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Artist Styles and Inspirations

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Wassily Kandinsky

Image result for wassily kandinsky - concerning the spirituality in art

The book published in 1912: “Concerning the Spiritual in Art” explores improvisations and compositions as an alternative to impressions which are based in external reality, improvisations and compositions are images that encapsulate images that arise from unconscious viewpoint of life and the world.  Kandinsky associates the spiritual life of humanity to a pyramid with various levels of spiritual hierarchy that emerge before one can be fully connected to the surroundings of the unconscious.  During low periods, the soul sinks to the bottom as humanity searches for external success ignoring soiritual forces.  This has been a long term key concept for my work, as within my spiritual images, I have tried to reconnect people’s relationship with nature by looking at how and why we are here.  I have therefore used this concept to explore the origins of life and being.

Furthermore, Kandinsky has further influenced me because his strong emphasis on colors is a method he uses to invoke the spiritualism that art creates.  However there is a very fine line between spiritualism and fantasy/fiction, therefore its important to not use spiritualism as a name for exploring fantasy, spiritualism must be about capturing spirituality that comes from experience.  Kandinsky’s colors evoke a double effect: Firstly a physical effect which is charmed by the beauty of colors. However secondly this effect can be deeper, causing a stirring of the soul as Kandinsky calls it: “inner resonance”— which is essentially a spiritual effect in which the color touches the soul.  This is called “Inner resonance” because it is art that directly communicates with the soul. This has also been my ambition particularly in my shots where creationism was mostly established with plants etc, I have tried to use color that can communicate to the soul.

“In the first place one receives a purely physical impression, one of pleasure and contentment at the varied and beautiful colors. The eye is either warmed or else soothed and cooled. But these physical sensations can only be of short duration. They are merely superficial and leave no lasting impression, for the soul is unaffected. But although the effect of the colors is forgotten when the eye is turned away, the superficial impression of varied color may be the starting point of a whole chain of related sensations.”

Gary Fabian Millar

Image result for illumine book

I recently came across this book which has also further inspired me.  From page 152-167, Gary Millar explores taking images from photo paper against a church window, which captures the light from the moonlight over night.  The dark blue of the Petworth windows correlate successfully with Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe’s color wheel which was designed to symbolize the life of the human soul and spirit.  Millar relates his images to ” The idea of thought or spirit as matter, and vice versa, is underpinned by the doctrine of monism – the thesis that all of reality is of one kind”.

Related image Related image

Fabian Millar isn’t someone who specifically sees himself as religious, however his work clearly relates to spiritual thinking.    Unlike his work “The Sea Horizon“, the locations were to be imagined as Utopia as within these images, there is a sense of having no boundaries.  Through Millar’s work, there is a strong sense of abstraction as well as surrealism which building from Kandinsky, “communicates universal spiritual values”.  This means that there are underlying spiritual features that unite everyone within the world, regardless of whether they are religious or not.  It is therefore the role of artists to bring this to attention.  Millar has captured images of spirit, for example ” the blue circle indicated the realm of the spirit, the yellow triangle its earthly, intellectual opposite”.  This is done in response to Kandinsky who established representational and the non representational imagery who was in turn response the Theosophist (focusing on the attainment of direct, unmediated knowledge of the nature of divinity and the origin and purpose of the universe)Rudolf Steiner.  It was these 2 coherent theses that Millar was able to produce his images that directly relate to the spirit.

In terms of method and also theory, Millar like Kandinsky has also been very influential to me in this project as both have helped me to create images that aren’t just physically nice, but from a spiritual point of view have a meaning that ensures the viewer can recognize that spirituality does have an impact within this world and its process of creationism and evolution.

 

 

 

 

Research

Interpretations of Genesis

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There are many differing interpretations of the story of creation and more specifically the book of Genesis.  I have tried to base my own interpretation of the book of Genesis that is going to be reflected within my book.  However the number of different interpretations often vary because they are based on a number of factors whether it be differing religions, differing times and various other factors.  In this blog post my aim is to highlight these and compare them to my own interpretation as a young Christian with very little life experience on the book of Genesis.

