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Some Extended Notes From the Initial Pitch - 10/03/20

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Some Extended Notes From the Initial Pitch - 10/03/20

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I was initially quite shocked by my first meeting with the group. They decided to have a short get together right before our meeting with Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen that were coming to introduce us to the project aims and the intentions of the Samford Ecological Research Facility (SERF) as the client. Upon meeting the fellow creatives for the first time they seemed rather reluctant to reveal what had been accomplished over the first 2 weeks of work. After being pressed however, it seemed that that had pitched one singular idea (that of an interactive environment) and then had only met up again presently, before the meeting, when: "Everyone was free." This struck me as wildly immature, the project I have joined into sounds like a fantastic experience and my fellow group members are not taking anything seriously, even considering not attending the SERF experiments simply because they are too difficult to attend. I am hoping, alongside my fellow creatives who are joining the group later, to turn this into a productive and hardworking group, able of committing to more than a simple half hour meeting before the weekly check-ins. I believe we can do so much with this project, and the minds we have at our disposal are the key factor. Hopefully we can provide some influence and push with our creative experience in committing to a strict rehearsal schedule. I want us to succeed, for the client, for the people who are expecting results, and for ourselves as creative practitioners.  I'll keep track of my progress here...

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“Art helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of we – from the local to the global”

(Eliasson, 2016).

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“I do think that art can change society. I don’t think it’s one artist that doe’s it, I think it’s the Collective effort of artists and institutions together”

Janković (as cited in Tate, n.d.).

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Thoughts on the process after week 1 - 12/03/20

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Thoughts on the process after week 1 - 12/03/20

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Overall, the initial week went well. I really appreciated the catch up session with Keith, it was extremely useful information. Although before this catch up I had read through the lecture materials and attended the SCP lecture 3. The SCP lecture didn't really provide any new information, just extra details about keeping data entries for process, all steps from which I am extremely used to doing in creative practise. The Lectures regarding information with our project however were extremely useful! I really enjoyed the details and video links to news and preformative examples. The meeting with the Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen was incredible! Two fantastic well travelled women who just had information to spare, they really knocked me off my feet, I couldn't stop taking notes for the entire duration. Some extremely useful information and sources I have no doubt will weave their way into our project. They are really optimistic about our group, which makes the urgency to kick everything into gear even more present. I want to do well, for them, and because the message were carrying is important. It might not change anything at all, but a butterfly's wings can carry a storm.

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Notes on A1 (Now completed 2nd draft - just submitted) - 13/03/20

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Notes on A1 (Now completed 2nd draft - just submitted) - 13/03/20

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Although arriving into the project late, I felt I did an alright job of playing catch up, especially regarding assessment 1. I have managed in the span of a one week extension to go through two drafts of the final assessment despite other commitments. I don't often praise myself on these sorts of things, especially with an assignment so short, but I have to say I'm happy with how it turned out. I think it was interesting to develop different goals, making them achievable but challenging, specific and at the same time vague. I feel like talking about them here and so I shall.

Goal number 1:
To apply my knowledge and experience to aid the formation of the aim.

Our first encounter with an actual project aim came from the SERF meeting, where they spoke of engaging and informing the public. I also thought about the different ways to detail my experience, and had some trouble coming up with ways that didn't make me sound pretentious (I really want to mix well with this group!).

Goal number 2:
To explore different disciplines and to help create something that will continue to thrive after the project has concluded.

I really like this goal. I feel like working towards making a piece of art that can be attributed to and had components added to over time is a really promising and desirable outcome to aim for. Although the point of this assignment isn't to pitch ideas... I couldn't help let some components slip through. Although I will detail some more of my ideas in my next blog post, so get excited for that.

(Edit: I realise I'm being very non-formal with this blog approach but please forgive me, it's just the way I approach writing about these topics.)

Goal number 3:

It is my responsibility as an artist to adapt and challenge myself throughout the project, and to collaborate, providing my ideas to make art that communicates a shared experience.

I believe this final goal to be extremely important. The entire "responsibility as an artist" part especially is something I believe in. I think it really puts a backing to my purpose and potential in this project. The idea also of communicating a shared experience is something I really believe could elevate our project, although what experience we aim to share is yet to be seen from the experiments... more to come soon...

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Extended Pitch Ideas / Post Dramatic Theatre, Site-Specific Theatre. - 14/03/20

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Extended Pitch Ideas / Post Dramatic Theatre, Site-Specific Theatre. - 14/03/20

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I talked briefly on my extended notes from the initial pitch about some ideas to further the group. I thought it would be a good idea to write some of them here. Here are some segments that were in my original draft for Assessment 1, but didn't relate enough to the actual topic of addressing goals, and so I thought instead of delete them, to save and post about them here. They read:

"A pathway I will be suggesting to the cohort is a Post-Dramatic Theatre form of immersive theatre, more specifically, site-specific performance. This sub-heading encompasses a wide variety of possibilities in collaboration with the already pitched idea of an Interactive Environment.

By developing a set piece that is tailor-made for a place of cultural importance, a hub of community activity, a place of public gatherings and then linking it back to the environment and the on-site experience our group will have, it allows us to communicate to the public in a genuine way. Delivering through art, our experiences whilst incorporating the familiar surroundings the general public are used to engaging with. This way, it lets people openly engage without caution or reluctance, adopting new ideas and fundamentally changing their beliefs, which will ultimately change their actions."

This concludes the small segment of my brainstorming, and from here I will add these ideas to the group google document and potentially some of my findings to the group Face Book chat. Until then I will continue to post more research here, and I will of course be needing to attend to the assigned research homework Keith has issued to each of us individually, but all in due time.

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Intro to environmental humanities:

Hidden at the heart of all environmental issues falls into various human involvement. We must rethink the architecture of our lives.

What is nature?

The videos main topics:

Environment is only a spectrum, but by taking on this view, is only sidestepping the problem.

Every landscape bears different marks from human involvement.

A place involved in its own natural element feels natural, it is the point where we can measure the human involvement is the tipping point.

Only human activities alter nature, humans act on nature, altering its state. While animals act on instinct, working within the bounds of nature. Humans may have instincts, but we may choose to not act on them.

Anthropologists believed if they could find the fist hut, the initial tipping point where humans stepped beyond nature. But why does this still put us outside nature?

Humans are biological organisms, still very reliant on the ecological perspective, requiring food and water. We cannot exist without microorganisms and other lifeforms, we require them to exist.

Many scholars believe we need to re-think nature. Perhaps nature really never existed in this way, and so instead of searching for places untouched by man, we should reconsider the world and our place within it.

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Desire.

Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir.

Earthalujah!!!

"Good luck everybody"

The words that carried in the choir to demonstrate through preformative song and displays of bush fires on phones the suffering of the environment.

"Fire fire burning bright, in the forest in the night."

The preaching of the fires being the cause of the Chase chain while actually within the centre itself, is like putting two and two together. A peaceful protest of chorales singing to anyone who will listen, not disrupting peoples days but simply there to display their message. Its quite an effective performance that demonstrates not only courage amongst the performers, but a real passion to spread the message together. These singers just want people to be aware, there's something to be learnt form this demonstration, and its all about standing up for what's right, and for what you believe in. Taking it to the top might not be an option, but cause a stir big enough and maybe they'll take notice.

Although a lot of backlash was received, some pointed out the phones that were used were made in china, the clothes could have been from sweatshops. But people don't realise they're simply trying to incite the spark of change. We can all make better decisions, be more conscious of what we do, but only once we are aware.

On the RBSSC website, the group states they are a New York based Earth-defending community, resisting extinction by bringing humour and music even to the very end of the world. A choir of over 50 participants believe that by preaching and singing in theatres, on the streets, where they work, they can indeed make a difference.

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Today was SERF day 1! On site and with the project team, it was so so amazing! Simply sublime getting the opportunity to walk through the forests and the landscape and experience the culture of the trees. I was discussing with Professor Firn about the concept of a green culture, a culture and community hub for many different types of plants and wildlife. There were so many creatures and especially butterflies. We also met with some PHD post grad scientists who gave us the crash course on measuring height and width of trees. After all this we sat together and discussed ideas and different options from past experience and research. I shared my details of how I found the different interpretations of Nature, and how we really should attempt to communicate the experience to our audience. The other disciplines also shared some really interesting concepts and research, I'll be putting the notes from the table read here on the table. The ideas of different, thoughtful, accessible, all words that don't really hit a mark. I think we might still be a bit up in the air with everything. We do strongly believe there is hope through an interactive piece, something tangible that can be touched. There was a great pitched idea for a forest walk involving professor Firns' take on "if the trees could speak they would be screaming." Perhaps giving the trees an actual voice could prove really effective. A sensory walk through the surreal, altering expectations and changing beliefs to create a plan of action.

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FB Post - Some research on Immersive Theatre and the different ways it can be presented: DARKFIELD - 17/03/2020

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FB Post - Some research on Immersive Theatre and the different ways it can be presented: DARKFIELD - 17/03/2020

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This was the post I made to the Re-imagining the arts in an Era of Climate Change FB page just for some extra research.

Hey guys, I know we discussed utilising the manipulation of the senses yesterday and I remembered a while ago I was introduced to an Australian theatre company called DARKFIELD and they specialise in sensory theatre. By locking audiences inside a large shipping container in complete darkness they provide a purely audio based experience, taking them on a variety of different experiences such as a a plane trip and a supernatural seance in an old manor. I'll link a review and the about section from DARKFIELDS website but I feel it's something good to consider for the manipulation of senses for performance and the different ways it can be presented.

