My New Media Experiencce

The Fundamentals of Digital Media class this semester inspired me in creating visual arts by using new media technology. Throughout the term, I learned quite a lot about the application of new media such as photo editing and sharing basics (Pixrl, Flickr); making digital audio (Soundation) and video mashup (Filelab); creating generative art(Scribbler, ScribblerToo,Flame), Typology bechor grid (Pixlr), text-based art (GlassGiant ASCII, Tagxedo, Textorizer, Excoffizer), 3D model (Autodesk 123D) and artist website (Google site); designing logos (SVG vector graphic edit); and maintaining computer system (various Anti-virus software).

This Digital Media course is a really meaningful experience to me as I will continue the pursuit of art career, particularly in new media production. Based on the skills and knowledge I have seized this semester, I plan to practice them generating more high-quality artwork. Instead of just knowing how to operate, I want to go deeper to explore more features about the new media programs. For example, I used 123D Catch one of Autodesk products to produce the 3D model as well as basic model healing. But I did not attempt to do more model perfection using 123D Sculpt or 123D Make. It is also worthwhile to work more with photo editors such as the Photoshop as I want to focus on photography in new media. I honestly have never tried Photoshop so I will need to do that sometimes. I also want to refine the skills to generate visual arts by using various software. When I check back the pieces I made through the semester, I was unsatisfied with them because they always look childish or silly. Why that happened? It is still because I lack of rich experience working with art. Excellent artwork is thoughtful, unique, interesting, and well developed. Considering the skills, I should work hard to improve both hard skills and soft skills creating art. In other words, not only know how to make new media visual arts, I must establish a good sense of and my own insights into art.
           
Besides the projects I have mentioned, personal blog is another important part of this class. A traveler on the road is the thread or theme of my blog. It gave me a chance to recall and write down those beautiful memories. It became a summary of my traveling experiences as well as my past life. I enjoyed composing, designing my blog and sharing my stories with people. In my blog, I take you to see different landscape in United States (Las Vegas, Miami, New York), China (Chenzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin) and Canada (Toronto) in addition to my traveling in digital media world. There are actually more places I missed to talk during this term. So I will definitely keep updating my blog until I done recording all the places I have been. This blog will function as a traveling log for my life.             

New York, New York

The big apple city- New York is largest city in the United States. It is the global center of finance, culture, fashion, technology, art, science, education, etc. First of all, let me take you to some landmarks you may recognize in a group of pictures below including the Wall street in Manhattan (top left two), time square at night (top right), Metropolitan Museum of Art (two at the bottom). I still remember I went to touch that bronze buffalo to wish for good luck. And stayed in the Time Square for nine hours with thousands of people counting the last ten seconds of year 2008 to see the Big Bang (falling of huge air balloon). I was also surprised by seeing the exact Chinese Suzhou Garden in Metropolitan Museum.        

 

 The best spots to view the New York landscape are at the top of landscapers including the Empire State Building, the Top of Rock, etc. The photos below were taken at the observation deck of the Top of Rock.  

Another good sightseeing option is to take a harbor cruise around the coast area and neighboring islands such as Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It is a terrific way to experience the beauty of the New York's skyline and waterways as well as to see the most famous landmarks, the Statue of liberty (bottom right) on the Liberty Island and the Immigration Building (top left) on the Ellis Island. 

There are many other unique spots you can not miss in New York City, for example, the Grand Central Terminal (the top left one and right one). I was really impressed by this grandiose architecture with a super tall ceiling. Although you may not have a chance to meet the celebrities in daily life, you can visit the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum to have picture taken with your idols (the middle one on the left). To watch a show in a theater on Broadway is also a lot of fun. There are many classic Broadway shows on play everyday in New York. I was lucky to see one of the most famous called Chicago.

Many people may criticize the New York City as dirty, disorganized, chaotic, etc. But I like it.It just has so many good places to visit and a diversity of culture to experience. New York, New York, I love you!!              

Exotic Historical City- Tianjin

Tianjin is a city one hour away from Beijing by Express Railway Train. It is the largest coastal city in northern China.In terms of population, it is the forth largest city in China. Tianjin has two main urban areas which have totally different styles. Binhai, a newly-developed area has become a hub of advanced industry and financial center with 285 Fortune 500 companies that set up base here. It is a major seaport and gateway to Beijing for foreign countries.     

The other important area is the old city located along the Hai River with Chinese traditional style derived from long term history. In the photo montage below, you can see old constructions, temples and streets. They are lots of tourists come from all over the world to explore the old trace of this historical developed city. 

As one of earliest treaty port ratified by the Emperor of China in 1860, Tianjin was opened to Britain, France, Italy, Germany, etc. Tianjin was carved up by all these occupying powers. They established their own governed districts and built prisons, hospitals, churches, and schools. Today, many architectural reminders including buildings, streets, statues, etc.(see pictures below) left by these nations provide an exotic flavor to Tianjin.  

Tianjin made me feel peaceful and comfortable when I was there. The interesting fusion of western and eastern culture can be found everywhere in Tianjin. It is such an exotic historical city where you can experience the old Chinese style as well as foreign mixed atmosphere. Trust me, you will absolutely love it!