Jona Piehl
Posted by: Talia on: March 31, 2011
X-DIS LECTURE 2
Jona Piehl
Land Design Studio
Stories told in a spacial context
Studied: Creative Practice for Narrative environments
Content lead- just finding the right way to tell the particular story.
The different situation of a project will provide you with a different entry point.
Visuals, materials, Era you’re replicating, media relating to it etc.
Use illustrations and time lines. Codas to make the exhibits make sense.
CONTEXT
Work closely with the curator.
similar outcomes for all projects.
With graphics you’re aiming for:
accessible
legible
content is clear
Open for everybody
Clear. Main aim is to get the story across.
Graphics can serve as an additional layer of information
Graphics can be the storyteller, the atmosphere maker, decoration…
Use the topic as a catalyst for the graphics. It has to be specific to the work you’re exhibiting, but at the same time a broad enough concept that it can be made into 500 different pieces.
Graphics should help tell the story, not take away from it.
Graphics can also be representative of the timeline.
Concept- present idea. Share how you can extract elements from the one idea to create a large number of graphic items.
Explore that concept. Concept has to be solid enough for 500 pieces of graphics and none of them be boring. In the same way, set up certain rules and generic things so that you don’t have to come up with a brand new idea for every piece.
Set up idea and then set up systems from it. You should be so familiar with the systems that if another piece is asked for, you will know how it should look.
Visual language can extend all boundaries. Pictograms.
Concept is a sketch. You want the discussions about it to be centred around the idea and concept, not on the technicalities of the exhibit.
You want to trigger inspiration and the WHOLE visual concept.
Next stage is testing if things work from the concept you’ve suggested.
Then you’ll get real images and text and you amend and tweak and always stay in constant communication with the project organisers and curator.
Interative Process
Everybody is part of the process.
Simon Waterfall Lecture NOTES
Posted by: Talia on: March 10, 2011
Start with your passion.
Learn, learn, learn.
Thinking outside the box.
Identify a gap and fill it creatively.
Themed.
Creative marketing- finding a point of difference and a point of interest.
“We have a healthy disregard for the way things work”
‘different types of designers’
Digital design- bridge between designing something beautiful and the sign post telling you where it is.
Passion to tell stories and be creative
Being specialised on how that story is told- this will effect the message.
It colours the importance, order, and the viewer’s reaction.
You can use that in your design when you x disciplines. The variation in disciplines can add to the experience.
The web doesn’t work well in isolation. No one nowadays gets info in isolation. They IM while they watch TV etc.
People today do things in a multi-discipline way, and expect messages, branding etc to join up with all the other areas about the product.
This is the basis.
All the areas on your product need to emulate each other.
Your point of difference is your ‘extra-curricular’ activities. They are the things that make you different and give your personal edge.
What normally isn’t taught- collaboration. People are generally competitive, but in reality we rarely do projects on our own. Who has ALL the skill sets they need, and is an expert in all of them?
People need to have the language to speak to people from other disciplines and understand how they can link together, so that they can work as a cohesive team.
Use to do things singularly- one thing, then the next thing, then the next etc.
It’s a necessity to now do things quickly and work easily with other people who have the skills we need to finish a project.
Everyone needs to a multifaceted designer, continually learning new skills and understanding how different processes work.
At the core- I’m a story teller. It’s about communication.
Getting people to work together is an art. Sometimes the most interesting people are the quitest.
Being a good communicator doesn’t necessarily make you a good designer, and vice-versa.
The skills aren’t normally in the same package. That’s why you need a group of different people, who don’t have the same skill set.
When you see a new, X-dis project you have the ‘awe’ you had a child, and you’re generous with your praise. If you see something that you know you could do yourself, then you will either see it as something better then what you could do, or worse.
You need good-will and good spirit to work together properly as a team. Everyone needs to work together.
Increase in offline creative skills becoming content for online creative skills.
Community online. “Community is Kinger”.
99% of the online awesomeness is ‘found’ work- collections of things people have found on the web. Only 1% is created work.
