Destruction and Use Of The Dictionary

Charlie was considering how my dictionary could be used in the wider context. The wider context being how the viewer can interact and play with the dictionary. We discussed how if a fan was used how the paper would react with one another and if this were filmed for however long, would communicate the relationship more physically. Shame i didnt get round to trying this out, but it would have produced a comparison between the paper sizes, moving in between one another that the viewer could have engaged with more interest.

Dictionary Of Paper Sizes

The brief was to design a dictionary of 40 words on any theme that i wanted to choose. I began by considering the functionality and the purpose of the standard dictionary, the fact that it is plainly useful. What i wanted to explore was how to create a dictionary that can actually be used and be of use to someone. Secondly it was important to consider how it would communicate visually. The idea of paper sizes is general and obvious and choice, but i felt that i hadnt ever seen a true comparison between the various paper sizes that are available to us. There is true physicality about paper and the way it feels, prints and responds a huge amount of tasks.

By creating an installation i felt i could compare the paper sizes i had collected, ranging from 458 X 648 mm (C2) to 31 X 44 mm (B10). What needs to be developed is an actual system for this piece and how it can be used.

A Book That List Words

Peter Saville created this colour coded alphabet taken from 19th century Fantin-Latour flower painting he had spotted as a postcard in the National Gallery shop. The colours where taken directly from that of the flower.

A dictionary is a a book that list words of a language in alphabetical order and gives their meaning. These words can be perceived as images as well as typographically. What Saville has created is away of seeing these words. Words: a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence and typically shown with a space on either side when written or printed.

A means of showing these words, describing these words. What do the words relate to and link to?

Goldfinger

This is nothing other than brilliance by the incredible Robert Brown-john for the title sequence of the James Bond Film Goldfinger. Its a combination of such a simple idea involving projecting the film on top of the models body with the heart warming sound of Shirley Bassey's voice over the top make this 2 minutes 50 seconds the best. The gold colours and the juxtaposition of the models body are all just purely sexy which also add to the allure. Also the san serif which is quite possible Helvetica is clear and legible through out.

One Minute Of You Time

Alex Reuben a film maker based in Brazil has a set a 4 day film project 'One minute of your time'. The idea of creating something precious. We have been considering how perspective in terms of scale and depth can be used how it will be perceived. How you can use perspective has just a means of expression. Have a projection on top of a projection with no level of depth what so ever. This is one of his short films, i will be researching moving image alot more from now on and how it can communicate different ideas and on what sort of scale.

Watching Graham Norton being filmed earlier at the South-bank Studios (also the home of Loose Women and GMTv) it was interesting to experience a live set and how cameras, lighting and movement all fit into one space to form a program. It is clear that a hell of a lot more prior preparation went into creating the set and post production then the filming of the show itself. To see a system that work efficiently and productively. Inspiration for some work experience i hope this summer.

Glimpses Of The USA

Set in the Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome Charles and Ray Eames produced a film over seven screens exhibiting North America as a humane,productive and socially inclusive place. They didnt focus upon the american supremacy but more as an utopian world. A country as an idea, providing an alternate view not right or wrong about society (their society). How does it relate to the rest of the world?

Charles Meecham, Joy Division Atmosphere

Saw this cover for the original 12" release of Atmosphere by Joy Division. The photograph that looks like it is taken at the edge of motorway is expressed in two halves. I find this photography that focuses on these peripheral subjects extremely engaging as a part of the everyday.