A Proud Moment to share

Dear readers (all 2 of you... XD),

It is to my delight to inform you that all my hard work has paid off with a wonderful result of an "Unconditional" decision from The Glasgow School of Art.

I know it seems bitter to say this... but SCREW YOU KINGSTON!

This makes me very happy :D

MMU: An Intrusion pt. 2

Well well, John Smith has struck again.

An Italian liqueur

Upon my mother's return to England, from Italy, she gave me a packet of Baci chocolates (courtesy of a friend she was staying with), an itallian map themed apron and tea towel (so what, I like to cook) and an individual's bottle of Limonoro's Limoncello Liqueur... in the shape of a violin :D

a brand new bottle in packaging fit for plastic toys...

so it comes from Sorrento, just south of Napoli

if you haven't noticed already, the bottle is a violin shape

some sort of official documentation of authenticity

yes, it's rather strong, should be drunken in shots I think

but ehm... I decided to drink like a whiskey...

The taste is undeniably of lemon (but of course) and it's alcoholic, yah yah. *sigh* look I'm no drinks  connoisseur ok?! But the bottle and label are very splendid, and although I can't quite express why the drink was nice, I did enjoy it dry and with a bit of ice.

Onto talking about the packaging:

The plastic wrapping with the cardboard tag is practical, but it does remind me of the cheap wrapping you'd get with a cheap plastic toy of sorts, usually found in a souvenir shop that was placed for the sake of tourism for tourism's sake. Other than that, the actual bottle and label are fantastically designed and produced.

First of all, the label belongs to a brand known as Limonoro, a company that makes Limoncello and other lemon liqueurs for an assortment of chocolates as well as other beverages. It is shaped like a lemon leaf, and reminds me of Jiff's packaging for lemon juice in that approach. The font is something I am unable to identify, but I am running it through WhatTheFont's forum to see if anyone has any idea what it is exactly (I'll keep you posted about that).



Now, onto the remarkable part: The bottle itself. It is shaped like a violin! w00t! I play(ed) the violin and having a bottle shaped as one feels remarkable. Also, it's small and seems collectable and decorative. Also, there's a nice touch with the bottle lid being attached with a metal bale (I'm unsure what the technical term for this kind of lid is...) but it gives a vintage feel about it, as opposed to the metal caps found on most bottled alcohol. On closer inspection, you can even see the details of the strings and sound holes (the "f" looking parts) have been moulded out.

All in all, it comes out as a very neat little object that can still be kept and displayed long after the liqueur has been consumed. A seemingly perfect souvenir stuff that can be enjoyed in both short and long term.

MMU: An Intrusion

MR. JOHN SMITH!

 So, I've been outta action for Monday and Tuesday (one due to illness, the other due to an interview), when I came back on the Wednesday, I have an odd surprise of an oil painting and a note.

A transcript:

START TRANSCRIPT

Dear Liyi,
   
   As you may have seen from my poster on the notice board, my fmp is about intrusion. As you haven't crossed your name off the list I put up, I have chosen you as a subject. I have left you the painting I have been working on and I would really appreciate some feedback about the painting from you. Obviously I am not expecting a great amount of feedback, a few words about what you think about being chosen to be part of the project. Once you have done this, leave the painting and feedback at [crossed off]Reception[crossed off/] with Margaret addressed to John Smith, where I will collect it.

Thank you very much for your participation,

John Smith

(hit me up on facey b BROTHA)

END TRANSCRIPT

That painting is based off a photo. I know this because I remember a flash going off whilst I was sleeping in that position. I was half awake, so I remember hearing the clicking of a d-slr shutter. From what I'll comment about the painting... It's an oil painting, but it looks rushed... and parts are out of proportion, but that's just an objective observation.

In terms of how I feel: I like the idea they're going with, and I'm kinda touched by the idea of having an original painting being delivered to my studio space as an unexpected commission. I probably should ask the question "why me?" y'know, if it was random, or if this person wanted to see what sort of reaction I'd garner. Whatever it is, I intend to continute correspondence - it feels as though I've been inadvertantly entered into a tennis match of sorts, and so far I've just returned the ball in a straightforward manner, eagerly anticipating Mr. Smith's next move. Hmm... actually, I don't feel John Smith deserves the "Mr." part yet. I'll revert to calling him John for now I suppose...

My reply was late due to unforseen circumstances

A transcript of my response (on the right):

START TRANSCRIPT

Dear John Smith,

 It was a pleasant surprise to find an original painting of myself unconcious upon my studio desk.

So far, I like it.

However, for the theme of intrusion, it feels a bit mild. It comes across more as an unexpected commission, rather thaan something intrusive.

Step it up Mr. "Smith".

I look forward to your further exploits >: )

kind regards,

Liyi Zhang

END TRANSCRIPT

Tate Modern: Ai Weiwei Sunflower Seeds - Answering a question

Well, I visited the sunflower seed exhibit at the Tate Modern. I must say, it's amazing to see in person, I'm just disappointed I couldn't get to jump into it and play around like I saw people do on BBC news... so disappointed >:(

Anyways, I digress. Here's a video of me responding to the exhibit, which Ai Weiwei will probably never see - the whole thing does seem interesting to spark discussion amongst online forums.

[Link to video]

Final Major Project (FMP): Some inspiration

I'll be posting up later to explain my FMP in some more detail, but for now, here's a look at some inspiration for a branching idea I currently have:

First off is a superb short film that features live footage with amazing special effects, Patrick Jean's "PIXELS":


PIXELS by Patrick Jean from ONE MORE PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Next we have a 2010 PS3 release called 3D Dot Game Heroes:

MMU One Day Project: Timeline

This ties in with what I'm thinking about for my Final Major Project ("woooOOOooOoooo..."... it was supposed to be an ominous noise, because it's a big deal).

I remember the day when I first got my Gameboy Colour (turquoise) and my very own copy of Pokemon Blue (EU). Many many hours have gone to my love and passion for video games, and that gameboy (which I still own :D) launched me into the world of video games and many spent AA batteries. Oh, and before you think that was a bad thing, Pokemon actually made me friends (as well as lose perhaps one or two XD).

The images were drawn by me, all except the screenshot which was doctored with modified text.

MMU One Day Project: All Squared Up

Head... not working... (-_ - ; )

Ugh...

MMU One Day Project: 18 Things to do in a day

Ok, so it took more than one day to do, but who cares. I've lost sleep over this to get it done, mind. Not to mention I've come to the realisation that my desktop is not as powerful as I first realised. Perhaps a spring cleaning of the HDD is in order sometime this spring - most likely I'll take time out during easter to format the whole thing.

Anyhoo, here's a lovely compressed version of my second edit - and perhaps I'll leave it at the second edit. I've certainly learnt a LOT whilst filming this, and although it's not to my personal satisfaction (what with technical and planning hiccups) I'll be well armed for my next bout of video making >:)

Music credits:

"Blue Sky" - David o Brien and Abdel-Rehim

"Crumpets and Croquet" - Paul Mottram

"Green Acre" - Terry Devine-King and Adam Drake