The difference between collation and creation has never been this big.
Ex: Buying a new font vs. making a new font.
Ex: Buying new packaging vs. making new packaging.
Things you have DONE.
Creativity OUTSIDE design studios is at the top.
Simon Waterfall Lecture: Response
Posted by: Talia on: March 10, 2011
I’ve been watching through Simon’s lecture and keep getting new bits of information each time! It’s interesting how I heard things I agree with first, before other things I hadn’t considered before. For example, one of the main messages I got from the lecture was to learn, learn, learn! Simon himself did a lot of formal learning, but is also continually learning from the people he’s collaborated with.
Learning is one of my passions, so that’s something that really struck a cord with me, and that I’ve taken from the lecture.
One of the things Simon mentions over and over again is about telling stories, so I hope that I too can tell stories with the projects in this course. Kate, it so interesting what you said about achieving goals rather then going with what you know.
Kate Dooley – Postgrad Student – Mon 7 Mar 2011 – 14:05 EST
This suggests that as long as you’re open-minded and ready to learn, picking disciplines to work with should be more about achieving goals than ensuring that you go with what you know.
At first when I read your comment I was confused, because I understood what he was saying to be the exact opposite, but the more I thought about it, I realised where you were coming from, and agree.
When I’d first listened to the lecture I’d understood that starting from your passions/knowledge area was the best way to proceed. But you’re right- once you come up with an end goal/project what you know shouldn’t influence that. Just get in people who DO know about that area!!
Rachel Newman – Postgrad Student – Sun 6 Mar 2011 – 18:41 EST
He spoke about a diversity in the collaborative team to ensure the creation of something “new”. I think this is a valid point that struck me. The label ‘Social Suicide’ shows such bravery in design, by taking inspiration from unconventional places and creating something no one has been brave enough to do before in the commercial environment. Taking risks.
Rachel, this was a big thing that i took away from the lecture as well- diversity I think is really critical. I know this to be true even from other interactions I’ve had. If my husband and I are both working on websites together, then it just ends in conflict, because we both know what we’re doing, but our levels of skills clash.
If we’re working together on something cros-disciplinary, like a clock we made together, then we both just use our individual skills, and appreciate what the other person contributes!!
Briefly discuss how the video might inform or influence your thinking on which two creative disciplines you want to work with during this Core course.
The lecture has made me thinking about who I know with skills I don’t have, and how I can call on them to work with my on a project, or at least learn from them. It has also prompted me to look at the creative areas I’m already interested in as one of the disciplines. I got the impression from Simon’s lecture that passion and interests played a big part in successful projects, and can add a point of difference.
Does the video raise questions about the relationships between disciplines you may be considering?
I think it has just made me realise that the two disciplines need to work together, but have a unique perspective. I don’t think there are limits to what you can choose, in fact, I think creativity is really important in choosing disciplines. Therefore, I think you can choose more ‘common’ disciplines and have a really creative project. It’s about what you do with the disciplines, not so much the disciplines themselves.
Reflect on which two disciplines you would like to work with during the course.
Based on Simon’s lecture I am starting by looking at my passions, and areas of interest.
Patchwork, sewing, quilting, fabric, colour, installations…
I’ve also looked for disciplines people I know are skilled at (that I have some sort of understanding of already) so that I can learn from them. These include: Technology, electronics, music (various instruments + singing), creative writing…
That being said, I think the two disciplines I would like to work with are electronics and quilting/textiles. They’re fairly diverse, so it should be exciting to see what comes of it!
Starting Again
Posted by: Talia on: February 28, 2011
Well,
Here I am at the first day of Uni 2011. Ready to continue on from where I left off in my Masters.
Wish me luck!
Relief Teaching
Posted by: Talia on: February 17, 2011
- In: P-3 | Teaching
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Monday was my first day relief teaching! I was amazed at 1) How rusty I am, but also 2) How easily things flowed and how I did ‘teacher things’ without thinking!
