Learning from Everyone

Complex Surface Modelling Practice 1

2012-01-04T23:50:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my attempt at a fully complex surface modelling using SolidWorks with the help of Mr. Perez's tutorial on a complex computer speaker. There are many problems with my model, but the overall form of it is there. It was more difficult than I expected, but again it is rewarding to know that I was able to do it. Well, in the soon future I need to be able to do it without this tutorial. Thank you Mr. Perez for your free SolidWorks Tutorial.

Here are views of my model.

We will reach the sky

2011-12-24T00:21:00.002-05:00

YES!

Dream On. Work On. Live On.

New York Guggenheim Art Museum Collection Online

2011-12-15T22:36:00.000-05:00

Throughout my high school days, I studied in Visual Arts. Have not been keeping updated on the current art world. But, if you want to find some great artwork in the past art movements. You can check out the website of the Guggenheim Art Museum in New York and on one page they have their art collections found in their physical space shown on their site. Their art collections. About their art collections.

Earth = space, the final frontier

2011-12-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

This is a great time-lapse video of earth. In case, you have not seen it. Check it out.

It reminders me how small earth is in this universe and how small we really are.

Thank you for reading

2011-12-12T23:29:00.001-05:00

It has been two years and more since I began to write on this blog. At the beginning it was to show my thesis progress with friends, but now a few of new friends I have made on blogger. Thank you for your interest. I find that trying to design something truly helpful without any hurt done to earth is difficult. I will use your support and my family's support as my motivation to continue to practice my design skills. I have done so, but not in a regular pace. Again, my thoughts yesterday on laziness have not been 'solid' in my consciousness or laziness is just too difficult to eliminate. I am trying and will try harder tomorrow. Take Care, Ben

I can live many lives.

2011-12-11T11:34:00.001-05:00

I often think it is best that an individual should be an expert at one thing rather than having too many interests. We are made of many interests; not because we are greedy, but this is a way for us to live life to the fullest. It is this passion that should stop use from being lazy because the core reason for us to be lazy is we are afraid that we will failed and that others will look down on us. Therefore, no matter how good or bad we think the quality of these results from our interests are - we keep practising and experimenting with them. We are stay true to ourselves, then we will have less chance of being in-confidence. After all, failures are mothers of all successes.

Now, I must put this idea into action. Thank you Ms. Sarah Kay!

Stuttering Boy to a Great Rapper

2011-12-10T23:15:00.001-05:00

A very inspiring story.

To read more about this story, check out:

Stuttering boy, 12, raps for impressed idol Drake in Toronto

I love Mr. Zeldin's message: “Don’t let one small thing get in between your dreams. We are who we are.”

Scott Belsky on Creative Meritocracy

2011-12-09T23:21:00.001-05:00

Original article: Work Smart: Strive For Creative Meritocracy

I agreed with Mr. Belsky. When we do things for free for others to promote our selves - no matter how much effect you put on it, still the quality of the work is not as good as paid work. We cannot expect others to be improved by us. However, if we do work based on our fascination and we do it as an interest, then the quality of it can be at its highest.

But, unless our societies change, we will still volunteer our work; in hopes of getting more potential employers' attention. Perhaps when we entered into a competition, our passion will help us put all of our effects onto a project.

2011-12-08T20:39:00.001-05:00

This is a great TED Talk for it is a nice reminder that life's beauty is greater than the pain from my stressed out mind.

Custom Cavum Kinetic Sculpture

2011-11-30T20:49:00.001-05:00

Found this via http://www.solidsmack.com/design/the-mesmerizing-kinetic-sculpture-of-u-ram-choes-guardian-of-the-hole/

Mesmerizing indeed. If you're in New York, you got to check it out in person.

Also, check out the interview with U-Ram Choe.

2011-11-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

The golden typewriter that allows the user to automatically write email is a fun idea. Haha.

2011-11-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

Lianne La Havas | No Room For Doubt | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

You caught me, guiltyTaking the pieces of youThat night, you took flightI couldn't decide what to doI won't let a safe betContinue to make me feel blueI could go soloWould that be the right thing to do?

