mask-making

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

@@ -27,3 +27,16 @@ This was a blind contour exercise, we were grouped in pairs and drew a blind con
 ## 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.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

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

@@ -30,10 +30,42 @@ weight = 0
 **Interview Audio**
 
 <audio controls>
-  <source src="Minas-response-to-Nancy.m4a" type="audio/aac">
+  <source src="minas-response-to-nancy-enhanced-90p.m4a" type="audio/aac">
   Your browser does not support the audio element.
 </audio>
 
+{{< details "**\>\>\>** This is the optimized transcript of the interview (Click to expand)" >}}
+Q: How do your hobbies or interests shape the people you spend time with in public?
+> I think it's because I spend a lot of time doing the things I enjoy. For example, in high school, I joined sports and clubs, so I met a lot of people, like my friends. Many of my friends are from the sports teams or clubs I joined. It's because I spend a lot of time doing those activities, so I naturally started talking to people who have the same interests. I think they also have similar experiences as me, so they can relate to my experience very easily.
+
+Q: Can you share a moment when you felt out of place in a social situation, and how did you handle it?
+> I think I'm personally more introverted. When I meet someone who is more extroverted, I tend to speak less because I get a bit scared. However, when I meet someone who is more introverted, I tend to be the one who talks more. I think, especially in a group of people who are super extroverted, I usually feel very out of place. But sometimes, I push myself to try to engage more, and I'm working on it. Another moment I would feel out of place is when I'm with friends from different cultural backgrounds. Back when I was in Shanghai, I had a few friends who didn't speak Chinese. Sometimes, I would talk to other friends who could speak Chinese when they weren't there. I never realized that it was kind of rude because they couldn't understand what I was saying, and they would feel very out of place. I didn't realize that until I met other people who spoke the same language as me when I didn't, and I felt that way too. That's an experience where I felt very out of place.
+
+Q: What kind of events or gatherings do you enjoy most, and why?
+> I really enjoy hanging out with a few close friends. While I do enjoy hanging out with a bunch of people and meeting new people, I think what I enjoy the most is having a movie night or going somewhere with my super close friends because I just feel so comfortable. I don't get stressed a lot when I'm just hanging out with a few people, as I'm supposed to.
+
+Q: Have you ever had to adapt your behavior based on the people you were with in a public space?
+> Yes, definitely. This is a very small thing, but I think whenever you're hanging out with a group of people and they have the same perspective on something, I'm really good at speaking with them or even just about celebrities or the music they like. If you know they don't like certain things, you tend to try to avoid talking about it. So, especially when I'm not super close with them, I'm always thinking, "What if I say this and they don't want to be friends with me?" I adapt a lot of my behavior based on who I'm hanging out with.
+
+Q: How do your friends influence your social activities and interactions?
+> My friends influence my social activities and interactions by sometimes inviting me to hang out with their friends. Even though I don't usually do those social activities, sometimes I think I should try it out and see if I like it. For example, one time, my friend wanted to go to karaoke, and I had never done that before. At first, I didn't want to go because I thought it was so embarrassing and didn't want to sing in front of everyone. But then I went, and it was very fun, so we went back. I think a lot of times, my friends can influence my social activities and interactions by making me try new things.
+
+Q: Do you think your neighborhood or where you grew up has influenced your social identity? How?
+> Yes, I definitely think so. A lot of my perspectives or what I believe in are things that I learned as a kid, and I think it's really hard for me to forget about those things and adopt the new things I've learned as I grew up. For example, the things my mom told me 10 years ago, just on a random day, I still think about. Sometimes, when I do something that goes against those beliefs, I feel so guilty. So, I think it definitely influenced me in a lot of ways, especially in terms of my social activities.
+
+Q: What's an example of a challenge you've faced when trying to fit into a new group or community?
+> I was struggling so much and trying really hard to fit in by doing things they liked. For example, I would watch TV shows they were talking about or start listening to music they liked, just to try to fit in. That usually doesn't work because they have been watching those TV shows their whole life or have been watching those cartoons since they were kids. I think that was very hard for me, but over the years, I learned that it's actually more interesting when you bring something new into the group and share that instead of forcing yourself to adopt what they like.
+
+Q: How do you use social media in your daily life, and how does it impact your social interactions?
+> I check my social media way too frequently, and I think I get very frustrated. For example, when I'm texting my friend and suddenly they don't reply, I start thinking, "Did I do something wrong? What is happening? What are they doing? Do they not like me anymore?" I overthink those online interactions more than when I'm hanging out with other friends in person. I tend to focus more on the interactions I have online because you can easily look back, but in the moment, it's harder to remember. Sometimes, I don't even remember things happening in person, but there's more evidence online. I think that is not a good thing, and I should try to focus more on living in the moment.
+
+Q: How do you express your social identity through your clothing, appearance, or personal style, and what messages do you aim to convey?
+> I don't think I have a really strong social identity through my clothing because, to be honest, I just follow the trends. It's true that I don't have a distinct social identity in that sense. I think my style or how I dress is really based on the people around me. For example, in high school, I would go to the places my friends all went to, so I really just followed the trends. I don't think I have a strong identity in terms of styling or appearance.
+
+Q: Have you ever encountered stereotypes or biases related to your social identity, and how did you respond to them?
+> Oh yeah, I definitely encountered stereotypes. For example, there are different beauty standards in Asia and Western cultures. In Western cultures, they want to be tanned, and I don't really care about that, but I was just too lazy to wear sunscreen. In Asia, people tend to prefer pale skin. Girls are told, "You need to be pale, wear sunscreen, and hold an umbrella when the sun is out." When I was in China, I remember a lot of people asking if I was Asian or not, even though I look Asian. They would say, "Oh, I'm surprised you're Asian because you're so tanned." I got really tanned one summer, and whenever I was with my friends, they would just assume I wasn't Asian, so they would talk about things in Chinese, but I could understand what they were saying. It was kind of awkward because obviously, here, they can tell I'm Asian, but in China or Taiwan, when I went back, they would say, "Oh, you don't look Asian," and I'm like, "I'm Asian. I look 100% Asian." I wasn't sure if I should be offended or if it was a compliment. I think I was just confused by that.
+{{< /details >}}
+
 ## Letter of advice for Mina
 
