Project Proposal

Project Title: B&B

Review Progress and Achievement

In the early stages I learnt and developed a variety of new artistic skills that can be used in future projects. I have enjoyed exploring and experimenting with different art and design approaches that have helped me to understand the creative process in depth. Stage 1 art project gave me an opportunity to combine photography with art, which lead me to create an art-based installation piece. I was intrigued with the mixed media approach and began to research into other visual approaches in the development of my photography projects in the pathway stage. I chose photography because it has been a skill that I began in my A-Levels and wished to expand in higher education. I have been slowly developing my photography skills but wanted to learn more of the theoretical and technical aspects to expand my photographic knowledge.

Project Concept

For my final project I am going to investigate the ‘Bed and Breakfast’, as a quintessentially English establishment. This builds on my general interest into ‘Englishness’ and will allow me to express something of the quirkiness of our culture while affording an opportunity to record a snapshot of British Culture, which feels out of date and therefore is finite. The work will take the form of an objective documentary or photographic essay. I will present my photographs in the form of a book, with prints on the wall in the final show. The work would have a possibility as an editorial feature in ‘The Guardian’ and the ‘Sunday Times’.

I have started some initial theory research into cultural identity and I am going to study theorists such as Zygmunt Bauman and Aleida Assmann. To develop my research, I will be looking at photographers that document England in a fascinating way such as, Martin Parr and his comically brightly coloured projects. Also, Simon Roberts’s iconic snapshots of English landscapes inspired me to capture realistic moments in time. Jackie Nickerson’s project ‘Faith’ inspires me because of the subtle use of natural and artificial lighting used to create a soft beautiful atmosphere. I plan to experiment with natural light and the location lighting kit to develop a consistent approach. Edward Hopper’s artwork of American moments shows class and identity through people’s appearance and the environment. To expand my theory on this approach I will look at the book ‘The Photograph’ by Graham Clarke as I feel that this is an accessible source to find out more about documentary photography. “It’s historical significance is employed further to invest its status as a truthful and objective account of what has happened”. I believe that this quote shows that the importance of English culture can be explored in an objective manner.

Finally, I intend to use this final project to expand my technique and develop a reliable format for representation in the mixed lighting conditions I will encounter. This will include experimenting with the use of flash to create vivid images. I will also explore more into specific camera techniques such as the use of depth of field, which will help me to become more confident.

Evaluation

I will be evaluating and reflecting my work development throughout this project via my blog, to consider the project proposal and it’s aims. To help me with my own learning process, I will use a journal to make weekly reflections, evaluating my strengths, weaknesses and improvements. For my final evaluation I will evaluate my creative process in depth by analysing my project aims and the final practical outcomes, reflecting on improvements that I could make. I will also evaluate how well I have used my time, referring back to my time plan.

This is my project prososal that I will be constantly referring back too, evaluating each part of my project by checking that they meet all of my proposal intentions.

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