DARKFIELD About: https://www.darkfield.com.au/

https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/flight-review

I found the review for the show: Flight by DARKFIELD to be especially interesting, mainly the part where they note:

"But most of us have experienced air travel before, so when the lights flicker off and you’re plunged into blackness, and the cabin starts to rumble and vibrate, and Darkfield’s incredible binaural headphones play the sonic boom of a jet engine, and you feel the little jolt of wheels over imaginary tarmac, your brain has no trouble making it real. At one point I swear I felt us bank to the left. My ears almost popped." - James Schakell

Whats important to note here is the familiarity. If we could transport the audience through somewhere or a situation they find familiar alongside what we aim to put them through, then it would greatly increase the realism and the effect of the experience. We obviously don't have the tech or the equipment that DARKFIELD do, but we could absolutely make up for it in the details.

“In most instances, vision is our leading perception. In the dark, we can start with the sound and create environments and characters and to allow the audience to create visuals for themselves, in their imaginations.” - Darkfield creator, David Rosenberg.

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Notes from group discussion at SERF day 1 (Part 1) - 18/03/2020

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Notes from group discussion at SERF day 1 (Part 1) - 18/03/2020

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Notes from group discussion at SERF day 1 (Part 2) - 18/03/2020

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Notes from group discussion at SERF day 1 (Part 2) - 18/03/2020

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For next week:

Think about your own personal strengths that you want to bring to the project and write these down. Try to think of alternative strengths that are not entirely do with your own artistic practice (eg, note-taking, organising etc.).

Some of my extended skills are:

1. Acting / performing / vocal and voice work Narration and reading.
2. Script / creative writing
3. Music writing / playing - Alto Saxophone - Singing - Ukulele
4. Juggling scarves?
5. Filming, editing.
6. understanding of dramatic conventions and types.

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Group Photo #1 from SERF day 1 - 19/03/2020

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Group Photo #1 from SERF day 1 - 19/03/2020

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Group Photo #2 from SERF day 1 - 19/03/2020

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Group Photo #2 from SERF day 1 - 19/03/2020

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Photo of me from SERF day 1 on site - 19/03/2020

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Photo of me from SERF day 1 on site - 19/03/2020

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Here I was taking notes for the measuring of different species of trees. I found the entire experience to be really fascinating and interesting, giving us tonnes of ideas for our creative process moving forwards (Also my hat is way too small but I like it sooo I'm gonna wear it anyway).

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It's been an interesting couple of days. COVID-19 is now undeniably an issue. The virus has basically diminished any hopes of us performing on site or in public. Everything now has to be virtual. This isn't a terrible outcome, and now we have to shape a new pathway. The emails from QUT and from Keith himself have set in stone the new direction for our project, and so now the best we can do is kill the past and give birth to new possibilities, including a more online approach.

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Today at 10 am our group had our very first virtual meeting on ZOOM, although it was cut a bit short due to technical issues, we managed to then resume the meeting on Discord. We discussed the current climate and the possibilities and pathways the project could take. There seems to be a strong learning towards something to do with social media, which isn't terrible, but I also agree with what some of the other group members said as well, that we don't want the social media to be the entire project. There was some pitching for us to really focus on some of our niche abilities, something we can accomplish within these new unforeseen constraints. Talk of group members applying their written, musical, social media skills to collaborate. We have been asked to provide these skills to the group, and we are also to research individually some solutions to the project, and to climate change altogether for the public. I think a direction I want to take involves the outbreak of COVID-19. I wrote a poem today that reflects the tethers between the two and helps demonstrate the effects this entire situation could have for our environment. I believe this new face the virus has revealed really says something about the human race as a whole, and I think it is a fantastic opportunity to apply to our project. I'll attack the poem here now, and then continue to do research for possible links, and opportunity's in art for COVID-19 and the Climate Crisis.

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Poem / Links between Epidemic and Crisis... - 24/03/2020

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Poem / Links between Epidemic and Crisis... - 24/03/2020

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Let us not forget,
In these uncertain times,
A valley of regret,
We forge deceitful crimes.

We turn our eyes,
Encrypted media lives,
Crying out in group reactions,
To a great viral distraction.

While it's the brain that melts,
And absorbs the heat,
Enormous welts,
Of ancient sleet.

And with no surprise,
Blood will course up to the sky.
Keeping truth as high as hell,
While lies are all that we did tell.

Armed with knowledge,
And kindness not greed,
We plant this seed,
And flood our feeds.

People now must rise,
From a worldwide demise,
Please heed the call,
Or humanity will take the fall.

- Matthew Bengtson

Something interesting I found with this poem was how easily the different aspects play into each-others hands. If planet Earth was like a human body filtered with an infection that is COVID-19, then all of its attention would be to curing a sickness. This is the only goal, there's panic and disarray, a collapse of government and loss of jobs, all hope seems lost. Keeping in mind the Earth is a human body, then the climate crisis is a tumour on the brain. We have the tools to remove it, but it wont be easy, but we're to hesitant to go under for the surgery. So I honestly believe, the human race will not act upon Climate Change because there is a way to fix it. Think about it, COVID-19 has two major properties, its causing instant change with loss of life, and it has many unknowns: including the fact that there is no solution yet. The fear is what is breeding action, and a reaction including rebellion and confusion. If there wasn't a way to solve the climate crisis, then we would be scrambling to fix it. The solution is as potent a toxin as the poison itself. Once people see it this way... I believe their viewpoints might change.

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My Expectations from the group, under changing circumstances - 24/03/2020

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My Expectations from the group, under changing circumstances - 24/03/2020

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I really hope above all else for an equal distribution of work and input, but also recognition for the whole group. For everyone to stay positive and ready to adapt to change in the current situation. Enjoying the work we create is important and making sure we can see a part of every one of us in the final outcome should be an important goal for all. Mutual understanding and a respect that extends beyond practitioners and artists, but as a team, will help make this project really mean something.

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Graphic - A possible Logo or image of reference - 24/03/2020

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Graphic - A possible Logo or image of reference - 24/03/2020

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I was just adding some images I found online with a layering tool, and felt like this could visually represent the connotations and connections I'm going to try and draw between the Crisis, and the Epidemic, and how the human race can learn from this. IDEA: The human "race," what are we competing for here.

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Notes on the Poem / Idea for field of research for the projects future - 25/03/2020

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Notes on the Poem / Idea for field of research for the projects future - 25/03/2020

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Something interesting I found with this poem was how easily the different aspects play into each-others hands. If planet Earth was like a human body filtered with an infection that is COVID-19, then all of its attention would be to curing a sickness. This is the only goal, there's panic and disarray, a collapse of government and loss of jobs, all hope seems lost. Keeping in mind the Earth is a human body, then the climate crisis is a tumour on the brain. We have the tools to remove it, but it wont be easy, but we're to hesitant to go under for the surgery. So I honestly believe, the human race will not act upon Climate Change because there is a way to fix it. Think about it, COVID-19 has two major properties, its causing instant change with loss of life, and it has many unknowns: including the fact that there is no solution yet. The fear is what is breeding action, and a reaction including rebellion and confusion. If there wasn't a way to solve the climate crisis, then we would be scrambling to fix it. The solution is as potent a toxin as the poison itself. Once people see it this way... I believe their viewpoints might change.

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Possible Area of Research - The Link of The Epidemic and Crisis - 25/03/2020

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Possible Area of Research - The Link of The Epidemic and Crisis - 25/03/2020

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I think there is a lot to learn about this virus incident, especially in regards to the worldwide coverage from media and the general public. There is a stigma of fear and an under appreciation of real facts. Gossip, rumours, racism and fear mongering. I think the fact that there is no solution, no cure, means people want to take urgent action. Therefore, the fact that there is in fact a solution to climate change, i.e. the reuse of substance, the halting of deforestation and the cutting of emissions from factories and automobiles, then there is no urgency or want to fix anything. It's like the entire planet is a little kid who is procrastinating doing his homework.

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Just had a bit of a brainstorm: Climart! It's so simple, I really hope this hasn't been used, could be great material for the groups project name. Going to do some research to see if this is already a thing.

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Ok. So, this is interesting. Looks like the main attribution have been in the past decade alone. The first I found was spelt: CLIMARTE, and it appears to be a festival group who gather creative practitioners in a very similar way to how we are conducting ourselves. I found their mission statement / aim to be a strong, simple yet powerfully effective one: "Our aim is to create a strong arts voice to join with other concerned citizens in calling for immediate, effective and creative action to secure a safe future for humankind and for all life on Earth. In essence, this voice will be one of creative ingenuity. It will communicate with passion the concerns and desires of people who make and support creative responses and expressions. Our collective voice will demonstrate the genuine conviction and leadership that we so desperately need in the 21st century." (Climarte, 2019).

They hold forums for sharing ideas, promote all types of art involving climate change from videos to books, hold worldwide protests to rally the people into action and commitment. These guys know what they're doing, they're like an ark, or a cultural hub for all climate art. We could potentially see about adding our project to their library... Seriously impressed with what these guys are doing, and even though I'm sad they stole my name, I'm glad to see there are other groups out there trying to spread the same message as us... perhaps I should try getting in contact with them about a collaboration? Even if its on the smaller scale? Perhaps. Here's the link to their website for later: https://climarte.org/

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Another group I found unfortunately took the name letter by letter from me :( well, they did have the idea fist so fairs fair.

"Can visual art affect viewer perceptions of climate change?"