 Dear Mina,
@@ -72,3 +104,16 @@ Based on my suggestions to my partner, I began to use design thinking at my stud
 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.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

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

@@ -99,3 +99,16 @@ If I did this project again I would change my way of doing photoshop, instead of
 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.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

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

@@ -53,3 +53,16 @@ During my writing on the project, I had a new perspective on words. Previously,
 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.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

content/portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/index.md

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
++++
+slug = "mask-artifact-observation-and-research"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/featured.avif"
+date = 2023-09-28T19:46:01-04:00
+title = 'Mask Artifact Observation & Research'
+description = "Explored three Native American masks from the Yup'ik, Tlingit, and Emberá cultures, discussing their spiritual and social purposes, construction materials."
+summary = "Explored three Native American masks from the Yup'ik, Tlingit, and Emberá cultures, discussing their spiritual and social purposes, construction materials."
+weight = 0
++++
+
+> Published 2023/09/28 at 1:41 pm
+
+## Mask Artifact Observation
+
+- 2 Masks from [The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
+- 1 Mask from the [The Museum of Cultural Masks: Second Face](https://www.maskmuseum.org/home/)
+
+### Yup'ik, Native American
+
+> From [The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
+> 
+> Subjective reaction: It gives me the joy of having a good harvest (catching a lot of fish) and a hunger for prey.
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-1.avif" caption="Mask 1" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-1-front-facing.avif" caption="Mask 1 Front Face" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-1-close-up.avif" caption="Mask 1 Close Up" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+{{< load-photoswipe >}}
+
+#### Form and Function
+
+| Form - "What is there?" | Function - "What does it do?" |
+|--------------------------|--------------------------------|
+| Line: Curving lines outline the shapes of animals like birds, fish, and seals. More angular lines depict the human hand and fingers. | The lines bring symbolic meaning to each animal and create visually engaging, flowing shapes that draw the eye throughout the composition. |
+| Color: Natural wooden browns, blacks, and tans are used. Grasses and possible feathers add earthy greens, yellows, and neutrals. | The natural colors connect the mask to the environment and materials where it was created. The colors lend an authentic, organic feel. |
+| Composition: The central composition is a human/ animal hybrid face, perhaps representing a mythical being. | The arrangement represents the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and all living things. The composition moves the eye around the mask. |
+| Size/Scale: around 50cm×70cm | This scale allows the mask to completely transform the wearer into another being when worn. The scale lends a sense of the mythical. |
+| Form: The mask is made from natural materials like wood, grasses, and possibly feathers. | The organic materials make the mask feel authentic to its place of origin, not artificial or fake. The materials connect it to the natural world. |
+| Emphasis: The central human/animal hybrid face draws the most focus. | This prominent central face emphasizes the transformative power of the mask. It is the most important part compositionally. |
+| Unity: Circular frames around the central face and outer edge unify the composition. | Unity makes the disparate images feel cohesive. |
+| Variety: A diversity of animals are represented - birds, fish, seals, human figures. | This variety symbolizes the breadth of the living world and relationships between its realms. |
+| Material: The main material is wood which grounds the mask in nature. Grasses add organic texture.| The natural materials connect the mask back to the Yup'ik's natural world and make it feel authentic. |
+
+### Tlingit, Native American
+
+> From [The Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
+> 
+> Subjective reaction: The first reaction was joy and happiness, but as I gazed at its completely black pupils, I felt a sense of fear and numbness.
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-2.avif" caption="Mask 2" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-2-front-facing.avif" caption="Mask 2 Front Face" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-2-side-facing.avif" caption="Mask 2 Side Face" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+#### Form and Function
+
+| Form - "What is there?" | Function - "What does it do?" |
+|--------------------------|--------------------------------|
+| Line: Angular, geometric lines outline the eyes, nose, and mouth. | The stylized lines create an abstracted, exaggerated face that conveys a distinctive Tlingit aesthetic. |
+| Color: The mask features red and green pigments on a wooden base. | The symbolic colors likely denote a particular spirit being or ancestral energy according to Tlingit culture. |
