sense of self, which I like to think I do as well. The tiger is strong on the inside but a calming, gentle, soft white exterior hides that. It is also delicately leaning down with its front paws in the fractal-layered lake just dipping in to the intensity that lies beneath. The balloons floating in the background are there for the tiger to look up too when it is ready to step away from the intensity. It is a constant reminder that when the hard stuff is all over you can just float away peacefully. The colours in this image are all soft and quite placid to give create a relaxing atmosphere until you look down and see the fractal-layered lake where all the intensity lies in life. The lake is a representation oh school and work in my life and the balloons above are carrying my dreams and aspirations, always flying overhead reminding me of what is ahead. This avatar is just a visual representation of my dreams and passions and the freedom of like that I enjoy.

Cyborgatorium

This is my second final Avatar. I have decided to call this piece “Cyborgatorium”. This piece is representing my imagination. I have used various fantasy images to bring this image to life. They have been lightly blended together to create a whole new world… my utopia. On the left hand side is a digital representation of me, as I would imagine myself to look in another world. I have the same facial features but my hair is long and dark, I have scales protruding down my forehead and luminous veins slowly moving up from my chin to my cheek. I am also wearing an outfit that reminds me of a medieval warrior, scales and all. My head is taking on the form of a dinosaur that is linking this image of the future with the past: the Jurassic period, which is actually one of my favourite periods of time. On the right hand side is a flying unicorn/bird/dragon, which is very mystical all on it’s own. My eyes are directed looking at the flying creature, which creates a strong linked focal point, firstly you look at the cyborg and then her eyes direct you toward what is flying toward her. The cyborg (me) is quite out of proportion to give the viewer the impression that she is looking down upon her thoughts, dreams and imagination inspired land. It is my mind exploring and opening up to the world. The places I’ve visited the things I’ve experienced and my inner thoughts and interests are all flaunted sparingly throughout this utopia. The colours are bold and in some areas lit up, this is enhancing the magical, futuristic and surreal atmosphere. There aren’t really any specific symbols in this image; everything just blends together to give a representation of my mind and me.

Black Determination

This is my first final Avatar. I have decided to give this the title “Black Determination” because it is a representation of a certain aspect of myself. This one is focusing on my individuality and determination. The focal point of the work is definitely the image of me morphed with a black panther. This really is the point in the work that all the meaning branch out from. Black Panthers to me have always been very self aware, determined and I can image that whatever they set there mind to… whether it be the kill for lunch or sitting back and sleeping… you cant stop them once they have made the decision. To be honest I am much like this too. From when I was five years old to now my parents have always said that I have always been very determined once I set my mind to something… I wont back down. I have included particular symbols to represent other aspects in my life. The moon in the bottom left corner is a symbol for my passions and dreams. I always have them in the back of my mind for motivation. I have placed the moon half hiding behind a cloud showing how close they are but I still have to work hard to get there. Another symbol in my piece is the abstract fractal pattern shining through along the bottom half. This pattern shows intricate and delicate thought. I tend to think things through a lot and sometimes too much, I look at things very closely and analyse the quite deeply. I thought that the fractal image demonstrated these qualities perfectly. It’s a gentle image but you can see all the detail and precision. To really bring this piece to life I have used many of the elements of art to give it deep expression. Colour is the main element I really focused on that almost dominates the image. I have used a background image of space that is made of different vibrant shades of purple and blue. I chose the colour purple to really take hold of the image not just because it’s my absolute favourite colour but also because it is a colour that portrays royalty and power. It’s a colour that really motivated me to strive and take hold of what I want and this is exactly what this piece means to me. The line in this piece is really quite flowing and organic as much of it looks like it has just been splashed and splattered on the background. The line flicking my hair was really important to create unity in the piece to match with the free-flowing colours and shapes. This image is one of my favourite I have created so far because it really explores a deeper side of my personality and I think that through the symbols and the representation of me it gives a strong and affective voice to the image.

Artist: Benedict Campbell

Benedict Campbell

The image he has used is the album cover for Pink Floyd's 1973 "The Dark Side of the Moon". The album was released containing lyrics relating and speaking up about conflict, greed, the passage of time and mental illness.

