I am currently an Art Foundation student at Manchester Metropolitan University and before I started the course I was set a summer project by the tutors. The Project was called 'Design.er. Pet' and asked me to create a pet that reflected either me and my personality or looks. After brainstorming and considering several animals such as koala bears, polar bears, leopards, penguins and peacocks, I decided that I didn’t want to re-make a conventional pet animal- I wanted something different. I considered mythical creatures such as phoenixes and dragons but realised that they didn't really reflect my personality. I researched further and found genetically engineered animals and creatures; I came across the term 'cross- breeds'; this refers to animals that have come into existence by combining the DNA of two different species. The 'zorse' is an example of this; its DNA comes from both a zebra and a horse.
Seeing images of these genetically engineered creatures inspired me to think about combining two or more animals for my pet project. I decided to combine the body of a swan with the wings of a butterfly. I personally felt that the swan represented me and my personality because it is a peaceful and elegant animal. It is also beautiful and headstrong and often has connotations of tranquillity and calm. The wings of the butterfly are symbolic of my new transmission through university in the sense that I have started a new chapter in my life just as a caterpillar changes and adapts into a butterfly... The Butterfly represents: colour, vibrancy, beauty, symmetry, pattern and intricacy- and all these factors are very important and relevant to me. I was inspired by the work of David Mach, Nicola Hicks and Nick Cave
Pet Photography
The first mini-project we were set during Fresher's Week involved photographing our pets in the style of different genres. Before we took the photographs, we researched what the generic conventions of each genre were and how we as an audience differentiate between them. I found that the horror genre employed earie and creepy music when something terrible was about to happen and often used extreme long shots in isolated and deserted locations. The horror genre also film a lot during the night- as the the night and darkness has connotations of the unknown, mystery and uncertainty.
Horror Genre
The above three photographs are shot in the style of the horror genre, the first looks as though it has been taken using 'night vision' and this effect works quite well in creating an enigma for the audience, how did the creature get up in the tree? What is it waiting for? Etc.
The second image was taken against the window of my house, exploiting the shadow of my pet to make it look slightly monstrous and creepy. It appears as though it is watching over the window and the inhabitants of the house... slightly spooky.
The third image from the trio is taken in a dark street; the only lighting is that of the street lamp which is given the photograph an unexpected and unplanned red tint. The colour red is symbolic of many things such as death, love and blood and so this works well for the horror genre.
Comedy Genre
For the comedy genre I decided to place my pet in awkward and completely ridiculous situations; for the first two images I placed my pet in front of the steering wheel on the driver’s seat- this situation is of course ludicrous, a made up creature driving a vehicle?!
Romance Genre
When I researched generic conventions for this genre- great emphasis was placed on the location and proximity of the actors. I also found that frequent close up and extreme close up shots were used in this genre. Signs and symbols such as hearts, roses, doves, romantic boat rides, and candle lit settings are synonymous this genre.
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