My Hands are Tied

Today after coffee, I figured I would rationally sit and think about what I can still do with my hands while recovering from a finger injury. Instead of fuming in frustration and pacing the floor, I have decided to make the best use of the four fingers still functioning on one hand. Typing seems to be an opportunity to be taken advantage of.

It has been only a couple days since my finger got butchered and then sewn up with big dark stitches, yet already my lifestyle has been affected. I have realized what a blessing these fingers are to ensure a purposeful life, in the every day sense. Almost any activity I want to do requires the dexterity of my hands. It is a harsh awakening that cements my identity as an artist. I think now I will consider these ten appendages to be a gift, rather than just taken for granted. Without them, the brainstorm of ideas that ferment inside my head would have no where to go.

A series of books by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Russian Psychologist) has captured my attention lately. I started buying his books while still an undergrad in art school. He has some fascinating observations on the study of creativity, and how the trait develops in different people. I like this excerpt on “The Creative Personality: Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt to almost any situation and to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals. If nothing else, this distinguishes them from the rest of us.”(Creativity, Ch.3, p.51) I find this both inspiring and relatable. This is what I will be mindful of as I push through the set back with my hands. I will have to adapt and stay busy, while the wounds heal.

The Creative Process

The desire to put my thoughts into words has returned, coinciding with a recent brainstorm of new design ideas. Now that I look back, it is possible that I was experiencing a creative block because my sense of direction was not as clear. What will occur when a concept hits me, is that in an instant I will visualize the whole page or a design will run through my head. I will know that it is exactly on the right track because of instinct and the preparation that has led up to this point. This way of conceiving ideas has been going on for a long time with me, it is completely natural and unplanned. You can not set your watch for when an idea will synthesize, it just arrives at it’s own pace.

While I was grappling for a design solution, I was distracted or compelled to analyze the features of a wide variety of websites that are inspiring. The more I understand about script and interactivity, the more I want to try and figure out how everything works. There is a lot to be learned from looking at web code. The first page I reconstructed was the U2 site, designed by Chime Interactive. This site actually was nominated for a Webby award. I didn’t realize that there might be about 2,000 CSS Styles to modify and a custom JavaScript function involved. It is interesting to note that most large commercial sites all have their script, styles and image files linked to separate URL addresses so they do not compromise the page optimization.

Secondly, I checked out the site for Vogue Italia. It is visually sophisticated and all in black. I really admire how this highlights the stunning imagery. In the layout I found a plugin called Ad Gallery by coffeescripter.com. The script I considered to be a bit excessive and filled with too many fancy effects. So then I browsed over to an image gallery on the Seattle PI site. They have a simple, but very functional gallery that is used repeatedly for news features. I like how this one has a text overlay that displays over every image, and it can be opened or closed. Gathering information on it was challenging because the developer had his demo page terminated. Nonetheless, I tracked down an existing copy of the GalleryView plugin published in 2009. It was so easy to work with and required very little HTML markup. Ironically though, by the time I sat back and marveled at it’s functionality I got the breaking idea of a new direction I wanted to take for this page.

This brings me back to the present moment. I think that when concept development is suspended, it is important not to stop working. When an instant solution is not readily accessible, working through different solutions will sustain a creative momentum.

Colorbox

Hey there, been awhile since I tickled the keypad with another blog. I have not felt the urge to write, yet a few days ago I capped off another web page with jQuery and graphic trickery. The first image gallery I have made without Flash, so it feels good. In this case the work that is showcased is a line of fine art cards that went on the market a few months ago. In keeping with the fine art theme, I liked the idea of displaying each image against a plain background as a gallery wall might. Similar to the forms project, the concept perceived the execution. This lead me to seek out ideas from text books and online postings. Two influential resources were the books- JQuery Novice to Ninja and CSS and HTML Web Design by friends of Ed.

I came across several popular jQuery plugins to create this gallery effect. Lightbox, by Lokesh Dhakar is well designed and was the first model I studied. It carries a large file size so instead I opted for the ColorBox, by Jack Moore. Just as a book says, it is small and easy to customize. There is also enough supportive documentation available online to provide methods for writing inline script. This is great because I always like to tweak a page to reflect a preferred design and function. The CSS files which came with the download were a little strange, but eventually I figured out how to alter the formatting. ColorBox is also supposed to preload images therefore the optimization is managed. Overall I am very pleased and can see why this plugin is so heavily used across the net. Unlike some sites however, I do not wish to recycle one script for every gallery. ColorBox makes an image compelling on the page because it does not compete with any other information in view. This is not always helpful though, as the user may like to have access to more text and navigation controls while browsing. So for the graphic design portfolio, I am planning to employ a whole other layout.