Good question, we're trying to ask the same thing... But this is interesting, all of these projects have been undertaken in a time of no major events going on. We are in the centre of an unprecedented global pandemic, and we're trying to pitch to people about climate change. This alone is such a unique and interesting situation.

Ok... so these guys, they went on a pretty textbook route for their art match up with science project. Art galleries, public spaces, showcasing different pieces of climate change art and documenting results related to things like eye tracking of viewers, who stopped to look, and who refused, that sort of thing. This is interesting for research purposes but it doesn't really incite change does it? Maybe there's something here we as a cohort can learn... Let me see the outcome of the project... OK well, it didn't really go out with a bang or anything. Just a final artwork, and then the results from scientific observations going into research papers and notes for future observations. Here's the link: https://www.climart.info/about/
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So, the takeaway from all this. Let's see here... other people clearly had the name idea before me. But at the same time it was interesting looking into some other projects that are involved in the same cross discipline experiments that we are.

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Research onto Linking: Climate Epidemic - 26/03/2020

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Research onto Linking: Climate Epidemic - 26/03/2020

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I found an article that was released recently from TIME, addressing some important links involving both COVID-19 and The Climate Crisis. I then posted my finding to the Facebook page.

I have chosen to undergo more research into the linking between the virus and the climate crisis, and in doing so I came across a recent article by TIME that highlights a bunch of fresh links.

I've done a summary of the primary points the article makes to save some time:

- There are concerns the viral outbreak will detract from the efforts being made to bring the climate crisis into the limelight, with such events such as the U.N. climate change conference being postponed amid travel restrictions and the result of the economic fallout bringing the climate crisis much lower on the governments priorities list.

- This should not be the case however, for a multitude of different and connected reasons some may not have considered yet.

- The continuing spread of environmental tragedy will keep the reminders fresh, not allowing us to simply forget the bush fires and flooding that were experienced worldwide just this last year.

- Preconceived ideas of ignorance should be upended. People who believed they would remain unaffected from global events should have their bubbles burst in light of the virus affecting everyone. This should draw more concern and attention to global threats.

- The lesson of care for our fellows and for self, is something that needs to be adopted to climate change initiatives. With people caring for the poor and elderly in this time of economic instability and health risks, we need others to support ourselves and so we extend supportive hands to work together as a single organism.

- Proof for radical change. We now have evidence the government is capable of massive alterations and changes, and so are we. If there was any doubt before it should now be gone.

- Prevention is better than a cure, taking small cheap measures over time and in large quantities, such as keeping people isolated in the case of the virus, is the kind of response that would help with climate change. Assisting the primary areas instead of immediately addressing the whole picture.

- All responses need to be based on science. This time of uncertainty has showcased how widespread myths and lies can be. Now more than ever we need scientific fact to keep us informed above all else.

- With the virus, social isolation is the key benefactor, but the way climate change addresses its issues is through coming together and collaborating, making it a more positive experience and can now be seen in a more prominent and approachable discussion point. If the virus has caused economic paralysis, then the climate crisis should strengthen and improve the economy.

- I've taken this direct quote form the article as I think it explains itself perfectly:

"If investments to kick start the paralysed economy are directed into high carbon assets and industries, we will lock out our current potential to bend the curve of emissions this decade. On the other hand, with interest rates at an all time low, political and financial leaders now have an unprecedented historical opportunity to accelerate the energy transition putting us onto a safe path toward a 50% reduction of emissions by 2030."

This is something that is incredibly achievable. There is already so much evidence supporting the fact that the lack of carbon emissions is beneficial to the environment from the past few months alone. This is the opportunity to push back on emissions so when people return to regular living, we are already three steps into getting a plan rolling.

- The article finishes off with this statement: "Because while we will, eventually, return to normal after this pandemic, the climate that we know as normal is never coming back."

I found these links to be prominent, thought out and different to other approaches I've read up on in the past. The viral outbreak has a massive opportunity to push the boundaries for climate awareness, and we should take this opportunity and apply it as much as we can.

Here is the link to the original article if you wish to have a read yourself: https://time.com/5808809/coronavirus-climate-action/

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I was going back through my notes on one note and found there was quite a bit I still hadn't put up here on this blog including my extensive notes from Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen, although I wont put these here sue to their slides being accessible on black board and I basically transcribed it all. And then there was the list of questions from week 2, in which we were asked to share how the environment impacts us mentally and physically. I'll put my answers here as a final input before the checkup for A2.

1. The things that belong exclusively to me and will never be a part of my environment are...

My will to act = My mind = My impulses = My train of thought = My passions = Music taste = My mood = My procrastination = My reasoning = My bones = My hopes = My pancreas (Hopefully)

2. The environment I consciously pay attention to consists of...

University = Commitments = The environment = Trees = Flowers = Butterflies = Green = Animals = The emptiness of space = The expanse of the universe = The smallness of Earth = The people who destroy Earth = The elements

3. I am most familiar with the following parts of my environment...

People = University = Friends = City = Country = The stars = The sky = The animals = The environment = The difference between the city air and the country air = The heat = The cold = The wet = The dry = Pain

4. When I envision the environment I imagine...

Wide open hilly grass fields = The night sky lit with brilliant stars = Forests with insanely high tress = Deforestation = Landfill = Aquarium = Steamrollers = Littering = Selfish people = Careless people = Awful people

5. My dominant means of interaction with the environment are...

My body = My senses = My eyes = My ability to understand facts = My ability to interpret facts into art = My ability to dream and create art = The way I day dream = The way I like to read where I can hear birds

6. Today's environment is...

Unstable = Insecure = Temporary = Upended = Destructive = Light at the end of such a long tunnel.

7. The factors that most influence my impression of the environment are...

Personal growth = Certain media = Children books = Regular books = Quotes from people who inspire me = Imagination = The fact I enjoy being in nature

8. The categories of people who most significantly impact my environment are...

Myself = The corporations = People who drive = Millionaires = Billionaires = People who hoard money out of selfishness and spend it on nothing but personal material gains, makes me so mad = Everyone who still refuses to acknowledge the inevitable death of our planet

9. For me the environment is...

My inheritance = In pain = On fire = Left in shambles by those before = Somewhere we shouldn't have to look for untouched wonders

10. I anticipate the following about the future of the environment...

Success = the death of older generations = the inheritance of the earth by a caring generation = the remedy of the planet = the rebirth of nature = the ecological advancement of humanity = we are on the brink of utopia, we could make it happen.

1: Your reasons for valuing the environment?

- It provides everything.
- Without it we don't exist.
- Everything we've made wont matter.
- If we don't protect it, then it will wipe us out like an infection.

2a: Which factors influence your concept of nature? Which determine your culture's concept of nature?

Art
Education
The entire structure humans have made

2b: Which of these factors provides reliable data? Which tend to be biased or fictionalised?

Art
Science
The ones that are biased or fictionalised are all politics, religion, government agenda. Its literally art and science verses the entire fucking world.

3. Which human / non-human relationship typifies your cultural context, and represents your personal values?

I want to give nature a voice.

I value to protect organisms as equal.

Humans have conquered the food chain with advanced technologies, but this does not give them god status, we deserve to be cut down.

4. Which professional collaborator(s) could develop your environmental interest, and which could you assist?

Art
Science
I can assist in these fields, helping to brainstorm a positive message for the good of the environment.

5. Which possible global conditions do you hope will occur? Which ones do you think will occur? And can you help create or prevent these circumstances?

The end of the world. The end is inevitable, but the selfishness of people have accelerated this process x 1 million. We have to push back against the mistakes made by so many people.

Finger pointing and placing blame where its due is no good, soon my generation will inherit the earth and although it sucks those who make the planet suffer go unpunished, its something we just have to deal with.

6. How do you demonstrate your environmental concerns?

There isn't a lot I can do trapped in the system as a broke as fuck university student who spends every dollar he makes on rent. I try to recycle, try to reduce use of plastics and one use items, try to exercise caution by using only public transport and nor owning a car. I try to pick up rubbish and but products certified as green.

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That's all for my questions! Sorry about a couple of swears I noticed, but I was just really passionate when I wrote this so I didn't want to change it. Cheers!

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Matt B

The Solution

I still don’t believe it to be as black and white as the problem should be, but something involving the correlation of covid-19 is an opportunity we cannot pass up. We have been both lucky and unlucky enough to be in this project at the time we are, and even though our plans were altered because of the global pandemic, I believe there is a lot we can learn, and gain from it. The spread of information, who is really in charge of brash decisions, the population's negligence and pushback are all things that can be considered now when targeting the climate argument. We have the facts and now we need a way to communicate this message. The climate epidemic, treating the crisis as a plague. People have gone out of their way to familiarize themselves and understand covid-19 since it immediately affects them and disrupts their ignorance of bliss lifestyle. If we adopt a message under the same conditions as the virus, the audience in this fact will already be well versed in knowledge and understanding and thus will be more compelled to take action, but the defining factor is how we use fear. Can we accomplish more through the fear?

Creative Responses: Some possible outcomes (With indoor restrictions in mind)

1.       An audio-visual experience. A short video featuring music, physical art documented, stock footage, poetry, dance and any number of art forms, demonstrating the spread of the climate crisis as though it were a plague. Infecting the globe and therefore affecting everyone, much in a similar way to the virus.

2.       An informative video, similar to the current newscasts and other such informative videos documenting on the virus: in this case a serious endeavour, showing the effects of climate change and how far it has spread.

3.       An alternative to point 2 could be a parody video, mocking the news by doing an overblown take on climate change, going as far as to recommend saving the entire planet tips similarly to how the news is giving people the option to cope with staying inside and doing absolutely nothing.

