DEUTSCHLAND! Achtung! Checkpoint Charlie. Emotions and questions. LOTS of them.

It's a shame that they fenced the wall? wallception.

• My visits to galleries and museums had been an eye opener. Even when I stepped foot in East Berlin. It was quite terrifying to know how history could permanently change/affect society and culture. 

"The testimony of artists and poets has enabled us to understand the hopes in the past and so to recognize the potential future." Ernst Blosch, Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

• I quite like The Wall in particular as it is considered a gallery (The East Side Gallery). Art is brought to the audience and not use to them. There is this freedom from being under the criticism of 'galleries' or 'museum' standards. Social issues, concerns were addressed and people could openly respond to it, whether it be positive or negative. 

• Perhaps people would respond differently if it were to be placed in a gallery. It would only be considered as an artwork considered worthy by curators. I would say that there is also this intimate connection, the experience and empathy the audience have towards the weight of stories this wall brings, the history.  

would gladly leave America. 

Berlin Wall mural/installation - Yadegar Asisi

• This also made me think about human rights, freedom, in which then people did not have. And through art people express their frustrations, concerns and responses to the world. But to what extent is art an acceptable media to address political issues? Is it any different than communicating through media, news?

• This was something that I had in mind throughout the visit. Seeing this as an audience, I view it as a meaningful/speculative artwork. I get the meaning sure, but it's still an artwork. Though thinking about it as a practitioner's point of view, it is also a tool for communication. A powerful tool. As images tend to stick to the human brain longer than words. Though does that mean it is acceptable to address controversial matters through art? Is there a limit? Would it still be considered art? or a statement?

• Honestly, I am not sure. It's something that I quite like looking into. Is communicating world issues through art the same as through the media? Is it justified by it being 'an artists' expression'?

DEUTSCHLAND! SWITZERLAND! a day in a life of a German (sort of)

'Komorebi' - Japanese word for the sunlight
filtering through the leaves of trees

forest + lake in Frankfurt

• During my stay over at my aunt's, I would say that it was both shocking (mostly culture shock and language barrier) and enlightening. Though throughout the break, I had mainly been people watching (not a stalker!). 

• There were several things they viewed differently than what I am used to. For instance, their road signs. There is one with a snowflake, which is meant to warn the possibility of icy roads. Clearly they don't have this sign in Indonesia. It made me question: how do they perceive imagery? Could their visual language be different from the UK? or anywhere else around the world? 

daily morning walks with doggos

my designs for her catering got printed out!

Switzerland!

Montreux, Switzerland 

Gruyere, Switzerland

• It was honestly a break from the city life. I never realized how busy my mind was. It was quite difficult to simply forget about everything and immerse myself in the present as well as appreciating my surroundings. 

• The three days of silence was great (no texting, internet, though it suddenly bombarded at my face at the end.) Though I realized how I was too caught up with everything online and somehow forgot about taking the time to reflect upon my practice and myself

• Though I also noticed that I needed a break and a moment to myself. As stress, other people, expectations, the need to please others/meeting their requirements had been affecting me. I wasn't genuinely happy. I felt that it was unhealthy for me as a practitioner and a person. 

little sketches

• I had been asking myself: to what degree do I present myself through my practice? I still feel that most of the work I have done this year lacks my tone of voice. That feeling when you look at a particular work and go 'oh, yeah! that is this person's work. I can tell..'  

• I have also been telling myself: you are your own person. You have your own thinking. There isn't a need to follow others. Though I feel that at times I can't help it with this digital culture and this constant bombardment of social media etc.

• On a lighter note, coming to Switzerland, seeing something on screen and seeing it in real life is very different. Incomparable. Sometimes you can't always capture nature's beauty through a camera's lens or pencil and paper. 

Mountains in Gruyere

Chateau de Gruyere

DEUTSCHLAND! - Bauhaus Archive...finally!!

It honestly felt like walking into IKEA.

letting my inner tourist out. No shame.

Form, yes. Function, sure? but not comfortable.  

• It's different to study about Bauhaus than to actually see it in person. Aside from learning it's history, it is good to see the growth and influences it has to modern day companies and designers. (IKEA, MUJI, Alessi etc)

• The revolutionary side of Bauhaus (being quite controversial during Hitler's reign) was as interesting as to knowing the reason as why these artists, designers and engineers came about and their practice. 

• It still amazes me how these designers could come up with such innovative, convenient and functional designs, as well as considering its physical appearance.

• It is also interesting to see art and manufacture, industrial products inform one another.  Though this idea of 'function' and 'form' is something that I find fascinating in art and design. I feel that these are things that I'd like to consider in my practice.

•  I personally think that there isn't anything wrong with creating visually appealing work, however it would be a shame to not use image-making as means to communicate meaning/ideas where it may be difficult to do so with words. 

• Though what particularly stuck to me was that these furniture, products were made for the convenience of the people. I could only imagine how much thought, process, trial and error were involved to design a simple chair!

Illustrated self? Creative Strategy? What?

I am a simple person with a complicated mind
- Diandra (2017)

Color codes: Y-way of image making, G-what
defines me?, B-source of inspiration, P-current
interests/how I feel 

• In all honesty, I am still trying to get my head around what practice really is about nor what really drives it. Although, I could now pin-point my interests and my way of image-making. 

• I feel that at this point, I am still exploring. Starting the course, it felt as if I was dumped into an ocean with so many possibilities. Though now, I can start seeing tiny islands and I suppose in a way I roughly know which path to take my practice further. 

• Looking at these words, I feel that there are some connections between my interest and my practice, though I might want to refine them further. I would ask myself questions such as: what is it that I want to do with my illustrations? why is that? Is it through research driven work? or work that simply makes people happy? I honestly don't know..

Self (-reflection) - continued 

Practitioner??

successes

- Investment. I feel that I invest time in research and the content of my work. It's something I do enjoy and hope to be able to use more in my practice.

- Motivated! I am generally motivated whenever we were given briefs. There were some briefs that I am not particularly fond of, but I do try to approach it in a manner in which interests me. 

- Hard working! Not that I want to brag, but I do personally think that I always give it my all with everything I do throughout this course. I feel that skills and talent alone can only get me so far, though as mentioned above, motivation and the willingness to do work (e.g. working from 9 am - 4 pm) are equally important. 

-  Being critical. I would say that this year had been about being critical. It's honestly not a simple task and something I am still getting my head around. It's different when it comes to being critical of other practitioners and yourself. I suppose it's harder to spot flaws or rooms for improvements from your own eyes. At times listening to (unbiased) opinions of other people helps. 

- Constantly thinking, reflecting.  This was actually the highlight of the year. Before coming to this course, I've never really asked these difficult questions. What is it that I am trying to communicate? Why? Is it effective? What makes a 'good' illustration? As much as it hurts my brain, I feel that it had shaped most of my practice through improving the things I lack. (Blogging helps!)

thinking outside of the box? or just being lazy? I don't know.

struggles 

- Image-making. This isn't exactly a struggle, but a realization. I noticed a difference before I started and during this course. I had thought that illustration would simply be about drawing, however it's a whole other universe that I am still exploring. There are a lot to consider such as composition, communication, content, your practice etc.

- Way of executing work, crafting skills. This is something that I may want to work on more? I feel that at times I am too fixated on what I want to communicate that I don't put enough attention to how I am going to deliver it. 

- Digital skills. The willingness to try? I used to be quite closed minded, thinking that it would muddle my tone of voice, not capturing the analog, organic atmosphere. Though I realized that it doesn't have to be the case, I could scan things or make slight tweaks. I just need to find my way of utilizing digital media.

- Distraction, losing focus. I am speaking in terms of being fixated on seeing other practitioners and trying to make the perfect outcome or pleasing the audience. I personally think that similar to everything else, the learning curve is the highlight of people's lives. Starting this course, it seemed to have changed my outlook on the world and myself. Through learning and experimenting, you get to learn about your strengths and limits. 

- Idealist. Sometimes I feel that I set my expectations too high or that I have a lot of ideas that it might be difficult to realistically achieve them. I used to overthink/over complicate  ideas or processes that at times I struggle with completing them. 

all that planning and thinking to create a chair
credits to artschoolmemes

I do try to broaden my perspective, though somehow I am still tied to my own comfort zone. The thought of 'am I doing this right?' sometimes prevent me from trying a lot of things.

Self (-reflection) - dun dun duun~

Studentship?

successes

- Lifestyle: it's alright? I constantly remind myself to stay healthy. A healthy mind = a productive human being. Though I feel that it had been a significant factor in my studies. I tend to get ill after module submissions, which I think isn't great. I personally think that it goes to show that I overwork myself and I should pace myself more. 

- Flexibility? I suppose it is more to the sense of the willingness to change or compromise (for the better). It's a behavior I noticed that changed throughout the year. It was surprising as I am a person who needs fixed, organized schedules and if something doesn't fit in that, it puts me off.   

- Open to trying new things. I had come to realize that before starting this course, I had minimum knowledge of most things. I suppose thinking about it now, I am glad to say that I am more willing to try things and take risks, something I found quite difficult at first. I suppose circumstances pushed me to do so and I honestly don't blame them. Instead, I am grateful.  

- Passionate about what I am doing. I feel that this is really important and significant to me as a student. Having a healthy and happy mental state is crucial. I would say that my interests and passion drives me to do my best, set high goals and aim to achieve them. (gosh I sound like a go-getter. this isn't intentional, but it's true)

- Time management. I feel that I am quite organized and manage my time pretty well. I realized that I am a person who would get all jittery if I don't plan things out beforehand. Though I am thankful for it as it had helped me get through coursework and daily life relatively smoothly. 

tuition fee crisis whilst analysing minimalistic art and of course lunch
credits to 

struggles 

- Always on top of things but...overworked. To be honest, I do really like being busy however burning out isn't something I enjoy. I feel that I may be too fixated on doing work that at times I forget to take breaks. This was something that I realized a little too late. The issue is that this tend to prevent me from releasing any creativity due to tiredness. 

