I was really excited about this project when I was reading about it on the syllabus. I love using Photoshop, and I love that I am able to have fun with a program and it be worth something in a classroom. Although I have learned everything I know about Photoshop on my own, I still enjoy these types of classes because I get to experiment with other programs and diversify my understanding of different software.
As soon as I read the idea for Project 1, my immediate reaction was to create an image regarding my recent trip to Italy. I’m not sure why but the idea of Italy popped in to my head instantly. This summer I traveled to Rome, Italy to teach English at a summer camp for kids. It was a very exciting, life-changing trip. I did this same thing 2 years ago, with a different program, in Milan, Italy, but I have to say my trip to Rome was very different and a lot more enjoyable. While there, I learned so much about Roman culture—a culture that I already admired in so many ways. During my trip, we would prance around the streets of Rome in the evenings taking breathtaking, gorgeous pictures of the scenery. For this project, I used a picture that my colleague took one evening while visiting the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuelle II. Layered against the severe orange, and red sunset, the silhouette of the godess Victoria riding on quadrigas symbolizes the famous words by Julius Caesar, “Veni, vidi, vici.” “I came, I saw, I conquered,” matched against the orange and red (symbolizing blood, and passion—both of which are appropriate for these famous words) make this particular photo historically significant.
To me, though there are only three words being used in this multimedia project, they are some of the most influential words in history. These words are partially applicable to my journey to Rome. Nervous, excited, and determined to do well at my job, I came to Rome, I saw Rome and all it’s beauty, and was able to conquer Rome in the sense that I was able to live there for a month without any problems. I now feel like I could live a happy, worry-free life in Rome, knowing my way around and understanding the culture and its beauty. Though “Veni vidi vici” does not apply to me in a political sense in the way it was originated, it does apply to me in a challenging, academic, and life-changing experience sort of way.
*It is important to click this image for the full quality file as the image has been reduced to fit on to this blog.
To access the meta text file via Google Docs click here.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Project 1 Final Post - Veni, Vidi, Vici
Posted by John Thrasher at 7:02 PM
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3 comments:
The relationship between words and image in this project are very important. I like the linking of current Roman culture to past culture. I also think the color symbolism works really well in coordination with the text. The colors are powerful, and as you said in your analysis, the words are powerful--and some of the most powerful and influential in history.
I like the project. I think the colors and words work together to create the tone you had hoped for effectively. I also think an idea such as this one was a perfect fit with the assignment prompt.
In terms of using the computer, you used your resources well. The only thing I might have added to enhance the effect was animation. Perhaps having the words appear one at a time with a little dramatic space in between would even heighten the emphasis of it.
What is the relation between words and image in this project?
-After reading your 'meta text', I would say the words and the image are one in the same! You spoke of the colors of the sunset(rise?) and the images in the background, versus Caesar's famous words. I especially thought it was important to point out the colors orange and red in relation to the words "I conquered" - I did not get the full effect of your project until I read your meta text and understood where you were coming from, and how the words and the image were so intricately linked.
How does it make you feel?
When I first saw your project, I thought it had some meaning of freedom or independence - I noticed the birds in the background and the image itself seemed like a very inspirational scene. Now, I see the project has a completely different tone altogether, a darker, more...less hopeful? (something like that...). I feel a certain reverence for the words/image -a very powerful thing you've got going here.
You might offer general advice on how they approach the look/feel of the project..
I would not give you any advice at all. As far as I can tell your project isn't too involved (with clicking or blinking text or anything like that..) but it doesn't need to be. It says what it needs to say, and it is what it needs to be-I don't think you need anything else. It is an artform unto itself. (My opinion). I can't really say it works well technically, because I can't tell that there's been any serious techniques employed (I may be wrong), but it does work well in that you've posted the link successfully and if you click on it from your blog, it is easier to see and deal with.
Good job :)
There is a very fluid relationship between words and image in this project; a statue representing the words has been photographed, and even the color in the picture represents the mood of the phrase. The point is to capture an influential trip as what it meant to the traveler. The message is represented clearly with the medium. Notation is overlayed on the image. The reader can at a glance read the idea as well as the mood from the multimedia writing. The arangement of the words is also fitting, in a stair step formation, which recalls the statement as a process. The quote is taken from a famous quote, which is sampling.
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