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content/portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/index.md

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+slug = "blind-contour-drawing-exercise"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/featured.avif"
+date = "2023-08-31T18:25:22+05:30"
+title = "Blind Contour Drawing Exercise"
+description = "A blind contour exercise, we were grouped in pairs and drew a blind contour portrait for each other."
+summary = "This was a blind contour exercise, we were grouped in pairs and drew a blind contour portrait for each other."
+weight = 0
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+
+> Published 2023/08/31 at 7:35 pm
+
+## Introduction
+
+This was a blind contour exercise, we were grouped in pairs and drew a blind contour portrait for each other. And we repeated the whole process for another group. After we were done, we did a small group critique on our works. We gave our first sensation on the works and discussed the "thinking" in the works.
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/Contour-line-1.avif" caption="Nancy: done by Fanny" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/Contour-line-2.avif" caption="Nancy: done by Shiyuan" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/Contour-line-3.avif" caption="Shiyuan: done by Fanny" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/blind-contour-drawing-exercise/Contour-line-4.avif" caption="Fanny: done by Fanny" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+{{< load-photoswipe >}}
+
+## Reflection
+
+I'm a bit drawing too fast during the exercise, therefore I didn't have a clear overview of my whole drawing and result in a massive line drawing. I should slow my pace next time and draw it in a more careful way.