We all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youWe all make mistakes, we doI learnt from you

I tiptoe, too slowOut of the door to your houseI know you knowThat this was leads me outOutside, too brightYou're within I'm withoutYou're within

We all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youWe all make mistakes, we doI learnt from you

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/no-room-for-doubt-lyrics-lianne-la-havas.html ]Please sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubtPlease sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubtPlease sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubtPlease sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubtLeave me no room for doubt

We all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youWe all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youWe all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youWe all make mistakes, we doI learnt from youOh

Please sleep softlyLeave me noPlease sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubtPlease sleep softlyLeave me noPlease sleep softlyLeave me no room for doubt

Play and Learn

2011-11-02T21:37:00.000-04:00

Aaron Dignan: How to Use Games to Excel at Life and Work

Playing is the nature's engine? How do we change the world around you?

2011-11-01T22:09:00.000-04:00

Quiz: Population 7 Billion—Could We All Fit in One City?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/10/111031-population-7-billion-earth-world-un-seven/

2011-10-31T23:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of postings. I am slowly finding my balance on life once again, so I will try to post more educational information on here in a weekly manner.

2011-10-31T23:15:00.001-04:00

Extraordinary Off-Grid Hobbit Home in Wales Only Cost £3,000 to Build

Read more: Extraordinary Off-Grid Hobbit Home in Wales Only Cost £3,000 to Build | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

http://inhabitat.com/extraordinary-off-grid-hobbit-home-in-wales-only-cost-3000-to-build/

Bioengineers reprogram muscles to combat degeneration

2011-09-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922121403.htm

ScienceDaily (2011-09-23) -- Researchers have turned back the clock on mature muscle tissue, coaxing it back to an earlier stem cell stage to form new muscle. Moreover, they showed in mice that the newly reprogrammed muscle stem cells could be used to help repair damaged tissue. The research could lead to new treatments to combat muscle degeneration.

It is good there might be a cure for some diseases. I think this can help the elderly that will be working in the workforce past their retirement age to be as fit as they were 20 years ago. Of course, they have to exercise and eat right.

Picture This and Many More

2011-09-24T22:35:00.001-04:00

After reading this article, I realized maybe anything we watch can direct go into our long term memory if we enjoy watching a movie or so on. So I guess stop watching things that you do not enjoy because those things will have an affect on you.

http://www.thestar.com/business/sciencetech/article/1058525--picture-this-brain-scans-reveal-images-from-people-viewing-movies?bn=1

Joshua Walters: On being just crazy enough

2011-07-23T23:56:00.001-04:00

Talented, lucky or just crazy?

A Poet's Struggle with Alzheimer's Disease

2011-07-01T22:28:00.001-04:00

It is sad, but sometimes it is just out of our hands to stop it. Enjoy your life now. Live instead of just exist.

Markus Kayser - Solar Sinter Project

2011-06-30T23:22:00.000-04:00

Markus Kayser - Solar Sinter Project from Markus Kayser on Vimeo.

I really like Kayser's project. With what he is able to do, money should not be a delaying issue in how we can use sustainable energy to help us manufacture - as long as we have a plan and continue to review it.

Thanks to Philippe Savignac for bringing it to my attention.

Morning Music

2011-06-28T22:17:00.001-04:00

Designing Life (Better Version) by Understyled, Eric Garner and Clear with Words by Clearwithwords

I find life in general is 70% tough times and 30% easy to live times, so a little positive morning music helps an individual to have a clear mind of what he or she needs to think or do so he or she isn't sadden by tough times.

Taking imagination seriously

2011-06-16T23:15:00.000-04:00

Great inspiration for artists to keep on believing and taking actions on what they think is correct.

Solidworks Art Sculpture

2011-06-10T00:06:00.002-04:00

I have been stressed about using Solidworks to model at work. So tonight, I decided to use it to create an abstract sculpture. I created it using the loft feature. It is fairly simple compared to trying to use front and right plane profiles because I only used the right plane and copy extra planes as I needed and pierced with guide curves. I have always been fasinated with abstract art, so this experience was relaxing. I did it while listening to my 2008-09 electronic music collection - which made this practice even more fun.

Process 1

Process 2

I used clear plastic or clear glass for the sculpture and dark background with filled lights for all these perspectives rendering setting.

Using nature to grow batteries

2011-05-03T21:14:00.001-04:00

This TED talk by Angela Belcher gives me hope that we can have more renewable alternative energy now and in the future. It is important that we act sooner than later.

Dreams and People

2011-05-03T01:15:00.003-04:00

Carolin Reichert

I wrote this poem after watching the Mountain for the second time. I think I am subconsciously inspired by the sites I have been to.

