Digital Arts Major Project: Silent Scream - Process Two

 I continued editing, after my rough cut, I tidied up the clips and transitions and then I began by adding music. I went to the free music archive and chose a piece by Plushgoolash. I chose this piece as it was completely absurd and reminded me of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah band.  Here is a Bonzo clip of Jollity Farm...

I liked very much one of the comments underneath which read:

@chrishowgill888

1 year ago

Neil once told how they were stopped by a cop in the USA, just driving to a gig. He wanted to know what weapons they had - when he was told "none" he asked, "how do you protect yourselves?" Vivian said "Good Manners!"'

In my own film I imported the music using 'import media' the music is in MP4 format.

I then began adding text subtitles, I used rapid red text in Crimson Text font with a black background.  I clicked on 'Text' in the left-hand menu and chose the text then in the right-hand menu changed the font and background.

i did this throughout to exemplify Trump's orders since the inauguration.  I then at the end added credits

I again clicked on Text in the left-hand menu chose the 'credits roll' and wrote these out, I changed the font again to crimson text.

I then exported the video in High quality HD  onto my computer, my drive and onto Youtube. Please see the final cut here.

I am quite pleased with how this turned out, I liked the music and words, I think the images work and as a performance film it does what I wanted. It could have been smoother, and more stylish - but I wanted it to retain that performance feel to it and too slick and ut may have lost this...

Digital Arts Major Project: Silent Scream - Process One

 After software practice with Clipchamp, I began the filming of my clips for my project.  I used a Canon 700D camera and filmed in Black and white, I used continuous auto-focus, and I used a remote control as I was filming myself.  I also used a tripod for all shots which were all located in the domestic environment.  These shots will be mixed with stock images in my final film. 

Here are some of my rushes, I have added as links as these files are too large to upload to blogger.

Video One

Video Two

Video Three

On the final video this will be rendered and added to YouTube. 

I then collected stock footage to add to this which represented the Trump inauguration, this included footage of the America Flag, Explosions, Deportation, War and Money 

I began by adding my footage to ClipChamp, I did this by clicking on 'import media' and selecting my clips from my computer

I then added the title and my name to the beginning of the timeline.  I did this by clicking on Text in the left-hand tools menu and dragging the desired text into the time line.  I then changed the font and size in the right-hand text editor.  I also then chose to reduce the seconds to 3 seconds for each title page. 

I then began thinking about the opening scene and I had decided this should start with an explosion and the American Flag so I added these clips to the timeline just by dragging and dropping.

 

Once in place, I created a crossfade of 2 seconds so that the explosion and flag would overlap.  I did this by clicking on 'transitions' in the left-hand menu of the crossfade.  I then went to the transitions editor on the right-hand menu to adjust the time. At 17 seconds I used the snipping tool to cut the flag video, I then wanted to change everything to black and white so I clicked on each clip and then in the right-hand menu went to 'effects' and chose a black and white filter.

I then detached all audio from all clips using the 'detach audio button on right-hand menu.  I made a rough cut slicing the clips together and adding the same crossfade throughout.

My roughcut looked okay so now I just needed to tighten up the edits add a running subtitle and add sound/music.  I will add this process in my next post.

Chapbook: Chapter Two & Three

 This is my First Draft of Chapter Two   the backstory here becomes a little more complex however I think it is necessary to give depth and meaning to the third chapter - this certainly won't be the end of the story but as much as can be written for this chapbook. 

A map of Canada is needed here... The location of the Pelican case is here but where is Mika?

Who is Mika?  The First Draft of the Third Chapter is here set at the University of British Columbia Nitobi Gardens

Nitobe Memorial Garden

After considering the second chapter I adjusted some phrases and corrected errors but essentially kept the content the same so this is the Second Draft of the Second Chapter

The third chapter needed more detail and depth so I added this as like the first chapter I wanted Mika's character and life to start to emerge.  This is the Second Draft of the Third Chapter

I have researched for both these chapters the relations between Canada and Japan in the Cold War era.  For the third chapter, I researched the place above where Mika lives in Canada. 

