mix o tammy

Dear NY, I am going to take pictures of you.

2011-09-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

owen cox goldfrapp

2011-07-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

The heavenly birth of season five Owen Cox Dance is upon us. I am attempting to demonstrate the elegance and progressive nature of this amazing and clever dance company.

The initial iteration (below) includes a pentagon within a climactic moment; Jen Owen the leader and primary choreographer demonstrates her explosive imagination while the dancers accompany her with the dreamy demonstration.

My mood board consists of mostly Goldfrapp, Sheppa Peppa (the dj of noMathmatics and AIGA events), and of course Dustin.

LOVE or something

2011-05-13T11:57:00.001-07:00

This short is about memories, longing and unrequited love—basically the tragedy called life.

the art of way

2011-04-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Kate and I are focusing on the essence of the KCAI identity as full of momentum. The Art Institute was set in motion by a handful of individuals who greatly assisted with getting Kansas City on the map—within the world of art. Another feature of the identity we are focusing on is the combination of modern and classic (not to mention steadfast). The school began in the late 1800's and has survived many potentially destructive forces, yet the passion for its existence lives on into the computer age and beyond...(It's exciting to think that when this school began, Main street was a dirt road with hitching posts!) And so our color palette has evolved into a spectrum to celebrate.

Finding Way

anything goes

2011-04-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

This is an analog stop motion for my digital film class (with swiftly rendered drawings, my favorite typeface and found patterns). The goal was to follow the example of the masters of photomontage—who often illustrated sharp opinions on current social issues.

I know, I know. It needs a REALLY funny ending—working on it.

Soundtrack: Anything Goes by Cole Porter

wayfinding inspiration

2011-04-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

WE! program partial

2011-03-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

This is a (take one) partial of the program interior. Grid-ish seems to be my theme. I begin with such good intentions...On another note, Jamie Gray better come to this.

chromatic collaborations / take one

2011-03-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

final poster above with sparkling chromatic font; fpo posters below...

hi there chicago

2011-03-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Mikal is a musician from Kansas City who is studying film at SAIC. (She is also friends with everyone in the whole world and the reason I once got to eat lunch with the amazing Eleni Mandell.)

a teeny, tiny documentary of mikal from tammy shell on Vimeo.

FREE DESIGN

2011-03-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

MaberryShell have teamed up once again and boy are we having fun.

The original essence of FREE DESIGN is free-spirited design. The freedom part can be broken down into the following (initially cryptic) categories: joy, individuality and impact.

1. It's all about JOY.
If we are not designing from a spirit of joy, then what are we doing here? It's easy to tell from our work that passion is the driving force. Our goals are not simply to create pretty things, but to marry beauty, passion and function.

2. We are free to be individual.
Upon entering the design department at KCAI we do not have to check our individual talents and propensities at the door. We are not shoved into a confining mold, but are allowed the freedom to grow and manifest our individual design directions. (The video, at the bottom of this post, is a symbolic and in-process representation of this. Thank you Brian for the comic relief.)

3. We are freeing design from the confines of the computers.
We are taking design out of the computers and applying it to impact the world. Our experience with Rosedale was an amazing example of this. We are learning to consider the power we have as designers. (Within this department, I have not just grown as a designer, but a person.) And lastly, (as Kate and Carly mentioned in their presentation,) With great power, comes great responsibility.

In my opinion, the opposite of free spirited design is "stiff and really dry design."

