tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Evaluation

The theme of my M.A.R.S. project is Ancient Egypt and their great appreciation of cats. I came to this specific idea while researching the word ‘Epiphany’, which was the word I have chosen to base my project on. The word ‘Epiphany’ means ‘the revelation of baby Jesus to the world’. However, I did not want to focus on Jesus and Christianity in my project. By choosing this word, I wanted to bring the attention to Ancient Egypt and its religion. Back in the 3100 B.C. Ancient Egyptians treated cats as they were Gods. In Christianity, Jesus is the saviour and is almost treated like God. In Ancient Egypt, cats have also been treated like gods and saviours. Therefore, I have focused and expanded on the idea of cats during this project. In my opinion, it is an extremely unique and interesting way of exploring my chosen word. I did not only focus on domestic cats, but also on bigger, larger cats, such as leopards and tigers. The purpose of my project was to make my viewers think about species extinction. I have also wanted my viewers to realise what harm they are doing to those innocent species. My artwork also had a hidden religious context.

The research that has helped me with my decision making throughout my project was the Felidae as well as Ancient Egypt, its religion, art as well as their culture. My research went all the way back to Ancient Egypt, then to domestic cats and recent internet cat celebrities. At first, I had the idea of producing a rather big jaguar sculpture. However, I have changed my mind and I have created two smaller jaguar sculptures, which I believe are more effective on my audience. I have done that in order to engage as well as connect with my chosen audience on a higher level. At the begging of my project, I was unsure and hesitant about my theme as well as my final outcome. However, after an ample amount of analytical and logical thinking, I gained confidence about my ideas.

The problems I have faced along my journey throughout this brief project were mostly technical difficulties, such as my computer suddenly turning off while I was working and have not saved my work yet or internet connection difficulties. Another problem I have faced during this project was poor time management. The way I have solved most of those problems was saving my work regularly and planning my days a lot better and efficiently.  

The journey my project has took was mostly based on ideas and themes. I had a vast number of incredible ideas which I could focus my project on. I found it challenging to choose just one idea because all of them were prodigious. My decision making has definitely helped me throughout this project, because it allowed me to be unique and free in what I could do.

  The materials I have used throughout the entire project was a wide range of fine liners, pens, clay as well as various kinds of paints. I have worked with those materials due to limited access to other kind of materials. The techniques I have used during this M.A.R.S. project were blind drawings, illustrations, painting as well as sculpting. I have decided to work with those techniques as I have worked with them before in previous projects. While in lockdown, I would rather work with familiar and well known techniques as I did not have any knowledge nor experience with other more challenging techniques. Throughout this project, I had also used various kinds of softwares such as word document, internet chrome, Netflix, YouTube as well as google classroom. Thanks to some of those softwares, I could communicate with my lecturers as well as ask for help while needed. What I have learnt from old skills in this project was most definitely how to be precise with my work.

The way I have analysed my practical development as well as the journey of my project was by writing weekly reflections on my Tumblr blog. It has helped me with my decision making as well as keeping track of my work. I believe, I have done an ample amount of research relating to my project. I have researched Ancient Egypt, their art, culture as well as their religion. All of those informations has helped me with my planning as well as decision making. It has also helped me with developing my final outcome ideas. For my final outcomes, I have decided to create two jaguar sculptures. The reason why I have made a sculpture for my final outcome is because Egyptians are well known for their impressive, ancient sculptures which are one of the most recognisable objects in the entire world. This is where my research about Egyptian art has helped me with my decision making. The reason why I have chosen to produce a large cat sculpture is because Ancient Egyptians highly appreciated cats. In fact, ancient Egyptians has treated cats as their gods, demigods and their saviours. This is where my research about Egyptian religion has helped me with my outcome. One of my sculptures is entirely covered with gemstones and the other one also has multiple gemstones on it. I have decided to include gemstones on my sculptures because ancient Egyptians would make sculptures out of extremely precious as well as expensive materials such as gold or diamonds. This is where my research about Egyptian culture has helped me with my decision making and the creation of my final outcomes.

For this M.A.R.S. project, I have done primary as well as secondary research in order to help with decision making and planning. The primary research I have done during this project was exploring my town and finding artwork which relates to my theme as well as ancient Egypt. The artwork I have found and analysed was a mosaic of a cat as well as a metal sculpture of a cat. I have also watched and researched various kinds of documentaries about the Felidae and felids.

The strengths of my project are definitely choosing a topic which I am passionate, enthusiastic and ardent about. I always try to choose a topic which I am passionate about as it keeps me motivated to produce work as well as do a vast amount of research about it. I do not think there were any weaknesses in my project except the temporary laziness and lack of motivation due to the pandemic, lockdown and the current situation in the world.

