MIDTERM PROJECT
Metamorphoses (due 3/10)


Introduction to Computer Art
Instructor: Tiffany Holmes

PART 1: Generating Ideas and Source Material

In your notebook, complete the following tasks (can start in class on 2/26)

1) Define metamorphosis. Look the word up in several sources to detect variation in the definitions. What is the history, or etymology of this word?

2) Using a thesaurus, look up the word metamorphosis and generate a word list of first, synonyms and second, antonyms.

3) Conduct a search for items that undergo a type of transformation or metamorphosis. Draw from all disciplines: literature (fictional characters, etc.), zoology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, philosophy, religion, history, art, etc. SUGGESTION: Use the Internet to aid your research. Make another list in your notebook of these items.

PART 2: Forming the concept

THE VISUAL PROBLEM: You are to create a series of digital images that communicate your ideas and feelings about the notion of metamorphosis. In this project, you are NOT illustrating an instance of metamorphosis. Rather, you are focusing on an idea or feeling that your research has generated. (Write down your ideas in your notebook as they come to you.)

Sample idea:

1) Explore the concept of metamorphosis by investigating the transformation of an abstract drawing. Begin by constructing a "foil," a piece that has nothing to do with metamorphosis (consult your antonym list for ideas). Create a single piece that communicates stillness, stasis, and immobility. Then, gradually alter the piece, making it lively and more dynamic. Save each alteration. You will end up with a sequence of images that you can animate in GifBuilder.

Part 3: Creating the images

This assignment will display your new unbelievable skills in Photoshop. Use layers, layer transformations, text, tools, WHATEVER to make your images unique. You may wish to animate your images in GifBuilder.

Requirements:
A) Please produce at least 4 images (not any larger than 640x480) for critique. ALL FOUR IMAGES MUST BE THE SAME SIZE.

B) All four images should "relate" in that each attempts to solve the "conception" problem in a similar way. Pretend you are showing these images as a series of four at a gallery.

C) Please turn in all original and appropriated images on disk (in one folder labeled MIDTERM) or as hard copy in a manila envelope. Also, you must be prepared to turn in your notebook.