Dustin and I took running leaps up over this projected text, ahhh experimental type. We only slammed into the wall and fell rolling on the ground a few times...so very worth it.

possible catalog cover:
web page: (all of these would include photos of the entire leaping senior class)

free design from tammy shell on Vimeo.

experience as teacher

2011-02-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Modern Transition exhibition is a total sensory experience for the viewer. Our emphasis has been placed on Le Corbusier's journey as equally important to his arrival to each of the Five Points of Architecture. As the viewer takes the journey from room to room, he or she will experience a taste of sights and sounds of Le Corbusier’s expedition. The marriage of the literal with the poetic is key within our theme. We long to pursuade the viewer of the importance of the Five points through a thorough steeping into the driving passions of Le Corbusier. Corbusier’s primary influences will be married to his point of view. The music and visuals will mesmerize to dislocate the viewer from the current moment and slice open a portal into Corbusier’s world.

destiny vinely

2011-02-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Destiny teaches aerial classes at the Quixotic studio.

becky buznedo

2011-02-15T20:07:00.000-08:00

amy farrand

2011-02-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is Thomas, Amy's ultra attention-needy cat. Whenever he was not posing in a photo with Amy, he was in my lap. I tried to pack him in my bag.

pricing & ethical guidelines

2011-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

So far in my freelance pursuits, I have worked with solely non-profits. This is partially because I enjoy pursuing work with performance groups. I feel like some guidelines within this book don't quite apply to me just yet. My design reputation is still in the works, and so I don't feel I can charge a very decent amount. In the end, all pricing is subjective and a decision between the artist and the client.

"Artists need to be clear on the various components they will work on," as stated in the handbook. I appreciate the breakdown of five possible rolls of the graphic designer within a given project: orientation, design ideas, design execution, production and on-press. (Who knew it was possible to bill for each?) Honestly, when considering a printed project, I thoroughly enjoy all aspects, including the press-check. My experience at a printing company has instilled realistic as well as high expectations for the final product.

I had never considered asking the client to sign a contract—even a casual one. The confusion of what is expected by the artist could be made explicitly clear—if, of course the tight project specifications are known by the client him or herself at the beginning. Deciphering through the haze of a cloudy project can be frustrating.

Another bit of wisdom as gleaned from this book is, educating the client about the roll of a graphic designer, is the designers job. For instance, the client may choose the safe solution out of habit. The designer's roll is to attempt to steer the client from the idea of comfort to the most powerful solution. We are problem solvers, rather than pretty (non functional) thing makers.

WE! take two

2011-02-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

WE! take one

2011-02-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

before shredding the stage:
after shredding the stage!!!!!!!!!!:
The shredding action is hot off the press—and it has a photocopy feel. The project WE! will shred the concept of the traditional stage as well as the suffocating context of the office space. The main audience for this event will be art appreciating professionals. I am thinking happenings, bauhaus, deconstructivism. The context is the 6th floor of an office space. I imagine Jane Gotch standing on the window ledge with a decided aversion to setting a foot the floor.

Another photo possibility would be Mark Southerland holding a sledge hammer about to smash into a wall—because they are breaking down walls both figuratively and literally for this audience participatory performance.

So why not a poster series?

Additionally, I am not always a fan of the icon approach (literal representation of the person) BUT, Jane (and Mark as well) emit a powerful aroma of ethos. Dangerous soul penetrating actors, they are.

meat joy

2011-02-10T01:18:00.000-08:00

Motion is beckoning my attention and I am smitten. My heart flutters concerning the conception, recording and editing processes. (This digital filmmaking class is going to change my life.)

Music: Hot Boyz, by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (with Dear Nora)

meat joy from tammy shell dfilm on Vimeo.

This is a reaction to the linguistic experiments of the exploratory and portapak embracing videographer, Gary Hill. Specifically his piece from 1984, Why Do Things Get in a Muddle, Come on Petunia.

testing the portrait

2011-02-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

My process is partially inspired by the writings of Annie Leibovitz, as I am currently sifting through a book titled, Annie Leibovitz at Work. So far I have realized, no matter how gloriously talented a photographer may be, a portrait that truly defines the subject is no swift journey. During one of her commissioned portrait campaigns, she devoted an entire day to interviewing and researching each subject. She is of the persuasion that solely reading about the person is not enough. A one on one exchange is much more effective if truth is the pursuit.
With Annie on the brain, I met up with Taylor at her house. (I recently purchased a set of strobes, so I am officially mobile!) When she opened the door, a pretty and especially clumsy puppy attempted to give me a hug—I knew I was in the right place. This project is sort of an invasion into the lives of people, some I only know from afar.

