Ideas.. what else.. I am tangle with different concepts, and it’s hard to choose which just one. It makes me wonder is there a ways to analyze ideas and methods to see which one is appropriate? One of the steps that I have been practicing, is step A) collecting ideas that influence the brain storming process, usually I take photos of what inspired me, and then I display them around my working space, display in this context means printing them on a paper and stick them around. Because what influences me can be almost anything, therefore the collection material can also be anything. Text, photos, shape, pattern, people’s reaction, comments, sketches (not that I can sketch well) and almost anything. So, usually I will collect them, and sometime, well, most of the time, these materials that I collected are not relevant. After step A complete, or I am satisfied with the material I have and think that it is enough (even though it never been), then comes step B) I need to stop and to focus. To focus means to look back at the purpose of doing this project, and highlight the issues that I want to address. By this time, my heads is filled up to the full tank, and I already have plenty of distractions, with lots of ideas what I can do with my collections, but none of them is relevant to what I am suppose to do. Focus, focus, focus.. and that’s what I need to do.
Now, this might sounds easy, but not when I am in the process of making. It’s quite difficult. Not because I did not follow the steps that I just list out above, but I think it’s because I am dealing with feeling, what is my like and dislike, preferable and non preferable, therefore, most of the time to cut it short, I am dealing with what look will satisfied me most. And furthermore, even the rational is there, at the end of the day, I still have to deal with this feeling. This is the process I am at. I think at this time I need to get back to step A.
Here’s an idea: interesting way to present Melbourne, another angle with the helps of lots of print collection.
Victoria State Library held an interesting exhibition that portray social and historical view of Melbourne through shopping activities. Not only the exhibition traces the historical parts or should I say the roots of the passion of shopping activities in Melbourne but also it provide juxtapose of Melbourne through the past and present. Graphic ephemeral such as poster, brochure, tickets etc. are among the collections items along with object, maps, photographs and video shows, that there to demonstrate the period of time she shopping facade, activities and scene took place. It gives me some ideas of how I can conduct my exhibition later on.
For more info of Shop Till You Drop, Melbourne visit the link.
To be continue..