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These brainstorm ideas were the lead into our 3rd "Serf Meeting" via online video call with our tutor Keith.

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Matt:

Dramaic: Narration (Voice over work), Acting, Directing.

Knowledge of the dramatic arts - qualified tutor / vocal work / performance.

Creative writing / nonfiction / poetry.

Editing experience, premiere pro.

Music Writer, instrumental composition.

Good with technology.

Good with collaboration, able to work well with others.

Able to handle social media.

Wanting to convey a lasting message.

Performs well under pressure.

Role Outcome:

Art + Science & Client Liason

Partner: Anthony

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This was definitely a turning point as far as the groups progress goes. We lost a member as well, but that makes us even, able to be split into teams of two. These teams should help get us in check and actually working towards a point of preformative outcome, whatever form that takes. Documentation via Instagram is the goal, and we will collaborate to add types of art, and different advertising campaigns for awareness. I was a bit confused with the roles and to which one I best fit, and I still don't really think I fit into any of them perfectly. I'm the kind of person who can sit in silence for an hour and write a play, not promote an Instagram page. But I'm willing to get out of my comfort zone and give my role a shot. I consider my communication skills to be good, so I hope I do my role and my partner proud. Some members of the group really like to harp on about the same things in what feels like a bid to sound impressive, and its kind of gross. I like to think especially in group discussion, we speak when we have relevant information to share, not backtracking on past ideas that have already been discussed and evaluated. I wont name names since it doesn't matter, and I really believe all of us are working well together, and now we're on a path to accomplishing something perhaps bigger than we thought we could under these new indeterminate circumstances.

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Video call with Art + Science Liaison partner / Notes from discussion - 1/04/2020 

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Video call with Art + Science Liaison partner / Notes from discussion - 1/04/2020 

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Today was extremely productive! I had a video call with my partner Anthony at midday, and honestly the call lasted for a couple of hours. We brainstormed initially the email we wanted to communicate to our SERF clientele, to get more information for our input to the project and to reaffirm their aim and wants from the project. We went from topic to topic discussing a wide variety of ideas and possibilities, and then typed our findings up onto a google doc.

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These notes are as follows concerning our idea:

·         "We wanna introduce ourselves

·         Inform of our jobs as liaison

·         If they want anything done to the project/ want to know any progress or updates they just have to shoot us an email.

·         Some possible questions that may be useful for the group that could only be answerable by either the prof and the dr

·         What we want the outcome to be

·         What they see / let them be comfortable

-          Continuing to do research into the linking of science of and arts

Engage and inform the public – we want MORE

Spit-ball time:

Narrated poetry to movement piece / music

Slam Poetry

Instrumental music to movement

Sketching / drawings / time lapse to poetry - picture of the world / flickering candle - flame becomes the world.

Some sketches of a candle / and a world

Draft for a poem / hopeful - start off dreary - background music? SERF wildlife audio? Intro / Outros with dance? Fade in string music? - end feels like the beginning - beginning feels like the end.

Scientific fact in poem form?

Science involvement - have input from prof. Firn or Dr. Christensen

For next call: Mock movement piece, mock candle drawing - mock poem / word play - mock music"

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From these notes we managed to establish a solid understanding of a creative piece that involves the SERF science input.as well as operating within the guidelines set by our new appointed leaders Simone and Lily.

Their task for us came after we had already had a brainstorm, but we are ready to incorporate it into our plan:

"Anthony and Matt: Political responses in relation to pandemic and climate change. Eco political."

I think by incorporation of the SERF goals and aims by the objective of being art science liaison this then also in turn is an Eco political response, by shaping it around their views.

We want to have movement devised alongside some stop motion sketches, accompanied by voice over narration of a politically driven poem that's hopeful, and I believe we can do it.

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Video call with Art + Science Liaison partner / Email sent to SERF Clientele - 1/04/2020

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Video call with Art + Science Liaison partner / Email sent to SERF Clientele - 1/04/2020

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The email we worked on together was as follows:

"Hello Professor Firn & Dr Christensen,

Our names are Matthew Bengtson and Anthony McHale, we are the project liaisons for the collaborative project: Re-imagining the Arts in the Era of Climate Change.

Our primary objective throughout the process of this project is to communicate with you and to keep you up to date, from the ground up, on how the group is moving through the different phases of creative development. Now, from an artistic standpoint, we want to ask for your input into the scientific side of the creation process including your wants and aims for this project that you may not have voiced before. Previously, the only aim we had from you was:

“To engage and inform the public to the issue.”

Would you possibly be able to elaborate on this and potentially offer more input, so as to include more of the scientific aspects to the creative process. If there are any specific outcomes, or more so, any more aims that were not stated before then please feel free to tell us. Even preconceived ideas you may have had about this project that you didn't get to voice, we are happy to rework and filter the ideas to the group anonymously. We as the liaisons between our two practises want to ensure we are making something in line with what SERF upholds and believes in, whilst also being true to the artistic nature of the project.

Thank you so much for your input,

Sincerely,

Matthew & Anthony"
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I will post my replies from Dr. Christensen and Prof. Firn here, as well as my thoughts on them, when they come through.

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Email reply - Dr. Christensen - 1/04/2020

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Email reply - Dr. Christensen - 1/04/2020

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I felt both replies from Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen were strong in different ways.

Prof. Firn: To convince the public to trust science/scientists.

The fact that there should be no debate over the existence of climate change. It needs to be treated as what it is: a fact. She also makes the point that people trust science when it comes to viruses and vaccines, but not when it come to climate change.

Dr. Christensen:  She believes the same, but wants to expand further. A personal connection is necessary to help people understand how the climate crisis affects them, even though it isn't as clear as something like a virus or the current pandemic.

She expanded on this:

"We trust science when it tells us a pandemic is happening, and when it delivers wifi to our personal device, but not when it comes to climate change.

Science sometimes highlights problems but it also gives us solutions: it finds vaccines for viruses and identifies genomes, and it can also give us the solutions to slow, halt, and reverse the climate crisis."

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Interesting responses, and noted moving ahead. I might also do a Facebook update fro the rest of the group with Anthony just to make sure everyone is on the same page with what the clients want out of our project.

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POEM - for WIP with project partner - 2/04/2020

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POEM - for WIP with project partner - 2/04/2020

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I had a go writing a poem that related to the SERF clientele aims and objectives, as well as incorporating the message of urgency with a sprinkle of hopefulness. I hope I managed to pull it off!

"There is a fact,
There is no fiction,
Perhaps I spoke
With lack of diction.

When I tell all
Who come to call,
Their home unfazed
When set ablaze.

The fires heat
Is scorching skin,
The candle fights
The heat within

Uncertain times
Need certain measures,
We have to heed
To scientific leisure.

Trust is key
To save our souls,
For without truth
Bodies fill holes."

I wanted to have a sense of dread sink in towards the end as well, but maintain that hopefulness throughout. I'll probably end up showing this to the group when my partner and I are closer to a finished product, but we have a group meeting at midday tomorrow so I'll see what happens there... Speaking of which, my partner Anthony has been working on some really great sketches for a sort of animation we may be doing! Looking forward to seeing what happens there.

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We had our scheduled zoom call with the group today and it was surprisingly productive! Everyone shared what we've been working on and decided we need to keep working on our smaller projects, then split into a larger segment or idea of the project and weave all our smaller projects in between. Anthony and I offered different options for us to communicate with SERF, and people have been asking about accessing audio recordings of SERF, we may need to request these. Anthony and I proposed our idea to the group but no one really seemed impressed... I think we have more of tangible idea than anyone else, and we're doing the best we can given the circumstances. I know they really want a successful product from our group and I am hopeful we can deliver something, but I am an artist that works in space, partnered with a dance student, this online system, is really not working out. Also I was telling Anthony to use this amazing filter on Instagram that gives a charcoal drawing effect for the dance and possible the sketch animation to make it look even cooler. Here is a picture Anthony sent through to me as well, his early drawing of the candle. I am going to have a go getting a hold of this SERF audio and potentially writing a new poem or catchphrase for our overall project. I also want to offer my skills as a voice over artist to the group for use in their projects.

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Overall thought on zoom meeting - 3/04/2020

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Overall thought on zoom meeting - 3/04/2020

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I felt we touched on the updated email from Keith, that helped us get more on track in regards to landing an actual result from the project. But it also feels like we've hit a bit of a wall. We are struggling to move away from anything to virtual or just based on social media. We aren't incorporating the clients aims into the big picture, and the rest of the group don't seem satisfied with incorporating it into just the smaller projects. So we'll have to come to some sort of arrangement before our next check in. For now, I'll continue to check in with my partner, SERF and work on my written poetry and voice work.

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Meeting today with project partner - 4/04/2020

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Meeting today with project partner - 4/04/2020

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I had another informative meeting today with my project partner Anthony. We discussed what we should be communicating with the group and also asked the group what they want us to ask the SERF clientele. It was pretty standard stuff, but then we went to fill out the forms that had been requested of us to help decide on the final project (which I will put up on the blog). This is where things began to spiral out of control. We both set to brainstorming and I had a massive moment when I envisioned something amazing, something that was wholly achievable by the group, able to adhere to our group tutors and the clients aims and wants. A collaborative creative collage, under the guise possibly as a hypnotic video, with the intent of informing and also taking a strong stance for our cause. The exact description I gave Anthony was:

"A viewer is strapped to a chair in front of a TV, think clockwork orange, and forced to watch a messy collage, a video of sorts that has an intent to “hypnotise,” or force someone into thinking sustainably. This is of course not going to happen, but the unique presentation would spark interest into the topic, being able to have anyone view this “hypnosis” video. All practises could be involved, snippets of dance, animation, artwork, acting, all lead the person through a senses trip that will bring awareness to the issue and help lay out the seriousness of the problem through a fun interactive sci-fi demonstration."