content/portfolio/bridges/letter-of-advice/index.md

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+slug = "bridges-letter-of-advice"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/bridges/bridges-letter-of-advice/letter-to-Mina.avif"
+date = 2023-09-25T19:40:58-04:00
+title = 'Letter of Advice'
+description = "A formal letter full of advice to Mina."
+summary = ""
+weight = 0
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+
+> Published 2023/09/25 at 9:20 pm
+
+## Interview
+
+**10 Interview Questions**
+
+- How do your hobbies or interests shape the people you spend time with in public?
+- Can you share a moment when you felt out of place in a social situation, and how did you handle it?
+- What kind of events or gatherings do you enjoy most, and why?
+- Have you ever had to adapt your behavior based on the people you were with in a public space?
+- How do your friends influence your social activities and interactions?
+- Do you think your neighborhood or where you grew up has influenced your social identity? How?
+- What's an example of a challenge you've faced when trying to fit into a new group or community?
+- How do you use social media in your daily life, and how does it impact your social interactions?
+- How do you express your social identity through your clothing, appearance, or personal style, and what messages do you aim to convey?
+- Have you ever encountered stereotypes or biases related to your social identity, and how did you respond to them?
+
+**Interview Audio**
+
+<audio controls>
+  <source src="Minas-response-to-Nancy.m4a" type="audio/aac">
+  Your browser does not support the audio element.
+</audio>
+
+## Letter of advice for Mina
+
+Dear Mina,
+
+Thank you for opening up in our recent interview about the difficulties you've faced fitting into both Taiwan and the United States after going to high school abroad. I appreciate you sharing so candidly about feeling caught between two cultures no matter where you go.
+
+This is a challenging situation, but remember - your unique background is a gift! You have been exposed to different perspectives and ways of life that most people will never experience. The key is learning how to embrace both sides of yourself, rather than feeling you have to choose one over the other.
+
+Try not to put pressure on yourself to conform to any one culture or friend group. As you realized in high school, the best approach is often to proudly share things from your own background to enrich your current environment, instead of solely trying to fit in. Appreciate and celebrate the diversity within yourself.
+
+Realize too that everyone struggles with issues of identity and belonging, especially during the teenage years. Many of your peers, even if they appear to "fit in", are just putting on masks to hide their own insecurities. You have the chance to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Lead with compassion - both for others and yourself.
+
+When you feel isolated or like you don't belong, try to shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on fitting in, focus on the chance to learn. Observe how others interact and communicate. Be curious. You have the incredible opportunity to build bridges across cultures and see the world in a way few people can. Every moment is a chance to gain insight into a new perspective. Lean into this mindset, and loneliness will fade into interest and empathy.
+
+Remember that identity and belonging are complex, ever-changing things. You do not have to force yourself into a box or permanently choose one culture over another. Humans are wonderfully adaptable creatures, so have faith in your ability to gradually find your place, in Taiwan or America or anywhere else life takes you. It won't happen overnight, but little by little you will create a community and find activities and interests that excite you.
+
+Most importantly, know that you are enough just as you are. You do not need to prove your worth to anyone. Stay grounded in your values, embrace the adventure of life, and let your unique identity bloom. The right people and opportunities will be drawn to your authenticity. Follow your deepest interests - whether that be art, music, writing, or anything else that stirs your spirit. Seek out new experiences that spark your curiosity. Stay open and eager to learn. Lead with empathy, compassion, and sincerity in all your interactions. If you do these things, connections and opportunities will naturally blossom around you.
+
+Your rich blend of Taiwanese and American cultures is something to be proud of. You have an insider's view into both Eastern and Western worlds - their traditions, values, and perspectives. This is a precious gift if you embrace it fully. When you feel torn between two sides of yourself, remember that everything you've experienced makes you who you are. Your mixed background shaped your unique interests, insights, and talents. Let it be your guide as you navigate new environments, not something that confuses your sense of identity. Share the best of both cultures, appreciate the woven threads of your history that make you a vibrant tapestry.
+
+You are at the start of a great adventure. Trust the journey! Have compassion for yourself and others, embrace the colorful mosaic within you, and life will reveal its wonders. I believe in you!
+
+With love and encouragement,  
+Nancy
+
+{{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-letter-of-advice/letter-to-Mina.avif" width=480px caption="Letter of advice for Mina" >}}
+
+## Reflection
+
+During my writing on the project, I found that this is the first time I have written such a formal letter full of advice to someone, and I have never written a letter and given such official advice before. Therefore, when I picked up the pen, I pondered for a long time and was a little nervous about what would happen if what I wrote offended my partner and what would happen if my suggestions were useless. Finally, I tried to listen to the audio of our interview repeatedly, and then started from what I felt most. I tried to empathize with my partner's difficulties, and what would I do if I were in her situation. And my mind just exploded from there.
+
+Based on my suggestions to my partner, I began to use design thinking at my studio class. First, I defined the difficulties of my partner and the methods I gave, and then ideate them. The letter I wrote to my partner became a very strong basement for the define and ideation process in the design thinking for my studio class.
+
+{{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-letter-of-advice/mindmap.avif" width=768px caption=" " >}}
+
+For the making part of this project, I'm pretty good at origami, but I had a different feeling when I folded the envelope and put the letter in. When I first printed the letter, it was just a normal writing assignment, no different from the previous ones. But when I folded it and put it in the envelope, its state changed completely. It is no longer a simple assignment, but a real letter. It is my sincere advice to my partner.
+
+The interview part, also the research part of the whole project, is the place where we really get to know each other. I‘ve been a little scared before a formal interview. I'm not a particularly social, talkative person, but as the interview progressed I tried to focus more on the problem itself rather than my own state. Concentration is a very magical thing, you will enter a state of "only the person in front of you is with you", so that you can better resonate with her, to understand her, to stand in her point of view to think, solve problems.