As we sat down at her table, I grabbed my detective hat as well as a pen and paper. Vintage details everywhere—I had a hunch. My inner Sophie Calle peaked out. Should I walk around photographing objects that I find interesting and ask for a story? Should I ask her to leave the room while I take a gander and determine a possible narrative? First things first, this is the just the facts ma'am part of the project, and my word, and I would like to create a (loose definition) traditional portrait.

Taylor began explaining how she has a hard time throwing anything away. And sentimental she is, her apartment contains many inherited items from her grandmother and great grandmother. Even Taylor's cat, Calle, belonged to her grandmother. Her world revolves around family. Upon the completion of the casual interview, I waited. Surely it would happen. The sign. The one that flashes with (almost all) working bulbs with the arrow pointing towards which path to pursue. (This is beginning to become a little verbose and so I will stop now...thank you for listening.)

For this portrait study, I plan to put into practice what I have (and will) glean from studying the masters. (Those that I consider masters are defined in previous posts.) I will bathe in their processes and emerge anew. My personal goal is to collaborate with the subject and allow the processes I have learned thus far from graphic design to merge with the tests.

alter ego exploration

2011-02-06T16:08:00.001-08:00

networking site research

2011-02-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

mo betta exhibit

2011-02-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

1. (Poetic)Persuasive

Potential exhibit number one, The Sensory Experience. Mo, aka MoBettaDesign.com, and I are longing for the gallery visitor to engage in the tangible. Not only will the visitor experience in complementary text concerning the vital five points [toward] a new architecture, he or she will be able to taste them as well. (I suppose participate with them would be a more accurate description.)

2. (Practical)Persuasive

Potential exhibit number two, The Le Corbusier Experience. This exhibit will be more for the logical variety. Initially, to set the scene, the viewer will engage in a timeline room illustrating the life of Le Corbusier. Significant dates will be enlarged and significant events will be emphasized—for instance his love affair with the lovely Josephine Baker.

The five points will be demonstrated throughout the rest of the exhibit in reference to the specifics of the Villa Savoye. Mo and I imagine the initial room will contain a general plan view (of the first floor) of the actual structure. Color coded wall infographs will repeat throughout the consecutive rooms with more thoroughly detailed plan view sections on the floor.

Notes from Le Corbusier

2011-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Five Points [Toward] a New Architecture
Our confident (and feathery) friend, derived these points through practical experience, rather than via frivolous fantasy; additionally, Le Corbusier's theory is non-aestheticly driven, non-fashion minded, but solely based on facts.

1. The Supports

A building may be sifted into two categories, supporting and non supporting elements. Confusing the two will lead to shallow design.

(hmmm, I knew it—Vignelli was influenced by this man: see this—Mo, we could incorporate an exhibit of the designers he influenced, as Vignelli considered him a god.)

Anyway...back to the supports, Le Corbusier stated, "supports and support foundations are precisely calculated according to the burdens the are called upon to carry." Therefore, walls will be added out of free spirited desire, rather than structural necessity. Additionally the ground floor will be lifted above the damp soil, as it too is no longer necessary as a base element.

2. Roof Gardens

A flat roof = a fine area for a garden. Honestly, who would not love to recline on a roof while sipping on lemonade and inhaling fragrant greenery? Practically speaking, according to Le Corbusier, the consistent humidity of the roof concrete will allow for the reinforced concrete to remain at a regular temperature. And lastly, "roof gardens mean to a city the recovery of all the build up area." Green-minded architecture in 1926! Wow.

3. The Free Designing of the Ground Plan

If supporting walls are no longer necessary, absolute design freedom has emerged! Each floor may be designed "entirely independent of the rest." The only debatable drawback, would be the high cost of reinforced concrete. But really, who could dispute such design freedom?

4. The Horizontal Window

Let there be (evenly refracting) L I G H T throughout the structure. Amen. Since the exterior walls are no longer enlisted as supporting elements, why not stretch a window the entire length of the wall? Maximum illumination, as stated by The Raven, is an excellent architectural pursuit.

