I went into this project with the intent to explore the meaning of space. Before exploring this concept, I honestly didn't consider the concept of space, besides the literal meaning. I created this project with the intent to find a new definition of space in an abstract way. I'm a mixed media artist through and through and always knew there would be a mixed media component to this project. Considering the 'vintage' nature of my topic, the mixed media element ties in the feeling of time and expirations. Although it was often challenging to stay motivated despite having health and computer issues over winter break, the fact that my grandfather was involved made the project that more meaningful. My grandfather was visiting when I first read the concept for this project and I had the idea to challenge the traditional notion of time. Instead of blatantly asking my interviewee, "what does space mean to you?" I wanted my grandfather to tell a portion of his story that would describe a space in a moment in time. I hoped that this take on 'space' would give viewers the opportunity to not only learn from a first-hand perspective about the injustices of the civil rights movement but to convey that 'spaces' are constantly changing while staying the same in our minds. I have no specific audience for this project, although those appreciative of abstract art would (hopefully) take more kindly to my project. 

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This piece was especially meaningful to me because it was spoken in my grandfather's words. I really enjoyed the different take on the explication of space rather than a simple, logical definition. I wanted to capture something meaningful to my family and I, while also exploring what the occupation of space really means. As a mixed media artist, I have a batch of materials on hand at all times. I've always been drawn to the different textures mixed media brings, and love common objects like newspapers and magazines. While I originally planned on creating a rotoscope interview on Photoshop, a sh*tty computer and technical difficulties got in the way, resulting in a return to one of my favorite mediums: collage. All of the materials used from magazines were from 10-30 years ago, thus fitting in with the vintage vibe. With the use of various mixed media materials, I made a stop motion collage, changing the composition physically scene by scene. I actually hope my audience goes into my project with no expectations. I've received the highest level of interest and praise to those I've shown without expectations. I'm thrilled that I was able to use collage for this project, as the bulk of my work revolves around collage and mixed media. Newspaper is an element that can be seen throughout almost all my work. I believe the 'almost bad that it's good' style of drawing that I've seen in a new art movement is similar to the style I portrayed here. I didn't go out of my way to draw hyper-realistic pieces, as that was not the emphasis of my work. 

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Due to the more serious tone of my piece, I didn't want to detract from the story with the sound design. Although I played around with interesting noises, nothing seemed to benefit the piece. I included sounds that helped the viewer visualize and feel the story, but not detract from the story itself. Due to my grandfather's wishes, I actually had to leave out a great deal of the recorded interview. He understandably got emotional when discussing his experience with life during the 1950s, and broke down in tears twice. To be quite honest he was embarrassed and didn't want it shared. 

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This course made me question what occupying a space really means. I've never given it thought prior, and I discovered that occupying a space can be as simple as a memory. On a more technical note, I never knew what rotoscoping even was, and I'm thrilled to explore it in the future (given the right equipment).  All I can ask for from a college education is to be offered questions that I would never have normally thought of, and this course did just that.

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