The different ways I have evaluated my work throughout this project was reflecting on my work as well as asking my lecturers and other people for their opinions about my theme and the work which I have produced.

My project gained purpose at the end of the first week of the project when I have come up with an interesting and unique concept. However, it took shape during the second week, after I came up with the purpose and motive. I believe I have successfully fulfilled the brief’s requirements. Vastly important thing I have learnt during this project is what the word ‘context’ really means. It has helped me understand and connect with mine as well as other’s artwork on a completely new and a higher level. Except that, I do not think I have learnt anything new throughout this project. However, I have definitely developed my skills. I believe I have developed my sculpting skills and I have also improved on writing my blog. Writing a blog is a new technique to me. I have used it for my previous project, however I am still learning and constantly improving my skills. I have also developed myself as an artist by being independent due to lockdown.

Because of the lockdown, feedback, criticism as well as critical review of my work has been an extremely important factor throughout this project. It had an enormous impact on my creative as well as technical processes throughout my project because it has helped me to review my work, but most importantly, it has helped me to believe in myself and in my artwork.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Reflection on week three; 20th-22nd

In week three of this M.A.R.S. project, I have done an ample amount of research based on my chosen word. I have also looked at examples of artwork I could produce at home while in lockdown. I t has helped me with ideas for my project and how I could explore my chosen word even further. I have looked at various documentaries about cats and the Felidae. I also started planning my final outcome for this project.

Targets for Wednesday 20th January;

1. Evidence planning- each week please make sure that you have added a weekly learning and set objectives (feel free to copy and paste from here but you must digress) 

2, Add 5 examples of artwork from an artist or designer that has use a creative technique or practice that you are keen on learning for example wood print, lithograph or a digital software 

3. Start to evidence practical work – please add 3 examples of artwork that you can produce at home, this could be photography, drawings, illustrations, Photoshop work, digital illustration. 

4.Photograph, screen grab and add to your blog with creative analysis 

Targets for Thursday 21st January;

1. Add a photograph of you working or your working station 

2. Add a list / example of all materials and software’s that you are using 

3. Add a plan of an outcome that you would like to complete with an example (draft drawing or mock up) 

4.FA complete an outcome using 1 of the words – this could be a drawing, illustration, painting, a series of photographs, an actual installation at home.

Targets for Friday 22nd January;

1. Complete your outcome/s

2. Evidence the journey of the outcome PLEASE add photograph the stages with analysis 

Reflection on week four; 27th-29th

In the last week of the M.A.R.S. project I have finished my final outcomes which are two clay sculptures. I have decided to do a different idea of what I originally wanted to do. I have also written my evaluation and filled any gaps in my blog.

Targets for Wednesday 27th January;

1. Complete your evaluation (see the handout assigned to GC) 1000 words min and paste to your blog with imagery to support your creative review and practice 

Targets for Thursday 28th January;

1. Add analysis to your blog each week (like a diary entry) highlighting your personal development on your project creatively PLEASE make sure you add commentary on how you this has informed your personal development and changes throughout the project 

Targets for Friday 29th January;

1.Complete your evaluation (see the handout assigned to GC) 1000 words min

2.Work on your blog and add any analysis or reflection to gaps

3.Add 500 words to your blog highlighting the importance of context in artwork 

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Why is context important in art?

Context is an extremely huge and important part in art. It helps the viewer understand as well as conect with the artwork in another level. The context in art is the meaning of an artwork as well as the story behind it. It is also the description of an artwork as well as the reason why the artwork exists. Context is everything. It shapes the meaning in all communication. Without context you can’t communicate effectively. When your message is delivered in one context, but received in another, it likely leads to miscommunication. Contextual information can deepen and improve our understanding of an artwork.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Final Outcomes

For my final outcome, I have decided I will do a sculpture of a jaguar which is sleeping/resting on a tree branch. 

I have chosen to sculp a jaguar becase it is the most impressive Felidae for me. In my opinion, jaguars are associated with wealth, luxury and prosperity. Those are also the things I associate Ancient Egypy with. 

I have decided to create a sculpture for my final outcome because Ancient Egypt was well known for its sculptures. Egyptian sculptures are one of the most recognisable objects in the entire world. 

For my final outcome, I have also created this jaguar skull which is covered in gemstones. The first sculpture also has multiple gemstones. The gemstones represent how precious is the life of innocent species which become extinct becasue of human actions. The second sculpture of a jaguar is inspired by Damien Hirst’s sculpture called ‘For The Love Of God’. It is also a skull sculpture but instead of gemstones, Damien has used real diamonds. I decided to use gemstones as it was much cheaper option. I have decided to make two sculptures for my final project because I felt like one was not enough. My jaguar’s skull sculpture highly reminds me of the enormous sphynx sculpture which is located in Egypt.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Proccess of making

While making my outcome, I have decided I will do a different sculpture than what I originally wantd to do. I have changed my mind because I believe the new idea was more effective. 