Cosmology is the study of the universe, and humanity’s place in it.  Cosmologists are people who argue for the Big bang’s existence which occurred around 15 billion years ago.  At this point, is where the universe, space and time began which eventually bred human and plant life.  This theory is accepted by many as to the origins of the universe, whereby it justifies the concept how the Earth just happened accidentally.  However for some, it is used as a focal point to argue as a basis that this goes hand in hand with Genesis rather than in contradiction to it.  Marcus Aurelius, someone who explores the metaphysical cosmology (the placing of man in the universe in relationship to all other entities) observes that a man’s place in that relationship: “He who does not know what the world is does not know where he is, and he who does not know for what purpose the world exists, does not know who he is, nor what the world is.”  However, in modern use metaphysical cosmology addresses questions about the Universe which are beyond the scope of science.  Physical cosmology is the branch of physics that deals with the study of the physical origins and evolution of the Universe. It also includes the study of the nature of the Universe on a large scale.  By exploring the origins from a standpoint that goes further than science, and by linking spiritual relationships with the world, cosmology clearly references creation within this subject however from a potentially further viewpoint than other theories.   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology

Image result for the garden of eden

Religious) There are many interpretations from a religious pint of view that is inclusive to Jews and Muslims as well as Christians.  Although I have fixed my journey on the Christian viewpoint, Islam and Jews share links to the story as told in Genesis.  For example, the Quran, Torah and Bible all reference the first man on Earth as a man called Adam, and all have similer steps of process to the creation of world, element by element.  Because of these striking similarities on the interpretations of Genesis from all three religions, there are also differences.  For example Islam doesn’t mention the early of creation of women (Eve), and unlike Christian traditions, which sees Satan as a rebelling angel, Islamic tradition identifies Shaitan’s disobedience as an result of his superior nature out of fire, in contrast to the nature of humans, since angels in Islam do not rebel against God.  In Judaism also, there are differences as to the interpretation of creation such as the age of the Earth and also how the Torah came into existence at the beginning of time.  These beliefs will impact each Jew, Muslim and Christian’s viewpoint from an individual point from the doctrine of their religious views, but also collectively among each group.  Whilst these have been established, the current attitudes to these beliefs are impacted by the main beliefs of the specific religion.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_mythology#Islamic_creation_narrative

Image result for creation painting

Allegorical interpretations of thr book of Genesis are ones that believe that the the story of creationism is symbolic.  For example, Allegorists hold that the purpose for Genesis is to describe humanity’s relationship to creation and God – that creation wasn’t a single event but rather creation represents a long period of time.  For example this includes the idea that the Serpeant tempting Eve is Satan in disguise, – and that the purpose for creation was to be at one with God – focusing mre on the why than most Christians who also consider possible explanations as to the how in contrast  to science and evolution.  Rowan Williams said “[For] most of the history of Christianity there’s been an awareness that a belief that everything depends on the creative act of God, is quite compatible with a degree of uncertainty or latitude about how precisely that unfolds in creative time.”  This quote is instigating the fact that for centuries Christians haven’t examined the how of creation, but only done so really in response to the growth of science.

Bible Literalists believe that the word of creation should be taken literally, as as told and nothing more and nothing less.  A 2011 survey by Gallup found that 3/10 Americans interpret the bible literally.  Literalists unlike Allegorists refer to the teachings of the bible, focusing on it as more of an explanation of how we got here as oppose to the process of interpretation in itslef.  However the only allegory that is taken note of, is when the writer clealry intended for the story to be allegorical.  In saying this, there is much dispute as to whether the story of creation is allegorical or is meant to be taken literally.    Literalism doesn’t deny metaphors and intended allegories but sees biblical and creationist events as history.  As part of the Chicago on Biblical Inerrancy, conservative Christian scholarship the following: “We affirm the necessity of interpreting the Bible according to its literal, or normal, sense.  The literal sense is the grammatical-historical sesne, that is, the meaning which the writer expressed.  Interpretation according to the literal sense will take account of all figures of speech and literary forms found in text.  We deny the legitimacy of any approach to scripture that attributes to it meaning which the liberal sense does not support”

 

Image result for creation painting

 