+| Composition: The composition focuses solely on a central forward-facing face with enlarged facial features like oval eyes, a wide nose, and open mouth. | The exaggerated proportions emphasize the importance of identity and transformation through the mask. |
+| Size/Scale: around 30cm× 40cm | This integrated scale allows the wearer to fully become the spirit being or ancestor when worn in ritual. |
+| Form: The mask is carved from wood and then painted with pigments. | The durable wood and permanent pigments reflect the sacredness of the rituals and repeated use of the mask. |
+| Emphasis: The centralized forward-facing face draws emphasis. | This focus reflects the mask's purpose of transforming identity through exaggerated features. |
+| Unity: Repeating reds, greens, and black unify the composition through color. | The uniform colors create a cohesive Tlingit aesthetic. |
+| Variety: The exaggerated, abstracted facial features create captivating visual interest. | The stylized variety reflects Tlingit ideals of form and aesthetics. |
+| Material: The material is a kind of mental. | The mask was likely worn as part of a headdress without eye holes. |
+
+### Emberá Macaw
+
+> From the [The Museum of Cultural Masks: Second Face](https://www.maskmuseum.org/home/)
+> 
+> Subjective reaction: It is a really cute one, round black eyes with beautiful feathers around.
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-3.avif" caption="Mask 3" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-3-front-face.avif" caption="Mask 3 Front Face" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-artifact-observation-and-research/mask-3-side-facing.avif" caption="Mask 3 Side Face" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+#### Form and Function
+
+| Form - "What is there?" | Function - "What does it do?" |
+|--------------------------|--------------------------------|
+| Line: Curving lines outline the shape of the macaw's head, beak, and neck. | The lines capture the essence of the bird's form in a stylized, elegant way. |
+| Color: Blue, yellow, and black colored palm fibers. | The colors reflect the natural hues of the Blue-and-Gold Macaw plumage. |
+| Composition: Central beak shape framed by abstracted facial disk and neck shapes. | Focused on the macaw's most recognizable feature, its beak. |
+| Size/Scale: Small, made to be worn or displayed. | Allows mask to represent the macaw's spirit and meaning. |
+| Form: Woven from dyed palm fibers. | The natural material connects to the Emberá's landscape and culture. |
+| Emphasis: Vibrant beak draws the eye. | Emphasizes the macaw's essence and symbolic meaning. |
+| Unity: Repeating blues and yellows unify the composition. | Creates a cohesive macaw form. |
+| Variety: Abstracted shapes add visual interest. | Stylization captures macaw spirit without replicating detail. |
+| Material: Dyed palm fibers | connect back to materials in Emberá environment |
+
+## Written Response
+
+### Yup'ik, Native American
+
+> #### Why the mask was made?
+> 
+> This Yup'ik mask shows the artist's view of nature's connections using animal images. It was made to represent supernatural beings and stories and worn in important community dance ceremonies. The mask has both spiritual and social purposes.
+> 
+> #### How it was made?
+> 
+> The mask seems to be carved from wood and includes natural materials like hair, grass, and maybe feathers. The wood makes it durable, and the mixed materials give it symbolic texture, connecting it to the Yup'ik environment.
+> 
+> #### How it was used?
+> 
+> This mask was worn during dance ceremonies and rituals in the Yup'ik community. Wearing it allowed the person to become the depicted spiritual being and reconnect with ancestral stories. Wearing it publicly showed the owner's status and knowledge.
+
+### Tlingit, Native American
+
+> #### Why the mask was made?
+> 
+> This Tlingit mask was made to represent a specific spirit or ancestor. It was worn during important ceremonial potlatches to share tribal myths and histories with the community.
+> 
+> #### How it was made?
+> 
+> The Tlingit mask is carved from wood and painted with symbolic red and green pigments. The sturdy wood and lasting pigments highlight the sacred nature of the mask and its role in recurring ceremonies. The stylized carved lines give it a distinctive Tlingit look.
+> 
+> #### How it was used?
+> 
+> The Tlingit mask was worn as part of a ceremonial headdress by a dancer or storyteller. Wearing the mask allowed the person to fully embody the specific ancestral spirit during dramatic retellings of myths and histories. Its visual impact strengthened the oral performance and the social aspects of the potlatch gatherings.
+
+### Emberá Macaw
+
+> #### Why the mask was made?
+> 
+> The Emberá people made masks like this Macaw, representing animal spirits, for shamans to use in healing and purification rituals. These masks connect to their belief system and help restore balance in their villages, with the vibrant colors of the macaw holding symbolic meaning.
+> 
+> #### How it was made?
+> 
+> The mask is woven from palm fibers dyed in bright blues, yellows, and blacks. The natural fibers and colors link to the Emberá's surroundings and resources.
+> 
+> #### How it was used?
+> 
+> Shamans would use the Macaw mask in communal rituals, either wearing it or displaying it prominently. This brings the energy and symbolism of the macaw into the ritual to promote healing and purification. The lively colors and form of the mask reinforce the ritual's meaning and intentions.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

