Reflections on in-class crit

I found the group "gallery style" review of all the container projects very helpful and interesting.  I loved seeing all the final products -- not just those from my section.  This was a really good use of time as it gave students the ability to see the range of ideas, levels of craftmanship. 

With regard to our in-section crit, I found the other students' comments very helpful.  I was given suggestions regarding the lettering and how I could apply it on transparent paper to create a more professional and clean look.  I think the crits, themselves, are actually getting better.  The first we had seemed to be an effort on the part of a few (not many) to spew negative comments in an effort to be noticed.  This was unfortunate.  On the other hand, it is clear that we all have to develop thick skin and try not to take things personally -- that's just part of the process.

Project #3

My final container was a rectangular box for my pen in the image of a treasure chest.  After several explorations, I was comfortable with the final version.  The final study model I created was a treasure chest made from chipboard using a variety of objects to decorate it as a treasure chest.  I used strips of leather, secured by brads, and created a lock using thin sheets of copper.  I refined the study model for the final version using balsa wood, a more substantial leather and found stronger/larger brads to secure the leather strips.  I used a strip of adhesive paper to secure the top of the box so that it was flexible.  Finally, I created an inner container to hold the pen.  I created it out of chipboard and covered it in deep blue velvet.  The inner container was difficult to size.  I created several versions, many of which were too large or too cumbersome to comfortably place it within the box.  The final version was jammed in there, but it worked.

The idea behind this container is "Unlock the Power" of your pen.  The pen, being of high quality, was locked in a treasure box.  When one opens the lid, the inside of the lid has the tag line "Unlock the Power".   Continuing with the theme I have had throughout, this project (#3) communicates the notion that people have the power within them to write great and influential things, the treasure chest is symbolic of internal restraints that prohibit people from using that power.

Project #2

The image below is my "poster" for project #2.  My product is a pen.  I am continuing my theme of the power of the pen.  The idea is that MLK wrote (and spoke) just a few words that came to represent a cultural and ideological shift in the nation.  Again, the power of the pen.  The power of words.  Words can change the world.  In my initial explorations for this project, I had a variety of important documents in mind....the Bible, Koran, Torah, Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, etc...  I wanted to somehow depict the images of those signing or writing these documents (there are several good images of the founding fathers signing with quill pens).  I thought of a timeline, perhaps, listing the signing or writing of historically important documents.  But, in the end, it all seemed too cumbersome, too busy and difficult to depict visually.  After feedback from my instructor, I narrowed it down to the one image of MLK.  It was definitely streamlined and, I thought, impactful.  But, it received a great deal of harsh criticism in the class crit.  My graphic skills are lacking and this was apparent in the poster.  I don't have Illustrator or Photoshop, so I used Powerpoint.  This limiting factor clearly impacted the success of my project.  I had hoped it would have the impact intended, but it clearly did not succeed in doing so.

Project #1

This is my "postcard" depicting the "Power of the Pen".  The idea behind this is that the pen is mightier than the sword/words have greater power than weapons/words can change the world.