Final Project: Initial Steps

The categories I rolled. New media: Vinyl, laser, cnc; Traditional media: Found materials; Theme: Identity

When I initially saw these categories, I was immediately intimidated by the vinyl, laser, and cnc because of the challenges that I faced while completing the creative assignment for laser cutting. But, I found that it was better that I had another try at it since I could use the vinyl cutter or cnc as well. I also found that because of my challenges, I knew what issues to look out for and think more creatively moving forward in the final project. When I saw I was working with found materials, I was not immediately sure what kind of materials it was. But, I decided that it would be any material or object that I did not make myself. For the theme, identity, I was excited to incorporate into my final project because of the vast possibilities in the subject. Identity development is also a topic that I learned about in artistic development with Judy Burton, and in my class this year, developmental psychology of adolescence. With this in mind, I came up with two initial ideas:
Idea 1: Identity stickers- I would design stickers that labeled or had different aspects of identity written on them for people (myself) to use to stick on found materials that they felt incorporated or contributed to who they are. In this way, I would be utilizing the vinyl cutter, graphic design (Adobe Illustrator), the theme of identity, and found materials as the objects one would put a sticker on. I envisioned that this project would have people putting stickers on anything, from their phone, their sketchbook, or even their bed. The found materials would be anything that they use/have day-to-day that make up their identity. I would also have to think of how I would present my project. If I were to pursue this idea, it would have to be between videotaping people using the stickers, or pictures of the stickers on found materials. The art would be in the act of using the stickers or the product of the found material with the sticker on it.
Idea 2: Chinese paper cutting on glass- This idea is more focused in the theme of identity and how it could be more personal to me. I was adopted from China and growing up, my mother tried to expose and immerse me in my culture as much as possible so that I had the option and opportunity to get to know where I came from. With this in mind and trying to come up with ideas of how to use my new media, I thought of paper cutting. I have a strong background in using Adobe Illustrator, so I thought that outlining and designing a Chinese paper cut to be cut by the laser or vinyl cutter would be a good idea. I also remembered that there is a glass circle shaped table top at my mother's house that I could use for my found material. The circle shape of the glass made me think of the Renaissance art and how only circle shaped paintings would be put into the female bedroom or study. This gave me the idea that I could use the circle shape and traditional Chinese cut design to represent myself.
Moving forward with these ideas in mind, I would have to consider the realistic and not realistic aspects of the projects. I will have to consider my materials, presentation, and time that I would have to put into these projects. My gut says that I will go with my second idea since it is more personal to me.