Jean journey in print format...

I outlined plans to use my jean journey as part of my final installation, as I believe this is something others could relate to.
In ordered to explore this further, I decided to see how the photos would translate into print format. I felt this could tie in nicely with my excess weight bags, as it's important to me that my work has a sense of unity.
 I used photos, that I had done some basic editing on and done some test prints from which, I identified any aesthetical issues and further edited with photoshop. I also re-sized the images in order to create more of a final piece by scaling them up.

When I was happy with the photos, I then followed the screen printing process in hope that the images would successfully translate in to print format...

I have to say, that I was not disappointed with the results and despite minor technical issues (over charging the screen), I think the prints were extremely successful and will look great against my weight bags. I have tried them in white and off white as a comparison.
To think, that the original photos were initially a visual documentation to support the development of a video installation. Yet, they have now been developed as part of my final piece, as once seeing the images together, it was like viewing my struggles, progress, success, my very own journey represented and this is what I want the viewer to experience. This has really re-enforced the importance of recording everything throughout the creative process, as a trivial observation can sometimes offer that eureka moment every creative practitioner craves.

Final prints are finally done...

After much experimentation my final prints are ready to develop as part of my final piece.

 

 Final Prints ready for developing into weight bags

 

Despite the odd print been slightly faded which I think I will get away with because they are been developed into bags, I am extremely happy with the results. Although they resonate with stills associated with 60's conceptual  art, I still think they offer a contemporary feel which is translated through the design. I especially like how movement flows through the print design that adds character which I hope will intrigue the viewer.

 

Thinking Installation

As I'm started to develop my work into a final piece, I need to think about all the visual information I have recording, in order to identify what has been instrumental in my transformation. I want to create an installation that shows my reflection point or starting point, what changes I have made and finally the benefits this has had. The difficulty for me, is creating a response that visually shows my personal account, while embracing the topic and making it relatable to others.
I have already identified my weight bags as a means of enabling the viewer to experience my journey (Which I have now started to develop using my exercise pictures). However, I still had to identified factors within my work that could be good representations of my reflection point and the benefits of changing my lifestyle.
I started to re-evaluate the evidence of the documented changes including all my weighing and measuring exercises. As my weight bags were representing this, I knew I had to find another visual source. It was while looking back through my work, I found what could be a good visual representation of my reflection point.

 

This is a receipt I kept from the scales at the gym, I kept it as something to reflect back on to ensure I kept to my healthy lifestyle. I can remember I was feeling quite good when I had decided to weigh myself, as I had went from 12st 6and 3/4 lbs to 12.3 in my first couple of weeks. I decided to get a momentum of what I considered at this time, a great start to my body sculpting project. However, this was short lived when I seen the ticket as it truly made me reflect on how far I had to go and my 3 pounds didn't feel like such of an achievement anymore. This wee ticket was blunt in delivering the news that I had chosen to avoid. It showed that I was 5.9 over my recommended BMI and 2 stone over my recommend weight for my height, which hit me like a sledge hummer. I really had been kidding myself on, this was truly a moment of self-reflection, one I do not wish to repeat.
I really think people could relate to this, as most people at some point in their life's, will have to face facts when it comes to their bodies, weather it's down to under or over eating or other factors such as smoking, drinking, taking drugs or general health. This is mines, the realization I've miss treated my body which would ultimately effect my health if not addressed. This is something I will develop, I thinking I could frame this and maybe include a dictionary definition of self-reflection. Although, this maybe a strong enough visual element without this, so I will be mindful with any developments as often the simplest response can have the greatest impact.

My shrinking waist line...

When thinking about the benefits of my healthy lifestyle the list was endless in terms of the effects on my health, looks and waist line, but I had to think in terms of what has made the biggest difference to me. I would say that the biggest difference has came through my wardrobe, as cloths that had been banished to the top shelf are now back in pride of place. My cloths starting to fit has really had the greatest effect on how I feel about myself, as I am starting to gain confidence and I'm sure people can relate. as most of us have that dress or pair of jeans, that we cling onto in the hope that one day, they may see the light of day again.
I have documented this progressive journey as part of my visual development, through "that pair of jeans" I'm talking about. At first, I was truly horrified as I was spilling out all over the shop, however, now I've put the pictures side by side to compare, the changes are really apparent...

After seeing this comparison, I though this might actually make a great additional to my final piece. As, not only does it show the body sculpting process but it also captures the benefit associated with a healthy living. I did originally want to do a theatrical performance piece that world require me trying on different sized jeans until a pair eventually fits. However, this is a truly reflect of my journey and I don't want to over look the impact this has visually.
To develop this, I decided to use the same process I used earlier for my prints...

With the adjustment in contrast, shadows and brightness I think this creates authenticity within the picture and really allows the image to speak to the viewer, telling a visual story. This style of photo was popular in 60's conceptual work, which happens to be my favourite era and has maybe influenced me in some of the creative discussion I have made  throughout this project. 60's conceptual art came with such confidence that comes through a lack of fear of rejection, everything was new, unexplored, unlike today, when art can be over complicated by artists in search of a concept that hasn't been explored, say "a million times before". I would like to allow the art of the 60's to inspire me, by encouraging me to be fearless in my approach so I can be confident in my creative decisions and the simplicity of an idea.
I think I'll see how these look in print format, as I'm loving a bit of screen printing for developing stills, it's the way forward for this I think.

Exercise is creative...

When starting this project, I made a conscious decision to have fun with it. As, I feel it's so easy to get so pre-occupied with conceptual development, that other elements of the creative process is somewhat compromised, which includes having fun. As artist's can often struggle for notoriety and financial stability surely this is one of the perks we should take full advantage of. When a subject is explored in a playful way, concept development will no doubt come more naturally which will benefit any outcome. This was a change in attitude for me, as, I had compromised work by over thinking and not allowing myself the playful exploration required for any creative process to be a success. One of my favourite sayings is a quote by artist Sol Lewitt:

"Your work isn't a high stakes, nail-biting professional challenge. It's a form of play. Lighten up and have fun with it:".

