DESIGN NAME: We Set Sail
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Album Art
INSPIRATION: I was inspired by the mystical and mysterious behaviour of the animal kingdom. Especially on a communication level. At the same time I loved the random, but dynamic movement of the powder paint in the air. This really symbolised the fact that to gain control you first have too loose it completely. Thus to experience the music along with the art work you have to submit too the elements and let the music take over.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We Set Sail's songs consists of intricate arrangements made up of loud and soft instrumental textures. The aim was to reflect the contrasting aspects in the design as well as the connection with the title ANIMAL. Music is a universal language like that of the animal kingdom. It is all frequency based. Thus music/frequency is essentially a way of crossing boundaries between species. Simply submit to the frequencies in order to transcend into the spiritual realm where all men and beasts are equal.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Operation is standard. Place vinyl record onto the record player. Listen too the music while exploring the accompanied art work. This enhances the over all experience of the complete product.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa and ended in February 2015 in Oudtshoorn, South Africa and produced in March 2015.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Photography and Photo Manipulation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: In studio the model/dancer was briefed in terms of the type of movements needed for the powder paint too produce the most dynamic clouds. The lighting was from one side in order to create strong contrasts. The selected shots were graded in Photoshop to enhance the colours and contrast. Next the "Animals" had to be composited into their individual clouds. It looks forced if the animal is just stuck on top of the clouds. They had too appear naturally in order for the concept too work at its best.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 313mm x Depth 5mm x Height 311mm
TAGS: music, paint, dance, emotion, energy, animal, fierce, elegant, cinematic, photography
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I researching dance movements that resembles animal like behaviour. I wanted too capture the raw energy of each animal. I studied the way that the powder paint moves in the air. I had to calculate the perfect amount of powder needed to achieve the best results for the clouds. The lighting was just a single light source from the right side in order to create a strong contrast shot. Finally I had to blend the animal into the cloud. This consisted of simple trail and error until the correct technique was achieved.
CHALLENGE: Limited time was allocated for the shoot. Therefore all the research prior had too be done as thoroughly. During the shoot the end results were in the hands of chance. Another challenge was finding the animals within the clouds. As mentioned it looks fake/forced if a random animal is placed into a cloud. The actual contours of the animal needs to be embedded within the shot. Then its a matter of extracting the features through means of digital manipulation using a mixture of matt painting and photographic elements.
ADDED DATE: 2015-02-22 08:30:32
TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Photography: Dirk Steenkamp, Art Direction: Chris Slabber, Photo Manipulation: Chris Slabber and Model: Michelle Hodgkinson
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Dirk Steenkamp, Art director Chris Slabber, Photo Manipulation Chris Slabber, Model Michelle Hodgkinson
Image #2: Photographer Dirk Steenkamp, Art director Chris Slabber, Photo Manipulation Chris Slabber, Model Michelle Hodgkinson
Image #3: Photographer Dirk Steenkamp, Art director Chris Slabber, Photo Manipulation Chris Slabber, Model Michelle Hodgkinson
Image #4: Photographer Dirk Steenkamp, Art director Chris Slabber, Photo Manipulation Chris Slabber, Model Michelle Hodgkinson
Image #5: Photographer Dirk Steenkamp, Art director Chris Slabber, Model Michelle Hodgkinson
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