Overall my interpretation, from a visual point of view I believe is clearly outlined within my book.  However from an academic point of view, my interpretaion of the book of Genesis is one which highlights the very real presence of God, however it is also one that is inclusive to science and recognizes the role science has in further uncovering the mysterious of the complexities of God’s creation.  However this interpretaion is influenced by the influences that have existed around me throughout my life.  In this blog post I have not only compared the differing interpretations of Genesis, but have looked at how the general conception of this creationist story has changed and evolved through the years so that one day we would hold the view that we hold today.  Interestingly, the fact that our views and opinions change and evolve are symbolically similar to the very scientific process of evolution that examines how we change.  For change and process, I believe the reason for us to exist and created for is to acknowledge the spiritual presences within this world, and although the real for existence isn’t something that man is meant to know otherwise life wouldn’t be worth living.  Evolution is simply the process that takes us to wherever our creator has destined for us and for that reason I believe that although I agree with literalists that the earth was created within 6 days, I believe constant updates are existent to this very moment.

why done it, succesful, why presented it, how has my thoughts chasnged, how does link to freedom/limitations

Research

Use of the Phrase ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ + Link to Teenage Boy Behaviour

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For my magazine, I have decided to entitle it Boys Will Be Boys. Due to the content matter and what I am presenting to my audience through my photographs, I feel it is quite a suitable title and a title that you won’t often see because of its already heavy usage. The title I have chosen is actually a phrase used quite often, especially in the 80s and 90s.

the official definition of the phrase is:
>> used to express the view that mischievous or childish behaviour is typical of boys or young men and should not cause surprise when it occurs.

The phrase basically excuses boys to do what they want because when using the phrase after a male may have done something mischievous or unruly, whoever is sating is it is excusing him of behaving in a negative way because it should be expected because of the fact that boys are boys and the are meant to be naughty and misbehave – it’s in their boisterous nature.

However, although I am not directly showing this in my magazine through my images or through the questions I have asked my models, I still feel it is suitable for the content. In a coupe of my shoots however, there are acts that could present this phrase well and accurately. For example, in my shoot with Max, we were at Les Quennevais Precinct which is like an area designated for restricted use by shops and pharmacies and supermarkets. Therefore, there are a few trolleys in the car park of the precinct and we put it upon ourselves to use a trolley found in a couple of the shots. From the shoot, I have retrieved around 50 images of Max in this trolley performing different acts for the camera. I have used a couple of these in my magazine and these particular shots link well with the phrase ‘boys will be boys’.

Furthermore, in my shoot with Charlie and Alex, for the most part of the shoot we based in St Andrew’s Park, both of them were smoking a cigarette, and to be precise – a Cuban cigarette. At the beginning of the shoot, Alex lit this Cuban cigar that he pulled out of his car and used it as a prop for the rest of the shoot and this actually gave the shots a really good touch because it something that I had not captured yet and is quite typical of teenagers these days – to smoke. Even though it is quite surprising that most kids these days smoke, I would class this situation a situation where you could say boys will be boys. Smoking is a social thing and an activity boys can use to impress or seem masculine and so when I have captured Alex and Charlie smoking their Cuban cigar which would be surprising because it is not even a normal cigarette, you could say boys will be boys because it is typical of males to try out new things.

However, to is being said recently that this phrase should be vanished from our vocabulary and we should not be saying it all together because of its inaccuracy and ability to provide males with a false seen of security that they can do whatever they want and get away with it.

An article by The Huffington Post a couple of years ago explores the use of the phrase and why it should be erased for our vocabulary. Writer, Jennifer Hicks of The Huffington Post published an article entitled ‘Stop Saying ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ due to the very reason that it is inaccurate. She, in the article says that ‘it’s not in their [boys] genetic makeup to automatically be mean-spirited or cruel.’ Hicks then goes on to say that ‘boys may be more likely to engage in physical play and want hands on activates but there’s no connection between this and intentionally damaging others or causing pain’ – as boys have been recorded to have been doing in the past and getting away with it because ‘boys will be boys’. Hicks, in her article is saying that we should not be handing over a free pass for being unruly and hurtful because of the fact that it can have an impact on others and therefore, the phrase ‘boys will be boys’ is very outdated.

Also, on another site – Psychology Today, they have also published an article which outlines the reason for why we should top saying the phrase. The reason that they believe should encourage people to stop using the phrase that excuses boys of misbehaving through their actions or words include the danger that it prompts students to contact gender stereotypes. As well, these gender stereotypes allow unconscious bias to form and proliferate which essentially means that an attitude toward a particular group e.g. confident males can shape our interactions with that group and hinder the relationships people can form with them.