Your dreams exist in between breaths.

Dreams powered by you to form ever-changing mirrors, which create collages of your values. You can write them or draw them in a pocket book, so it is close to your heart - as it is in a relationship with your mind similar to the relationship of the sun and the moon. There is no competition because they are vehicles of equal power.

Failures are in between successes, you welcome them with an open net of behaviours, so you may one day cherish failures as you would with successes. All need to be natural and you will see life as fulfilling, not a defying surrounding. You can be mountains of love and caring, while your love ones are rivers and waterfalls that empower you. As the compassionate sun arises in a quiet morning, you and your love ones are creating a new dance move based on the power of compassion.

The Mountain and Mother Nature

2011-04-29T23:06:00.000-04:00

I found this beautiful video from http://www.changethethought.com/the-mountain/

Love our earth. Love your earth. Where will we be 100 years from now?

Give Up to Gain More

2011-04-20T23:30:00.002-04:00

Optimist Prime

by ~avid

I found this manifesto 50 Things You Need To Give Up Today from my past business course instructor. I especially like this point - "11.Give up thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.".

Unique Bus Shelters in Toronto

2011-04-19T16:22:00.002-04:00

Hume: Gimme Shelters

They're all over the city - and most look exactly the same. But a few bus shelters are remarkably different. And that, says Christopher Hume, opens up a world of creative possibilities. Video by Randy Risling.

This Toronto Star video report on unique bus shelters in downtown Toronto is really interesting. It reminds me of a bus shelter competition that I did in a group for the first year of my studies at the Humber College Industrial Design program. This video also feature a bus shelter that promotes UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), which would make a lot of my UFC loving friends even more interested to ride on a TTC Street Car or Bus.

Robo-Rainbow

2011-04-15T11:34:00.001-04:00

robo-rainbow from mudlevel on Vimeo.

I like the art of Graffiti, but not when it is on the walls of public buildings. This is an exception. This person’s using of technology is very refreshing. Raindow for everyone!

I found this via bookhouathome

Project Coffee Fiend

2011-04-14T19:39:00.002-04:00

Design guideline is design a product that is to be based on or around the coffee experience.

Brainstorm

Coffee Experience

Coffee

- Relax: Drink a gourmet coffee in a café

- Powerful: Caffeine to boost energy

What can improve the condition of a cup of coffee?

- Keep hot to avoid sour-like taste when it is cool- coffee insulated mug

How?

- Connect to a charger

- Control the coffee temperature

- But, how much of it is environmental friendly?

- Personal Experiences: At a famous Canadian coffee shop, sometimes I would need to ask for extra cream for my cup of coffee. A staff would give me it in a small paper cup or in pre-packaged plastic container and after adding the extra cream, I would need a plastic stirring stick to mix my coffee.

Style

- Modern or Futuristic

- Modern because in the future we might not be drinking coffee the way we do now

Final Concept

- An insulated coffee mug with a removable cream / milk measuring cup attached to its side and its lid have an extendable handle to stir coffee that is inside

- Styling / Functional references from a stirring wheel and a clothing iron

Final Concept

Eythor Bender demos human exoskeletons

2011-04-12T17:21:00.000-04:00

This talk gives me hope for people with disabilities, but of course not everyone has the funding to buy these technologies. There is more room for improvement.

Iron by Woodkid

2011-04-01T00:13:00.001-04:00

Woodkid - Iron from WOODKID on Vimeo.

I found this beautiful and powerful music video at Booooooom

This video and the song is a perfect match.

Yoanne Lemoine is a Woodkid. He is a very talented man.

“Iron” by Woodkid. Directed by Yoann Lemoine.

He is also a photographer. He is a very talented artist.

Many websites have posted his music video already.

Worlds and Selves

2011-04-01T00:05:00.000-04:00

Recently, I find the use of overlapping images are used by photographer and graphic designer. The message that I get from these artists is that we are a part of nature, in some cases a part of architecture, forms and in some poor countries - waste land. I see the internet is another place that we use a virtual

identity to tell others of who we are. Such as, on a social network we tell others of charitable causes that we support, while we support this in real life. As I look at the image by Oliver Morris, I understand a cool young teen that is looking at your with a bit of sorrow. Her glance is also wanting us to look at her, but she is a human and human is a part of nature. Both are almost transparent to represent their fragile characteristics.

