Initial artist research to reflect and talk about during this weeks seminar session.
The thought process for these research images was from the previous idea of 'layers'.
I determined that the layers of an individuals appearance and personality are both subject to change depending on who they are with and how they want to be seen.
To reflect each of these expanding layers I looked in to artists (graphic designers, photographers and artists) who use stacked layer combinations to form an overall image, each layer being essential in the final visual outcome. I see this as similar to humanity, each layer of our being is needed to form our character but each level within is hidden or uncovered to alter and amend ourselves when wanted.
Linking this to cyber studies, the layer viewed on social networking platform could too be amended or could be the tip of our edited selves which show the perfect us. Its superficial, the internet you may have no depth visible whereas the 'psychical' you has experiences and morals shaping how you behave and act daily.
Thinking of these influences on our character and appearance led me to think how brands must also influence who we are. We are all consumers and with the digital world at our fingertips no more so have we arguably become materialistic. The constant imagery of "IT" or 'popular' brands, consciously or unconsciously must impact what our self portrait looks like.
Using my self in this context I chose to list brands which make each layer of my appearance look the way it does. The brand we choose for each component could also be linked to what would give us the most 'credit', e.g. on social media with hashtags, as this shows what you have, and makes you feel part of the company when they like or follow back their related posts.
e.g HAIR- john frieda, ellnett, Vo5, Tangleteezer
EARS- johnson's, various jewellery brands
EYEBROWS- tweezerman, natural collection, real techniques, barry M
EYELASHES- vaseline, mac, soap and glory, benefit, eylure.
etc.
However in the feedback for both of these ideas it was unanimously discussed how a use of 'brands' is a cliche. Its something typical of graphic design. Whereas the layers idea had lots of experimentation room and left open a wide range of exploration areas. Also this linked to the psychological and sociological perspectives as it seeks to uncover whats going inside ourselves and why that needs to happen in society.
Discussion also led to how the output for this could be uncovered. Either a finished piece of metal and print to establish the idea of these layers have to be stacked for the real person, they can be added or taken away for certain people. But also that it could be taken simplistically to a single print which communicated all the key concepts of the project.
This is yet to be determined how ever as the short brief time scale limits the extent the piece can be taken too.