As well, although the phrase is only often used in relation to younger more confident boys that have a much more free imagination, I feel like it still works as a title for my magazine that focuses on teen boys. It shows the maturity of males and how although it develops in adolescence, their playful and hands on nature is still present and can still make an appearance very now and again. The shoot I produced in St Andrew’s Park with Alex and Charlie presents an effective juxtaposition of young and old / immature and mature.

The Guardian also wrote an article that addresses the need for us to stop using the phrase and relates it to its impact on how men can freely act misogynistic towards women because of their typical boisterous behaviours that have been excused for so long. The Guardian say that ‘men are not inherently violent, degrading and predatory and women are not inherently victims.’ This relates to my magazine also in the fact that I have named its issue ‘the male’s gaze’ and this phrase/theory paired with Boys Will Be Boys sets up the magazine’s internal content to be very heavily focused around the typical natures of boys and how they can misuse their stereotyped power over their female counterparts and on society as a whole to get away with unfair behaviour. However, my magazine focuses more on the behaviour of teen boys and how they find an outlet for expression and creativity in relation to clothes and the way they dress to feel a sense of confidence and comfort in their skin. It addresses boys needs to be powerful and dominant in their characters and personalities but how this is sometimes overrun by their vulnerability during adolescence and emphasised by their mounting pressures in life.

Recording, Research

Plants

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These are my images that I took that covers the last verses of the book of Genesis:

11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

In this shoot I had a particuler consideration towards lighting which I wanted to use in order to bring the colour, “life” and “spirit” out of plants and nature.  Because stereo typically, plants are generally first referred to when someone mentions nature, I wanted in my images to capture the beauty of the spirit whilst also showing this as a natural powerful force.  This can be seen through my use of bright lighting and exposures that are effective as they almost replicate angelic activity.  Furthermore I wanted to also capture the abstraction found within shapes of nature that show and highlight the individuality of each element, but also the similarities as well.  Below is a link that I found useful when researching before I embarked on this shoot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patterns_in_nature#Trees,_fractals

Overall, I believe my images were largely successful at capturing spirituality.  This is because up to this point I have explored the “how” in terms of evolutionist/scientific theories.  However in this shoot I believe I have successfully captured the “how” in spirituality as well as the “why” in which the processes of change dictated by time, exist.

 

I really like how the colors are quite washed out in this image.  For this reason, it almost appears similar to a watercolor painting.  Furthermore the lighting is bright, yet also quite dim whilst the focus is very soft.  In doing this, I believe how I have captured a sense of spirituality as these techniques convey a sense of warmth to the image.  In doing this, along with the very detailed textures of the plants, this combined shows a strong variety of elements that describe the features of the spirit.  I particularly like how there is a sense of wonder that causes for us to be curious, yet also feel a sense of calm as we immerse ourselves into the image.

I like this image as it depicts flowers arising from the Earth.  The light also shows the idea of new light.  From this there is a strong sense of purity, much like the birth of the world in how everything is new, delicate and pure.  The use of colour among the flowers particularly stands out because as, colour is starting to blossom, it shows what potentially could be created out of this.  This links to change in nature as it shows that change is yet to come.  However spirituality which Ive tried to depict such as the golden lighting also show elements of creationism such as that that God is specifically causing for change to occur.  I took this particuler image from a low, close up angle to show how cretionism occurs at the smallest as well as the larges of levels, and how small elemets can imapct larger ones – as all part of the purpose of God’s plan for humanity as he imposes change onto humanity.

 

Presenting, Recording, Research

Lucy’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Lucy: comfy, classic and maybe a little random. I love a good jean and top combo. Something that is quite neutral so I can combine a bold lipstick with it. I don’t think I’m trendy, I just like to keep things simple.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Lucy: Lazy oaf. Their clothes are just so cute and fun. This is the type of clothing that really stands out to me as all their clothes are oversized and comfy. I love the way they advertise and collaborate with other brands.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Lucy: 100% comfort over style – even on a night out I would definitely prefer to wear my pyjamas over a dress. I’m on my feet all day so comfort is my priority. I try to incorporate trendiness into my comfort.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Lucy: Yes, I do. Like girls, everyone wants to look better than other people, to look ‘cool’. To have better, more expensive clothes.

why do you dress the way you do?

