My favourite works of Jean Sebastien Monazi

The Prey
http://www.simplemoment.com/PagePhotos/portraits/portraits.php?galID=35&picID=0

Love is a game
http://www.simplemoment.com/PagePhotos/portraits/portraits.php?galID=21

They're inspirational works of art, seriously.

"a film without motion"

Elements of a photo essay:

• Convention
  
• Navigation - linear
  
• Pace - slow, so it would allow the viewer
  
• Structure
• Order
  
• Formats
• Screen ratio
• Colour
• Style
• Design
• Text
• Typography
• Scale
• Subject Matter
  
• Theme
• Director's Values
  
• Special FX
  
• Lighting
• Camera angles
  
• Tone
  

Eyes eyes eyes

Yellow is seen as a bright, optimistic colour, a creative colour, a colour that gives a strong sense of direction because of its brightness, hence I gving Daniel a big yellow arrow that will be painted across his face, with sun rays sprouting out at the end. I'm thinking of having a big yellow swirly sun as the picture on his white t-shirt; or simply a yellow box.

Orange is a colour of power, a colour of curiousity and a colour that initiates hunger. I'm planning to paint a big orange question mark on Kaitlyn's left eye, while there is a big edgy looking arrow on her other eye to represent the power. An idea for her white t-shirt would be a closed fist or a punching glove.

White is the colour of purity, innocence, peace, balance. It's the colour of truth, something that reveals the cold side of things. I'm representing the peace in Keith's eyes by painting a shape of a white dove on his left eye. And the truth in the colour white as a full hollow circle on his right eye. As the colour white can stand for completeness and wholeness. An idea for Keith's t-shirt (which I might have to buy a grey colour or black colour which would allow the white paint to show up), I'm thinking of painting a white rose, which represents the purity and innocence of white.

The colour grey is associated with isolation, with being narrow minded, maturity, "Gray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics. Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated feeling. " I decided to paint Dinh's eyes with narrow strokes of definition, with a smooth curve to one side. For Dinh's white t-shirt, I'm thinking of painting a grey wolf, that is howling at the heavens, which represents the loneliness of grey.

Blue is the colour of distance, conservation, "A pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. ", calming. It's the colour of the ocean, something that calms you as you watch the waves roll by in the distance. I decided to paint curves onto Pauline's eyes that represent the sincerity of the colour blue, and the calming soothing effect of it. For her white t-shirt, I'm thinking of painting blue key - key to inspiration etc. Also I'm thinking of having Pauline holding up the rubix cube to the camera, where only the blue side is showing (for my photo with the whole spectrum of colours, I'll be clutching the rubix cube which is all mixed up again)

Purple

Purple is the colour of good judgement and magic (hence the stars). It's also a very child-friendly colour, hence I've given Kelly a look as if she's a super hero with her eyes, it's gentle, curved edges. Her arms are held up high as if she's feeling free, to represent her seeking of spirtual fulfilment, as if she is doing magic, as if openly meditating/praising to the heavens, thanking them for being blessed with what she's got.

Black

Black is the absence of all colours, it's a misunderstood colour hence I'm associating black with being emotional. The face paint is suppose to represent the misunderstood tears and the beauty of the elegance of the colour black (which it can also offer). I'm planning to have Freda looking down, where her eyes are closed, but on her white t-shirt would be a single open eye, which a twirled up pupil, where it represents she portrays the world in a different manner.

Design of face paint and everything else

As green relates to nature, relates to balance, well-being, growth and harmony, I've decided to have Shiwen situated on the grass relaxing, with one eye open. His eyes will have a single leaf painted on them to represent the mother nature. I remember reading somewhere that the colour green is gentle for the eyes, so I'm trying to create a look of serenity, a calm and relaxed look. The arrow on the white t-shirt represents growth, 'go' etc.

The colour red is associated with passion, love, fire, anger etc. I wanted to give the colour red a more edgy look, and yet the passion and love is still visually seen with the big red heart on the white t-shirt. Tham's eyes will have the fire look, and the red scarf around his head/hair will enhance the power look. I haven't decided if he should smile or not.

IDEA EPIPHANY: As I have chosen to represent myself as all colours, I'm going to include a distinct colour object in each of the colour themed photographs and when it's the photo of the rainbow colours, it would all be seen somewhere in my photograph.

http://www.crystal-cure.com/color.html

Meaning of Colour

Color is all around us. We see it all the time. Most of us have no idea the impact color has on our lives. This impact of the many colors in our environment is usually not conscious. Sometimes we get an uneasy feeling in certain rooms or very relaxed in another, but we call this a mood. The "color of mood" can be what is surrounding us.