WASTE LAND Official Trailer from Almega Projects on Vimeo.

http://monsterchildren.com/index/

Or perhaps, things that look real upclose, but when you see it from a far - you see that it is all unreal. You are lost and now you need to find a place among the environment to reflect on yourself, until one day you know that your true self is the same in the all the worlds.

The Great Unconformity from Cayetano Ferrer on Vimeo.

http://www.changethethought.com/category/art/page/3/

http://www.booooooom.com/2011/03/25/photographer-annie-collinge/

2011-03-28T23:07:00.000-04:00

I found this interview of "Taro Hakase on BBC Breakfast 17.03.11" from "What Difference Can Art Make in a Crisis?" by Lateral Action

http://lateralaction.com/articles/japan/
Good for him to do whatever he can for his country.

A Semi-Abstract Rendered Sketch

2011-02-27T22:48:00.001-05:00

As I was talking to a high school friend, my visual art interest was revisited and during this conversation, I was awaked by remembering my joy in doing restriction-free art. I told him that I will post a visual art work on here at 10 pm, but now it is 10: 37 pm. It was fun do some semi-illustration work. I need to do more to think faster.

Anyhow, I looked at a 2003 year home magazine for references. It is a 1 and ½ hour coloured sketch.

I used Canson cream drawing paper with pencil, pen, Sharpie marker, Chartpak greys and Prismacolour colours markers.

Love is...

2011-02-13T23:44:00.004-05:00

As I was reading the Toronto Star newspaper site, I found this cute video, "What love means to me"

Putting love into words can be tough at any age. Chief Photographer Bernard Weil asked a group of Grade 1 kids at Guildwood Junior Public School what love means to them. Video by Bernard Weil.

Date: February 13, 2011 - 10:00 PM (http://www.thestar.com/videozone/938129--what-love-means-to-me)

It is wonderful to see that Grade 1 students see love in its purest form (not selfishness) - compassion (hugs and their relationships with their parents) and okay, one girl think about her boyfriend.

As I am always thinking of ways to solve my issues, this video is device for me to see if I have loved enough of my love ones.

When thinking about love, I think of peace because of all those compassionate people on this planet are subconscious promoters and protecters of this idea.

Well, Valentine's day 2011 for me would be that I am grateful for my parents for always supporting me in almost every ways as I am reaching close to my first stage in life . Thank you!

Helen Fisher studies the brain in love

Description: "Why do we crave love so much, even to the point that we would die for it? To learn more about our very real, very physical need for romantic love, Helen Fisher and her research team took MRIs of people in love -- and people who had just been dumped."

Again, I watched this talk when it was first put on TED. We are born with love - work with it.

May we all love and our love ones love us back. Happy Valentine's Day!

You have the right to feel awesome

2011-01-28T15:00:00.001-05:00

Neil Pasricha: The 3 A's of awesome.

With a world of ups and downs, one is easily full of joy in the morning and really depressed in the evening. So the 1000 Awesome Things blog is a good place for us to remind ourselves how life is good. In this TED talk, Mr. Pasricha talks about his life before starting his blog and the reasons for starting it. I will remember to appreciate the little things more now.

Okay, I am going to find my inner 3 year old. He and I are going to work on all the creative projects from now on. =)

2011-01-26T01:09:00.001-05:00

I watched this lecture about two years ago. But feeling the need to know what really life should be other than the basics and that is doing the right thing (work harder) at each moment of my life. Thank you Mr. Pausch for sharing your advices with the world.

I have much to learn. For those who have given me advices, I will definitely apply those changes more in my work now. I need to fail more, instead of wanting to seek praises from others. Only with this mindset, will I design more and better.

My Experience of Thinking and Dreaming part 1

2011-01-24T23:27:00.001-05:00

When you think about an issue for more than two days, there is a high change of you having a dream about it and sometimes a solution is set as the background of that issue in this dream.

Now, I know what most people recommend us to ‘stay positive’ when facing a challenge, so that your subconscious mind can gradually find a rough version of a solution for you in your dream or when you allow yourself a quiet moment to review all the facts that you know about this challenge. This way we are not wasting our energy to think, because we use twice of our energy to think than the rest of our body. (http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/carbs.html) Better yet, we should find a solution in our reflective moment, instead of dreaming about it because when we sleep, our brain uses our energy to repair worn out brain cells.