These three chapters are the set up or a much longer story but I am hoping they will work and that as the reader, it leaves you wanting more. 

Digital Workshop: Architecture/Interior

 Today I am doing the digital workshop for Architecture and interior on Photshop.  I will be starting to design my presentation boards. 

I began by creating a canvas.  I clicked on 'File' in the top menu and the 'New'.  I then clicked on 'Print' in the top menu of the dialog box. I then chose A3, Landscape orientation, checked it was 300dpi resolution which is high quality and a white background.  Then I clicked 'create'.

To design the board I chose three different back drops that were in abstract wood design so I could decide which might work best with my presentation boards.

To decide which background I wanted I uploaded to Photoshop just by clicking on 'File' and 'Open'.  I then clicked on the tab for each and then in the layers menu I clicked on the padlock to unlock each background as this opens up the opacity, so I tried lowering opacity to decide if this would work. 

I chose the one I liked and then I clicked on 'Select' on the top menu and then 'Edit' and then 'Copy', I then went to my canvas tab and clciked on 'Edit' and then 'Paste'.  I then went to my move tool in the tools menu on the left hand side, I then could use the transform controls to drag the image out to cover the canvas, I did this then clicked back on my move tool.  I then went back to layers menu and clicked on the Layer One with the image then I lowered opacity to 60%. 

My next step was to add text layers, so I began by clicked on  the 'T' tool in the tools menu and then clicking into the canvas, I then chose my font which was Baskerville Old Face and for the title of my project this was at 60pts, I then added subtitle using the same process however this was at 48pts.  Underneath this I added the title of the board which was 'Concept' 48pts.  As by backdrop was a little dark I lowered the opacity further to 51%. 

I then used Adobe Express to create a logo.  I chose an elegant style and approriate icon and typography for architecture.  I then downloaded this and made sure I had a transparent version. I then opened this on Photoshop, I did not like the colour so I duplicated ther layer then went to 'Image' in the top menu and 'Adjustments' and then I went to the and saturation and I just used the sliders to find the right shade for my logo.  I then went to crop tool in the tools menu and cropped excess space round the logo .  I then Selected this and the copied and pasted as previously onto my canvas.  

I then chose a 'stand-in' image until I have completed my own concept picture.  I opened this Photoshop and selected and copied and pasted into the canvas. I then just used transform controls and the move tool to put this in place. 

The final piece of work was to write the concept in line with my research and ideas for this design.  I added the concept using the text tool and the first few lines were 24pts and then the majority I changed to 20pts to fit into the space.  I finally did my own proofread and checked teh spelling. 

I saved my board as both a jpeg and psd file.  This is my final board here...

Reflection

Software Practice: Creating a Small Yacht Floorplan

 In this post I will try to create a small yacht floorplan for an Interior Design project, my theme for the yacht is Japandi.

I began by opening Homebyme, I launched a new project and used a blank template due to the unusual shape I wanted to create as this program is more for traditional residential homes.

I had researched average small yacht sizes UK and I found that 'Mini or small yachts typically range in size from 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) in length.' (Yatco, 2024).  I also then looked at floorplans of other yachts to see how these were laid out, here is an example

Small Yacht Layout Examples 

Here I can see how the bedrooms have been laid out on the 'ground' floor,the livingroom and Kitchen area on the 'first' floor and then further living space on deck.  I think my yacht will be quite small and I will just have one floor.

I then clicked on the tools menu and in the top bar for layout and clicked on build wall, then I carefully drew out my Yacht basic floor.  I then clicked on 'validate' and I had my Living Area.

I really need to think about space planning but for this exercise, I will add some basic rooms to try this out in the space.  So I went back to the layout and started to add further walls using the layout tool.  I then went to the build tool to start adding windows and doors. I added two small bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and living area.  I tried to keep the choice of doors in a Japandi design and used sliding door due to the lack of available space. 

This worked quite well and in a small space I had managed to fit in all basic rooms plus an additional snug.