Moving forward to the next phase of concept development, I have become inspired by some features I saw on the website for the band U2. It is very visual and easy to navigate. Not surprising that such a fabulous talent would also have a dynamic site, they are truly creative in every aspect of portraying self image. Going to their concert was like a childhood dream come to fruition. So in the spirit of my last web design teacher, I might use some existing web features to interpret my own. It is very rewarding yet a challenging process.

A Face with Presence

On Friday I was passing through a local coffee shop and saw this photo on the front of the New York Times. I did not know why but I found it riveting. This man; his poise, his stoic presence it spoke volumes to me and I was intrigued enough to buy a copy. I thought this is the power of an image, to convey what words can not. What an image can do on a personal level, it can make a direct connection, conjure a memory, a feeling you may not know even existed.

When I read the article, it lent greater depth to the significance of the shot. Yet story aside, my mind began to theorize on the communicative properties of a human portrait. You see contemporary shots of working professionals, celebrities and so forth with plastic smiles and cheery expressions. They are surface decoration, they may catch your eye for a second and are quickly forgotten. You know people who always have the same smile in every photo they’ve ever taken? It is a mask; the face they put on for the world.

Photos can reveal an essence of humanity, the inner life of their subject. I like looking back at old black and white portraits of the American pioneers. The ones where no one is smiling, as it was custom then. Rugged skin, jarring eyes and dark shadows; they are so dramatic. Even those of my own ancestors show eyes that carry weight. They are the anchor point, what draws you in and creates a timeless moment- breaking the 2-dimensional frame. I see a dignity, a self-awareness and character in them.

This particular man of generations past, originated from the Ukraine. He experienced the hardships of WWII and fell to the influence of the Nazi’s around 1941. Public outcry wants to label him a criminal due to his whereabouts at a specific place and time, despite a lack of hard evidence. Under duress he joined the enemy ranks, probably as a means to survival. Now the inside of a prison cell may be his final resting place. Only he knows what really happened while a young twenty year old, probably scared in the grips of a dark existence. Does this look like the face of a monster? To the contrary it seems like a humble, weary man of strength and grit. The aggressive circle of men around further illuminates a calm poise and steady gaze.

Forms

I am back to discuss my latest break through in web development. This last one, was quite the feat no doubt. There were many instances when I was not sure I was going to work this thing out, yet- given enough patience and focus, it all came together…..a web form.

The form which can be seen on my Services page, is rather simple and sweet however the process behind it was intense. In the end it was all worth it, because I learned so much. I did not want to take any shortcuts as I knew my concept was achievable. I sought out books and online tutorials to bring together a form which represents and communicates the set intent. Specifically I’d like to credit these sources: HTML, XHTML & CSS 6th Edition, Visual Quickstart Guide, jQuery Novice to Ninja by Sitepoint, the CSS Tricks Screencast presentation #62, and the jQuery site page on Form Validation for getting me through.

Why was a one column list of data input fields so daunting? That is what I kept asking myself. Actually, this feature utilizes two jQuery plugins and links to a php file. I had to learn that php is the preferred server-side script method now, out-dating the use of perl. It is handled better by most servers and easier to customize. Once I found a simple excerpt of code to use, it was all good to go. I added the Validation and Form plugins to check on user input and increase form functionality. The Validation plugin does compromise on page layout options, but the effects are pretty great. It is very easy to adapt into the document flow. For a special twist; I improved upon the Erase button with the .resetForm method and wrote a custom function. I read that the Erase/ Reset button is not commonly used anymore, however I think it can be helpful.

Finally, some observations that are worth noting. The script is like the foundation and the HTML, the house built on top. Get the script running correctly, and fit the HTML around it. Secondly, there is more than one way to script a form. Each example I referenced exercised a different format, and they all worked. I am sure that forms are an aspect of websites that will continue to evolve and grow more advanced as technology moves forward. After this process, you may suppose that I will be seeking out a milder challenge to bite off next. Stay tuned.

Cinders

Cinders, a photo by nansiejo on Flickr.

I just love this photo I took today of our demure little shelter cat, Cinders. She is a petite sized, black female up for adoption in Bellevue. This is the second time I have sat with her and observed how she is adjusting. She adores personal attention but cringes at a sudden noise or movement. This photo captured her personality well I thought. She curled up next to me, half relaxed but half nervous, just one eye revealed. It was genius the way she left an inch of the tail flipped up to her face. There is so much muscle control in a tail that even the last inch can be wagged back and forth. I focused on that one eye and because of the wide aperture, other details are softened. She is so sweet, awe.

JQuery Magic

After a productive day, I’d like to share in the work I’ve done with jQuery. Some improvements to a couple pages of my site were uploaded today. They include a scroll panel to the News page and an interactive feature on the Services. In particular the Services page was challenging in that I attempted several different solutions before resolving the layout in a way that met my concept. It is great to design something in your head, where all good ideas start and then see it happen. In fact it is like a miracle at times to customize jQuery functions.