Clear Plastic Music Box

2010-12-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is my study of the basic form of a small clear plastic music box, where I measured these components and recreate them in Solidworks. This music box is more complexed than some of the ones I have seen because for this one the crank is not connected to a side of the musical notes stainless steel cylinder. Other existing moving parts were not created.

Life is too short to give up

2010-12-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

Life is too short to give up, so I can't give up.

As I was feeling discouraged, I stumbled upon a motivational speaker by the name of Les Brown on youtube. Really, most of what motivational speakers have to say are common sense, but Les Brown’s life experience hits a part of my mind. I can rely to him. Nick Vujicic is a wonderful speaker, too.

I need to contribute the societies before I die. So my routine will be to watch some of these videos every morning. I need to remind myself that I need to power my dream. My biggest fear should be dying knowing that I did not try hard enough. Alright, back to my practices.

2010-10-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

"From wars, you get nothing."

"從戰爭，你什麼也得不到."

Kaspoon - Kashi Granola Bars P.O.P. Display

2010-10-07T23:03:00.000-04:00

I now know more of what I need to improve on in terms of work habit and attitude. The search continues.

What am I missing on this project? Feedback would be appreciated.

61 Ways To Find Inspiration When You're Stuck and Feeling Down

2010-09-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2010/09/61-ways-to-find-inspiration-when-youre.html

A good list of actions, some of which you might have already been doing. The comments from readers are also inspirational and I will try them myself.

I think it will be better if we are happy when we try to find inspiration. I mean really naturally happy. http://zenhabits.net/smaller-living/

Almost done a project for my portfolio. I will post it here later today.

What I have learned so far

2010-09-01T22:30:00.004-04:00

"Everyone's life will end as a piece of art, so leave your mark."

What I have learned so far

Feeling sorry for yourself will lead to the increase of your craving for an addiction. One weakness can cause you to feel stress, to the point where you have headaches and feel the need to eat when really you need to exercise or do something that benefits you mentally and relaxes you.

I am addicted to reading on advices. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by them; but if I look more closely – there is a pattern to them. I need to follow this pattern to reach my current goal. Not a goal in the future.

Stop being easy on yourself and hard on others; analyze this pattern and take action, the possibilities are endless as long as I am alive.

In order to break my bad habit, this pattern is similar to earth, resources are given, but I need to reinvent or combine them differently to stop myself from procrastinating and really move forward.

I will update on my progress. In the Beginning by the Stills will be my morning song before I work.

THE STILLS in the beginning MONTREAL 2008 (HD) from Punk Empire DIY Channel on Vimeo.

Real Advice for the 99 % Young Creatives

2010-07-23T22:32:00.001-04:00

Recently, I forgot the reason for me to be passionate about industrial design. Even though, I know that starting out in my field after graduation is expected to be difficult. I know I want to help people, especially the aging population; however, what types of industrial design do I fit in? Will an industrial design company have value in hiring me because I need to make a living and gain experience but really I do have an interest in.

It is decided that I will find my passion in every types of industrial design, so no matter whatever type of job I do; I will remain a happy person.

I am a relatively healthy person but how long I can live is uncertain, so I have to move on with my life and accept happy accidents or experience.

The latest video on 99 Percent by the Behance Team, called “I Knew Then What I Know Now: Advice for Young Creatives” is especially helpful for me to be sure of what I want to be and what I need to be.

I will keep returning to this video whenever I forget what I need to do.

Happy Weekend!

Flying to see a future

2010-06-16T00:31:00.002-04:00

I am a bit lost and distracted from many things, which stops me for putting more time on finishing my updated portfolio. I realized no matter how much I think some of my previous works are weak, I cannot add or update as much works as I want to update it within a month. So I will update two pieces and take out the unwanted ones.

Anyhow, I have been concentrating on reviewing over the works of other industrial designers, graphic design and concept ships work to learn more about their styles. I decided to revisit futuristic style of design in everything that I do. I will satisfy my desire to freely explore my childhood creativity by the use of sketching.

Here is an unplanned quick sketch of a futuristic vehicle that I did moments ago. I like the feeling of this process, other than I should have spend more time on the wheels and stylize them to unify with the overall design. I also like the spaciousness of this layout.

Is Art Deco elements designed inside our computers?