I changed the 'patio' to 'Sea' by clicking on 'Patio' and in the dialog box on the right-hand side I changed the flooring to carpet and just chose sea-coloured carpet 

I decorated one of the bedroom by just going to furnish and decorate and choosing elements to add. I took an image of this view. I also took an image of the bathroom I will add when this has been rendered.

Also, I took an image of the 3D view of the whole yacht so I could get an overview

Overall I actually quite enjoyed creating this small boat interior, I think it needs more thinking about on the floorplan as the bedrooms are exceptionally small however boats can be so I may just play with the wall and perhaps just make one large bedroom rather than two as then it might feel more spacious. I do like the shape though and I think the floorplan will work well on a presentation 

I took a quick snip of the project details - this is useful for the square footage.

References

Yatco (2024). Mini and Small Yachts for Sale. [online] YATCO Luxury Yachts for Sale, Superyacht Charter & Business Services. Available at: https://www.yatco.com/types-of-yachts/new-used-small-yachts-for-sale/ [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Software Practice Photoshop/ Client Profile

 Today we are creating a client profile on Photoshop.  For my project I am creating a performance art video

I opened Photoshop.  I clicked on 'File' in the top menu and then 'new' .  I then chose 'Print' in the top menu of the dialog box.  I then chose A3 size canvas and I chose landscape orientation.  I then checked it was 300dpi resolution which is high quality. Then I chose a white background and then clicked 'create'.

Then went to Unsplash and chose an abstract image that was copyright free.  I then went back to Photoshop and clicked on 'File' in the top menu and then 'Open'.  I then went to 'select' in the top menu and 'select al'.  I then went to 'Edit' in the top menu nd then 'copy' I then clikced bak into my canvas and clicked on 'Edit' and 'Paste', I tehn used the transform controls to drag the image over the canvas then clicked filaly on the move tool in my tools menu.

I then changed the opacity to 55%.  I then needed to find my client. i chose a suitable Gen X man and I opened thsi image in Photoshop.  I changed the image to black and white as this will work with project.  I did this by clicking on 'image' in the top menu then 'adjustments' and then 'black and white'.

My next step was to select the image of the man using the same process as above to place him in my canvas.  I used the move and transform controls just to place him where I wanted. I then clicked on the'T' tool in the tools menu and then clicked on canvas to create a title.  This was in Berlins San FB at 72pts. 

Lastly today I add using the text tool as before the name, age and occupational of my ideal client.  I used the gridlines and checked spacing was exactly the same between each line.  Then I went back to the 'move tool' to finish

I continued writing using the text tool and changed size and layout accordingly.  I also used the gridlines to line up all the text in a pleasing manner on the page.

My final job was to click on 'Edit' in the top menu and then 'Check Spelling' I then saved the work as a psd file and a jpeg so that I could easily use this in any program. 

My final work is here 

The Man With Night Sweats: Analysis of a Poem

 In this post, I am going to analyse the Thom Gunn poem, Man With Night Sweats. 

Thom Gunn by Ander Gunn 1992

The Man with Night Sweats was published in 1992, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. The rise of HIV/AIDS in the late 1980s and early 1990s was shocking at the time and was largely covered up through the 1980s the silent spread of disease was known by health professionals and the gay comunity. 'In the early 1980s, reports of a strange new disease began emerging from the United States. It was picked up in the British gay press – Gay News ran a story in November 1981 under the headline “Gay cancer or mass media scare?” – but relatively few people noticed.' (Weston, 2021).  Gunn wrote this poem as he was watching his friends suffering and dying; 'I had assumed that I would age with all my friends growing old around me, dying off very gradually one by one. And here was a plague that cut them off so early.' (Spacey, 2023) The poem here is expressing the pain of his friends through his words

The poem is in the form of a Caelica '(Latin for Heavenly) - short octets, alternately rhyming, ended by a rhyming couplet.' (Spacey, 2023).  This form of poetry comes from a poem by Greville (published 1633) which, ' in his sinewy and demanding verse include philosophical treatises and unperformed melodramas (Alaham and Mustapha) that have a somber Calvinist tone, presenting man as a vulnerable creature inhabiting a world of unresolved contradictions' (Encylopedia Brittanica, 2025).  Gunn used this form as in his poem the tension is between his body that he once knew and trusted to his body now which is weak and does not protect him.  

