christinangusdesign

[christinangusdesign]

Project 2.2  

I wanted to draw the habitat of the snails that I made. Doing some quick research and from observing the snails from before I looked at certain plants that a lot of the snails were around and eating. 

In my enclosure I have egg shells (calcium, to help growth and to make their shell stronger), sticks and bark is used for them to climb on which I found they enjoy (move a lot more) doing when presented with them, apples are their favourite fruit to eat as well as asparagus from what I’ve seen. I put a few inches of dirt in the ground as well as growing moss and rocks - smooth and rough. I noticed that they often like sleeping on the ceiling of the container as well as under big leaves and near the rocks. I spray them once a day so that they stay moist - they have been growing a lot and have been really active when I do. 

[christinangusdesign]

Project 2.2 - Escapism Introduction

“the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy”

When thinking about what escapism means to me, I thought about the lockdown and what I did to cope with isolating myself. I live in a house with 6 other people - all who have been supportive in keeping each other company and making things exciting at home. We often spent our lunches between lectures outside in the garden, as well as drinking during the weekends to release some tension. However, when we had learn’t that our landlords were removing the garden in order to maintain it better a cord had struck with me. By the time the workers had come in to dig into the soil and remove all of the natural life that had grown, I found myself trying to preserve whatever life I could find. We had a range of different critters in the garden, such as worms, birds, neighbourhood cats and even foxes; yet I found myself mesmerised with the snails.

The way they would hide in the plants, moving slowly and unaware of what is about to their home. I had done some research on snails and having them as pets - with the right care and environment they could live a happy life rather than be discarded/killed with the digger. I also wanted to preserve the garden as it meant a lot to my flatmates and I.

I wanted to preserve as much of the garden as I could in such a container and designed a new home for the snails so that they will feel comfortable. I often let them come out to explore my new plants, climb around my fingers and on fruit and vegetables outside of their new home. 

In this project I want to explore how I can relate/connect more to my snails.

[christinangusdesign]

Personal Project - Lights 

I wanted to do a quick personal project. In Hong Kong, on top of IFC roof you can find these colourful lights that are in a prism like shape. The glass is stained giving it this radiant bright colour, completely changing the atmosphere of the rooftop. People often now go there to take photos and enjoy the ambience. I thought it would be interesting to place it in other urban like areas to replace street lights or bring colour to buildings. 

[christinangusdesign]

Project 2.1

Displaying all the items together. 

[christinangusdesign]

Project 2.1 

I explored the idea of what a barbie would look like in real life. It is meant to expose the clear line of what is reality and what is fantasy. To me, media has influenced the way people see Barbie - as a materialistic, rich, white girl. She represents unrealistic body types and standards, projecting how we ‘should’ live our lives. 

I really liked the contrast between a modern society and the unrealistic values that society thinks Barbie is. 

[christinangusdesign]

Some more process photos - I also made one out of duct tape as I wanted to explore how we could split the body and how the barbie doll was broken (manufactured) into  several different parts. This was interesting as it became more like a second skin that was uncomfortable and sweaty. 

[christinangusdesign]

Body Casting - Project 2.1 

I wanted to explore the shape and form of the natural body in comparison with Barbie’s abnormally long and slender figure. Mod Roc was used to cover my torso and my legs - the process being extremely uncomfortable and cold. 

The first attempt, the torso piece, was rushed and the came out weak and lost its form. However, while doing the legs we decided to give it a longer time for the first layer to dry, then applied the second layer. This made it stronger and sturdier.