This statement really stuck with both of us, but we got a bit too excited straight away and rushed to push the idea on the group, with fears that what we were on track to complete wasn't going to meet the wants of our client or aims of the task.

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Key Themes Planning Sheet Matthew and Anthony 

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Production Roles and Responsibilities - 4/04/2020

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Production Roles and Responsibilities - 4/04/2020

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Production Roles and Responsibilities Matthew and Anthony 

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New idea pitch / group retaliation / meeting with group leader - 4/04/2020

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New idea pitch / group retaliation / meeting with group leader - 4/04/2020

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The group (after having a pitch that explained it would require a call and discussion to explain the concept) asked that we then presented a text description. I told them if it wasn't explained properly the idea would be swept aside as not enough thought would be put into it. But they asked us to explain it in text form anyway so we did to the best of our ability, but a certain few of the group members swept it aside immediately saying they didn't understand. And this is the part where I can see the difference between disciplines. A certain few of the artists amongst us are really pushing towards an easy way out of his project. A simple idea with basic execution, they basically wanted the social media page to be the entire production, and I wont tolerate it. I can't stand laziness, even in these circumstances. We should be making the very best art we can. I was a bit forward with this idea, and they may hold it against me, but it had to be said. I said when I started this blog I would not be afraid to step up and make a statement. It feels very much currently like dance and drama (the latecomers to the project) against the rest of the group. I hate the fact we are divided. This idea is something that has a lot of potential, I just need to make them see it. And at the same time make a certain few actually put in some goddamn effort instead of just letting them push for the easy way out.

Anyway, that's enough ranting. It was time to practical. So I organised a meeting with Simone, who is one of the groups appointed leaders. She sat with Anthony and I in a zoom call and we explained the idea properly to her, and she was fully on board and agreed with everything we said. She also pointed out that we pitched it the wrong way to the group and then re-explained it in a simpler manner to everyone else. A select few who were on board with the idea said it would be best to have a discussion about this tomorrow, to get a proper explanation in and then a plan for how we can re-organise our dates for getting things done.

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Editing Work / project partner creative work - 4/04/2020 

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Editing Work / project partner creative work - 4/04/2020 

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I also had another chance to talk to Anthony about our mini project! He uploaded his movement sequence which was amazing, on top of all the pictures he has filmed individually. He put in a lot of work and now it was my turn. He really did put a lot of effort into his creation and i want to do the same, so I've started editing the video today. I aim to completely compile the pictures, make them flow seamlessly as if they were stop motion. I'll do a stylistic visual overhaul on the dance, organise sound effect and music as well as recording a voice over of my poem to feature in the final product. I have hopes this will turn out really well, but the remains to be see as of tomorrow! We also have a meeting with most of the group (the ones who are actually interested in putting in more effort and not taking the easy way out) so that will be great to get them all on board.

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Group meeting idea pitch / re-focus and re-planning - 5/04/2020

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Group meeting idea pitch / re-focus and re-planning - 5/04/2020

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We finally managed to get everyone in a call together, which was honestly fantastic (although not everyone actually showed up - which is fine because it was called at the last second). I actually did alot of the talking in the call, explaining our idea properly to the group, how it would help us in the long run by adhering more to what SERF wants and to what our project needs to be. I gave an example video and Lily also gave a fantastic video that details the style we want the video to be.  A chaotic collage with different words thrown in. This would then go hand in hand with the social media Instagram page. All of us could use our mini-projects, then work on separate videos that could be uploaded to the Instagram in pieces before being combined to make the final video. The Instagram is also a great way for us to feature the words or stills from the videos and deconstruct and analyse them, so if anyone wants to learn more about an aspect of our video, then they can visit the social media to read more. This gives actual reason to have the social media, and lets it become the side project to the video we are trying to produce. The rest of the members came around and now everyone seems hopeful and positive about the video idea. We also shared some video links amongst each other to demonstrate what we meant in terms of editing style and really delivering a strong message from a fresh perspective:

Clockwork Orange Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPRzm8ibDQ8

Choreographic Captures: https://www.choreooo.org/en/films/choreographic-captures/show/50-shots/browse//show.html?tx_choreooo_show[action]=detail&fbclid=IwAR1wz1mzumuzvNYBc0gN1U00wPwgSITIV3PGeVp7X5flsA7wfrswTETVZYE

It's almost like a breath of fresh air to this project. We were all feeling a bit hopeless and out of it with the current events that are going on, but we really can make the most of it and create something we'll all be proud of. Hopefully we'll meet on Monday to discuss more, especially about what needs to be done by certain dates now that plans have changed... but for now I need to finish editing the mini-project!

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(PADLET wont allow me to upload the video file since it's too large, so I decided to upload the audio recording I used of my narration over the video!)

I DID IT! It's finally finished. I spent a good portion of last night and all of today at my desk working on this damn video because I'm a perfectionist. I took inspiration from a lot of media and different outlets, as well as recording the audio today and making sure all sound effect were royalty free. I also managed to incorporate the SERF nature audio. I'm really happy with how it turned out, especially the duplicate effect with the movement sequence (which was entirely a mistake but one that was cool and so I chose to roll with it). Anthony also seemed to really like the final product which is great, it means all the hard work was worth it. I wanted us to do an equal amount of work on this mini project final product, and it really feels that way. And now that the group is on board with this new idea, this video could be part of our new final video project! We have an update with Keith on Tuesday, and hopefully we'll be having a group meeting on Monday (although some group members were unable to come to the meeting today or wont be able to come to the meeting tomorrow, despite being in isolation?? not hard to log on...). But regardless the meeting on Monday should get us on track for sending Keith the update and also setting up the social media, and getting our personal introductions done and sent off to the respectful group members.

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Mini-project update / video error patched! - 5/04/2020

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Mini-project update / video error patched! - 5/04/2020

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(PADLET still says the file is too large to upload which is really annoying... I'm contemplating uploading the video to Facebook so the group and Keith will be able to see it... I'll discuss this with Anthony tomorrow!)

I noticed tonight after re watching the video the play button and progress bar could be seen in a few frames near the beginning of the video. I re-edited and re-exported the video to fix this problem! Now hopefully there are no more mistakes, but if I find any I'll update the changes made on here.

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Duo zoom meeting / Facebook post / discussion and plan to update SERF - 6/04/2020

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Duo zoom meeting / Facebook post / discussion and plan to update SERF - 6/04/2020

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Had another catch up with my mini-project partner today, and we decided it would be best to upload the video to the Facebook page today in preparation for the check-up with Keith tomorrow. With that finished I think we've earned the right to a couple of days off, especially now we're in the min-semester break and things have settled a bit. I hope Keith is pleased with our new plan of action moving forwards. Anthony and I do plan to have one more meeting tomorrow however, before we go on a bit of a rest: we as the project liaisons need to update SERF so they are as in the loop as Keith is regarding progress and information. But that's all for now! I've been using the extra time indoors to focus on my personal website and social media as well, so that I'll be better prepared to get back out there when everything goes back to normal. I thought it was also worth mentioning that I talked briefly on my website about this project, and thought I should include the excerpt here since it provides a different perspective: i.e. me explaining to someone what our project is doing despite them having no prior knowledge.

"I’ve also taken the thought and time to apply the circumstances to my learning… for example, since my 2020 Drama exchange trip to Timor was cancelled, I was forced to find another group to get my credit points to pass. I happened across a project called Re-imagining the arts in an Era of Climate Change, and have managed to actually utilise the situation with the virus to bring creative attention to the climate crisis. There are many more parallels than you’d think…"

Now for the check-in tomorrow and then we should be all on track to make something we are all proud of! Getting excited about this, now that we have a clear direction.

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Final email to SERF before the break - 7/04/2020

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Final email to SERF before the break - 7/04/2020

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Has another quick zoom call today with my project partner to finalise the email we wanted to send to SERF to update them the same as Keith was updated. It didn't take too long and we primarily focused on making a bullet point version of the document that was being sent to Keith as well as also including some info from us as well. The email read:

Hello Prof. Firn & Dr. Christensen,

We are emailing you today, to give you an update of the progress of the project up till this point.

The project itself has evolved quite a lot since our emails last week, and your input was greatly appreciated. We have decided to implement a video format for the project, combined with a social media aspect, which the team feels will perfectly adhere to the guidelines you have provided for us. The video will be in a collage format and will contain flashes of all our individual works pertaining to that of the climate crisis and of COVID-19’s effects for the environment both positive and negative. The video will be a fast paced collation of all of our creative practices and will showcase scientific statistical evidence of climate change, to help provoke the change we need. Below we have added some videos that have a similar format to what we want for our project, to give you an idea of what we are aiming for.

Clockwork Orange Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPRzm8ibDQ8

Choreographic Captures: https://www.choreooo.org/en/films/choreographic-captures/show/50-shots/browse//show.html?tx_choreooo_show[action]=detail&fbclid=IwAR1wz1mzumuzvNYBc0gN1U00wPwgSITIV3PGeVp7X5flsA7wfrswTETVZYE

The social media aspect, will be an instagram page that will be used to dissect the scientific ideas displayed within the video. Expanding on both the theories behind our creative works and the scientific theories that appear within the video.

Please let us know your thoughts on the current idea and anything you think could be worked upon, your input is extremely important to us!