"The Art of Doing Remarkable Things" is helping me

2010-06-04T21:15:00.000-04:00

http://lateralaction.com/articles/art-of-remarkable/

Try to follow your dreams. One hour per day is fine, too. Because your resistency may causes you to be ill.

Security is almost an illusion, so follow your dreams.

Johanna Blakley: Lessons from fashion's free culture

2010-05-27T22:59:00.003-04:00

Copyright is a debate? The current situation is that bootlegged products such as hand bags are in terrible quality compared to the original. However, when both products have the same quality, innovation will be quicken because everything is forced to earn a profit from a new product. Where does the environmentally friendly aspect come in? Will everything be a remix from 10 songs? So everry designer ultimately is working within a network and gain an income from a mixed product?

Can there be something good as a result of less strict copyright laws?

An economy based on fairness and peace between countries?

Life / Chocolate

2010-05-27T22:50:00.000-04:00

Life is 70% bitterness and 30% sweetness. I guess that's why we like to drink coffee and eat chocolate, aside from the common reasons for us to enjoy them. They allow us to enjoy and ponder the meaning of life with our friends and love ones.

Finish Model Photos

2010-05-14T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here are few photos of the finish model. I will take studio quality photos later on.

Art Therapy System Completed

2010-05-14T10:36:00.002-04:00

We have only one life to live, so similar to most people that I know - I pushed forward. I finished my thesis model to the best of my ability and my report has more content and the design intent is slightly more effective, now that I have proofread it. But the conclusion needed to be written with better thoughts.

Anyhow, I submitted my thesis on Wednesday, my instructor gave me a passing grade. Now, I can move on and use what I have learned.

But before that, I have entered into the Rocket Show, an industrial design graduate show and competition between OCAD, Carleton University and Humber College. It will be happening this weekend.

Here is a scaled down version of my marketing contents.

Don't Give Up

2010-04-23T22:53:00.005-04:00

Because I did not submit a finish and presentable model of my thesis, I failed the thesis course, however, I am grateful for my instructor to allow me to pass along with the rest of my classmates once I complete it to a high standard. I of course took this opportunity. Thesis project has allowed me to meet my weakness face-to-face once again. It is poor time management. I will finish my model before the due date, so that I can truly say I can move on with my life and begin to learn real life work experiences. I will take photos of the finished model on here as soon as I can.

My goal of making the lives of elderly better is still strong; I just needed to confirm my weakness to find know that. It is alright to try your best and failed but giving up is not an option. Elderly deserves to live better.

Eagle-Eye Cherry - Don't Give Up
Uploaded by Eagle-Eye-Cherry. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

I am usually a sentimental person when it comes to leaving my friends, especially now. For me to spend most my days with them during these past four years were a wonderful experience. First, I entered into program being older than them and then discovering that there were more students older than me in the program was an interesting environment.

But this time, I am less emotional, as I know that each person will be happier now that they can learn other things and challenge themselves even more.

The plan is stick in the design field, get healthier- possibly learn to ride the bicycle, and then buy a fixed gear bike. And if things don’t work on in the ‘cash’ area, I can always maintain a ‘sex’ area. (http://gapingvoid.com/?s=sex+and+cash+theory) Oh and can’t forget to be more organized, so that I can spend more can on being creative.

P.S. Thank you everyone for their support; especially the ones that saw my situation as a positive event. Also thank you for following my blog! I will continue to maintain this blog when I finish my thesis project.

Last Advisors Meetings

2010-02-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

I have to solve one more detail before I see my thesis instructor.

Went back to school during reading week today and it would make me feel better if I can vacuum form today at the shop, instead of doing it next week or later on when everyone is going to pushing to get it completed.

Now, it is either I do that or I have it printed next week. It is easy to vacuum form the outside but I fear the inside and it will not fit together when I glue them together. No, I will buy the plastic on Saturday and build the buck on Sunday. At least, I am a bit on schedule.

I am just happy to see my advisors again this week - I will be at the stage that tells me I have to move more quickly now!

Anyways, I found a good video on art therapy and how it helps mental illness sufferers at a hospital in USA. They are capable of expressing the benefits of art therapy that had on them to the audience. That's what I like about this video.

Check out more about art therapy here: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/

It is a wonderful type of therapy from all those great therapies.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Middle Stage

2010-02-07T23:48:00.002-05:00

This month has been an emotional ride. Some time management skills still need improving.