At first, I went outside to collect materials like stones and sticks. I have glued them together using PVA glue. It was quite challenging to glue them together, but I successfully managed to do it. 

Then, I have started doing my sculpture. I have decided to use clay as I have worked with this material before. When I was finally pleased with the shape and the appearance of my sculpture, I have covered it with a thick layer of PVA glue in order to glue it down to the stick and so the clay would not crack.

When the glue has dried, I have painted the sculpture with acrylic paint. I have chosen to use acrylic paint because it dries quickly and I am familiar with this product. The most challenging part of painting my sculpture was painting the leopard print. I had to be extremely precise and careful while doing it. In order to paint the leopard print, I have used a tiny paint brush.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Damien Hirst

I have found out about Damien Hirst at school, I have studied Hirst for my art GCSE and when I saw Damien’s creations for the first time I instantly fell in love with them, especially with the installation art named ‘A Thousnad Years’. In my opinion, the context as well as concept is amazing, spectacular and totally unique. I have never seen anything like this before. According to me, Damien Hirst’s installations as well as other artworks are absolutely breath taking, they make me feel amazed. I am definitely going to take inspiration and influence from Hirst.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Due to lack of paper, I have experimented with nature. I have cut out cat outlines in leaves. I believe it is fun and unique but also peculiar way of creating art in lockdown.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Pusheen

On the official Pusheen website, Pusheen is described as being a female fictional cat who loves blogging, snacking, and going on adventures. Pusheen is cartoon cat who is the subject of comic strips and sticker sets on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. 

Pusheen is an example of the popularity of cats on the Internet.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Nyan Cat

Nyan Cat is the name of a YouTube video, which became an internet meme. The video merged a Japanese pop song with an animated cartoon cat with a Pop Tart for a torso, flying through space and leaving a rainbow trail behind it.

At first, the ideo is rather fun and amusing. It sounds like a cute ‘meow’ sound, which makes the video really adorable, however. after a while it becomes extremely annoying, irritating and frustrating. I remember when sometimes my brother would torture me by playing this video over and over again. Maybe that’s how my love for cats began.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

My working station

I usually produce my artwork in my bedroom where my work station is. My work station is my desk, which does not have a very large suface. Sometimes it is challeging to fit all of my stuff on the desk, especially big pieces of paper or other large things, such as my portfolio. Therefore, when it gets too uncomfortable while working on a large artwork I just have to sit on the floor. 

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Exploring my town

While exploring my small town and looking out for interesting art works, I have found this metal sculpture of what I believe is a stretching cat. I have been rather fascinated by this sculpture. It reminds me of the enormous sphynx sculpture which is located in Egypt. 

While exploring my town, I have also found this intriguing mosaic. The vivid and jazzy colours has cought my attention. I believe this mosaic represents a female lion sitting on some kind of tower. This simple yet fascinating mosaic reminds me of the animated Disney movie ‘Lion King’.

After the exploration, I can see that the town I live in has quite a few cat references, I have also felt like Dora The Explorer. 

Unfortunately, I could not find any other informations about these artworks. However, I know one thing for sure, those are the most interesting and mesmerizing attractions in this borring, dull town. 

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Why are some cat breeds more expensive than others?

Some cat breeds are more challenging to produce than others; for instance, when you take the Savannah or other cats with a wild ancestor, breeding with a wild cat is much more challenging. This tends to make breeding them more expensive to achieve, raising the cost of kittens. Different breeds result in unique appearance.

Most expensive breed of cat?

Ashera Cat $16-125,000

Topping the list is as the most expensive cat breeds in the world is the Ashera Cat. Similar to the Savannah, it is a mix of an Asian Leopard, African Serval and domestic house cat. 

Least expensie breed of cat?

Shorthair cats are the most affordable breed in many areas of the country, although there are some notable regional variations when it comes to cost.

What is the rarest breed of cat?

The UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy considers the Sokoke to be the rarest domestic cat breed in the world. This feline originated in the forested Sokoke area of eastern Kenya.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Ancient Egypt

What is it?

Ancient Egypt was a civilization of ancient North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River, situated in the place that is now the country Egypt.