Sometimes it is so interesting how God makes life work out. This first day of relief teaching was for my friend, Rachel’s class. She was sick (*sad face*), but had left me a heap of things for them to do. It was great because I texted/twittered her questions through the day. The perfect ease-in to full time teaching.
The things that I keep thinking of is how natural it felt to be solely responsible for the class. I gave the teacher-aide instructions, directed the kids, etc. etc. Overall it was a really positive experience. I hope Rachel is happy with the work we did, and the her schools asks me back the next time someone is sick!
Reflections of the day. Year One:
Behaviour Management:
I used the ‘clapping’ technique a fair bit to get their attention. This worked super well first thing in the morning, because every child knows it, and responds almost without thinking.
I tried to use positive reinforcement. It worked a fair bit, but when they were restless it wasn’t so effective.
The kids seemed to respond REALLY well as soon as we did something the same way their teacher does it. For example: They explained that when they have sheets to hand out someone stands at the front and hands it to kids who are sitting up nicely. Well, I wish I knew this trick at the beginning of the day, because they all just popped up out of their slouches and smiled brilliantly at the student I’d picked to hand things out!! It was amazing!
Note to self: Next time spend a few minutes before each activity asking, “How does Mrs W get you to hand out sheets?” etc.
I used the teacher’s stickers and prizes system that was already in place (the children explained it to me, as had the teacher in their notes for the day).
Context:
Half way through the day I realised that I was giving too many instructions at once. I guess I wasn’t thinking about how young they are. In the last session, when we were doing an activity I explained the activity, then gave them one instruction. This seemed to work well. They responded well to be very strict instructions, which was interesting, and makes sense. They’re still learning how to actually BE student, and how to manage their learning, so giving them specific instructions for learning is important.
Artifical Colours…
Posted by: Talia on: November 11, 2010
- In: Education | Food
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On twitter we were having a discussion about the colours of clinkers, a much loved lollie/chocolate.
Carly linked to the Cadbury site which sited 102, 123 and 133 as the colours used.
To find out what the colours were exactly I did a bit of digging and found this site which gave me this information about the colours used:
Colour 102
Tartrazine
A real Long list. In summary, causes Asthma, concentration & learning difficulties, depression, swelling of lip and tongue, insomnia, not reccomended for children and carinogenic
Colour 123
Amaranth
Hyperactivity, hives, asthma, rhinitis, carcinogenic, may affect reproduction, liver, kidney.
Colour 133
Brilliant Blue
Not Recommended for children. Causes Asthma, Hive, Hay Fever, allergic reactions. Carcinogenic.
So yeah, never eating clinkers again…
Building your blog’s voice
Posted by: Talia on: August 24, 2010
I’ve been reading these two article (this and this) over at Pro Blogger. Here are my notes:
Voice is the tone your posts come across in. The tone I want for my blog is: friendly.
To help with this tone I will picture key people when I write: Luke, Rachel, Carmen.
I will write posts (multiple posts maybe??) when I am in the right ‘bloggin mood’.
Once I’ve written a post I will wait a few hours (preferrably the next day) before I post so that I can check the ‘mood’/'tone’ (VOICE) my blog is written in.
My style guide: Always have a picture, include scanart whenever possible (even as borders etc), link to people who’ve commented.
Always share my opinion- anything to engage my audience and cause discussion
Write funny thing- include little ‘laughs’ in posts etc- be light hearted. Maybe take the mickey out of myself a bit?
Find my niche- by unique. Perhaps this is the scanart posts? I really like them… not sure about others??
Quiz Results in Moodle not displaying
Posted by: Talia on: August 24, 2010
- In: eLearning | Moodle
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Problem:
I have 2 students enrolled in a unit, and they have both done the final quiz. When I click on the ’2 attempts’ it takes me to the right page but says ‘nothing to display’.
I can go into manual grading and manually grade the questions, so I know that they are both enrolled, and that the attempt has been saved.