General features on the art therapy system that I wanted to examined and improve on.

A variety of hinges that are used to detached the top and bottom part of the system.

I will not use them though.

Sketch Model in the incorrect dimensions. I need to create more tomorrow night or Tuesday morning before my meeting with my thesis class instructor.

I also need to see my advisors one more time before I start building my final model.

This project deadline is quickly approaching! Or that's just a small part of life.

Turning Point Before Concept Finalization

2010-01-23T00:38:00.005-05:00

My initial intent to become an Industrial Designer was to improve products, in the perspective of redesign the form of the products thinking that ergonomic aspect was important. But, also part of me as an artist and a person that grew up watching Japanese animes with science fiction and mystery as most of their plot, I want to focus on the form of a product in the perspective of creating unique product design. I like this more than making a product more functional and ergonomic, but I have to; especially now that I have to add sustainability.

I do not want to create product designs that become difficult to recycle / garbage, but time less products. Maybe, consumers can continue to upgrade them.

With my thesis slowly reaching it's deadline: April 13, 2010 now, so I need to come to term that my art therapy system will have to be more about function, sustainability and well thought through details. This way, I can be more confident about it when I have to explain its purpose to visitors of my grad show. Luckily, there is no technology used for this system, so I do not have to worry about it becoming outdated.

Throughout my research, I come to admire Dieter Rams' product design and love his products for its useful simplicity. I am still trying to learn from him.

Dieter Rams, designer - Cold War Modern from Victoria and Albert Museum on Vimeo.

Source: Vitsoe, http://asset1.vitsoe.com/store/assets/files/29/three_fifty/Dieter-Rams-001.jpg?7f3421b

Here are his ten principles for good design: http://www.vitsoe.com/en/gb/about/dieterrams/gooddesign

Video of Rams explaining how he became an innovative icon in the post-war era:

This video's soundtrack is wonderful and compliment the content of what Rams is talking about.

Dec. - Jan. 6 Sketch Highlights

2010-01-07T18:17:00.000-05:00

This is the first good sketch before my instructor ask me to ponder about the art therapy system is combined with the portable case. This idea was ok, but I like the complex side view.

Here I am trying to think of a good way to attach the storage units for art utensils on the top piece in this sketch, which will be the base for these utensils when the elderly is painting or drawing on the pad piece at the bottom in this sketch.

Here I am trying to think of different forms that would best suit what an art therapy system will look like.

I need to check my list again. I will focus on how the utensils are put when elderly is using this.

Designer's Mental Block

2010-01-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have been quite slow with getting to what I think are good solutions for the art therapy system. Everytime, I try to sketch a new concept for it, it becomes similar to the ones I have before. I look at architecture for inspirations but still not helpful enough.

I almost forgot about the functional design brief that I have written and updated on Dec. 4/09, I will look at them more closely from now on.

I was look at the scene of the main character in Avatar when he pushed his index finger into the blue clear bed of gel, which inspired me to write this poem.

I fell in a bed of clear gel

I became a cherry that exploded

and pieces of my skin shattered within the gel

Now, they became metallic and shinny

and my core is a bullet

Moving freely inside the gel to carve an abstract

sculpture

It is a Chinese fusion cold dish, a lamp structure and a dessert.

Design Process Stage 2

2009-11-26T17:37:00.001-05:00

I am happy that I have met with two advisors for my art therapy system and that I met with my instructor to create a design brief. A brief that has been approved by my advisors. Now, I need to innovate from what exist. Really, there is not a system for them, but I still have not thoroughly explore what it can be.

I need to create design concepts of my art therapy system that is simple, highly suitable to elderly depression sufferers and beautiful. But, I need to have a system that everyone will realize - "yes" they need a system such as this and Art Therapist is able to travel with it and feel convenient in doing so.

This is a sketch that I did after the ideation sketching session in class and I used to explain my initial design concept based on my research to my advisors during my first meetings with them.

I need to update from this sketch because my advisors have told me what needs to change.

First Ideation Sketches

2009-11-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

The general recommendations for elderly art therapy users to enjoy more of art therapy are make paint easier for them to access and eliminate any frustration they might have by keeping the paper on the table.

With this mind, I did the following ideation sketches in class.
I have the thesis topic teaser presentation ready, but need to improve on my sketches and type out questions that I will have for my first advisor during my first meeting with her tomorrow.

Here are some of my ideation sketches.