1. Red - Tham Hua
Red is the warmest of all colors. Red is the color most chosen by extroverts and one of the top picks of males. On the negative side red can mean temper or anger. In China, red is the color of prosperity and joy. Brides wear red and front doors are often painted red. Red is Tuesday's color. Red roses symbolize passionate love. Ruby rings should be worn on the left hand. Red is the color of Mars. This planet is known as the God of War.

Red is associated with fiery heat and warmth. It can also mean danger (burning).
Red is the color of blood, and as such has strong symbolism as life and vitality. It brings focus to the essence of life and living with emphasis on survival. Red is also the color of passion and lust.

Put some red in your life when you want:
increased enthusiasm and interest
more energy
action and confidence to go after your dreams
protection from fears and anxieties

2. Orange - Kaitlyn Vu
Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is orange. I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life, just burn an orange candle for 7 nights.

While red is associated with fiery heat, orange is associated with the benign warmth of the sun. A dynamic color to be sure, orange offers a more thoughtful control than explosive red. Curiosity is a driving characteristic of orange, and with it comes exploration of new things.

Put some orange in your life when you want:
to spice things up when you feel time is dragging
to become more involved in something
to increase creativity
relief from things becoming too serious

3. Yellow - Daniel Tay
The shade of yellow determines the meaning. Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Always use yellow note pads.
Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People of high intellect favor yellow. Yellow daffodils are a symbol of unrequited love. Sunday's color is yellow-gold.

Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.

Put some yellow in your life when you want:
clarity for decision-making
relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
sharper memory and concentration skills
protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

4. Green - Shiwen King
Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being. Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use anywhere use green.
Green is favored by well balanced people. Green symbolizes the master healer and the life force. It often symbolizes money. It was believed green was healing for the eyes. Egyptians wore green eyeliner. Green eyeshades are still used. You should eat raw green foods for good health. Friday is the day of green. Green jade is a sacred stone of Asia.

Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green. Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.

Put some green in your life when you want:
a new state of balance
feel a need for change or growth
freedom to pursue new ideas
protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others

5. Blue - Pauline Van
Blue is the coolest color - the color of the sky, ocean, sleep, twilight. The ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli to represent heaven. Blue symbolizes the Virgin Mary. A pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Blue is often the chosen color by conservative people. Blue is the calming color. That makes it a wonderful color to use in the home, especially for babies. Blue is so soothing that is a good choice for pajamas. Dark blue is the color of truth and moderation. A blue iris means your friendship is very important to me. Wednesday's color is blue. Blue gemstones to wear to feel calm are blue sapphire and blue topaz. Lapis lazuli and azurite are said to heighten psychic power.

Blue gives a feeling of distance. Artists use it to to show perspective. This is a good way to understand the energy of the color blue - it allows us to look beyond and increase our perspective outward. It contains a cool vibration that is helpful to communication.
The vibration if blue can be used to open energy flow where it is blocked. Using blue to relax will encourage feelings of communication and peace.

Put some blue in your life when you want:
calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation
to open the flow of communication
to broaden your perspective in learning new information
solitude and peace

6. Purple - Kelly Tang
Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation.
Purple has been used to symbolize magic and mystery, as well as royalty. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Most children love the color purple. Purple is the color most favored by artists. Thursday's color is purple.
Violet is the color of purpose. Violet is associated with the Crown chakra (This links individual and universal).
Violet Energy
Violet is a combination of blue and red. Red is a focusing, dynamic and active energy while blue is cooling, calming and expansive. Violet brings a new dynamic to the expansion of blue and the activity of red. Red brings practicality to the undirected expansiveness of the blue, and allows more creative energy to emerge. For this reason, violet is associated with imagination and inspiration.
Violet is an important energy for those who use blue and indigo skills in the psychic field. The red in violet offers a grounding effect.

Put some violet in your life when you want:
to use your imagination to its fullest
to re-balance your life
to remove obstacles
to calm overactivity or to energize from depression

7. White - Keith Soeum
White is the color of purity. Brides wear white in many countries, because white symbolizes a virgin. White means kindness. In some cultures white is worn at funerals. White is Monday's color. White daisies are a symbol of loyal love.

Strictly speaking, white is not a color, but the manifestation of the presence of all color - the complete energy of light. It stands for wholeness and completion. In many cultures it represents openness and truth. White has a cold quality. It can provide clarity as its energy is complete.
White has purification vibrations and can be used to clear blocks from your path.
It holds the potential to move toward every other color and this makes it a good choice for new beginnings, and development in any direction.

Put some white in your life when you want:
to clear clutter and obstacles away
to start a fresh beginning
to bring about mental clarity
purification of thoughts or actions

8. Grey - Dinh Vuu
Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone wolf type or narrow-minded. Gray with more silver in it can be a very active color.
Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol for security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility and conservative practicality.

