Naomi Hughes-White posted: " Topic: reflection; Word Count: 431 Daily writing promptWhat are you most worried about for the future?View all responses One of my worries is that I will lose motivation during my research period. Recently, this worry came to fruition; a" The Weekly Japan
One of my worries is that I will lose motivation during my research period.
Recently, this worry came to fruition; after beginning tutorials in 3D modelling in Blender, I was able to fully comprehend just how difficult my project (3D modelling Asuka dera) would be. I was overwhelmed, worried I would burn out before I had even begun, and uncertain that I could create a 3D model accurate enough to be of use to anyone.
So, how do you cope with such stressors? First, it is important to pinpoint the exact cause of the worries. In my case, it was the inevitable inaccuracies in the 3D model caused by a lack of references (since the original structures of Asuka dera no longer exist). Being in Japan, this was something that I could somewhat fix by travelling to temples that were built in a similar period and in the same region as Asuka dera and photographing similar architecture to create references. So, I planned field trips to visit Hōryū-ji, Chūgū-ji and Yakushi-ji.
Use these links to read about my trip to each temple
At each temple, I was able to learn not only about their history, but see first-hand the architecture of each structure.
Examples of the temple architecture reference photos I took.
I took my time to capture photographs to use as references and to look closely at the buildings, working out the areas that may pose difficulties, where to begin modelling, and which tools I would use. I've always found that the better the reference, the better the resulting art, so I think that modelling parts of my 3D model based on extant structures will help me to create a piece that is believable and fits the appearance of temples in the Asuka period.
Using the existing archaeological evidence such as roof tiles, an educated and informed approximation is all I can and should aim for. To be able to justify my decisions for the architecture while remaining open to feedback is part of the research, as much as I hate to not be able to create something perfect!
All in all, the field trips were incredibly useful for me to re-centre my mind, inspire new ideas, and become motivated again. A combination of the fresh air, time away from my computer, and seeing the structures in-person helped me to keep my worries under control. Therefore, if in the future I lose motivation again, I know what to do!
I am looking forward to presenting my final render to the public, and hopefully being able to evoke the same sense of awe and inspiration from my 3D model of Asuka dera that I felt when visiting Hōryū-ji, Chūgū-ji, and Yakushi-ji.
No comments:
Post a Comment