Advisors

2009-10-26T08:40:00.003-04:00

I need to start contacting potential advisors this week, in hoping to have two on board. They will meet with for maximum of an hour for each session and I only need their comments on my updated work.

Here's my revised Topic Descriptive Summary

Art-Improve, an Art Therapy System

By 2056, 1 in 4 individuals in Canada will be an elderly. Global cases of dementia will be approximately double every 20 years. (statcan.gc.ca 2006) (Thestar.com) Elderly are known to have had different forms of dementia. A major issue associated with dementia is depression. (Early Symptoms) It makes dementia patients have difficulty dealing with their incurable problems. (“...Is there a cure?” Alzheimer's Disease International), I want to help them relief this symptom; with the goal of allowing them to have a happier life.

Art therapy is a proven way to relieve depression. (Hannemann 4) It awakens the creativity that is in the elderly suffers. It acts as a communication tool for those that cannot speak. It encourages social interactions between the elderly, which prevents loneliness. (Debold, Flow with Soul) In conclusion, I want to create an art therapy system that encourages elderly to create more art because it will be a comfortable, convenient and fun system to use.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-10-11T16:02:00.001-04:00

I haven't gotten to doing more in-depth research on the topic of Art Therapy for depression relief. But did find many youtube videos on the benefits of Art Therapy and the elderly.

I will have to create my project plan for my thesis and it will be due this coming Friday.

In the meantime, here's some of the videos that I find useful.

ABC News - Art as Recreation Therapy

Art Therapy Offers Relief Through Expression

I hope more elderly can enjoy one day be less affected by depression and enjoy life as an adventure.

Also, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

First Thesis Topic Presentation

2009-10-02T23:52:00.003-04:00

So today, I had my first presentation on my thesis topic in class, Depression Relief through the Use of Art Therapy. It is similar to a sneak peek ad for my topic.

It was to be a silence presentation and the powerpoint presentation was to be automatic. I need to improve on creating a suitable speed for viewers to read all the information, in other word, my slides went by too fast. Another issue is that my sketches still are not great and I did not rendering them.

Next, I need to explore how the elderly can benefit further from the effectiveness of Art Therapy, in order to design a good Art Therapy system (product). Below is the link to my presentation for today in pdf format.

First Thesis Topic Presentation

Source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trabalhosjuliana/244059656/

Thesis Research Part 1

2009-09-30T10:26:00.000-04:00

My current finding:

60 Cancer patients that were on chemotherapy at Rambam Medicial Center, the cancer center of northern Israel participate in once-weekly art therapy sessions (painting with water-based paints). 19 patients participated in greater or equal to 4 sessions were evaluated as the intervention group and 41 patients participated in greater or equal to 2 sessions comprised the participant group.

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were completed before every session, relating to the previous week.

BFI scores were higher in the participant group (p = 0.06). In the intervention group, the median HADS score for depression was 9 at the beginning and 7 after the fourth appointment (p=0.021).

The conclusion, Anthroposophical art therapy did improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy. It is worthy of further study.

It also helps relieve depression in elderly, but I need to find more study reports about elderly.

Silence PowerPoint presentation (Sales Pitch) of my topic is due on Friday. It will be interesting to see everyone else’s.

My photo for after being tag by Podgehodge

2009-09-23T23:43:00.002-04:00

This is a photo of one of the walkways to my neighborhood. After reading many design resources that mentioned practicing with taking photos is very important for designers, I try to do the same. This is a two year old photo taken during the summer. I was trying to show the beauty of nature and the cityscape. My life on a 'path', not knowing where it might led. But the sun is shinning on me, so I should take it as an adventure not a dangerous mission.

Thanks Ruth for tagging me! It is a motivation indeed.

I'm going to IIDEX tomorrow and will be attending to the first free conference by Bertrand Cesvet, Chairman and Senior Partner of Sid Lee. This company is located in Montreal, Quebec. They did many great ad compaigns, so it should be interesting to listen in.

Thesis related information coming tomorrow. This blog is really my homework reminder, but more creative. Later!

The Start of my Thesis Topic

2009-09-18T20:58:00.000-04:00

My thesis topic is approved by my instructor today. Yeah!

Depression relief through the use of art (Art Therapy). My target market will be the elderly and they will participate in making art to relieve their depression.

I will or try to document all of the process on here.

Have a good weekend.