what enslaves you?

Assignment Instructions

Thinking back on our conversation today about freedom and limitations, take some time to imagine and reflect upon projects you have created. Focus on one project (it does not have to be in new media - it could have been a project you wanted to do on your own, like clearing off your old copies of files from your hard drives, or even writing that song you have been thinking about.) But here is the deal, think of a project that EXCITED you when you first thought of your idea. What was it that was so thrilling to you about the project? Describe some of your thoughts about that project (your ideas, why you were excited, etc.) on your blog.

·       The project that comes to mind when thinking about something that really excited me was putting down new hardwood floors in my house.  When the idea was first being tossed around it seemed overwhelming.  But, when thinking about what the end result would be, I got very excited.  The floors in our house were very old when I moved in and needed to be replaced.  After living in the house for a couple of years, it was hard to imagine what it would be like to have the floors replaced.  The main ideas that came to mind were color of the wood, kind of wood, size of the plank, and what would look nice against flooring in the adjoining rooms.  I also had to figure out how I would learn how to “do it myself.”

Now, compare what you were thinking when you first started the project, and then think about what you actually did. Were they different? How. Explain on your blog.

·       When I first started the project, I was on a very high, positive note.  I was excited thinking about the end result and how fun it was going to be to have new flooring that my boyfriend and I put down ourselves.  However, this changed very quickly as I started on the “do it myself” project.  I knew it would be a lot of hard work, but once I started the project I could not believe how much work was involved.  The walls of the house were crooked and the project became so much more complicated than I originally thought it would be.  I thought I would easily be able to just glue the planks together, however, we had to cut them to the proper size due to the angles of the walls.  The one word that comes to mind when I think about how I felt during the project is “deflated”.

Here is the meat of the analytical portion of this assignment. What were the limitations that forced your project to change? List those on your blog.

·       Not being able to move the walls of the house so that they were straight

·       Keeping my boyfriend working on the project and not giving up and walking away when it became very stressful – the feeling was so deflating.

·       Having to cut and recut boards to fit and line up against the wall

Now switch to the bead. When faced with the bead and complete freedom to do ANYTHING with it, but not direction on how to do it or even what to do, what were the limitations that popped up for you? Discuss this on your blog.

·       Making a decision when so many options existed

·       Wondering if my idea was a good idea

·       I changed ideas a few times, I had a difficult time deciding which idea was the best idea, since there was no standard or set of guidelines

Finally, and hopefully the fun part, look at your list of limitations. Choose one. Create something that expresses how that limitation feels to you. Document it on your blog and bring it to class to discuss next week.

·       The limitation I chose for my project was the feeling of being deflated.  It is so hard to become reenergized after that feeling set it.  When it seems like there is a new limitation around every corner, it is difficult to stay on task.  For my project I took a photo of what to me represents being deflated.  I took a picture of a church in my neighborhood where the roof fell into the building.  I set this photo on top of a picture of the wood from the project where I chose my limitation from.

group role

The group project was interesting. While deciding what to make the other group do, we decided to just give them the same fate they gave us.  This seemed the only way tone fair. I think the project worked out really well because it got the class talking, laughing, and interacting. I ink that was the ultimate benefit to the project.

class memories

Today's class was about whether or not too much freedom has its own set of limitations. A "fishbowl" keeps choices restricted and can set ones mind down a path of clarity by doing some of the "work". Without a fishbowl, one must define a goal.  This is done with experimentation, problem solving, research, and making connections.  This process can be overwhelming and daunting, however it keeps you from staying safe which equals burnout.

Bead

I used the bead to add to the decor of a little character I had.  I think this little guy is very fun and I decided to add to his outfit.  I put the bead on a wire and put a flower on the wire.  I wrapped it around his arm so he was holding it.  After I took the picture, I added a color filter to the photo and then I put on a border.  I wound up with this fun little shot!

N385 class reflection

The first class was great. I have always enjoyed creative expression and I am looking forward to this semester. I liked the open format in the class and the enthusiasm in the room. Everything about this class seems non traditional, from the syllabus to the field trips, and I am really excited to see how "seeing sideways" challenges me to think and create differently.