Campbell has used a contrasting colour scheme to enhance the focal point, obviously being the rainbow racetrack coming towards you. The image is suspended in a solid black background which gives the impression that it is floating; thus creating the impression that time has stopped and everything is suspended in air. The colours enhance this as the bright colours of the rainbow are flowing gently around the empty space. This creates a happy, free, and exciting mood. There is a contrast in line where the triangle is very geometric and the rainbow flowing from it is extremely organic, this demonstrated the idea of there being something exciting at the end of every hard trip. The geometric triangle is a very dull, grey/blue colour which isn't very interesting. Then the flowing colours and ko-carts racing down the track are very happy and exciting. The meaning behind this Digital piece seems to reflect on the original meaning behind the Pink Floyd album incorporated in it. The Triangle is referring to the not-so-happy things in life, for instance mental illness, greed and conflict as mentioned earlier. It is then leading out to the rainbow racetrack for go-karts showing that there is a good side to everything bad. The idea of the Passage of time is flaunted through the airy portrayal of the images and the go-karts are contrasting this giving the impression that time is driving away... fast. This image is an interpretation of the Pink Floyd album using visual language, humour and creativity to take the original image beyond mimetic representation.

'I am passionate about the image and therefore I will use every means available to me to create the image...’ – Benedict Campbell

To read more about Benedict Campbell...

http://www.benedict1.com/biography.html

Avatar III: Individuality and Freedom

DeviantArt

Deviant Art is a virtual website where you have an Avatar of yourself. You have a "Blog" and you post up all your artwork. People can look at it and comment on it. It's a place where people can be who they want to be through their imagination; what they put to paper. It's a place to free your imagination and let others see things the way you do. You are essentially what your art says about you. The virtual society Deviant Art is really interesting to be involved. You see the ways different people portray certain things. You can also receive comments about your art to get to know people that may see things quite similarly to you. It really is a great way to open your mind to exciting, new and bizarre creatures or environments that other people create. This website links in with our topic this term very well because its all about the visual representation of yourself. The things behind the exterior, beliefs, values, passions. It's your mind in colour and shape and form.

It's about how you feel and how you would portray yourself.

Avatar II; My Determination

Avatar I; My Environment

Avatar Landscapes

The Environment

I really like both of these images and when creating my Avatar I want to be able to express both of these. The natural world filled with technology. I want to create an environment that creates a balance between both of these worlds for the better. A world of land and mind where technology is used positively upon the land. "The Natural Space Ages" (thats what i'm going to call it :P)

Dragon Wings II

I think this dragon is defiantly a bit to dark for me but isn't it amazing!

Dragon Wings

For my avatar... I have been researching a lot of dragons and I wanted to incorporate some technology into the wings. I really like this image as a base for the wings but I would like to work into it a bit, add some detail and give it some more intricate line. I would like to make them look more like a machine and less like typical dragons wings.

Artificial Intelligence II

What are the dangers of the creation of artificial intelligence or models like David?

Jealousy is a big problem as well as other human emotions that can interfere with the decisions we make. A lot of moral questions are raised when discussing the development of artificial intelligence in terms of how they are programmed to know right from wrong.
There are some specific dangers to do with immortality and robots taking over. People loosing their jobs and, what happens if someone hacks into the control system of all the robots. There could be all sorts of insane chaos.

What are some of the positives of having artificial intelligence?

Some people might be able to use it in terms of filling a void. Using technology to have something again that you previously have lost; a child?
Artificial intelligence will defiantly help us to discover cures for diseases therefore creating immortality. This also can't always be a positive.

Steven Spielberg created a dark look a this subject, how could he have changed the film to be more positive?

I think Spielberg was really trying to put forward the negatives and play on those to, in a way, scare people from letting technology take over. I think in this movie, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong and I'd say that this was exactly what Spielberg was trying to put out there. Raising the question because what if everything did go wrong? What if someone used technology to take over the world, to kill people; or control them? People like HITLER!
He could have made the movie more positive by maybe showing how we can help the situation if the world became like that... how would we prevent disaster?

Can we trust computers as much as humans?

Sometimes i don't think we really can trust either. Humans have a level of emotion that can become unstable under certain circumstances. Things like jealousy, anger, frustration, attention... these can all lead to huge problems.
Robots on the other hand will only know what they have been programmed to. This then brings up huge moral questions. They will know what they have been programmed to think is right and wrong but in certain situations it's human nature and morals that help you make the "right" decision.

How far do you think technology can go before we need to put our foot down?

