The simulacrum is an individually produced presentation (film) that encapsulates a reinterpretation or innovatory development of an object. Whatever your chosen object is, it's design, soundtrack, visual presentation and physical packaging of your project should all be derived from the properties held within your object and its history.
For this module, I have to produce to 90 Second film, feature a ‘Digital object’ and it is worth 70%. The format it needs to be in is 640 x 480 and either mov / wmv, and the deadline is Monday 8th
Process.
1. Think carefully what we mean by 'an object', particularly in the context of the lectures and practical sessions.
2. Choose an object.
3. Research your chosen object heavily to develop a full understanding of the social contexts in which it has and does exist. This includes its form, historical development, practical and social function.
4. Explore the form and function of the object through a process of remodelling and experimental redesign.
5. Construct a 3D model of the redesigned object.
6. Produce a simulacrum for the object that conveys all aspects of your redesign including history, dimensions, tactility, weight, sound and social context.
So during our first lecture we were shown examples of previous student, ranging from professionally skilled to the basic. The one of my favourite example was this simple idea of a can flying around the screen to the Superman theme and landing in a recycling bin. It was so simple but so effect and I believe that is the direction I would like to go. To start I am going to work through the process list that has been laid out one by one
1. Think carefully what we mean by 'an object', particularly in the context of the lectures and practical sessions.
Definition of ‘An Object’:
‘A tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow.’
‘A single, identifiable unit or entity that can comprise other, smaller objects.’
During our lessons so far we have been studying Perception and visual tricks, and about modernist and post modernist movements. It has helped with thinking about how to display my object and present it to the viewer.
2. Choose an object.
After the first lecture I came up with several ideas and these were:
· Shoes
· Mobile
· Scissors
· Pen
· Cork screw
I decided the mobile, even though it has a lot of social background, is quite a dull object. I was close to choosing the pen as I could imagine the pen drawing by itself its own history and ending up with it coming up against the keyboard and it smashing the pen. However the idea of the shoe has so much scope as there are so many types of shoes and context in which you wear them. A quick idea was a pair of shoes causing havoc in my room and then me putting them on. I shall explore that idea later
3. Research your chosen object heavily to develop a full understanding of the social contexts in which it has and does exist. This includes its form, historical development, practical and social function.
History
The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in 1938. However, the materials used for making shoes (typically tanned leather) do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this.
The earliest designs were simple affairs, often mere "foot bags" of leather to protect the feet from rocks, debris, and cold. Since a shoe uses more leather than a sandal, their use was more common amongst people in cold climates. By the Middle Ages, turn-shoes had been developed with toggled flaps or drawstrings to tighten the leather around the foot for a better fit. As Europe gained in wealth and power, fancy shoes became status symbols. Toes became long and pointed, often to ridiculous proportions. Artisans created unique footwear for rich patrons, and new styles developed. Eventually the modern shoe, with a sewn-on sole, was devised. Since the 17th century, most leather shoes have used a sewn-on sole. This remains the standard for finer-quality dress shoes today.
Since the mid-20th Century, advances in rubber, plastics, synthetic cloth, and industrial adhesives have allowed manufacturers to create shoes that stray considerably from traditional crafting techniques. Leather, which had been the primary material in earlier styles, has remained standard in expensive dress shoes, but athletic shoes often have little or no real leather. Soles, which were once laboriously stitched on, are more often glued today.
Form
There are many different type of shoes and below is a list and pictures of just a few:
Sandals
Pumps
Trainers
Flip flops
Boots
Wellington boots
Slippers
High heels
Clogs
Platform
Skating
Social Function
In most parts of the world (Asia, Eastern Europe, parts of the Middle East and Africa, much of Northern Europe and Canada, as well as Alaska) it is customary to remove shoes when entering a house. In some areas of the United States, especially the Midwest, it is expected that visitors remove their shoes unless a host specifically invites them to leave their shoes on. People do this to avoid bringing dirt, mud or snow into the house. For some societies, including those in Asia, indoor footwear may be provided for guests.
In the Middle East, parts of Africa, Korea and Thailand, it is considered rude to show the soles of the feet to others (even accidentally, such as by crossing the legs). In addition, in Thailand, it is an extreme insult for the foot, socks, or shoes to touch someone's head or be placed over it. Although feet touching heads is an extremely rare occurrence in any society, some Muay Thai boxers insult each other by "kicking" the opponent's head with their foot (most Muay Thai kicks are executed with the shin).
Shoes play an important role in the fairy tales Cinderella, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Red Shoes. In literature and film, an empty shoe or a pair of shoes signifies death.[citation needed]
First 3D MAX session
In this session I learnt how to create and modify objects, add texture and start to create movies. I believe this has instilled some confidence into me to create a realistic object that can be animated.
Below are the best parts of what I got from my day:
