This week I started making (on my tutors suggestion) a website. This would be my final piece for assessment at the end of term (and sadly the end of this course).
The initial idea, was to use my diagram of the Tree of Life (created partly by hand and partly with Photoshop) as a map. The website user could navigate the whole site, by choosing different spheres on the Tree of Life to move from page to page.
I created the diagram by hand using acrylic paint and waterproof markers.
Then, I added a little decoration with Celtic style corners and text with Photoshop.
The circles are symbolically ‘fruit on the tree’. I am using them as doorways to other pages, so the user can click on any circle and the link will take them to a different page.
I decided to use a more colourful version of the Tree of Life, which is also simpler and less confusing for a beginner to use as a navigation tool. I created this one by hand and using Photoshop.
I photographed it and uploaded it using the scanner.
After a little while I went back to Photoshop and changed the words within the spheres. Originally I had used the names of the spheres on the tree of life so the website user would enter a sphere without knowing which Goddess they would learn about until they got to the page. Then I thought this was too complicated and confusing so I changed the text to name the Goddesses instead. I felt this would be more straightforward and inviting.
Each page gives a little information about the Goddess who is associated with that particular sphere. (My theme is currently Goddesses).
I have also included some information about that Goddess and some of my artwork relevant to each Goddess.
The artwork was made digitally, traditionally and sometimes it was made combining both digital and traditional techniques.
Here’s an example of a typical page from the website. This is what you would see if you clicked on the Venus link….
This is the top of the page. It lists things associated with the sphere of Netzach on the Tree of Life, the sphere of Venus.
Further down the same page you can see this list of things associated with the Goddess Venus. You can also read a little information about my artwork ‘Venus’ and you can see it there too.
I created this artwork by photographing roses and using that photograph as the background (primary research). Then I drew a picture of Venus in pencil and combined the two with Photoshop. After a little digital manipulation I added the final text.
So the work is both digital and traditional.
At the bottom of each page, there is a link to take the user back to the home page, if they wish. Or they can use the links on the Tree of Life to visit another page, to learn and experience more. They also have the option, of using the links at the top of each page to navigate the website, if they prefer.
Reflections
I like it that the website gives the user the option of using the spheres on the Tree of Life to navigate by. I think it adds interest to the site and gives more of a sense of a journey into the unknown which is appealing. Creating this site has got me thinking about ways of engaging the audience when making artwork and the concept of making them co-creators in some way is something I would like to take forward.
The website showcases my artwork. I think it will be a good tool for self promotion. The process of planning and making the website has been a good exercise, it’s encouraged me to get my thoughts and ideas in order. It has enabled me to put my newly acquired digital skills to use too.
I intend to invite my existing clients to sample the website. I will encourage their feedback and reflect on it, before making any necessary adjustments/improvements and spreading my net wider.
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