Religion and Art-

Much of the artwork created by the Ancient Egyptians had to do with their religion. They would fill the tombs of the Pharaohs with paintings and sculptures. Much of this artwork was there to help the Pharaohs in the afterlife. Egyptians are famous for their giant sculptures. An example of the intricate work of Ancient Egyptian sculpture. It is the funerary mask of a pharaoh named Tutankhamen. The expression on his face is the same used to convey the look of all the pharaohs throughout the history of Egypt. The coloring of the collar is made with semiprecious stones and the stripes on the headdress are made with blue glass. The rest of the mask is made from twenty-four pounds of solid gold.

Egyptian Gods and Godesses-

In Ancient Egypt there were 11 gods and godesses. Those are the main ones:

Ra - Ra was the sun god and the most important god to the Ancient Egyptians. Ra was drawn as a man with a hawk head and a headdress with a sun disk. At one point Ra was combined with another god Amun and the two made an even more powerful god, Amun-Ra. Ra was said to have created all forms of life and was the supreme ruler of the gods.

Isis - Isis was the mother goddess. It was thought that she would protect and help people in need. She was drawn as a woman with a headdress in the shape of a throne.

Osiris - Osiris was ruler of the underworld and god of the dead. He was the husband of Isis and father of Horus. Osiris was drawn as a mummified man with a feathered headdress.

Horus - Horus was the god of the sky. Horus was the son of Isis and Osiris. He was drawn as a man with the head of a hawk. The ruler of the Egyptians, Pharaoh, was thought to be the living version Horus. In this way Pharaoh was the leader of the Egyptian religion and the people's representative to the gods.

Thoth - Thoth was the god of knowledge. He blessed the Egyptians with writing, medicine, and mathematics. He was also god of the moon. Thoth is drawn as a man with an Ibis bird head. Sometimes he was represented as a baboon.

Anubis - is the Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife as well as the patron god of lost souls and the helpless. He is one of the oldest gods of Egypt.

Cats in Ancient Egyt-

Cats in Ancient Egypt were represented in social and religious practices of ancient Egypt for more than 3,000 years. Several ancient Egyptian deities were depicted and sculptured with cat like heads such as Mafdet, Bastet and Sekhmet, representing justice, fertility and power. The deity Mut was also depicted as a cat and in the company of a cat. Cats were high;y appreciated and treated as Gods and demigods in the Ancient Egypt.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Tiger King

Tiger King is a 2020 American true crime documentary about the life of zookeeper Joe Exotic, who is passionate about an exploration of big cat breeding. This Netflix documentary includes murder, mayhem, madness and bizzare stories.

It is easily noticeable that the main character Joe Exotic highly appreciates the Felidae. It is also extremely apparent that he is obsessed with them. 

Both of the main characters, Joe Exotic as well as Carol Baskin has become extremely popular and people made fun of them on the social media ploatform; TikTok. I personally don’t understand all the hype about this netflix documentary. Sure, I found it amusing at some points. However, other than a suicide and big cat attacks caught on video, there wasn't anything people haven't already seen. 

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Don’t F**k With Cats

‘Don’t fuck with cats’ is a twisted crimninal’s gruesome videos which drive a group of amateur online sleuths to launch a risky manhunt that brings them into a dark underworld.

This Netflix documentary is about a person called Luka Magnotta, who victimise innocent kittens. This shows how cruel some people are towards various kinds of innocent species and that they only care about themselves, It is because of this kind of behaviour species become extinct.

In this documentary, we also see that not all of those people are cruel and pathetic. Some people care about the existance of other species and try to save those innocent cats.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Outcome Idea

The outcome I would like to produce for this M.A.R.S. project is a sculpture. I am going to create a sculpture made out of clay. After doing research about the Felidae and Felids in great depth, I have been fascinated the most by a jaguar because, eventhough, it is extremely similar to a leopard, jaguar still seems more impressive to me. In my opinion, jaguar is associated with wealth, luxury and prosperity. Therefore, I am going to make a sculpture of a jaguar, it is also going to be covered in gemstones.

The word I have chosen is ‘Epiphany’. I have decided to explore and expand on this word in a unique way. Instead of focusing on Christianity and Jesus, I have focused on Ancient Egypt and cats as those were the creatures Ancient Egyptians have worshipped. Cats were treated as gods and demigods. This is the reason why I am going to make a sculpture of a large cat.

[tomasz-mars-project-yeartwo]

Pink Panther

The Pink Panther is a British-American media franchise primarily focusing on a series of comedy-mystery films featuring an inept.

The Pink Panther is a fictional animated character who appeared in the opening and closing credit sequences of every film in The Pink Panther series.

In the storyline of the original film, the "Pink Panther" was the name of a valuable pink diamond named for a flaw that showed a "figure of a springing panther" when held up to the light in a certain way; in the credits this was translated to an animated pink panther. 

The animated pink panther series has an extremely and commonly known theme melody. As a little kid, I have always been amazed, fascinated and enchanted by this theme song.