Lucy: It just suits me and make me feel confident. I don’t particularly like standing out from the crowd. I often use make-up to inform my fashion choices and may base an outfit around the type of makeup I’m wearing.  

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Lucy: Yes, as a hairdresser image is so important. My make-up is the most important because if I have nice make-up I feel as though you can get away with unwashed hair in a messy bun! I have key items in my wardrobe, so I tend to just mix and match. Take each day as it comes.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Lucy: Definitely, it’s your first impression to a client. You should aim to give a person so many ideas of you as soon as they see you through what you’re wearing.  

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Lucy: Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t wear it. I wouldn’t put myself into something that doesn’t make me comfortable or confident. It makes your day rubbish.

Analysis, Evaluating, Research

Water Research

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In this blog post, I want to look at the distinctive properties that water holds itself.  In doing this,I want to establish the scientific properties that are found which I can relate and compare to spiritual properties pf water based on my observations with a viewpoint from someone who is also trying to translate his faith in his work by finding not just the beauty, but also the dynamics of why change in nature occurs which from  a creationist point of view, is all linked back to the book of Genesis.  Therefore in this post, I also hope to contrast this by providing factual information on water properties, but also to give you the viewer a viewpoint on the alternative side of water.  Within my images of water, I have wanted to include elements that relate to both the scientific but also the spiritual depths of the realms of this world which include close up elements, showing how they function.  Then by comparison, I have taken a wider spread, zoomed out landscape to show and explore how these elements make up the whole environment as one which allows us to compare each elements role within the natural cycle of life.  This relates to evolution because it explores how the process of change occurs whereas from a spiritual/creationist point of view, these underwater images are also a clear demonstration that by observing the beauty, magnificence, awe and wonder that is surrounded engulfs nature, this could mean that change in nature occurs because the Earth is going somewhere, somewhere similar to where its been before which could be why evolution occurs – linking both theories together.

Water is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance is crucial in providing and ensuring life on earth through survival.  It is interesting how scientific properties of water provide life which in itself is hard to be scientifically defined as life is arguably something on the border of the spiritual realms.  This is backed up by the fact that all life has water contained in their biological cells which allows for chemical reactions to take place, that are part of the processes for change within nature.  These chemical reactions include within animal bodies of metabolism and anabolism, catabolism – all processes that break down, distribute and regulate the amount of molecules and acids within the body as one.  This here is the argument for creationism that every individual element is so well coordinated that the creator is still in action to this moment.  Water is also essential for the photosynthesis and respiration to occur – where the sun’s energy combined with the water allows for plant life to multiply.  Therefore it appears that all the chemical elements (representing the how) are all working towards a common place (representing the why).  Although we don’t the specific reasons for why, by examining the beauty and power of nature, can we understand that we are not an accident but have our purpose to be spiritually connected and in tune with nature and if we do that, we can also have greater involvement for the process for change in nature for the better.

The sea’s force is overwhelmingly powerful, how is it that chemical bonds all acting in coordination, can be so lethal?  I believe that many humans are unaware of the power and dynamism of the sea.  As it is one of the most powerful forces in the world, the sea plays a great role in the process of change within the natural environment on this Earth – breeding and also ending lives.  Floods and Tsunamis have killed countless lives throughout the history of mankind.  The randomness and chaos that evolves around free moving particles are very interesting as despite the idea that all particles are coordinated, there are arguments that the randomness of the seas reflect how evolution itself is the why in which change occurs and that is that.  The sheer range from sharp, crystal whites to plunging dark depths of the deep sea, I have also tried to include in my work as well which highlight the endless power of the sea.  However also in doing this I wanted to show the importance of the sea as well, symbolizing as humans are increasingly reliant on it, the rules of the sea will always dictate and influence the way nature occurs whether that is by spiritual reasons or by accident.