content/portfolio/mask-making/index.md

@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
++++
+slug = "mask-making"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = "portfolio/mask-making/featured.avif"
+date = 2023-10-05T00:59:26-04:00
+title = 'Mask Making'
+description = "This project introduced the concept of peer to peer, we first had the interview with our partners about their social identities in seminar class."
+summary = "This project introduced the concept of peer to peer, we first had the interview with our partners about their social identities in seminar class."
+weight = 0
++++
+
+> Published 2023/10/05 at 2:21 pm
+
+Here's an improved structure with more depth and fewer H2 headings:
+
+## Introduction
+
+This project introduced the concept of peer to peer. We first interviewed our partners about their social identities in seminar class. Based on this, we started to create our mask using Design Thinking. The mask is designed to address issues that not only our partner is dealing with but also for people facing similar problems.
+
+### My Partner's Struggle
+
+My partner had both a rich background of Taiwanese and American culture, but she sometimes feels like she's caught between two different identities. From my perspective, this is something to be proud of. Although it's not always easy, she's like a bridge between the Eastern and Western worlds. I admire her for embracing both sides of her background—it's not just about knowing both cultures, but also about understanding herself in a special way. It's like having a unique perspective that brings the best of both worlds together.
+
+## Design Process
+
+### Empathize
+
+Through the interview, I gained a deep understanding of my partner's struggle with her dual identity.
+
+### Define
+
+The mask is meant to help overcome feelings of confusion, exclusion, and lack of belonging due to being caught between two cultures - being seen as American in Taiwan and Taiwanese in America (and struggles similar to this). The goal is to instill confidence, self-acceptance, and a sense of identity.
+
+### Ideate
+
+{{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/ideate.avif" caption=" " >}}
+
+#### Contemporary Mask Research
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-1.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-2.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-3.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-4.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-5.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-6.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-7.avif" caption="" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/cmr-8.avif" caption="" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+{{< load-photoswipe >}}
+
+#### Thumbnails
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/iteration-1.avif" caption="Iteration 1" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/iteration-2.avif" caption="Iteration 2" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/iteration-3.avif" caption="Iteration 3" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+{{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/iteration-4.avif" width="768px" caption="Iteration 4" >}}
+
+### Prototype
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/layer-base-front-side.avif" caption="Layer Base - Front Side" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/layer-base-side-view.avif" caption="Layer Base - Side View" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/layer-base-paper-mask.avif" caption="Layer Base - Paper Mask" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+### Test and Refine
+
+{{< gallery >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/p-mask-draft.avif" caption="Mask Rough Draft" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/p-head-cover.avif" caption="Head Cover Rough Draft" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/p-completed-mask.avif" caption="Mask Completed" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/p-iteration.avif" caption="Iteration" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/mask-making/p-final.avif" caption="All Completed" >}}
+{{< /gallery >}}
+
+## Mask Symbolism
+
+The white ball represents the moon, symbolizing my partner at different times. It may appear shadowed and flawed because of the angle of the light, but no matter the external evaluation, you are always you. You will not change because of the external environment; you will always be a bright moon.
+
+The long black line dragging to the ground represents your life track. Your life is so long, never care about what people say about you, just be yourself.
+
+The sea of blooming flowers represents the brilliance of your life, and the twinkling black leaves represent that you are not anyone's foil.
+
+## Reflection
+
+### Successes
+
+I think the most successful aspect of my mask is that I managed to make the head cover frame of my design and modify the decoration so that it completely echoes my mask. This is a really good exaggeration that I made, making new extensions of things without destroying the original meaning.
+
+### Challenges
+
+I mainly encountered two problems, both related to my head cover. Since I had not taken the class on space, my awareness of structure was very weak, and I didn't even know how to start. But as I continued to use the twister and adjust the direction and angle, I gradually began to understand how to construct a thing, and this allowed me to start to have information. The second problem was that when I was transforming the ornaments on the head cover, I found that I did not know how to apply the sequins correctly, but after three different attempts and experiments, I found the right direction.
+
+### Future Improvements
+
+If I had more time, I believe I would be in a better position to develop my exaggeration by wrapping more black threads on the head cover and letting them drop to the ground to form a pattern and repetition.
+
+### Creative Making
+
+I was "Creative Making" in this project when I was conducting preliminary research and conceiving the overall idea of the mask. I brainstormed, came up with a variety of ideas, and designed a creative and functional mask scheme. In the actual production process, I also made full use of the ability to solve problems. In the face of various difficulties and challenges encountered in the production, through repeated prototype design, continuous trial and error and adjustment, I finally successfully solved many technical problems and completed the production of the mask. Through creative thinking and problem-solving ability, I completed this challenging and rewarding project.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