I have found it helps to adhere to certain practices while designing for the web. One pertains to CSS style sheets, they can end up a blur of excessive rules before you know it. It is good to add comments within the page to remember where they apply in your document. Also save on download speeds and excessive information by delegating select styles to their own style sheet. Some are only used for a group of pages or a single page.

Working with style sheets becomes especially important when using another developer’s jQuery widget. The scroll panel was an example of how design limitations can occur when using another author’s code. The HTML elements were linked to certain functions of an external JavaScript file. Each developer might have their own style of writing and creating widgets, and not all are as easily understood. When it comes to using JavaScript, it is much better to write your own when possible. I did that for the Services Page. In a series of simple functions I created a small interactive menu that loads content inside the page. Several useful commands were learned during this process which may come in handy.  jQuery does a lot things I like and this is just the beginning.

JQuery and Java Action

So is it really March already? Not much outside has changed, I find myself looking out at the blanketed white sky which carries the illusion of living in a cloud bank. Today I had a near disastrous accident when I almost lit my workstation on fire. The incense I like to burn while working to create a relaxing ambiance nearly made it an unlucky day. That is an understatement, but anyhow I took it as a sign that maybe I am too engrossed in my work. This plastic folder lit up and I charred most of the jQuery notes from my last class. This material is smoking hot, literally!

I have to admit, I have come so far with learning this code. It is not a simple feat to keep up with the pace of the course. These demonstrations tend to run at the rate of computer-clicking speed. It has been such an advantage to draw on my experience with Flash, Actionscript 2.0 That foundation has helped to curb an understanding of JavaScript and its role with jQuery. The code also triggers flashbacks of learning Algebra during high school. Finally the arduous task of grasping Algebra has paid off! There was a reason for it after all!

A sense of accomplishment is settling in because I am breaking down the limits of what I am capable of. New possibilities are opening up to what can be made in the realm of advanced communications. I also credit my attention to detail, punctuation, and with associating patterns amongst the various scripts for success.

OK, so that about caps it off on jQuery for now. There is a lot I have in store for implementing this code in my site. In the meantime, you can find a modest slideshow generated with this script running on my homepage. Enjoy-

Skills, and Which Ones to Use

So it has been awhile since I blogged, but with the full moon and all my keyboard fingers were getting itchy. I’d like to write about a new subject- Career Development. In the spirit of 2011, I thought it good to assess which strengths are growing and which ones fading. I attended a book signing by an author who explores alternative strategies for tapping into your life’s work. There was a huge turnout, everyone was questioning -am I making the right career decisions? I just wanted to see if her book would confirm a direction I am already pursueing; web design.

Numerology plays a role in this book, and I have discovered that I am a #1. Being a #1 is kind of nice, and a shift in self perception. To learn your number, you must add up the digits in your birthday and reduce it to one. The number combined with your Zodiac sign, reveals defining aspects of your personality and a role amongst the masses. At first I thought my number traits did not fit. This number is supposed to be a leader and a person who does things their own way. Well if a person does not follow anyone else, does that make them a leader by default? If you lead yourself according to your ideals; perhaps a leader of one, is this yet a leader nonetheless? Sue Frederick says the flip side of leading is that it carries a heavy burden of self doubt.

In the new year, my pursuits have traversed from art history and critical writing back to web design; writing javascript and jQuery code. It is a rather big jump between subjects, however I find both equally stimulating. The final reflective paper I wrote in Native Art History scored a 100%. It is a remarkable way to finish the quarter before returning to graphic design. Now I am analyzing HTML code and writing basic functions by hand. It is a good thing these brain cells are still in mint condition, each one is getting a full workout. I am juggling the study of CSS, HTML and two kinds of script- all written in proper syntax. It is basically another form of language. No more Flash, yes Flash has been called outdated since it does not comply with the trendy iPhone and iPad technology. NW Art and Design will fit perfectly on an iPhone so no excuses for going forward with blatant self promotion. Yay-

Spirit

Today I was thinking about what gets a person through the ups and downs of life and got inspired to write this. I am not a poet, but every now and then it happens.

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The Spirit

You can’t take my spirit from me, though try as you might

It’s a spirit inside that shines light

When my heart is heavy, my spirit is low

It is the glue that binds me and paves a road where I go

The spirit connects mind, body and soul

A universal power, which only I know

Of dust and earth from whence we came

Upon our demise we return the same

All beauty and power is nothing in the end

Yet the spirit that guides us, will return us

to love again.

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A spirit of someone is their backbone. Even in the weakest moments it is does not leave us, but it is learning and adapting to the trials we have surmounted. A spirit may get tired and broken down with battle wounds of life, yet it connects us to our authentic self and purpose.