content/portfolio/bridges/shifting-identities/index.md

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+slug = "bridges-shifting-identities"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/explored-present-1.avif"
+date = "2023-09-06T18:25:22+05:30"
+title = "Shifting Identities"
+description = "Bridge 1, shifting identities: past, present and future identity exploration."
+summary = "This was a blind contour exercise, we were grouped in pairs and drew a blind contour portrait for each other."
+weight = 0
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+
+> Published 2023/09/06 at 10:45 pm
+
+## Mind Map
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/my-past.avif" caption="Past" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/my-present.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/my-future.avif" caption="Future" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+{{< load-photoswipe >}}
+
+## Description for Each Character
+
+### For My Past
+
+First of all, I made the overall color tone retro to show that this is what happened in the past. The color scheme leans towards warmth, and I'm adorned with thick clothing, hats, and scarves, which not only reflects my weak constitution because of heart surgery, but also my attachment to warmth. Simultaneously, my posture exudes a reserved and shy demeanor, reflecting my previous introverted and timid.
+
+### For My Present
+
+At present, due to the change of geography and the influence of the environment, I set the overall style to be more realistic. The overall posture has become more relaxed because my personality has gradually become cheerful. I wore light clothes, and the pale white color contrasted with the darker background of New York, showing that I was in New York but had not fully integrated into it. In addition, I used a combination of virtual and real in one of the photos to give the impression that I was shifting.
+
+### For My Future
+
+Here I completely changed into black clothes, took off my glasses and put on makeup and manicure to reflect the maturity of my personality. I used a strong light to give a sense of unreality, to show that these photos take place in the future. During the shooting process, I covered half of my face in the shadow, so as to reflect the two sides of the future, both the beautiful yearning for the future and the concerns about the future.
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/past-1.avif" caption="Past 1" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/present-1.avif" caption="Present 1" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/future-1.avif" caption="Future 1" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/past-2.avif" caption="Past 2" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/present-2.avif" caption="Present 2" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/future-2.avif" caption="Future 2" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+## Shifting Identities Symbolism & Context Explored
+
+### For My Past
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/explored-past-1.avif" caption="Past" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/my-past.avif" caption="Past" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+My introverted personality is partly caused by Chinese collectivism, where everyone is a subset of a larger group. Everyone needs to compromise or work hard for the sake of the collective honor, and at the same time, one person's mistake leads to the punishment of all. In this environment, I gradually dare not have my own opinion, I become a cog in a big system. Therefore, I copied and pasted my own pictures to highlight that there is little difference between the individual and the collective.
+
+At the same time, I use the flower as a metaphor, a metaphor that looks beautiful but is actually a cover for the problem. As the subject, my eyes are covered with blue flowers, showing that I do not dare to make eye contact with others. Meanwhile, it also covers every nail of my hand, reflecting my traditional family concept that girls should not put too much emphasis on dressing themselves.And behind me, myself, also the collective, eyes covered with red eyes flowers. They contrast sharply with the blue flowers on my eyes, reflecting a sense that I am constantly being watched collectively.
+
+As a supplementary background, the decorative blue and white porcelain plate is a kind of memory of my childhood. Since I can remember, the plates at home have been blue and white porcelain patterns, which records my memories of every meal table from childhood to adulthood.
+
+### For My Present
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/explored-present-1.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/my-present.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+At present, everything is not so complicated now.
+
+I chose a photo of me walking slowly up the New York subway and divided the photo into three parts based on it. The section behind me is a collage of my hometown, whose paths I have integrated and connected with the stairway up. The lower left corner is a collage of New York City, and the upper left corner is a collage of street signs.
+
+I wanted to show that I was shifting from my hometown to an entirely different city that never sleeps, and that the signpost above me represented that I was now standing at the crossroads of fate.
+
+## Final
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-past.avif" caption="Past" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-present.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-future.avif" caption="Future" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+{{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-revision.avif" width="768px" caption="Final Revision" >}}
+
+I initiated this project based on my mind maps. At the outset, I delved into creating separate photos to represent different aspects of my past and present. During the critique phase, I received valuable feedback that prompted a reevaluation of my approach. One key observation was the need to strengthen the connection between the two pictures and enhance their cohesion and continuity. This could be achieved through adjustments in tone style and resizing the central portrait elements, as both were positioned at the center. Additionally, I was advised to diversify the elements in my past photo and introduce variations in the repetitive background, emphasizing the individuality within collectivism. For the present photo, suggestions included refining the blurry edges, organizing the collage arrangement of my hometown logically, and aligning the buildings in line with directional signs to depict the current situation more effectively. Following with my future photo, I created a continues line through the triptych, in order to show the connection with these three photos. Meanwhile, I want to express a sense of the future vision of me would be looking back all the paths I’ve walked in order to reach the future.
+
+## Reflection
+
+What I learned from the project activity was I learned how to get depth in to myself, how to explore those ego and inner self, I learned the functions of triptych, like how it works as a series of artworks.
+
+What was the most successful about my project was the original photos taken at the first stage, it gave me a very good starting point and a well-built foundation for the following parts. It was the first time for me to explore different customs that reflect different stages of me, and I tried to express myself from composing different gestures.
+
+The challenge I had was to make the style of the triptych more cohesive, I kind of making the three vision of myself way too separated, they are good to see as individual but not good enough to see as a whole.
+
+If I did this project again I would change my way of doing photoshop, instead of doing the pieces separately, I would rather start all of them together, and kind of giving a standard tone for each other.
+
+## Final Critique "Notes and Changes"
+
+I got mostly positive reviews, which made me feel really grateful. Allen thinks that the color of my container fits my work very well. Although at first glance, there are a mixed colors which made him confused, but after a closer look, he feels that the colors of each part are actually linked together to form a harmonious. Ali is very fond of my future one, he said it's kind of out of reality, the closure I used made me out of body, but my spirit is still moving through my body. Mina said she found I have a strong focal point, both the future and past one are facing to the middle, and there is a continuous line directed from the left to right and a reflected red circle at the background.
+
+There still can be a bit improvement, the past one is a bit too cold compare to the other ones. As a result, I will change the tone of my past version in order to increase the continuity.