5. Free Design of the Facade

(Repetition is key to learning)..."Since the exterior walls are no longer enlisted as supporting elements," a quote from me as stated in the previous paragraph, why not...(and now back to The Raven) "project the floor beyond the supporting pillars, as a surrounding balcony?" Additionally, to speak the obvious, windows may be added at will.

And lastly, a demonstration of Le Corbusier's humility,
"Nothing is left to us of the architecture of past epochs, just as we can no longer derive any benefit from the literary and historical teaching given in schools."

initial leap

2011-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

A designer’s purpose may be to educate, connect, provoke, author, facilitate. (as gleaned from advisor, Jamie Gray) Honestly, these action words will assist will keeping my project from becoming self-fulfilling mush.

Intervention
My position as a designer, is to identify a problem and intervene with a graphic design solution. Within this structure, My research experiments will consist of tests to will help narrow the topic of portrait and narrative toward a valid and concise focus.

(If I were to join the El Dorado teams my personal question may begin as: how can photographic narrative asssist with the facilitation of two separate communities?)

tests
A test will include aquiring models and photographing them (with added graphic design elements) to expand the traditional photograph to contain more layers of meaning and information. I would like the photographs to speak loudly and drip with narrative.

I will refer to those whom I look up to as portrait masters to keep my work in check:

Felix Gonzales-Torres, Portrait of Ross

Sophie Calle, Self Portrait
Sophie Calle, The Love Letter
Lois GreenField
Lois GreenField
Cindy Sherman, Untitled Film Still
Annie Leibovitz

Mapplethorpe, William BurroughsMapplethorpe, Self Portrait

Soul Search

2011-01-28T04:54:00.000-08:00

Project Proposal
I entered art school with a longing to photograph truth; Initially I aspired to pursue, cut and dry, photojournalism. And then I happened upon photographers such as Nan Golden who understood photography as an opportunity to reveal portraits of the less palatable side of truth—a photojournalistic biography of the underbelly and the so-called freaks. Another inspiration is Sophie Calle, who includes photography and typography within her autobiographical (though often fictitious) story-telling accounts. Cindy Sherman has also emerged as a source of inspiration, especially her invented identities and egos within the series titled, Untitled Film Stills. I have come to the conclusion, photography carries much broader potential for narrative injections.

My need for this project is to pursue my deep unquenchable passions. Photography is a defining force for me; I feel most at ease when behind a camera, (not to mention in front of the camera.) And I now consider the marriage of graphic design with photography and opportunity to dive into the world of fine art.

I am longing to position my project around the portrait. The reasons for this are many; I am captivated by the soul penetrating portraiture of such artists as Man Ray, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Felix Gonzales-Torres, as well as the autobiographical and ego/alter ego exploration others such as of Cindy Sherman, Sophie Calle, Nan Golden, Pipilotti Rist…. After being exposed to rhetoric possibilities, I feel like a secret weapon ready to am and fire at photographic narrative pursuits.

Social Objectives
For my social objective, I would like to encourage others to reconsider the idea surrounding the portrait as a possibility to to flavor with narrative and layers of meaning. Truth is not always the goal. The addition of graphic design elements will serve to complement as well as contradict narrative. In my opinion, the existing view of the portrait is occasionally a simple and carelessly rendered smile and cheese, in and out experience. I am thirsting for more.

Messages
My primary message would be to communicate that the incorporation of graphic design to a portrait can elevate the narrative. I long to expand and contradict the real or perceived “truth” surrounding the image.

Audience
My “concerned” audience would include art enthusiasts and those that frequent the art show scene, as a longing for this project would be a gallery show.

Communication Strategies
For this project to function, I will require interesting personalities—models. I will employ experimental methods of graphic design that include topics of rhetoric to expand the idea surrounding the portrait.

Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape includes high profile photographers and artists that will serve as both inspiration as well as a leaping point to test and combine possible methods.