Sol Lewitt Quote. Daniel Marzona (2004). Taschen. Conceptual Art.

I hope the photos I have done for my final prints embodies this and have capitulated  the full playfulness the creative process has to offer:-

Here are a few of the exercise performance pictures, un-edited.

In order to get the photos ready for the printing process, I had to edit them using the same process from earlier experiments:-

There are almost 40 photos however, I will only be using 36 for the print process, I will be using a grid formation when printing onto material.
I have to admit, I love these photos, not only do they translate movement well but they represent my body which includes the lumps and bumps I normally try so hard to conceal. In a way, I feel I have gained some confidence within this process, as, although I still have some way to go in regards to my personal journey. The fact I'm embracing positive change has made me feel better about myself, which is translated though my work. I think these picture also show, that if your creative with exercise, it can be fun.

Making it all worth while...

During this project I have mentioned that, there are times when I really struggle to fit everything in. Despite this, I have remained dedicated to making time for exercise even if it means I have to push myself in terms of work and study. Seeing and feeling all the benefits have really pulled me through, it has been my mental strong point. In regards to this, I have just seen an article that provides further evidence of how beneficial exercise is:

Can exercise actually REVERSE aging? Promising new study reveals that working out can make skin appear up to FORTY years younger

 

Annabel Fenwick Elliott. (2014). Mail online. Can exercise actually REVERSE aging? Promising new study reveals that working out can make skin appear up to FORTY years younger. Available. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2607298/Can-exercise-actually-REVERSE-aging-Promising-new-study-reveals-working-make-skin-appear-FORTY-years-younger.html. Last accessed 19/04/2014.

I have started to see the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle but I'm sure most people would agreed that this is compelling evidence. With more people opting for dangerous plastic surgery in order to stay young, this could offer a refreshing alternative.
I have always suffered from self-confidences issues in regards to my looks and I don't think that the aesthetically charged society we live in has helped, that's maybe why I feel so at home within the world of modern art.
No sooner had I started to deal with my insecurity demons, I now have the worry of getting older to deal with. I have always wondered how I would handle this, give my insecure past. I think this article could really help keep me on track. I have now accepted that I can't change the fundamental parts of me and I need to work with what I have. This just re-enforces the message that to be the best we can be on the outside, we have to look after our bodies by eating healthy and exercising. I for one, think this is something worth doing especially if it keeps the anti-ageing demons at bay.

Introducing my healthy lifestyle into my work...

I've been making all sorts of healthy changes to my lifestyle and one of them is introducing more exercise so I meeting the recommended two and a half hours per week. I've already covered the many health benefits associated with this and my measurements are a testament to the changes to my body. However, I now need to try and capture how fun and enjoyable exercise can be, especially if your willing to try new things. I've been trying out different ways of keeping fit and my favourite so far is power hooping but my gym might be introducing rave trampolining, I say "hell yes" to that. Exercise is about what works for you, weather it's a 20 min walk or a hike up glen Nevis, it all counts as I'm finding out. However, the more fun exercise is, the easier it gets. I want to capture this message in my work and inspire people to see exercise as something fun to do.
When I was a child, every week day morning, when you switched on the T.V you were greeted by brightly kitted out aerobics instructor inspiring us all to get up and moving in the morning. With their crazy 80's work-out gear and enthusiasm for keeping fit it was hard not to join in, this put the fun into exercise.

 
Lizzie Webb, TV-am photo gallery, Last updated (2008)
Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/image_galleries/tv_am_gallery.shtml?7



Mr Motivator, The UK’s most famous fitness instructor and star of GMTV
Available: http://www.snowbombing.com/blog/2010/02/05/973/

I have already outlined plans to incorporate the fun side of exercise on to my printed bags. As  the sugar and salt that fill the bags represent the reduction of harmful foods in my diet, I thought by printing my exercise routine on to the bags, this would allow me to represent how I've managed to change my body physically. Which I think has a nice conceptual under tone that I could explore as a resolve for my final piece.

Inspired by 80's styled aerobics, I want to put the fun into my printed bags.

 

I want to photograph my exercise routine but add a bit of characterisation by going all 80's and embracing the bright aerobics gear, that screams "exercise" so I can really play the part. I'm talking bright colours, spandex and of course leg warmers. However, before I get over excited and bust out with leg warmers I thought I better see how this would translate into print...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I repeated the process I had carried out in earlier print experiments...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I de-saturated  and then adjusted the photos using photoshop and printed these in a grid formation on to acetate.

 

 

This was exposed onto a screen ready for printing. I must point out that as I had only done a few photos I used some of my facial yoga photos from a past experiment to make up the grid. However, if I develop this idea further I will photograph 38 different exercises moves.

The prints worked well and have gave me an idea of what will work visually if I develop this further.

Still loving this idea...

After concluding my print experiments for my weight bags, it has confirmed that I want to develop this further. I am toying with the idea of allowing the viewer to be able to experience my journey by wearing the weight I've lost as I think this would add the personal element required to make this a success. These bags will contain the weight I've lost and will have tags that are dated and the amount in pounds. It's early days but I'm thinking I could have a carry bag of some type suspended for a baggage scale that's filled with my weight bags. The bags could be removed corresponding with each part of my personal journey. This will allow the viewer to really walk in my shoes and I'm hoping by experiences this it may encourage a few people to go on their own journey by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Now the decisions been made, there's only one thing for it, time to shop 80's aerobics style.