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

@@ -15,10 +15,23 @@ weight = 0
 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/shifting-identities/final-past.avif" caption="Past" >}}
-  {{< figure src="portfolio/bridges/bridges-shifting-identities/final-present.avif" caption="Present" >}}
+  {{< figure src="portfolio/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.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

content/portfolio/personality-test/index.md

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
++++
+slug = "personality-test"
+showonlyimage = false
+draft = false
+image = ""
+date = 2023-10-02T00:48:30-04:00
+title = 'Personality Test'
+description = "My final personality test turned into INTJ-T, a personality with the Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging personality traits."
+summary = "My final personality test turned into INTJ-T, a personality with the Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging personality traits."
+weight = 0
++++
+
+> Published 2023/10/02 at 9:15 pm
+
+My final personality test turned into INTJ-T, a personality with the Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging personality traits. These thoughtful tacticians love perfecting the details of life, applying creativity and rationality to everything they do. 
+
+It's quite fit for my current personality state, I think I changed a lot shifting from high school to college, especially dealing with time management. 
+
+The MBTI test help individuals better understand their own personality tendencies. Through this understanding, people can more clearly understand their own values, abilities, interests and career tendencies. This helps individuals make more informed decisions, better define their career goals, and avoid confusion and anxiety.
+
+This kind of personality test are really engaging, they have attractive illustrations that represent different type of personalities that help the test easier to spread out and discuss. Meanwhile, the way of testing is simply just multiple choices,  which subconsciously makes it easier for people to answer questions.
+
+On the other hand, the multiple choices method does have its drawbacks, it's easy for people to answer questions too quickly and not to think deeply, thus ignoring some of their true characteristics and skewing the results. Moreover, the MBTI classification of personality is relatively simple, only divided into 16 types. Such a classification may not be accurate enough, because everyone has their own unique personality traits, a person's personality is composed of many factors, using such a simple classification limits the scope of understanding personality.
+
+## Comments
+
+<div id="artalk"></div>
+<script>
+Artalk.init({
+  el:        '#artalk',
+  pageKey:   '',
+  pageTitle: '',
+  server:    'https://artalk.jamesflare.com',
+  site:      'NancyFlare',
+})
+</script>