I think when this does happen there will be huge disputes because everyone wants different things. People that are power crazy are going to want to take control of peoples minds. People that are selfish are definitely going to want immortality and people for the land are going to be against it all... there are too many different possibilities to consider, but personally, i think once these robots start making decisions for us and interrupting daily life significantly, it's time to stop... and think.

Are we already "Transhumanist" in that we have technology extensions off our bodies?

I think we have begun the process but are not quite there yet.People are using technology to help cheat death and wheelchairs by using robotic limbs and body parts. I don't think this is taking it too far yet but when these extensions start to control our minds... then we could be in trouble.

What are some extension that you think may be more common in the future?

To be honest, nothing would surprise me but i think people will be using these extensions for their own advantage in all sorts of areas. People will be using robotic legs so that they can run faster, people will have robotic eyes so they can see through walls and have all sorts of "powers". People will be able to create and have whatever they want... it wont be about your human ability anymore, it will be about what you have on you enhancing your human ability!

Do you see this as a positive for human kind?

I think this is really too hard to answer... there are so many "buts" and exceptions that i think things will defiantly get out of hand... Positively and Negatively.

TransHumanism...

What is TRANSHUMANISM?

~ The super hightech dream of the scientists, philosophers and neuroscientists.

~ Alter the mind and human experience as we know it today.

~ Uploading individual consciousness to a virtual reality.

" Who will be behind the HUMAN KEYBOARD?" Mrs. Makin

Artificial Intelligence

What did Monica struggle with?

Her only son was dying and she didn't want to replace him with a piece of technology.

What was the professors proposal for the creation of a new robot?

The professors proposal was to create a robot at the same emotional level as a human being. A robot that can love and dream.

Do you think you can trust a robot?

I think sometimes you could trust a robot more than a human because they don't have the same level of emotion we have. At the same time... they can't always know what is morally right; just what they are programmed to think is right.

What would happen if the robots out-lived us?

I think eventually they would take over and start creating more and more intelligent robots for themselves; they have eternal life.

CyberSpace

- These capabilities generate a virtual interactive experience which can be accessed for the purpose of communication regardless of geographic location.

- While cyberspace should not be confused with the real internet, the term refers to objects and identifies which exist within the communication network itself.

The Sci-Fi Side

The Wookiees, whose name for themselves translated to the People of the Trees, were a species of hairy bipedal humanoids that were inhabitants of the planet Kashyyyk. One of the most noteworthy members of the species was Chewbacca, Han Solo's best friend and co-pilot, who played a vital role in the Galactic Civil War and afterwards.

Thinking About My Cyber-Representation

For my Avatar I'm thinking about using this image and incorporating a Sci-Fi theme with some clone troopers.... maybe a Wookiee here and there and some good old "Fifth Element" hover cars. I am also thinking about morphing me with a dragon as the representation of myself. A really bright, magistic, fire-breathing DRAGON.

CyberSpace

- These capabilities generate a virtual interactive experience which can be accessed for the purpose of communication regardless of geographic location.


- While cyberspace should not be confused with the real Internet, the term refers to objects and identifies which exist within the communication network itself.

Exploring Cyberspace

Wikipedia Definition

Cyberspace is the global domain of electromagnets as accessed and exploited through electronic technology and the modulation of electromagnetic energy to achieve a wide range of communication and control system capabilities.

Cyberspace is the Virtual World of the Unknown...

I chose this image because when i think of cyberspace i think of a big chaotic city of technology with messages flying around.

Animorph II Practice

This is a BEARDED-LION (Bearded Dragon/Lion)

Photoshop Animorph

Yesterday we used photo shop to practice morphing two animals together before we jump to our final ANIMORPH!

I'm not very experienced with photo shop but i did get the hang of it really quickly. To start off we opened twp images. We had to choose which would be the background image to then cut out the other. I decided i was going to morph an Emu with a Kookaburra and the Kookaburra was going to be the background.

The first tool we used was the Magnetic Lasso to cut our our image to move onto the background. This tool magnetically cropped around the image to then cut and move. For this we used the Move tool.

We then used a soft edged rubber to soften and neatened the perimeter line of the shape. After we were happy with the positioning of the two imaged, we used a new tool; the Clone tool. This tool is used to "clone" or copy a certain area of the background image onto the second layer image. This enhanced the realism of my final image.

Animorph Practice

This is an Emu cross with a Kookoburra

Animal Quiz

I have two pet Bearded Dragons "Iggy" Female and "Coby" Male.