content/portfolio/bridges/true-stories/index.md

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+slug = "bridges-true-stories"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/bridges/bridges-true-stories/the-poster.avif"
+date = 2023-09-11T19:15:18-04:00
+title = 'True Stories'
+description = "Bridge 1: True Stories. A collection of three captivating short stories inspired by the work of Sophie Calle."
+summary = "This blog post showcases a collection of three captivating short stories inspired by the work of Sophie Calle, each accompanied by a unique image. The author reflects on the power of words and the impact of combining concise storytelling with abstract visuals."
+weight = 0
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+
+> Published 2023/09/11 at 8:22 pm
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-true-stories/hide-and-seek.avif" caption="Hide and Seek" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-true-stories/going-up.avif" caption="Going Up!" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-true-stories/the-poster.avif" caption="The Poster" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+{{< load-photoswipe >}}
+
+## Hide and Seek
+
+When I decided to play hide and seek, I suddenly had a wonderful idea and thanks to some handy fabric. And the result? Well, let's just say it's a total quirk that's left everyone scratching their heads.
+
+Imagine this: I'm looking for a place to hide myself, and suddenly I feel like as long as I can't see anyone else, no one can see me. So I carefully wrapped my head in the fabric and let it pour down in a magical way, forming the strangest shapes.
+
+Since then, the nature of the hide-and-seek has changed. It was no longer a game, but an evaluation and discussion of my performance art. Some compared it to a black, twisted ice cream cone with swirls and contours that rival any frozen food. Others sweared it is a mysterious tree whose black head shoots straight up into the sky.
+
+My masterpiece, whatever it is, was proof of the absurdity of art. It encourages viewers to delve into abstraction, question what exactly they're looking at, and appreciate the joy that unfolds when artists hide behind their own art. Even if I was just playing hide-and-seek at first.
+
+
+## Going Up!
+
+With each laborious step up the staircase in the New York City subway, the environment around me underwent a dramatic transformation. What had begun as a narrow, dimly lit underpass gradually gave way to a bright, expansive vista. Emerging from the subterranean shadows, my eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden onslaught of sunlight. My brow furrowed, and my palms began to glisten with a hint of nervous sweat. I pursed my lips, attempting to acclimate to my new surroundings, as the faint scent of rubbish still lingered in the air, now masked by the overpowering perfume of hurried urbanites passing by.
+
+Amidst this sensory overload, my thoughts swirled with uncertainties. Could I summon the courage to lift my head, to face the sun, to embrace New York City's vibrant chaos?
+
+Suddenly, the flickering subway light above me ceased its dance and cast a steady, guiding beam forward. My gaze fixed on that beacon, and with newfound resolve, I decided to ascend. I was determined to rise above my doubts and uncertainties. "I believe I'm going up well," I whispered to myself, a mantra of aspiration that echoed in my mind as I ventured forth into the unknown, ready to conquer the challenges and opportunities that awaited in the city that never sleeps.
+
+## The Poster
+
+On the bustling streets of New York, I find myself standing in a sea of people, each rushing past me, lost in their own world. The energy of the city surges around me, reminding me constantly of its relentless pace. Across the street, a towering skyscraper hung a dazzling poster of a model, her lithe body elegantly writhing in seductive poses, dressed in elaborate outfits designed to capture the essence of glamour.
+
+Instead of feeling the typical inadequacy and anxiety, I am overcome by a profound transformation. In that moment, I am no longer just a spectator; I become the architect of my own future. I have the power to shape my own destiny. I feel my fists clenched, my faith strengthened, my determination maintained
+
+Staring at that charming poster, I no longer feel inferior. Instead, I see an opportunity, a gateway to my own potential. That poster would have been a sign, a sign that I had the power to shape not only my future, but the world around me. Just as an artist shapes the image of that model, I can shape my own life, my own ambitions and my own destiny.
+
+## Reflection
+
+During my writing on the project, I had a new perspective on words. Previously, I had relegated words to the status of mere conveyors of information, often viewing them as simplistic instruments for statement, description, or as supplements to visual imagery. However, as I embarked on the creative journey of weaving literature alongside my visual compositions, a striking revelation began to crystalize: words possessed an inherent power that could, at times, rise to dominance. It can have interesting reversals, it can be an affirmation of the will, or it can be a call for the future. This newfound insight forced me to reexamine my previously held assumptions about the nature of writing, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the multifaceted and potent nature of words.
+
+For this project, I did not use materials that I had not used before, so there is not much that can be reflect in this section. However, when I used keynote for typesetting, my ideas began to change according to my typesetting, such as the length of the article and the composition of the picture.
+
+For the researching part,  When I read this book, “Sophie Calle - True Stories” I was surprised by the magic that unfolded within its pages. It taught me that even a simple picture combined with concise words could carry the enchantment of a full-fledged novel. The book approached storytelling from a unique angle, using abstract yet intriguing images and wrapping things up with sentences that left you thinking deeply. What struck me most was how quickly it drew me into the protagonist's world. I found myself feeling what they felt and contemplating the same thoughts they did.  It was like a direct connection to their experiences and emotions. This book showed me that simplicity, when done right, can have a profound impact on readers. It proved that brevity, combined with thoughtful imagery and endings, can deliver an immersive and thought-provoking experience akin to that of a much longer novel.

