My partnership with Howie Tsui so far has started with a few factory work tasks that need to be completed for the projects he is working on. For me this is as expected as my main objective to assist him in his work while learning what I can from the tasks I complete.

So far, my main project is “scanning” educational drawings from martial arts books using my camera. I need to turn these images of martial arts poses into a digital format so they can then be used by the animators. There is no set deadline but my plan is to get this done within two and half weeks.

We also have to research a way to 3D scan physical objects and/or a way to present 2D within a 3D space or vice versa. He’s interested in finding a way to make 3D objects into something he can work with digitally.
Once we finish our individual projects we will meet together and discuss our findings and any other ideas that came up. In terms of communicating, we do so via email or text as needed.

I think it’s really interesting working with an artist so far. I have to try and think about what kind of art he makes and the topics he is interested in whilst working on my projects. I think it’s a fresh change of pace to be thinking about art through someone else’s perspective rather than only my own. I think it will help me keep an open mind and broaden my own perspective to making art. I also have the opportunity to contribute any of my own findings and ideas so the art making and discovery process becomes more of a collaboration rather than just individual work. It reminds me of how artist run centres or art making communities works and build off each others ideas. I’m looking forward to coming back together as a group to discuss our ideas and find a way to make Howie’s art a reality.