Automated pebble mosaic stylization of images

Digital mosaics have usually used regular tiles, simulating the historical "tessellated" mosaics. In this paper, we present a method for synthesizing pebble mosaics, a historical mosaic style in which the tiles are rounded pebbles. We address both the tiling problem, where pebbles are distributed over the image plane so as to approximate the input image content, and the problem of geometry, creating a smooth rounded shape for each pebble. We adapt SLIC, simple linear iterative clustering, to obtain elongated tiles conforming to image content, and smooth the resulting irregular shapes into shapes resembling pebble cross-sections. Then, we create an interior and exterior contour for each pebble and solve a Laplace equation over the region between them to obtain height-field geometry. The resulting pebble set approximates the input image while presenting full geometry that can be rendered and textured for a highly detailed representation of a pebble mosaic

Accurate and discernible photocollages

There currently exist several techniques for selecting and combining images from a digital image library into a single image so that the result meets certain prespecified visual criteria. Image mosaic methods, first explored by Connors and Trivedi[18], arrange library images according to some tiling arrangement, often a regular grid, so that the combination of images, when viewed as a whole, resembles some input target image. Other techniques, such as Autocollage of Rother et al.[78], seek only to combine images in an interesting and visually pleasing manner, according to certain composition principles, without attempting to approximate any target image. Each of these techniques provide a myriad of creative options for artists who wish to combine several levels of meaning into a single image or who wish to exploit the meaning and symbolism contained in each of a large set of images through an efficient and easy process. We first examine the most notable and successful of these methods, and summarize the advantages and limitations of each. We then formulate a set of goals for an image collage system that combines the advantages of these methods while addressing and mitigating the drawbacks. Particularly, we propose a system for creating photocollages that approximate a target image as an aggregation of smaller images, chosen from a large library, so that interesting visual correspondences between images are exploited. In this way, we allow users to create collages in which multiple layers of meaning are encoded, with meaningful visual links between each layer. In service of this goal, we ensure that the images used are as large as possible and are combined in such a way that boundaries between images are not immediately apparent, as in Autocollage. This has required us to apply a multiscale approach to searching and comparing images from a large database, which achieves both speed and accuracy. We also propose a new framework for color post-processing, and propose novel techniques for decomposing images according to object and texture information

The Book of Life - Guided Exercises in Building Your Big, Bold, Beautiful Life

The purpose of this project was to develop a series of guided visualizations through a workbook titled, Book of Life. This workbook was designed to impart CPS skills through hands’ on art projects. Its focus is to cultivate creativity in underserved populations defined by both gender and age. Designed in a story book format for adult learners ages forty years and up, the activities are intended to support radical goal setting in the second half of life. In reimagining their futures from the broadest possible perspective, participants will be encouraged both to cultivate daily creativity and to consider the importance of continuing to develop a body of work

Infrastructure in-between: reprogramming urban infrastructure

This thesis proposes that highways and other infrastructure be looked at in a different manner. Though typically divisive in the urban context, it doesn\u27t have to be so. Just as transportation systems connect across the country, so it can connect at a local level. The proposition is not anti-thetical place or community, but neither is it subjected and held hostage to them. It is both rooted and free, reflecting American culture itself. The site is located under and adjacent to a short section of Interstate 40 in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of what has been the largest socio-infrastructural effort in the country\u27s history, and 40 miles from Oak Ridge, where development of the Atomic bomb changed the perception, scale, and impact of our common arsenal. The site also adjoins very real and valuable communities. The eclectic residential neighborhood of 4th & Gill borders to the north, and the entertainment and retail district known as the Old City to the south. Between the two districts the landscape is deteriorated, though some valuable manufacturing defines the zone, and provides some larger scale massing in an otherwise lower scale of context. Each community that occupies or engages the ground-plane of the site is local and particular to the history of the city of Knoxville. Another, very different community uses the site in a very different way, and a different elevation. That is, the linear community of the highway. The infrastructure here has acted to the detriment of the city and those who pass through it. Recognizing the current, changed nature of the site requires that the modern place of the highway be recognized, designed for, and integrated. Essentially, the intent is not only to reconnect severed districts, but also connect them to the element that disconnects them. The goal is to integrate the exclusive communities by providing for common programmatic needs. The primary program is providing the city and Interstate with an intermodal transportation center; though, additional programs are integrated to engage both the visitor and resident. Everyday needs of people who live the various lifestyles are surprisingly similar. Each need markets, restaurants, laundries, Post offices, places for recreation and exercise, etc. That given, there are other needs that are addressed in particular ways. Travelers are provided with places for rest and relief that are typical of travel centers. City residents are accommodated with evene�paces, a learning center, clinic, etcetera. Though these programs are understood to be directive, they remain non-exclusive and would certainly allow for situations of contact and engagement across boundaries that are currently impassable. Transforming boundaries into thre�holds is the architectural and social directive explored here. It is achieved through simple observation, realization of overlapping opportunities and needs, and a design that recognizes scale, connectivity, identity, and experience

Exploring the Usage of Found Objects in Art Therapy for Bereavement: A Literature Review

Bereavement is a multifaceted, evolving, and intensely individual experience. Moving away from a linear theoretical framework towards a constructivist theoretical model promotes the healing properties of self-narrative while incorporating the story of the loss of a loved one. Most important to bereaved individuals, as indicated by current research on the topics of death, grief, and bereavement are memory keeping, meaning making, and continued bonds with the deceased. These common themes have remained consistent since the Victorian age. Traditional mourning jewelry represents a form of memorialization and continued bonds with the dead. Alternative forms of art using found objects belonging to the decedent or associated with the deceased via assigned meaning from the bereaved can be used to create mementos designed to serve as memory keeping objects. Art therapy techniques, combined with curated found objects, photography, and digital art can assist individuals to externalize and process emotions related to coping with bereavement. This thesis presents historical and contemporary societal views and clinical approaches regarding bereavement, as well as the role of art therapy within the context of bereavement. Literature on the topic of bereavement will be reviewed