I have double checked all the settings for both the quiz and the subject and they all seem fine (the same as all the other subjects).
So, why can’t I see the the results?
The Solution:
I had been looking at another quiz earlier in the day and changed the attempts I wanted to view to specific letters (First name “D” last name “D”) because I was looking for a specific student’s results.
Once I’d found them I exited the tab.
When i viewed the results in a different subject those “D” “D” preferences had been saved, and therefore it was showing me nothing. I don’t know why it didn’t have the alphabet above for me to choose from? Perhaps because there was only two attmepts?
Either way, I went into a different subject (any subject will do), and set the result parameters back to “All” “All”, and refreshed the page of the exam I wanted to view and hey presto, I could view it all again!
Problem solved. 
You can view this in the Moodle Forum here.
Medicinal Herbs
Posted by: Talia on: August 17, 2010
- In: Food | Permaculture
- 1 Comment
Information from here.
Name of Herb and Medicinal Uses
Angelica – This herb boasts antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Dry the leaves to make an herbal tea used to increase energy, reduce flatulence, and stimulate blood circulation.
Sweet Basil—Steep the basil leaves in water to make an herbal tea that is used as an herbal remedy for indigestion. As a cold oil, it is used to massage sore muscles. Basil is used in a variety of recipes.//
Calendula –The flowers are pretty and useful. Steep flowers in water to make a mouthwash good for the gums. Creams are made from calendula petals and plantain leaves to heal cuts and wounds.
Catnip—Renowned for its mild sedative properties (for cats and humans.) The herb tea is taken as a natural cold remedy, fever reducer, and herbal remedy for headache and upset stomach.
Chamomile –Has sedative properties and steeped in water to make an herb tea, is used as a sleep inducer. It’s popular in crèmes to treat rough, dry skin.
Common Yarrow—The herbal tea is taken as a natural cold remedy, for flu and to reduce fever. As a natural cold remedy, yarrow is often used in combination with elderflower and peppermint. Make the flower petals into a cream to treat cuts.
Coriander—Has sedative properties. The herbal tea is used as a sleep or calming aid.
Feverfew—Chewing up to 5 leaves per day is suggested for home remedy for headache (migraine). As an herbal tea, it is taken to reduce fevers or prevent muscle spasms.
Horehound—Mixed with honey as a sore throat remedy.
Hyssop—As an herbal tea, its used as a natural cold remedy and home remedy for sore throat.
Peppermint–Crushed leaves put in boiling water are used as an air freshener and an inhalant to loosen phlegm. It’s also a flavoring.
Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)—These are beautiful in flower beds and attract butterflies. When steeped in water, it is used as an immune system stimulant.
St. John’s Wort—Has sedative properties. Often prescribed as herbal remedy for depression.
Thyme—As an herbal tea with honey, it is used as a sore throat remedy and for scratchy coughs. It is used in a variety of food recipes.
Valerian—The Valerian root has sedative properties and is used to treat anxiety. Made into a crème, it becomes a home remedy for acne and skin rashes.
How to plant a medicinal herb garden
If you choose to plant herb seed, start them indoors in small pots with a fluorescent light on them or in a location to get sunlight. Put a very thin layer of soil over the herb seed; they don’t need to be deep. Sow approximately six weeks before the last frost in your zone. Water sparingly and carefully to avoid dislodging the tiny herb seed. Two weeks prior to the last scheduled frost, begin hardening your transplants off by gradually exposing them to the outdoors a few hours at a time each day. Wait to plant until after the last frost for your region. You can grow your plants directly in the outdoor herb garden, in a raised bed (best in my opinion), or transplant them into larger pots for a container garden.
For transplants purchased at the garden center, tilt the pots gently to remove the herb plant with as little disturbance to the roots as possible and plant them after the last frost for your area. Water thoroughly after planting. Cloudy days or at dusk are better times to transplant instead of the heat of the day to reduce plant shock. The most effective herbal remedy begins with a healthy, thriving medicinal herb garden.
Talia
taliacarbis.com
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