In the second quatrain (Lines 2 and 3)

'The body I could trust   

Even while I adored'

This is his show of strength and goes on to suggest that as he felt immortal and he trusted in his own body he could take risks.  Then later in the third quatrain (Line 2, 3 and 4)

'The given shield was cracked,

My mind reduced to hurry,   

My flesh reduced and wrecked.'

His body is cracked, this extends to his mind not functioning as it should, his flesh now 'reduced and wrecked', this is destruction of not just his body but all that he knows, like Samson his strength has been taken and he now cannot live. Here, the use of enjambment makes the pace quite fast as you are forced to continue on as the line runs through to the next line. In the final (fourth) rhyming couplet (lines 1 & 2) the reader is breathless  at the end of the poem, the despair as he can no longer protect himself from an 'avalanche', this will suffocate, crush and kill him and an avalanche is cold harsh, it suggests isolation. Many who died of AIDS were in isolation, alone in death. 

'As if hands were enough   

To hold an avalanche off.'

In the 1980s AIDS patients were treated very badly in British and possibly worse in American hospitals, 'AIDS patients are locked in hospital rooms, denied care and treated like pariahs in society. Because of the lack of education around AIDS' (Mussen, 2021).  In the 1980s there were still laws against homesexual realtionships and literature such as Section 28*.  

This poem means a lot to me and discovering Gunn was one of the pleasures of my life, this poem makes my heart ache as I read it.  In terms of the form and literary devices, I looked at enjambment as I was using run on sentences and polysyndeton, as I was talking about the rhythm and pace in the work of Wallace and my own work, which is linked here to how enjambment is used. There is so much more that can be explored here but for this short post, it has been helpful to meditate on the meaning, form and just one of the literary devices used. 

References

Austin, A. (2022). LitCharts. [online] LitCharts. Available at: https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/thom-gunn/the-man-with-night-sweats [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Brewster, G. (2025). A Brief timeline of LGBTQ+ laws in the UK | Llanelli LGBTQ+ Support Group. [online] Llanelli LGBTQ+ Support Group. Available at: https://lgbtqplus.org.uk/heritage/a-brief-timeline-of-lgbtq-laws-in-the-uk/ [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Encylopedia Brittanica (2025). Caelica | poem by Greville | Britannica. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Caelica [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Foundation, P. (2021). The Man with Night Sweats by Thom Gunn. [online] Poetry Foundation. Available at: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47956/the-man-with-night-sweats [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Mussen, M. (2021). ‘It angered me’: Nurse shares what life was like on the wards during the 80s AIDS crisis. [online] The Tab. Available at: https://archive.thetab.com/uk/2021/01/26/it-angered-me-nurse-shares-what-life-was-like-on-the-wards-during-the-80s-aids-crisis-191978 [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Spacey, A. (2023). Analysis of the Poem ‘The Man With Night Sweats’ by Thom Gunn. [online] Owlcation. Available at: https://owlcation.com/humanities/Analysis-of-Poem-The-Man-With-Night-Sweats-by-Thom-Gunn [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Weston, J. (2021). Aids: the epidemic that changed Britain. [online] HistoryExtra. Available at: https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/aids-hiv-epidemic-changed-britain-how/ [Accessed 11 Feb. 2025].

Footnotes

*1988 – Section 28

Section 28 of the Local Government Act was introduced by the Conservative Government lead by Margaret Thatcher, a step back in the fight for equality. Section 28 made it illegal for local authorities from ‘promoting homosexuality’ or ‘pretended family relationships’. It also banned Councils from funding educational materials and projects that were perceived to ‘promote homosexuality’. By preventing the discussion of LGBT issues, it stopped pupils and young people from getting the support they needed. In 2003 Section 28 was repealed but it was not until 2009 that the former prime minister David Cameron apologised for the legislation. (Brewster, 2025)