hugo.toml

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ googleAnalytics = ""
   description = "A simple portfolio for showcasing work. Made with love by Nancy Xue."
   copyright = "©2024 Nancy Xue"
   sidebarAbout = [
-    "I am a student of Parsons School of Design",
+    "I am a student of Parsons School of Design.",
     "Originally from China, currently based in United States."
   ]
   # Contact page

layouts/partials/head.html

@@ -31,3 +31,5 @@
 {{ end }}
 {{ template "_internal/google_analytics.html" . }}
 <script async src="https://track.jamesflare.com/script.js" data-website-id="226742b8-6efb-4be9-8f8f-d297df42401c"></script>
+<link href="https://artalk.jamesflare.com/dist/Artalk.css" rel="stylesheet">
+<script src="https://artalk.jamesflare.com/dist/Artalk.js"></script>

layouts/shortcodes/details.html

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+<details>
+    <summary>{{ .Get "summary" | default (.Get 0) | .Page.RenderString }}</summary>
+    {{ .Inner | .Page.RenderString }}
+  </details>
+  {{- /* EOF */ -}}
+  

static/css/custom.css

@@ -1,19 +1,135 @@
-/* your styles go here */
+/* Global Styles */
+p, ul, blockquote {
+  margin-top: 8px;
+  margin-bottom: 8px;
+}
+
+p, li {
+  color: #555555 !important;
+}
+
+ul, ol {
+  padding-inline-start: 0px;
+  margin-left: 1em;
+}
+
+li {
+  margin-left: 0.1em;
+}
+
+h1, .h1, h2, .h2, h3, .h3, h4 .h4, .h5, h5, .h6, h6 {
+  margin-top: 8px;
+  margin-bottom: 8px;
+}
+
+/* Layout Styles */
 .row {
   display: flex;
   justify-content: center;
-  }
+}
 
+.content-column {
+  padding-top: 26px;
+  padding-right: 36px;
+}
+
+.content-column-content {
+  padding-bottom: 56px;
+}
+
+#sidebar {
+  padding-top: 18px;
+  padding-left: 36px;
+}
+
+.box {
+  margin: 0 auto;
+}
+
+/* Gallery Styles */
 .gallery {
   display: flex;
   flex-wrap: wrap;
   justify-content: center;
-  }
+}
 
-.box {
+/* Sidebar Styles */
-    margin: 0 auto;
+.sidebar-menu {
-  }
+  list-style-type: none;
+  padding-left: 20px;
+  margin-bottom: 12px;
+}
 
+.sidebar-heading {
+  font-size: 24px;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+}
+
+.sidebar-menu {
+  padding-left: 12px;
+}
+
+/* Social Styles */
+p.social {
+  margin-top: 12px;
+}
+
+/* Media Styles */
 audio {
   width: 100%;
-  }
+  margin-top: 8px;
+  margin-bottom: 8px;
+}
+
+/* Details and Summary Styles */
+details, summary, table {
+  margin-top: 8px;
+  margin-bottom: 8px;
+}
+
+/* Blockquote Styles */
+blockquote {
+  padding: 2px 18px;
+}
+
+blockquote p {
+  margin-top: 8px;
+  margin-bottom: 8px !important;
+}
+
+/* Box Masonry Text Styles */
+.box-masonry-text h4 {
+  margin-top: 0px;
+  margin-bottom: 5.5px;
+}
+
+/* Table Styles */
+table {
+  width: 100%;
+  border-collapse: collapse;
+}
+
+td, th {
+  padding: 0.3rem 1rem;
+  border: 1px solid #000000;
+  color: #555555;
+}
+
+th {
+  font-weight: bold;
+  font-size: 1em;
+  text-align: center;
+  color: #000000;
+}
+
+/* Copyright Styles */
+.copyright p.credit a {
+  color: #225b5b;
+}
+
+/* Comment Styles - fix list bullet*/
+.atk-comment-count ul li::before {
+  content: '';
+  margin: 0px;
+}

static/css/hugo-easy-gallery.css

@@ -9,7 +9,9 @@ Grid Layout Styles
 */
 .gallery {
     overflow: hidden;
-    margin: 0 auto 24px;
+    margin: 0 auto;
+    margin-top: 0px;
+    margin-bottom: 0px;
     max-width: 768px;
 }
 .gallery .box {
@@ -166,7 +168,7 @@ figcaption styles
     top: 100%;
 }
 figcaption p {
-    margin: 0 auto 24px; /* override style in theme */
+    margin-top: 8px;
+    margin-bottom: 8px;
     text-align: center;
 }
-