Image result for water

Image result for water

Image result for water

For centuries humans have held suspicions of what the sea actually accommodates in terms of myths, exploring the facts vs the fiction.  71% of the Earth’s surface is made up of water, allowing for unknown life to exist.  This is important to recognize and note within my project because the spiritual realm doesn’t have boundaries, and as nature is so well connected with the spiritual forces dictating how change occurs, this reflects not only the endless power of nature, but also most importantly how we will never know the reasons for change and thus shall never be able to fully as humans influence nature as much as spiritualism does.  This sense of mystery and the unknown is strongly linked to the title “Freedoms and Limitations” because we don’t know the depths of spirituality, but we do know its power and intervention within nature.  Likewise we know how change occurs, but contrastingly we don’t know what the purpose for change to occur is in the end.

 

Presenting, Recording, Research

Alex and Charlie’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Alex: I would describe my fashion more by who it’s inspired by – people like Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky. I wear looser fitting, usually bright clothing that’s out of the normal trends. It alternates between comfy loose fitting and also more fitting, upmarket prices. I would usually describe my fashion sense as a charity shop as that’s where the best pieces are found.

Charlie: I personally would describe my style of fashion as street wear, this including skate and surf brands. I like to go for the brands like Santa Cruz, Enjoi, Patagonia and Thrasher. This being because I enjoy wearing simple t-shirts and jumpers with colourful logos. It allows me to express who I am as a person, someone outgoing and always up for anything, the clothes I wear ensures that I will be dressed for any sort of occasion, no matter what it could be. I also enjoy wearing vintage shirts on top of t-shirts which enables me to go from a simple outfit to something I could go out to town in.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Alex: The one brand I would wear forever would be Carhartt as it’s cool and super functional.

Charlie: I think if I could wear one brand for the rest of my life it would be Thrasher. Thrasher is not only a clothing brand but it is also skateboard magazine which I have been reading ever since secondary school, I have always had a passion for skating and being outdoors so it suits me well. Thrasher not only being a fashionable brand is also very practical and comfy. I have probably 4 thrasher jumpers at the moment, a handful of t-shirts and a cap.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Alex: Comfort all the way but it obviously depends on the occasion but I always like to keep it comfortable and casual.

Charlie: Hmm! This is a hard one, but I think I go for a comfort over style. It depends what sort of occasion it is, if it is an everyday outfit I definitely go for comfort as I like to be able to move freely.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Alex: In certain situations, of course, there is a pressure to dress the part but sometimes not dressing the way others do makes you stand out more.

why do you dress the way you do?

Alex: I dress the way I do because of the influence whether that be artists or rappers. I feel like they set trend and regarded as fashionable as hey are mostly sponsored by clothing companies so they get stuff early and set looks earlier than anyone else.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Alex: Some days when I’m a bit tired ill not really bother and just suit up in the loosest, comfiest clothes I can find but I do like to take ride in what others think of my look for sure – it’s important to make an impression.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Alex: I feel like I can express myself through art more than fashion although is probably the best outlet t express yourself as it’s the first thing people see and they can make an immediate judgement about you from what you wear. Wearing something that reflects how you feel or act can have a great impact on people.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Alex: Personally, I am very confident and comfortable in my own skin anyway. I have come to terms with how I look, although if I’m not wearing a good outfit that makes me look good and makes me comfortable in myself, I’m always thinking about what others way think of me. A good outfit really just clears my mind and gives me confidence.

 

Presenting, Recording, Research

Max’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Max: My fashion style is relaxed, vintage and casual.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Max: Tommy Hilfiger.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Max: I go for comfort over style most of the time.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Max: I find there are stresses on guys our age to fit in, males tend to be overlooked on this subject because of the stereotypical pressure on females. Males my age have the pressure of looking like the guys in the music videos etc. To be attractive and stylish is a major pressure for many.

why do you dress the way you do?

Max: I dress the way I do because it can reflect personality. I wish to be seen as slightly bold and outgoing.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Max: I have a certain amount of pride in my appearance but I am not obsessed at all. My efforts are minimal on a day to day basis.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Max: I do feel like I can express myself through the way I dress because it reflects mood and personality; if I wear a bright pink hoodie I come across different to if I was in all black.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Max: I find dressing the way I want makes me more comfortable in my own skin, I don’t feel any pressure to impress anyone I just like to do what I want.