SERF Update: In brief form

Project description:

Takes the form of a YouTube video that becomes more aggressive and messier in rhythm.

Overall, a culmination of our pairs mini projects with there’s work researching a theme under the heading of sustainable living.

Each group will borrow from others to ensure inter-disciplinary work is created.

SERF sound recordings will be played constantly throughout, including scientific facts in cohesive bold words.

Utilising an Instagram page to showcase the segmented video and deconstruct the words and themes for those who wish to know more.

The video will be structured to begin with a google search but will then autocorrect to climate change. “Did you mean climate change?”

From this, a short stop motion animation of the world being born from fire will begin.

All the group's work will be featured in order, before quickly showing the works in a stream of speed before then returning to the search bar.

The screen will turn black as though a computer has been unplugged.

We want the viewer to feel overwhelmed by shocking statistics and the imagery thrown in throughout.

After reflecting on our video and sourcing more info and then in turn reading more from the Instagram, we hope viewers will take steps towards an eco friendly future.

We have also added the full document below if you’d like to have a look and give us your thoughts

Sincerely,

Matthew & Anthony

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That sums that up nicely! On mid semester break now so I'm going to be taking a bit of break but I have a feeling I'll be back on here soon enough...

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SERF Email response - comedy? - 10/04/2020

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SERF Email response - comedy? - 10/04/2020

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We had an interesting response from Prof. Firn! She was wondering if we could experiment with comedy? Simone and Lily said they would be interested in the idea when we posted this to the group chat. Interesting stuff, and it allows for perhaps more inclusions and mix of emotions in the final presentation.

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Update on profile and progress! - 11/04/2020

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Update on profile and progress! - 11/04/2020

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Hey again! It's been wild staying inside so much, and the group has been chugging along all break! Just wanted to post a little update showing off my FACE in the new border for the Instagram page! The logo has been decided and the groups have begun posting their updates and its starting to really take shape overall. I'm meeting with my group member in the next couple days, and we will be putting our work up on the social media the coming Thursday as it is our appointed turn. More on that later though!

Profile blurb:

"Hello! I am Matthew Bengtson, a working Actor and performing arts practitioner. I love working with people in and out of the world of drama, and working with my fellow practitioners has been amazing. The work we’re doing is important, and with knowledge and a dash or creative minds… there’s a future. We can help be the spark that incites change, and I know that every single person can help. It’s all about making people see that they are in control and can therefore change."

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Had a catch up with my group partner tonight! We discussed what our project description should be on the social media page... we came up with a rough draft here:

"Since the beginning of the project, Matthew Bengtson and Anthony McHale have been doing their best to create imaginative works that provoke the change that society has been craving in light of the climate crisis. Utilising skills and principles from each discipline, the dynamic duo produced multiple pieces of work that incorporate dance, poetry, music and animation. It’s they’re hope that the message of alliance through knowledge and understanding of our planet and our social position takes the top spot in the climate debate. The future is riding on what we do now, especially in a time of crisis.

Over the course of their experimentation, Matt and Anthony quickly became aware of their shared interest in educating the public on socio-political issues such as: the importance of the reversal of climate change and the production of renewable energies, through the utilisation of the arts as a visual, audible and tangible medium. Through the proposed media they hope to reach other members of society both involved and un-involved in the climate discussion. A mixed media response full of information and evidence casting a different light on the facts right in front of us might finally make people see the truth: we can trust our scientists. They work in pursuit of knowledge, yet misinformation and conspiracy theories control the media. Working directly with the clientele of SERF, we have ensured the message we represent is direct from the source. We will put our work on social media boldly and push back against the false claims from uniformed sources."

This will be between our profile pictures on the Instagram page. We also talked about work-shopping an email to SERF giving an update and extended details on our social media and overall project progress. I'll also be doing an edit for a second video involving poetry, dance video and soundscape once again, and I will post more on this tomorrow.

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So I've been working on this new video pretty much all day, and it's finally done!!! This is the second mini-video project me and my partner Anthony Mchale have done together. He sent me a new video of a dance sequence and a short audio mix of some drums and some SERF audio... and I ran with this and tried to make something drastically different... the TV centred video showcases a poem written and narrated by me and includes some pretty cool effects! I'm happy with how it turned out, and it can definitely be used in our collaborative final video project.

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Thursday Group Meeting - Frustration - 16/04/2020

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Thursday Group Meeting - Frustration - 16/04/2020

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The visual arts people are clearly making all the calls. Every idea I and the other drama and dance people have pitched has been shot down, clearly violating our creative contract in which we agreed all ideas would be considered fairly after being discussed. They are pushing ideas forwards no one else is approving. There's nothing I can do and it feels awful. Maybe if they actually put in some effort and made something instead of coming up with ideas on their own and forcing them on the group, then Keith wouldn't have to get mad.I don't even feel like I'm apart of this group anymore. I don't think it even has anything to do with the fact we joined late. They didn't even have an idea in week 2 when we joined this project, and I know we've pushed them to actually make things but now it seems they are acting like it was all them and they don't even need us. I'm so frustrated. In the call they basically said we had no ideas and that we should use their video they've made. They also made out they had no idea what SERF wants although they have given us tonnes of ideas and opinions, more than enough to make something they would approve of. But I guess they just ignored all of this.

I will keep working hard on this project, but I'm not going to keep pretending everything is fine.

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Thursday + Posting to the social media - 16/04/2020

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Thursday + Posting to the social media - 16/04/2020

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So I posted the videos to our Instagram page after weaselling the damn password out of the group. I swear half of them are making this difficult for NO REASON. It's so infuriating. But I posted them, and it didn't even let me use the full videos, which is just fantastic. All that work and it doesn't even get put up properly. It doesn't matter now, I also but up the blurb and then my picture that I posted on here a while ago. So now Anthony and I are the liaisons primarily now that our turn is over for posting to the social media. I'm so over this group and their attitude.

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Group partner meeting - email to SERF draft - 17/04/2020

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Group partner meeting - email to SERF draft - 17/04/2020

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Had another call with Anthony today... a lot of discussion on where the group left off. We decided to formulate a new email for SERF including the questions the group wanted asked... but at the same time these have already been asked before. We are also unsure as to whether or not to request the clients to join us for a zoom call. I personally see not benefit, but we've decided to wait for Keith's approval. Here is the draft email we are going to send off after the meeting with Keith on Monday at 12:00. We do have a group meeting beforehand at 11:00 and then another half an hour after the call with Keith.

Draft E-mail:

"Hello again!

Hey Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen, just your friendly liaisons here again doing a little check-in! We hope you are keeping well and staying healthy in this pandemic. The project is well underway, and the official Instagram page has been launched! The title of the page is _system_reset_ if you’d like to check out what we’ve been posting! The stuff on there is just snippets at what could be included in the final video presentation! Everything from humour, to facts, to a more artistic approach. We also have a couple more questions to ask of you guys if you can spare the time, do you think that it would be a good idea to do this as a face to face zoom call rather than over email? All in all this’ll help us strengthen the final product.

Questions:

Are you comfortable with us recording you and are we able to use it for our project? If yes, just some dialogue of scientific facts you would like the populus to hear would be fantastic! (We’re just looking for extra content for the final video presentation so even under a minute would be amazing)

Would you be able to provide some facts you would want to see included in the final product? Perhaps this could go in your recording?

Why do you think climate change statistics are still considered fiction by some, while the majority of medicinal and other scientific statistics are strongly regarded as facts?

What solutions do you believe are most attainable for us as a society in regards to climate change?

What do you feel you would like to contribute or see in the final outcome of the project?

Thank you so much for your time! We apologise if it seems like we are retracing our steps a bit, but more content for the project will only strengthen the final outcome.

Thank you!

Anthony & Matt"

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I'd like to preface this entry by stating how my entry on the 16th of April may have been in the heat of the moment, and out of anger. But the content still stands. I don't feel like I am a part of this project, nor so I think my opinion, ideas or input matters. Every time I attempt to make input it gets shut down. And I've tried to change this, but after today's meeting I've given up.

Today's call with Keith was long and interesting in parts. We went through at the beginning doing a simple check-in. Then we proceeded to tell Keith our plan, well, more so the plan that not everyone agreed to. Keith, to my surprise, liked the idea of a linear video. He then had all the pairs chime in and update him on what we've been working on. This was cool, giving a full report on what Anthony and I had been making with the videos. We discussed due dates and potential direction for the project. We have an update milestone in two weeks time, until then I need to send off a video detailing what I'm doing to be sustainable, make some poetry with Sofija and work with my new group, and communicate with SERF for the new ideas.

Something else that bothered me was the list of questions sent to Anthony and I. They want us to ask Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen: What is science?

I mean, are you kidding me? These people have enlisted us to create a piece of art, that communicates with people. But the group is instead insisting we make a regular video, get them to have voice clips of scientific facts, and promote the Instagram as the primary feature.

I'm just along for the ride at this point, I'll put in as much effort as anyone else in the project, and hopefully what we make wont be what I think it might be.

Maybe I'll chill out soon hahaha, I get invested in these projects, and get upset when people choose the approach of less effort, or just choose or be rude and not include everyone.

Peace out.

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Wednesday new group meeting - 22/03/2020

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Wednesday new group meeting - 22/03/2020

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Finally had a meeting with the new group? And it was? Fine? We discussed what we were going to make, and it was pretty simple. A layered picture background with musical undertones. I will be recording some ukulele chords for Anthony, and then Brooke will be editing it all together. I'm content with what our mini group will be making, as part of the contribution now to the larger group video. I am however upset the videos we have made prior to this now are completely pointless.

