Photoshop Project, Finished
Photoshop Project: Postcards
Place: Fulton
Street Cemetery,
Setting:
Old cemetery off of Fulton Street
Issue/Problem:
The issue is how we need to view cemeteries as a sacred ground; we must not
treat it as anything but that.
Goal: To
express the need to respect and honor cemeteries.
Introduction:
I
chose this cemetery because it’s a devotional and spiritual place. There have
always been many incidents where graveyards are disrespected and vandalized, such
as kids partying, saying its “haunted” and even standing on the headstones. Cemeteries
are where our loved ones reside, and this project is to bring awareness to
honor and respect them.
I
believe there should be more respect given to cemeteries in our culture. In
cinema, we are taught that cemeteries are depicted as “spooky” or “haunted”
places that are treated with dishonor and even humor sometimes. I think people
have lost touch with the true purpose cemeteries hold, to keep our loved ones
with us on this earth so we can visit and cherish them.
I
remember when I was little, my father and I used to bike to a cemetery called “Beach
Road Cemetery”. It was very small and old, and we would walk around and try to
figure out who the people were and what they did. I think I learned to respect
these places because my father demonstrated that. My grandfather passed away
the summer of 2013, after fighting 4 years of lung cancer. This was my first
funeral, and I still clearly remember standing by his casket as he was lowered.
I think that was one of the most emotionally intense moments I’ve had in 22
years, and I want to respect it as such.
In
the first postcard, I used the process of repetition. The picture depicts the
reality of the many people that repeatedly visit cemeteries, each day, in hopes
to be connected to their loved ones. It also demonstrates how many cemeteries
there are in the world, and how many different people cherish them. I
contrasted the photo to give it a more serious tone, and brightened the sky to
signify the presence of the afterlife.
In
the second postcard, I used the process of transformation. The picture
demonstrates how our loved ones depart onto a beautiful path in the afterlife.
This can be called heaven, or even just another life through reincarnation. In
almost every religion, there is some form of afterlife, which I find to be very
interesting. I made the graveyard darker, to symbolize the harshness of the
living world, and I made the “next path” bright and happy, to symbolize hope and
ambition for the ones who have passed.
In
the third postcard, I used the process of text. I wanted to express the intense
feelings that people who have lost loved ones feel. The passage expresses honor
and serenity for those who have passed. I chose to put the poem in in the sky
so it could “reach” those that have passed. I darkened the cemetery so it contrast better with the sunlight. I added a shining sunlight behind the text to enhance the message.
1.
2.
3.
Back of
Postcard:
Concept
Map:
I love the first and second postcards - they are so beautiful. The first image makes you feel like you are in a dream with the light, soft color and movement. The second image makes you think of heaven or higher powers and the lighting is so believable and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe second one is my favorite. I appreciate the point of view and the problem that you presented. Good job Tshirt.
ReplyDeleteI really love your second image. The idea of the stairs going up into the sky is beautiful but the image is also of a cemetery which gives it a dark aspect. This image makes me have two feelings sadness but also happiness. This image is very interesting in the way in which it is read.
ReplyDeleteI love the first postcard. It's dreamy and looks like a twist on reality. I like the softness created with a muted color palette. The repetition creates a lot of movement. Super successful, good job!!
ReplyDeleteThe second postcard looks very realistic. I like the feeling of a way to get to and from heaven and it really conveys the feeling of a staircase to heaven. It also looks like it should be and that it was not photoshopped in.
ReplyDeleteI love your second postcard. I love the staircase leading up. It has good movement and leads your eye where you want it to. It had a whimsical feel too which I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI really love the last photo but the first postcard is my favorite. Instead of just mirroring the iage your method of repeating is really unique and makes the image kind of dizzying and dream like. looks like a rad album cover.
ReplyDeleteThe first postcard has an ethereal, somewhat eerie nature to it. The repetition adds something of an almost disorienting sensation to it, but it is done effectively and adds to your concept. The second postcard is very well done in it's subtlety and integration of the fantastic idea of the staircase to heaven and the clouds opening up.
ReplyDeleteI love the first postcard in the set. The repetition and alteration to opacity shows a sense of fading in the scenery. I look at this as a reminder that it is up to us to remember and respect the setting and those that have passed. I think it does well for answering your problem by putting the responsibility on us as observers.
ReplyDeleteI find it very compelling how you decided to make light of the true meaning and representation that should be shown when thinking about a cemetery. I agree to your comment in regards to people taking the connotation of a cemetery in the wrong way. Because of that I feel like you successfully displayed this issue well and gave points to telling a positive message about what most would mistakenly consider negative.
ReplyDelete