Gray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics. Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated feeling. Gray can have a cooling effect when placed next to other more vibrant colors. It has a stabilizing effect, making vibrant colors stand out while muting their vibration.
Put some gray in your life when you want:
to emphasize your willingness to comply
a neutral, non-invasive feeling
to reduce the intense energy of another color
to feel detached or isolated

9. Black - Freda Cheung
Black is the most misunderstood color. A black tie dinner is very formal and elegant. Women can wear that "must have little black dress" to the black tie dinner. Yet the bad guys wear black hats. Black symbolizes death in some cultures. Native Americans thought black was good because it was the color of soil, which gives life. Saturday's color is black.

Black is not a color, strictly speaking. It is the absence of all color. When people speak of opposites, it is usually in terms of black and white. Black, and its opposite white, represent polarities. Black absorbs all aspects of light. While white reveals, black conceals. It has come to mean hidden, fearful or bad experience. It is linked to the unknown or the unseen.
In times of fear and uncertainty black contains the energy of the threatening unknown. In a positive state, black is seen as a restful emptiness into which anything may emerge and disappear once again. It is also mysterious, providing a sense of potential and possibility.

Put some black in your life when you want:
to become inconspicuous
to open the door to mystery
to prepare for the unknown
a restful emptiness

10. The array of all colours - Yours Truly

Photo Essay Theme is decided (y)

Photographer: Yours Truly

What colour defines you?

It's going to be a photo essay that runs through the different colours of the rainbow, and why each of the colours defines a particular person. The colours that I am exploring are: Black, Yellow, Red, Orange, Green, Blue, White, Grey, Pink/Purple and Multicoloured. I've already asked majority of my preferred models if they accept my invitation of being part of my photo essay and so far everyone of them have accepted. There will be lots of planning down, and there are just so many ideas and props that I want to explore.

People who are going to be involved:
Freda Cheung, Tham Hua, Shiwen King, Dinh Vuu, Kaitlyn Vu, Pauline Van, Daniel Tay, Yours Truly, Keith Soeum and hopefully Kelly Tang as well :)

Creating the Holga Effect

*following the tutorial #7

I can't deny it, honestly

It's amazing how much there is to admire, to appreciate, to be aware of when you take things slow, take things as they come, not rushing the moment. It unnoticeably becomes something special, something that keeps building as time moves forward. I like this, very much.

And on a serious side note,

the work of Jean Sebastien Monzani still amazes me beyond words. [These images were saved and used purely for educational purpose, they are not used to be manipulated or anything]

which leads me into exploring the work of other amateurs/professionals on deviantart and I've discovered the following that, also, took my breath away.

http://lolo-o.deviantart.com/

http://curlytops.deviantart.com/art/somewhere-49830644

http://may-18.deviantart.com/art/Talking-Bird-118912605

Inspiration from silhouettes

Otherworldly

http://themes.xanga.com/themehome.aspx?t=s&tm=all&l=0&u=luvabuv&pid=1

I randomly came across this image when I was changing the layout of my xanga. I love the silhouette of the vines and thin stems that grow towards the darkening sky. It's something I'd want to experiment with using both photoshop and painting in real life. The definition of the fine black lines is seriously so beautiful to me, that I sound like a crazy girl trying to describe how much I like this creation.

here are some others by the same person luvabuv (I would believe is the case):

Blot Out the Sun

4 Seasons

I think I'm developing a love for collage

Ever since I've started working on my political poster, and since I've been developing my ideas around the use of newspaper and cutting up letters to spell out my political message, my love and excitement for it has grown (lol). Okay that sounded lame, but I get so mystical when I see the words that I spelt out simply with magazine cut outs scanned and on the computer screen. I'm still experimenting with everything. Perhaps I just really like the oldschool style authentic look of the letters that have been cut out jaggedly etc. //hard to explain, but I think I just found new love for magazine cutouts.

Birthday presents for my sisters

inspiration was given by my own uni bag, the grid pattern of black and white// I'm going to attempt (and try my very best) to paint things that resemble them, or things that they'd look at and laugh every time. Maybe for Jenny I'll paint DOMO-KUN and for Anna I'd paint a bunny rabbit. These canvases are their belated birthday presents from me, and I'm hoping they'd hang it up in their new rooms when our new house has been completed. :) Being on a mid-semester break finally gave me the time to chill and paint for those that I love. <3

Like Romeo and Juliet, fact leaves fate to find us

I haven't (design) blogged for a while, time to revisit again.

We've been discussing the importance of grids in design layouts lately in design lectures and classes. It's really good to be aware how useful grids can be, seriously. When I was watching Paul construct a simple grid using the rulers in Photoshop, it made the canvas already look like a professional GUI/poster, even without it's contents and texts. Currently I'm working on my political poster, poverty still exists, with the use of a grid like structure of 3x3. It's still a working process with a muddle of scrunched up newspaper photographs (taken by me).