content/portfolio/memoir-critique-notes/index.md

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+slug = "memoir-critique-notes"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = ""
+date = 2023-09-14T19:32:14-04:00
+title = 'Memoir Critique Notes'
+description = "Critique Notes of SHIFTING IDENTITIES"
+summary = ""
+weight = 0
++++
+
+> Published 2023/09/14 at 7:41 pm
+
+The photos I presented to my classmates are:
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-past.avif" caption="Past" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-present.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+What I heard in critique was, first of all, the connection between the two pictures is not strong enough, the cohesive and continuity can be improved by changing the tone style and try to make the person into the approximate size cause both of my portrait are showing in the middle. After that, for my past photo, the variety of elements can be increased, also there can be a bit change on the repetitive  background, like even though they are in collectivism, there is a small individuals between each other. While for the present photo, the blurry edge should be cut off, and the collage arrangement of my hometown on the right can be more ordered and logical. And for the New York part, trying to make the building following the direction as the sign showed in order to enforce the present situtaion.
+
+It was helpful because, the critique gives me a different perspective of my artwork and there are so many suggestion I can adopt to improve my work. What I plan to do next is following the suggestions that I think are useful and improve them on my photo. For my past one, I may rearrange the composition, like making the center object smaller, also add more meaningful stuff from my childhood. Meanwhile, I may change bit of the repetitive background and make them more intriguing. For my present photo, I would focus more on the rearrangement of both city collage.