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Anthony and I have just sent off the compiled email list of questions from everyone. Here is the email for SERF:

Hello again!

Hey Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen, just your friendly liaisons here again doing a little check-in! We hope you are keeping well and staying healthy in this pandemic. The project is well underway, and the official Instagram page has been launched! The title of the page is _system_reset_ if you’d like to check out what we’ve been posting! The stuff on there is just snippets at what could be included in the final video presentation! Everything from humour, to facts, to a more artistic approach. We also have a couple more questions to ask of you guys if you can spare the time, do you think that it would be a good idea to do this as a face to face zoom call rather than over email? All in all this’ll help us strengthen the final product.

Questions:

Are you comfortable with us recording you and are we able to use it for our project? If yes, just some dialogue of scientific facts you would like the populus to hear would be fantastic! (We’re just looking for extra content for the final video presentation so even under a minute would be amazing)

Would you be able to provide some facts you would want to see included in the final product? Perhaps this could go in your recording?

Why do you think climate change statistics are still considered fiction by some, while the majority of medicinal and other scientific statistics are strongly regarded as facts?

What solutions do you believe are most attainable for us as a society in regards to climate change?

What do you feel you would like to contribute or see in the final outcome of the project?

Who would you say is undermining the public’s perception on climate change?

Why do you think people are sceptical of climate change?

Do you think science is being treated with enough respect? -What is frustrating about climate deniers?

What inspires you the most about nature?

Why do you think climate change scares people?

If you could erase one myth, what would it be? (i.e. vacation leads to autism or climate change).

What made you go into this field?

How does these small sustainable changes impact the world/climate change?

Why do you think many people are not taking science seriously when it comes to this issue (climate change) as opposed to, say, the field of medicine?

What are your opinions of the sustainable apparel coalition and implementing the higg index as a national law for australian consumers?

As scientists, is shopping sustainably important to you?

What does living sustainably in the anthropocene mean to you?

Are you optimistic or fearful for the future of environmental impacts from consumerism?

Do you think the future of the anthropocene lies in technology? If so how?

Have you had any experience into how indigenous peoples are being affected by climate change

Do you believe the fast fashion industry is a larger cause for environmental injustices than what people may think?

How do you see the role of science being affected (both positively and negatively) as technology advances in the middle of a climate crisis?

Thank you so much for your time! We apologise if it seems like we are retracing our steps a bit, but more content for the project will only strengthen the final outcome.

Thank you!

Anthony & Matt

--------------------------------------------

We are still awaiting a reply.

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I've submitted some research to Anthony and he has compiled a great description of our roles in the project to then be sent off to the other group members to formulate for the speech to Keith for milestone 2. Here is that research:

As a team we believe that it is extremely important for us to take advantage of the knowledge that our clients from Stamford Ecological Research Centre can provide us. It has been integral to the evolution of the project that the team stay in contact with the Clients at SERF, in this way the project team has been able to keep the clients up to date with how the project itself evolves and ask for their input into the content of the our Instagram page and our overall film. We have found that the constant communication with the clients has greatly aided us when trying to adhere to the initial aims presented to us in week three of this semester. A great example of this is when communicating the dark or noir aspects of the film to the client, they quickly emailed back with their opinion on the context of the film, and proposed that instead of a darker tone, that we instead employ a lighter tone through the addition of a comedic aspect, to keep the film from being to aggressive and intrusive in the perspective of the audience (Professor Firn, 2020).

We have also concluded that it would be very beneficial to the project, for the clients to be involved in a more practical way. To do this the team has proposed that we ask the clients if they would be willing to meet with the team on a video chat format, and ask them if they would be comfortable with the team recording an interview with them. The purpose of the recording is to place it within the film, to convey to the audience that they can in fact trust science when it comes to the climate crisis. It has become apparent to the team that many people in the community do not trust science’s perspective on climate change because either the facts presented by science are harsh or the statistical and graphical evidence is difficult to piece together. Amelia Unsicker (2016, p.17-18) makes an interesting point when it comes to scientists and their research on the climate crisis. She states that it is the job of a scientist to complete research, find solutions and present these findings to like minded individuals, not the breakdown and explain their research to the public. This is where we believe the discontent of the public lies and what the project team wishes to alleviate. We are proposing that by having the clients, who are themselves scientists, give their perspective and explanations on climate change in a creative environment, as a way of gaining a better understanding of the issue, allowing science to form a better relationship with the public and in turn, proving to society that science should be trusted in the matter of climate change.

Unsicker, A. (2016). Using Dance to Communicate Issues of Climate Change (ProQuest Dissertations Publishing). Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/1830471026?pq-origsite=primo

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I was out most of yesterday with a migraine so Anthony and I had a call mainly just to check-in with how we are feeling and how we believe the progress of the project is unfolding. We both feel fine about everything and understand that the other half of the group are now calling all the shots. It's annoying not having any creative control,

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We had another group zoom call today that I unfortunately missed due to personal circumstances. I'll be calling my small project partner and viewing any recordings to catch up on what I missed. But in my own time, I have sent my ukulele recordings to Anthony, and I have also written a new poem which I will include in this entry. Cheers.

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Today we met up as a group of 4 and recapped what was missed for Brooke and myself in the full group meeting. We then also showed off the video that had been worked on so far and what could be further added from myself and Sofija. I will be working on some different kinds of music, and co-writing the poem to underlay the video. I'm going to start working on the poem as soon as I discuss it further with Sofija, and then I will start to work more on the music once I'm able to pick up my saxophone from my apartment in Brisbane. Things have been rough on everyone because of the pandemic, I just want it to go back to normal.

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Discussion with Sofija over messenger was really great! We brainstormed some ideas that i will include here. I like the approach of a combined poem with two distinctly different styles. We talked on making something that was almost discussion like in nature. I will adopt the persona of the Earth, and Sofija of human nature. I want to take an emotionally charged approach whilst she will take a more callous and cold statistically approved approach. I'll make a start to this tomorrow and then over the weekend I will look into experimenting with some music once I have retrieved my instrument from Brisbane.

FB Chat:

"I was thinking we could do something that’s sort of like a conversation and we can use our 2 voices shifting throughout

That's a great idea! Maybe it could be the Earth speaking to the human race?

Ooh I love that!

But maybe have different voices for the human race, like coming from different perspectives and backgrounds

Yeah I like that alot!

Which voice did you wanna be?

We could do like 4 lines of one and 4 lines of another 4 times each?

I think I'd like to be the humans, but I dont mind too much just thinking as  I've done research into all the different perspectives and stuff?

Yeah I like 4 and at certain parts we can change it to like one like or 2 lines for impact?

Or maybe progressively say less? So that the end is one line each if that makes sense?

Yeah I like that as well, I'll happily wrote for earth, and that's a good idea, let's both write 16 lines and then combine them?

Write*

If it's like a conversation should one of us write first and then the other can write in response?

That's a good point, I could write first?

Yeah I think the earth makes sense!

We have to start strong, possibly with something sciency? I'm trying to think of ideas... it's tricky haha

I was thinking of taking a more emotional standpoint from the Earth, and maybe cold contradiction scientific facts from humanity?

Yeah definitely that sounds awesome!

1

I'll start working on it tomorrow

1:52 PM

Awesome!"

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Full Group Read through rehearsal! Feeling Good! - 01/05/2020

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Full Group Read through rehearsal! Feeling Good! - 01/05/2020

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Today we got to have a full timed read through. I'd say it went pretty well. We adjusted multiple parts and made sure to discuss every aspect of the final presentation. Although some information such as the SERF scientists not waning to be recorded will have to be altered, I am feeling more a part of the project now I have gained my footing and am actually able to make something creatively I know will get included. Our recording was slightly over the time limit but with practise and refinement it will easily fit into our limits. We also discussed having another catch-up meeting on Monday at 11-12 to fix progress with paragraphs and the slideshow. We will then be having a video meeting with SERF at 1:30 on Wednesday from which Anthony and i will facilitate. And finally, our presentation is on Friday at 4:15 from which we will all be reading the script to Kieth and presenting our slideshow. All in all we are totally on track now and I'm going to get to work on my section of the Poem. Feeling good!

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I have been discussing at length with Sofija about the progress of the poem. She altered my draft segments whilst I didn't change hers. It doesn't seem right to change another persons art. I altered mine again and she seemed happy with it. I attach the first draft here. I am actually enjoying the process of working on the poem. On a side note, I'll be getting my Sax tomorrow from my place and then I will be able to start working on the music.

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Group Meeting / Rehearsal / Further Poem Progress - 04/05/2020

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Group Meeting / Rehearsal / Further Poem Progress - 04/05/2020

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We had another meeting today, in which we simply got down to business. We read through the script and then the group asked Sofija how the poem is going to which she replied with well, and then told everyone my ideas without saying they were mine. The group did not ask for my opinion on how the poem was going. I read my part and have continued to edit the poem, adding some more to Sofija's notes. She talked about a part I should change, but I explained from a different perspective, and now we are going to incorporate it into the earlier parts of the poem.

I don't think you should break the rhyme because the earth is teaching humanity a lesson not the other way around, if that makes sense?

The Chat:

S

I think we just need to get the earth's voice to really cement how important the scientific facts are for a system reset and what they can teach us

Sorry I'm really bad at explaining

M

I can see that, but you could also interpret it as the Earth being open to change. We could even address this with the rising rate of natural disasters, if humanity doesn't change its course, the Earth will be unidentifiable in 50 years time.

nono thats totally ok! discussion is good when it comes to stuff like this

only makes it stronger

S

but like how in the video we go from light to dark, both of our parts need to finish more uplifting I think just to be cohesive

oooh that is a very good point! We should make that clearer and possibly put it closer to the beginning where earth and humanity are being more argumentative then?