Presenting, Recording, Research

Peter’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Peter: I would describe my style of fashion as interesting, different and vintage.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Peter: Probably Globe. I’ve been to a couple outlets where they sell Globe clothing and I find that it’s got that uniqueness but it’s also fairly normal.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Peter: I think they are both important and one shouldn’t exceed the other. Personally I think if you’re not comfortable in what you are wearing you shouldn’t wear it. Although that shouldn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort – it’s more like being comfortable in yourself.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Peter: I don’t really think about it to be absolutely honest but I guess there can be but I don’t ever really feel like that.

why do you dress the way you do?

Peter: Because I like the way it looks.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Peter: Yeah, I’d say I do care about what I look like but not to the point where I spend ages to get ready.

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Peter: I just wear clothes that I feel like wearing and that looks good, that’s it.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Peter: I think it does. I wouldn’t wear things that made me uncomfortable but wearing things that interest me personally is very important and I think allows me to express who I am as a person.

Presenting, Recording, Research

Jasper’s Q&A

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After creating my questions to ask each of the characters in my project, I sent each of the eight questions through to them digitally on social media either using Messenger or Instagram to message them with the questions outlining my intentions from them and that I would like them to answer as honestly as possible. In each of these blog posts I will post the questions and answers of each model from what they have sent back to me in reply to my message which included the questions. These questions and answers will be presented throughout each segment for each ‘character’ of the story. I am slotting the magazine up into a section for each of them and this text will be dispersed throughout in between the images. My aim from these questions was to find out more about who the model’s fashion is informed and where they taken inspiration for from it, what they would describe their fashion as and why they dress the way they do. It provides more context to the magazine than just visuals. 

what would you describe your style of fashion as?

Jasper: Personally, I would describe my style of fashion to be rather urban and cultural in the sense that most of the brands I wear have been worn and modelled by influential figures of mine. For an example, a Japanese streetwear brand which goes by the name of ‘Bape’ was famously worn by the one and only ‘Notorious B.I.G’ who in actual fact happens to be one of my main inspirations for the music I produce.

if you could wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jasper: If I could only wear one brand for the rest of my life, I would have to go with the American brand ‘Carhartt’. This is mainly due to my vivid liking for their slick and cartoony designs as well as quality of their clothing. I feel that Carhartt t-shirts are extremely breathable and nicely fitted to my physique.

do you go for comfort over style or style over comfort?

Jasper: In most cases, I will go for comfort over style as I strongly feel that the quality and fit of the clothing item is far more important than the overall design. However, this doesn’t go to say that I completely overlook items that in my eyes can be deemed to be more stylish than comfortable. I guess it just depends on the formality of the outing. For an example, If I was to go out skateboarding with a couple of friends, I would wear something that fits into the culture of that particular activity regardless its comfort. However, if I was chilling at home, I will normally wear comfy joggers and a loose t-shirt or something along those lines.

do you feel as though there is a certain pressure on boys to fit in to a society even though there are the inevitable stresses that come with adolescence?

Jasper: In modern day society, I believe that this is not the case. I feel that us as individuals simply find our likings and areas of fashion with the help of various sites, apps and magazines. For an example, websites, such as ASOS now incorporate a tool which pretty much finds items of your liking and sends them directly to your email.

why do you dress the way you do?

Jasper: I dress the way I do for self-gratification and enjoyment. I find pleasure and excitement when it comes to purchasing apparel as I simply just enjoy it! Besides this, I also purchase clothing which reflects my interests and likings. For an example, as I am a fan of the hip hop world, I dress in clothing that addresses and models certain artists such as the collaboration between ‘The Hundreds’ and the popular rapper ‘MF Doom’.

would you say you take pride in your appearance and make an effort each day to dress well?

Jasper: Yes. I believe that doing so just gives a certain edge of confidence within myself. I don’t know, I don’t deliberately dress to impress but whenever I receive a compliment on a clothing item of mine, it fills me with pleasure and just gives me an extrinsic kick to dress and look after myself!

do you feel like you can express yourself through the clothes you wear? if so, why?

Jasper: I’m not sure, I personally don’t intend on expressing emotions and what not however, as previously stated, I feel that the brands I wear fully express my likings and interests.

does dressing the way you do give you a sense of comfort in your own skin? a means of expression as such…

Jasper: Well in relation to the previous question, I don’t really seem to intentionally address any real signs of expression. However, I the clothing I wear does raise a certain comfort for me as the apparel I dress in gives me a sense of confidence and in some cases, underlines my personality.