The first assignment of this class asked us to create a short piece about an item that we have on us every day. I decided to choose my backpack, something that is with me most days. To begin the narrative process of this task we were asked three questions. The questions enabled us to create a complete overview of our item that would be recorded as an audio piece. The process of describing the bag in detail allowed us to gather a large chunk of material that had the potential to fit into my final script really well. Likewise, creating a specific script about what the bag does, allowed me to explore further possibilities about how the bag functions in other contexts. I drew on the specific details I described from the questions and tried to see how they related to a broader connection that might lie between the bag and another item. The relationship I decided to focus on was the bag and myself. It is easy to forget the role we play in a connection, however seemingly small it might be. The aspect of this connection I decided to look into was around an idea of time and decay.

Decay and time are two things that plague the bag and myself, so I wanted to see how we both actually worked with each other to ensure these insidious aspects of life are managed. Upon looking at this relationship I found the balancing act that existed between us, something I had never quite explored before. The relationship I uncovered, although subtle, enabled me to have a fresh perspective around how much of a responsibility humans have towards non-human things. Every relationship between two things is based on reciprocal giving. Often this two-sided relationship is overlooked and not investigated enough. However, if a voice is given to this relationship, new avenues are opened as we explore the different connections that exist in our world.

In terms of the overall aesthetic of my final video work, I wanted to create something slightly abstract in nature. Each element in the film relates to the way meaning can be established between two different items. The relationship between the video and auditory work is literal in the way the video reflects what arises in the script. However, they also work together to explore the concepts of time and decay, a duality that is often missed when we go about our lives. Although the images themselves aren’t necessarily close-ups, I wanted to leave enough space for the still and moving images to establish themselves within the duration of the video. In a sense, by having a continuous flow of a similar setting in each section, I allow time for the audience to unpack each image and relate it to their experience of life. When it came to the layout of the video, I drew inspiration from Georgia Tribuiani’s short piece called Escape, which plays with images and layers, creating a symbolic comparison between varying aspects of female identity. As much as I really like the editing and style of this video, I thought it was effective in merging two different videos together, allowing for a comparative evaluation to take place.

Below is my inspiration for the video as well as my final script and video.

Inspiration:

Anaak | SS16 | Escape from Georgia Tribuiani on Vimeo.

Final Script:

The entire outside is navy blue, plastic to the touch, resembling the sort of waterproof material you would find on camping gear. Two thick straps on the back are covered in soft cushioning material providing comfort and support to my body. A hood protects the inside contents from damage whilst a small pouch adds a point of difference to the otherwise plain backdrop. The pouch sits on the front, surrounded by thick white lines. It’s covered in purple and green specks, this being the main reason I made the purchase. This similar point of distinction finds itself at the edges of the hood, creating a clear barrier between all different compartments on the bag. Upon opening the hood, light blue fabric lines the insides clearly separating it from the external façade. This secure domain provides protection for all items inside. A separate main compartment is reserved for a laptop, distinguished by a slightly thicker back panel covered in black velvet fabric, soft and furry.

Functionally this bag does its job. It provides a convenient way of carrying my things, supporting my body and cushioning my shoulders against its straps. For the considerably amount of weight my items must bear on it, there is very little objection to what goes inside. The functionality of the bag takes precedent over the general aesthetic qualities that must be taken care of. Already, parts of the straps are fading from hard use. A small strap has broken off and the insides have been tarnished with black ink. Slowly, the once secure stitching along the sides has become undone, revealing the uneven patchwork underneath. Sure the lifeless character of this bag requires little investigation, however, accounting for the inevitable degrade of its appearance suggests a subtle undertone of care I owe it. My responsibility towards the bag comes from the ageing process of it. The pace of this process is determined by my sense of caution towards its natural decay. Our relationship is bounded in time. Linked by a common theme of degeneration. Mutual responsibilities of ensuring o ur shelf lives are extended.

Final Video:

Navy from Lucas James on Vimeo.