Age Idea Experimentation

I have an idea to use nature to illustrate the journey of life (life and death) by merging it with the human form. I used images of a flower deteriorating and a portrait I have taken previously.

  

 

I used the brush tool to remove the head from the model leaving the blue shirt and then with the use of layers substituted the head for the flower. I repeated this six time to create six images of the flower dying. I then thought the image would be more effective if I merged the six 'flower portraits' into one image.

I am pleased with this image. I like how there is a clear transition through the images illustrating age, or life to death. This image reminds the viewer of their own mortality and the repetition of the figures could illustrate milestones in the persons life. This is the direction I plan to go towards the end of my project and I will try out different ways to illustrate the ageing process, perhaps age appropriate clothing to go with the natural element.  

The flower images were made using a scanner and I want to use more scanography in my work as it captures images in a beautiful 3 dimensional way. 

Initial Experimentation

I experimented with an image of my partner that I took a little while ago and merged it with an image of cracked earth.

 I used multiple layers to cover the face with the cracked earth image and then used the eraser to to blend and merge. I also used tools such as the burn, smudge, healing brush etc to result in an image I was pleased with. 

This is my final image.The cracked earth covering the face looks like an infection consuming his body. I put the cracks in the eye as well to add to the infectious appearance. The eraser with a soft edge worked perfectly to blend the earth image into his face making it more realistic than a sharp edge.

To keep experimenting with different ideas I took images found on the internet... I took an image of a female model from http://www.fashionshowz.com by Scott Miron and images of bark and moss from google. Using layers on photo shop I created an image that appears like the model is being overcome by nature or as if she is transforming into something supernatural. I also changed the colours of her eyes to add to the earthy effect and the green of the moss brings out the green colour in her eyes. 

I am really pleased with this image. I darkened the green of the moss in order to make it look more realistic and not cartoonish. I added bark and moss to the models hand also so it appears like it is turning into a branch. 

When I start using my own images I will uses less posed compositions as the model in this image seems as if she isn't the slightest bit bothered about turning into a tree. It still looks fashion orientated when is not the style I am going for. I want to focus on more artistic portrait images looking at the journey of life or age. 

Although I have an idea of an end result... I am going to experiment with different ideas to perfect my photo manipulation skills.  

Alexandra Bellissimo

I have been thinking about how to develop my ideas about linking nature with the human form. I came across an artist Alexandra Bellissimo. 

 http://alexandrabellissimo.com/ 

She merges plants, rocks, trees and other forms of nature with the human body. She portrays emotion through these images such as anxiety and feeling trapped. The subjects appear to be over come or submerged with the natural element.
This is what I would like to do with my project. I plan to experiment with blending the nature with the human form. I want to look at supernatural aspects as if the person is transforming into nature. I will also consider the idea of feelings but mostly I am going to concentrate on the journey of life. For example starting when life is vibrant and alive to when it dies and decays. In nature and in humans, life begins and life ends.
I hope I will be able to develop my skills in photo shop in order to make images that appear realistic, where as Bellissimo's work there is a clear separation between the two elements.

Nature and The Human Form

I think I would like to link nature and the human form. Blending together body parts with plants, shells, animals and landscapes (perhaps). 

Stanislav Odyagailo -  A digital artist from Ukraine who's  work is very surreal. I like the creativity of his ideas and     I hope I would be able to produce such interesting results.

Jerry Uelsmann - A Darkroom Artist who merges nature and the human form to create dramatic compositions that make you think twice about the image. I really like how for example in the image below the tree trunk blends into the hands in such a realistic way. I want my images to look realistic and not over edited.  

When I start experimenting with photoshop I will certainly try merging the human body into the landscape like the image below. I love how the subjects body turns into water and flows down through the rocks.

These images were made using film in the darkroom, although I am going to focus on photoshop, I would like to try manipulating images in the dark room as well. I understand it will be harder and more limiting but it will be a very useful technique to learn. 

'Ultimately, my hope is to amaze myself. The anticipation of discovering new possibilities becomes my greatest joy'. - Jerry Uelsmann

Manufactured Image

I currently study Photography at the University of West London and I have been asked to experiment with the use of photo shop to create manufactured images. 

Where to start? I have been thinking about what I can do for this module to create a manufactured image. After researching photographic surrealism I am questioning whether I am out of my depth? These images are so fantastically strange, do I have the creative capacity and imagination to manufacture an image like these... There are so many possibilities.  

When people think about surrealism the name Salvador Dali pops into your head. He is a canonical artist known for his surrealist style and unlimited imagination. One of his most famous work is The Persistence of Memory. Dali's artworks has been and will be the inspiration for surrealist painters and photographers for years to come. He freedom of thought and imagination is clear to see, and I hope looking at his works will help me to loosen my mind and help me to create an imaginative original composition using photo shop.