Website Design

I was inspired by simplicity for my website layout. Grey scale, with use of black and white, helps to create this atmosphere. Many artist websites follow this simple design. The true focus is on the artwork, therefore that should be the only picture in true color.

The inspiration for my website's purpose came from the notion of online stores and blogs. The interactive artwork on the index page will have roll-over links that takes the viewer to different "stores." Each component of the city scape drawing will lead to a store that is themed based upon the objects sold there. The site will not be a true store, but will be comprised of various objects that I find on other store sites. In this way, it is like an interactive blog. The viewer will be able to follow my inspiration for different "looks" for clothing and/or home decor.

Website Layout

ERIN WASSON

Erin Wasson is not only one of my icons, her official website embodies an atheistic portrayed by the layout and color schemes. It is minimalist, with an artistic undertone due to her history in fashion. Many designer websites portray this "minimalist" attitude becuase the most important aspect is to show off the designed clothing and/or accessories.

Initial Page

The initial page that is viewed once searching for the site includes a black and white color scheme. Erin can be seen in a black and white fashion photograph as the background. On the borders of the page are "grunge" acid wash panels. Both the style of pose in the photograph and the acid wash panels portray Erin's fashion point of view. If one knows her style, she is into a southwestern, grunge type of look.

The heading is kept simple; a bold "ERIN" stretching across the top of the page. The spacing between each letter adds even more interest. Minimal links are located on the entire page.

Using the Links

When a link is selected, the "ERIN" heading and background do not change. It is only the picture that disappears and is replaced by a colored picture. Along the bottom is a scroll bar to pan through pictures. The scroll bar adds a new dimension to the page, moving horizontally instead of vertically. I believe that all this maintains the intended atheistic of "minimal." Choosing to display color pictures against a black and white background will make them "pop" more. This enhances the intended use of the website: to show off Erin's personality and work. 

www.erinwasson.com

Final Project 2

"Public Space in a Private Time"- Reaction to Vito's Worldview

   Vito Acconci recounts the evolution of public space as the conception of time has changed throughout our societal world. Public spaces have not only been restricted by policies and laws, but it has also expanded with the introduction of virtual space.

   Within paragraph "9" Vito discusses the notion of two types of places: historical and virtual. He begins by explaining the evolution of the historical place. Clusters of individuals must move indoors to keep intact. These indoor settings can be commonly seen as bars, cafes, etc. People come to these places either for a service or to be part of a group. In many cases, on may come with the excuse of receiving a service, but the cluster is essentially brought together by the common service. What gives this place a sense of "place" is that it becomes distinguished from the surrounding places.
   Historical places are preservation or recreations of the place it was previously. These places have time, time that is ultimate. In further distinction, Vito claims the historical place as equivalent to going home. In opposition, virtual spaces is equivalent to going on vacation. These places have no time. Yet, what is a place without time? In both cases, the place is linked with memory or imagination. The ultimate drive: companionship.
  

Project 2

Remaking a Logo

I had chosen a simplistic Ravens football logo in spirit of being a fan. I not only changed around the colors to make the eyes pop and become more intimidating, I expanded some of the points on the edges. I then added purple mock-flames to portray a border.

Artist Post: Street Ghosts, Paolo Cirio

   "Ghostly human bodies appear as casualties of the info-war in the city..." (Paolo Cirio)

   Paolo Cirio is a media artist that dabbles in various fields. "Street Ghosts", specifically, is considered to be net-art. He is most notable for exploring the influence that information has on social, political, and economic factors. His work is meant to create a reaction (i.e. thought provoking) and it certainly does when legal consequences come his way. For example, in 2011, he "stole" 1 million Facebook profile pictures and republished them on a mock dating site, ordering them by facial expressions. Specifically, I wish to explore his work known as "Street Ghosts."

http://streetghosts.net/

   "Street Ghosts" is composed of people captured by Google's Street View cameras. They are reprinted as low-resolution, human scale posters. The images are intentional blurred as to create a "digital shadow." The printed posters are then posted on the walls in the original spot the picture was taken on the Street View camera. The art straddles two worlds: digital and real.
   Paolo notes that Street Ghosts is intended to explore the boundaries of ownership when it comes to personal lives. It is a war between public and private. The pictures taken on Google are without the person's permission, invading on their privacy but somehow in a legal manner. Paolo is reversing this by using the images without Google's permission.
   Street art is often in expression to a cause. Printed where all can see, it is a public statement and the artist may be well aware of the consequences. Paolo is no exception. His art may not be ascetically pleasing to the eye, but it packs in a statement....in public. Legal consequences may arise, but this only gains his work, and his view on society, more attention. Personally, "Street Ghosts" would be hard for me to grasp as a viewer unless I knew the background intentions of the project. I would more than likely pass by without even seeing it. Yet, maybe this is also part of Paolo's point. Many bystanders would also pass by these images, upholding the notion that they are "ghosts." In critique, I believe that by making the art larger than just human size would create a more noticeable effect. The viewer would, then, not be able to simply just pass by the image. They would be starring at a larger-then-life form, giving an omnipresent aesthetic.

http://streetghosts.net/
http://eyebeam.org/people/paolo-cirio
http://www.paolocirio.net/cv.php