Medium Specificity

             

I experimented with an online program called Pixilart, basically a pixel illustrator. With the medium I selected, there are certain works that it appeals to, such as digitalized stories, animations, and games. As an artform, it conforms itself to only being shaped through tiny boxes. It was interesting to learn the form and its nuances, such as the ideas of creating a color palette to “blend” colors together. However, as colored pixels, it doesn’t truly “blend.” Rather, colors that fall between other colors serve as “blending” colors that create a gradient of change in the image you’re creating. By doing so, the contrast between the other colors isn’t as significant and allows a greater sense of realism and specificity to come to the piece. It communicates the nature of the piece clearer to the viewer. Interestingly, there are a variety of things that can be created and illustrated through this form, but it presents them all through this blocky, colorful lens.

            Limitations of the form include a limitation of composition. It can’t produce perfect, smooth lines or edges as another form could. There will always be a “rough” sense to it. Additionally, the colors can’t truly blend, but can only assume the appearance of blending. There also are limitations to only being able to create the artform online, rather than having tangible tools and elements to manipulate.

            Affordances include: it’s so interesting to engage with an artform that’s completely digital! Everything exists within a computer, manifested on a screen. It never had an iteration or make-up that existed outside of that realm. Also listed as a limitation, I love the restriction of only creating these blocky illustrations. It’s amazing the amount of imagination and creativity that can be implemented when creating pixelated artworks. The boundaries allow for a creative space that blooms! It was amazing to see the incredible things that other people have created.

            As a teacher, I think it’s essential to help students find resources to engage with digital media forms. When I began interacting with this artform, I had no idea how to do so. I felt that there was so much to do, but I had no place to begin or clear understanding of what I could create. With some video tutorials, I learned the basics and then found one specific item to attempt creating: a tree! I think utilizing video tutorials (or even screencasted tutorials that I make!) would be powerful in helping students to engage with digital media forms, particularly forms that require a new set of skills and knowledge. When it comes to responding, I’m excited to use platforms such as blogs, and other media-sharing programs, to show each other our work and progress, and then to provide feedback with praise, considerations, and advice. Our growth as a community of learners will be empowered through technology that aids communication, collaboration, and conversation.

            I’m grateful for these experiences that we’re having as we engage with digital media and are exposed to new and evolving artforms!