What Does Language Look Like Part II

Project Description

                The purpose of this project is to create a three dimensional word structure out of corrugated cardboard and other materials in an attempt to convey the definition of that word. Each letter will be three feet tall and should be in a Futura or Serifa font face. The type chosen should be based on the idea or definition of the word. For our group, the word we selected was SUPPORT. We decided to make our letters using the Serifa font as our letter templates. Our idea was based on the definition that support means to advocate something, like a cause. Therefore, we colored each letter based on the colors represented by the support ribbons. For example, light pink is associated with supporting breast cancer awareness and research.

Reflection over the Photo Essay

                I really enjoyed the photo essay part of the project. Not only did it allow me to work with designing a visually appealing layout on the computer, it also let me craft a physical booklet for the layout to fit in to. It combined both digital and traditional techniques to create the final product. This pertained to the project because it helped visually show the process of idea building, the various stages of construction for the letters, and also the final installations of our word around campus. I learned that it is important to document and take pictures of the project as you go along so that it makes putting together a photo essay much easier.

 

Reflections on Different Parts of the Project

                The most strenuous part of this project was the physical construction of the cardboard letters. All the members in my group invested a significant amount of time and money into trying to make this project look good. We were also pressed for time, but our solution was to each work on a few letters individually and we would have planned days to meet up and discuss our problems and ideas about our word. This was probably the most challenging part of the project: Meeting up and communicating with group members about what we should do for the letters. I learned that it is important to meet up and clarify instructions multiple times during the process. And it is also important to get your part done so no one has to stress about getting your piece done when it is you’re responsibility. The most important aspects of a group project is probably efficient communications, everyone doing their part, and encompassing everyone’s ideas or plans for the project so no one feels left out.

Written reflection on the meaning of the word

          (word construction, placement, photos)

We chose to represent the definition of our word by painting each letter a different color to support each corresponding color’s meaning and cause.  We constructed the word out of cardboard and each letter was individually crafted. The reason our letters look the way they do, and an explanation of the final location, is defined in our purpose statement. It reads: We chose Liptincott Hall and multiple methods of coloring/constructing the letters to represent the idea of supporting each other and each other’s differences. We are took a multi-cultural and international aspect  on supporting these causes, and causes in general (by having our final location at the building for study abroad and international affairs) because they can affect any one of us. The photos we took all played on the idea of supporting people, objects, or ideas. Our two locations inside of Liptincott Hall play on the idea of supporting causes. The first shot is under the study abroad posters and the second is meant to draw attention by being staggered down the stairs. By taking up the stairs it is showing how much impact supporting a cause can have and how these things, like breast cancer and domestic violence, can be obstructing to one’s daily life. The letters placed outside of Liptincott Hall by the statue put the statue’s actions into a single word. The men posing seem to be giving gestures of support to one another. The letters scattered among the trees plays on the idea of the trees providing structural support to the letters and also that you should support the environment (as the green letter T represents). The two photos taken outside and group photo taken inside Fraser Hall show how our entire group works together to support each other. The final picture of our letters inside Fraser Hall lining the pillars vertically plays on the idea of pillars acting as supports for the building.