M

that's true, perhaps if the final stanza were both parties speaking together?

S

oooh that is a very good point! We should make that clearer and possibly put it closer to the beginning where earth and humanity are being more argumentative then?

M

I think this is a great idea, where abouts do you think? Maybe you could even briefly touch on the state of the changing world as well

that could be very cool!

S

We just need to make sure it's gradual too like a discussion

M

even if like one or two words are different just to ensure both parties are still separate organisms, but learning to live together

yeah totally, we'll reach that point at the very top of the discussion

S

I'm not sure I'll have a play around and see where it flows the best

M

ok sweet! let me know when you've had a play and I'll look over it

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The current state of the poem before Sofija's next edit!

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Zoom call with Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen! - 06/05/2020

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Zoom call with Prof. Firn and Dr. Christensen! - 06/05/2020

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Had the call with the scientists today! It was honestly fantastic, I really enjoyed speaking to them again and grabbing their opinions on our different questions. They gave fantastic sources, brilliant quotes and were very open in discussion and brilliant answers. I was shocked that only one other group member made the effort to show up. The meeting went well, but only three of us total showed up. Really slack on the groups effort but I've come to expect it. Anyway, here are my extensive notes in word document form.

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Sofija and I did a test recording of the first page of the poem! I think it came out well, and will be used in the presentation.

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Britney Shared Link - Poem Inspiration - 07/05/2020

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Britney Shared Link - Poem Inspiration - 07/05/2020

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Brit shared a great link to a poetic verse video in which the father discusses the devastation of the year 2020 to their child. I think there are some more interesting parallels we could incorporate to be sure between two perspectives. Maybe playing with the perspective of a child? And then the perspective of a scientific adult? Could be good to toy with these ideas...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw0JDJUu548&fbclid=IwAR2kWywGwB7id9kwFRKYo7VBKgcEpyLCnBRTn2pvcWt9i44C4Pib7i_ky3o

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Sax Recordings for Video Project - 08/05/2020

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Sax Recordings for Video Project - 08/05/2020

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I forgot to add an entry for this, but a little while ago I was able to visit my apartment and retrieve my Saxophone for use in our video production. Things haven't been to great, and as of the date writing this entry I will be returning to my apartment tomorrow. Hopefully I will find it easier to focus and work harder once I'm back there. Here's an example of the recording I sent to Anthony regarding the music:

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I am exhausted. Mentally. Anyway, I asked Sofia if she would mind if I sent some screenshots of our collaborative work to the group for the to be included in the slides, and she tells me she has already sent them without consulting me? Is it not my creative work as well? Whenever the group refers to the poem, or anything to do with it, it's always directed to Sofija, as though she is the sole writer. Her screenshot except looked slightly more on theme with pictures of flowers. I feel out of touch with this project. I'll include the version she created in this entry. The meeting is today. we will present he script and slideshow to Keith, and then submit the blogs to turnitin for them to be re-evaluated.

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We managed to get in a Rehearsal for the presentation today. It went smoothly and everyone read their parts well with some members showing up during the read through to pitch in for their parts. We also discussed how to submit to Assessment part 2 which was ultimately one person submitting the PDF, and everyone else submitting a word doco stating who uploaded the PDF. This word doco also included our cover page and then the link to our Blog page from which we will be assessed. I have been a bit of a mess and kept my notes and progress son creative aspects here as best I could. I will attach the document to this post. I'm feeling confident, and I wont get in the way.

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Group Presentation w/ Keith - 08/05/2020

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Group Presentation w/ Keith - 08/05/2020

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We finally had the presentation! And good news, it actually went really well. Keith seemed engaged and interested, and we had the info to back up the curiosity. It was a lengthy call, but we fully told every part of the process. We didn't touch on the inconsiderate route we took to get here, but that doesn't matter right now. We need to produce this work for our client, and we know exactly what they want to see and we are slowly lining the project up to be more of exactly that. We're close, but we have to keep going. I touched on the perspective concept, and how the debate of science vs myth is the forefront of our creative message. And when looking deeply it is really clear which i was so happy to see. From here on out, we will continue to work on the piece and our next meeting is Monday! I'm feeling a little better about everything, but behaviours haven't changed. I'll tread carefully.

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Before the Monday meeting today my small team decided it would be best to meet before and discuss the current state of where we are at. I discussed how I will need to work on finding some time-lapse videos for Brooke and work on some new sax recordings. Sofija also lamented that she needed to return the draft of the poem. Brooke has been working hard editing and Anthony has been researching and working on the video production.

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We finally got to have our one on one session with Keith. But before we did this we also had a group catch up session all together. We briefly discussed where we are with the poem and how the video will be structured, and Keith really encouraged us to consider the visual side of the poem and how it could be interpreted differently through text and then in the recording. I still have a lot to add which makes me genuinely excited! Then we got to have the one on one session with Keith which for me was amazing. He noted how for my reflection I'll need to draw on academic sources, and although I don't particularly feature heavy academic style in my creative work, I will try to do some more research before the projects completion and of course the due date of the reflection. It was great being able to express my frustration and actually be recognised. But of course, nothing can be done, this boils down to experience. And I get to learn from all of this, and even though it was a rough journey to get where we are, I feel like we are back on the right path with a clear set final product in mind. I'm curious to see where this takes us next.

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I finished up a couple of recordings for Brooke I played on Alto Sax, although these might not get used, Anthony said we may use these for something else in the project.

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I'll be meeting with Sofija this week to discuss some new additions to the poem and then to re-record our versions more in-tone with the piece and also to help with clarity. Here is the poem as it currently stands with some new additions from me.

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So i found this video for Brooke to possibly include in the final video! Although I made sure it was available and copyright free, we didn't end up using it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFtr2xt34CU&fbclid=IwAR2i6tpTOPIJgnXaXFimJjFYnEl3nrKhrwMYEyugUmYmUMSuoHB17sdL694

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I've sent on a new updated speech section to lily as per her request for the Instagram posts. I'll attach that new document here.

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I was late to the meeting today, totally my fault. But luckily I was in time for Keith's critique. He really enjoyed our groups section which is great, he doesn't want much changed which is fantastic news. This means I'll be able to focus on finishing up the poem with Sofija. He did pick apart a lot of the other sections which I was happy about as where it stood there was a lot I didn't enjoy from he current video... This is good though, there's plenty more to do however.

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Keith said something interesting in the group meeting today when he was reviewing our section. About the saxophone recording, he called it lonely. And it does seem that way. A lonely solitary instrument amidst the visual mess, kind of floating above. I wanted to see what makes it sound this way. Its tonality and scale, the use of minor chords. The fluctuating tempo and pitch isn't held down by specific rules as I'm simply playing almost in a free jazz style. Without rules and direction. A wide range in pitch and use of scale really conveys a varying set of emotions making the scene more engaging and interesting to interpret audibly. The maintaining of the same volume allows the music to feel consistent, and therefore unable to recover from a sad isolated feeling. Dipping into the lower pitch gives off a feeling of uneasiness and sadness, before it touches on the higher notes before the end of the piece to catch a glimpse of happiness as the piece turns into a more hopeful situation.

https://www.joytunes.com/blog/music-innovation/the-recipe-to-create-emotions-using-music/

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So Sofija and I have been working hard to finish the poem and have everything finalised. We had a good long chat over voice call and I recorded us so that I could then take that edit and apply it to the video. I even gave Sofija some drama pointers for her delivery. It was actually really enjoyable. Since I was having a good time, and the group really needed the recording, I decided to push myself and stay up all night getting 4 edits done. I had the standard voice over, the voice over with audio effects, the standard and the audio mix fitted to a stretched out version of the draft video to demonstrate what we were going for. I worked hard on it and I'm happy with how it turned out. I'll attach both video versions with the recordings to this blog.

Edit: I cannot upload the video version to padlet as the file is too large, but I will consider putting the video edit on YouTube.

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Voice Recording Edit 2 Effects - 20/05/2020

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Voice Recording Edit 2 Effects - 20/05/2020

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So it turns out the poem was edited for the video and components were cut out. No one asked me about this. My work was altered without even checking with me. The stretched out video I made was purely to demonstrate an example, not to be a final product. Apparently they asked Sofija if they could edit the poem (they did not ask me) and she gave them permission to alter and change things BECAUSE GOODNESS KNOWS I DIDN'T DO HALF OF THE DAMN THING. All the work and time I put into fine-tuning the poem. All the meetings that I MYSELF set up with Sofija because she took weeks to get around to editing her portion, none of that matters. The actual IDEA for doing a collaborative poem together was MINE. I am not really even asking much. I just want to be included in the decision to alter work that I MYSELF have spent hours on. If they can't even provide me with that then I'm done with these inconsiderate stuck-up uni kids. You'd think it wouldn't be hard top pick up some decency over the course of the 20-24 years they've all been alive. I'm going to cool off before I say something I regret.

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The video presentation, and despite my prior expectations it seems that people actually like the video. I'm not sure why I'm unhappy about this. It's not like I didn't want a good mark, or to not succeed, but I think it's because the process was so painful and the people so uncooperative. It makes it seem like the clientele didn't really know what they were looking for and we're just happy to receive whatever they got. I don't even know, I'm glad it's over. I am happy to be included in the project, but it only ever felt like it for small parts of the process.