- Managing myself, too busy with external activities that I sometimes lose track of actual coursework. I joined a committee and worked on commissions for other people either because I enjoy it or that I was asked to and could not refuse. Having both the course and external work, sometimes it messes up my schedule. However, this doesn't affect me significantly as I eventually knew how to get back to my routine. 

- Balancing studies and everyday life. To be honest this is the most difficult thing to do. It was something I still struggled with as it is difficult to balance the two and have equal amount of attention. There were times when I was too immersed with coursework that I would neglect food and rest (which I know is a terrible habit). I feel that this is a habit that I need to fix as this tend to lead to sickness and thus I would not be able to do work.

- Pressure. I generally do not function under pressure, however a little bit of it is helpful to drive my motivation to do coursework. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY 

Cultural product (industries in particular) - Asian culture. One of them being the Korean music industry. I am also one of those people who would spend hours watching architecture/interior design videos and look at furniture catalogs and product designs (MUJI and IKEA!) 

MUJI (literal translation: 'no brand' store)

• I suppose I enjoy the visual elements of modern, contemporary architecture, furniture and products. I really enjoy looking at the minimal, sleek aesthetics as well as its simplicity. I feel that what intrigues me is also the fact that there is no need for unnecessary things or details. It is good as it is? 

• Similarly in terms of illustrations, I quite like simplicity and shapes as they focus on clarity and are easy on the eyes (even though sometimes they tend to be very conceptual). Though this way of image making something that I am still exploring and experimenting with. For example toilet signs, it's amazing how people could understand the difference in gender even though they are just circles, triangles and sausage-shaped limbs! 

Shapes anyone? Not the best example, but I 
really like the simplicity and shape-driven 
aesthetic of it

Toilet: this could be a man with an apron
for all I know. But no, it's a sign for
females. And toilet? I don't see any
toilets, do you?

• Aside from the visual elements, I am  also particularly fascinated by the function and innovative designs of it. Not only does it look pleasing, however it is convenient and purposeful.  In a way this is something that I do hope would reflect in my practice, to create artworks that does not only serve as visual pieces, but something that holds meaning and purpose. 

Ohyoo - Pizza

One of my favorite briefs! GIF making! The combination of
still imagery and subtle movement -clever!

• Music videos (?) - I have a weakness for complementary colours (some niche Korean music videos uses a lot of these elements) - perhaps this is also because of where I grew up. Indonesia is a very colourful, tropical country and I am used to seeing colourful, natural/organic things (plants, houses, food etc.)

Very visually stimulating. The odd use of colours for mundane things
somehow works? There is this dream-like, imaginative atmosphere.

Sentimental by Winner

• Places - Even though it isn't as significant as other things that inspire me, though when I do travel it's strange to not reflect on things. I also consider places as a source of inspiration: cities. I just enjoy walking around, not exactly with a plan in mind. Though I like the colours and people. As someone who travels a lot, I've seen various places, people and culture. (what they talk about etc). They're all different. 

• Books - I love reading and questioning the world, humanity and myself, leading to frequent bathroom epiphanies

I recommend! Very thought provoking.
Ultimate favorite quote: "who are you?
where does the world come from?"

Still and forever will be one of my
favorite stories. Even though the
ending frustrates me. 

• Especially psychological/philosophical books: Haruki Murakami, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, Sophia's World, Jostein Gaarder, Le Stranger, The Crucible, 1984 George Orwell, etc (currently not reading anything. still looking)  

• Psychology - I studied this in high school alongside Theory of Knowledge ("epistemology, exploring the various TOK, studying the distinction between justification and belief/opinions"). I suppose my interest in society, culture and how people think, behave and respond to things might have informed my practice. 

• I suppose this mostly reflected on COP. Though I quite like creating thought provoking illustrations, something that urges the audience to think and reflect. Also for instance, the Act of Kindness brief, I was really invested in the content as I enjoy exploring human matters and society. 

I actually really enjoyed the editorial brief. Despite the
challenge of visually communicating an idea,
the use of symbolism is interesting. Speculative!

• I like conceptual things and working with shapes/imageries as well as work in which aren't truly figurative, but more speculative. I quite like having to think and the audience to question, decipher artworks. 

• That is also another thing as to why I enjoy looking at artworks, as they are generally universal and open to interpretation. In Psychology, every person has an individual and different schema, due to their background and environment. Hence a person's thought process differs from one another, same goes when looking at something visual. 

• Thus I am interested in looking at visual language and how people perceive images (something I hope to look into in COP). Perhaps due to the things I am interested in and inspired by, I do hope to create more speculative and meaningful illustrations!