Personal Aesthetic Statement

My personal aesthetic is continually being explored and refined. One of my greatest sources of inspiration is nature. Floral, foliage, and animal motifs consistently exist in my work. I find meaning, passion, and fulfillment in exploring nature, observing plants, and transforming what I see into simple, bold, and modern silhouettes. The use of color in my design is another aesthetic strong point. Bright, fresh, harmonious color plays a major role in my clean, organic style. Influences from indie crafters, vintage ceramics, and thrifted fabrics have also nurtured my personal aesthetic.

Design Portfolio

Gestalt

Definitions of Gestalt:

1) “The study of gestalt originated in Germany in the 1920s. It is a form of psychology that is interested in higher order cognitive processes relative to behaviorism. The aspects of gestalt theory that interests designers are related to gestalt’s investigations of visual perception, principally the relationship between the parts and the whole of visual experience.”

-http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/gestalt.html

2) “Gestalt psychology of gestaltism (German: Gestalt – “shape” or “figure”) of the Berlin School is a theory of mind and brain positing that the operational principle of the brain is holistic, parallel, and analog, with self-organizing tendencies, or that the whole is different from the sum of its parts. The Gestalt effect refers to the form-forming capability of our senses, particularly with respect to the visual recognition of figures and whole forms instead of just a collection of simple lines and curves. In psychology, gestaltism is often opposed to structuralism and Wundt. “

-http://www.scribd.com/doc/19252004/Gestalt-Psychology-or-Gestaltism

3) “Gestalt is also known as the “Law of Simplicity” or the “Law of Pragnanz” (the entire figure or configuration), which states that every stimulus is perceived in its most simple form.”

-http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/sgrais/gestalt_principles.htm

My Gestalt Images:

Above: A row of martini glasses or houses.

Above:Two birds and nest or a mustache and mouth.

Above: Gestalt – “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Cultural Differences in Symbols & Color

As a designer, being culturally aware is an important responsibility as well as an ethical issue. As the communication landscape has exploded with the internet and social networking, people around the world are connected more than ever before. Because my designs have the potential to easily reach anyone in the world, I must stay culturally informed so my work does not unintentionally offend anyone.

There are many examples of symbols carrying different meanings across cultures. Something as simple as a hand gesture can hold many different meanings. Back in 1992 in Australia, George Bush Senior help up the letter “V” with his pointer and middle finger, intending a message of victory. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize the direction the palm faced held different connotations. As he signaled the crowd with the back of his hand facing the crowd, people became offended because in Austrailia this means “up yours mate” or ” go – you/know/what- yourself.”

Colors also have cross-cultural meanings. For example, the color white is often associated with purity, innocence, cleanliness, in western cultures. This is why white is worn by brides and associated with marriage. In contrast, Eastern cultures associate white with mourning and funerals. Color is a huge part of design and personally my favorite element of design. I use a lot of color in my work, but I must be cognizant of how my colors may affect other people.

Like I said earlier, designers must be aware of cultural differences and the implications their design could have on another society. In 2004, Nike released an commercial titled “Chamber of Fear” that drew controversy in China. The ad starred basketball player Lebron James (rookie of the year at the time) defeating kunfu masters, Chinese women in traditional attire, and dragons. The Chinese banned the ads from their television networks because they were insulting to Chinese culture. Not only did it diminish important cultural symbols to the Chinese such as dragons, it sent the message that American culture is superior to or more powerful than Chinese culture.

Sources:

http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=18843

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/22/content_402383.htm

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/11/09/up-yours-louis-walsh-and-the-top-ten-celeb-v-sign-flashes-115875-21808843/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White

Icon, Index, & Symbol

Group: Jen Rogers, Jen Pearce, Anne Hornung

Icons, indices, and symbols are various kinds of signs though they are often confused or used interchangeably. The following examples should help clarify the differences among them.

Icon –

This is an icon because it is a recognized visual representation of a gas pump. The pictorial representation is directly related to the concept.

Works for Icon since it is universally recognized as sign of Los Angeles and movie making.

The danger: electricity sign is an icon because the visuals are clearly demonstrating a universal warning to beware of electrical consequences.

Index -

This is an index because it is providing information for the viewer. In this case, the viewer would come to the conclusion that the escalator is to the right.

Works for index example because definitely shows meaning through illustration.

This duck crossing sign is an example of an index because it is informing the viewer to be aware of the potential presence of ducks and ducklings. It can be assumed that the driver should try and avoid them, even though it does not directly say so on the sign.

Symbol -

The swastika is a symbol because its visual form is not a logical, direct representation of what it stands for. The swastika has cultural significance and experience has taught people to associate it with racist German Nazis and WWII.

This works for symbol example as it does not have a direct logical connection to what it represents but has been learned as luck, Irish, St. Patricks Day, etc.

The rainbow is a symbol of gay pride. Rainbows have nothing to do with homosexuality, but the image has become associated with it.

(All images are linked to their source)