ASSIGNMENT 1

 

The first assignment for English 1 is a process essay about sketching a kitchen utensil. The kitchen utensil that i have chosen is a mortar and pestle. Through this assignment, I have learned to understand the process of whatever we do in order to improve ourselves. I took about 3 days to complete this assignment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                   Sketch of a mortar and pestle.

 

 

Process of sketching a kitchen utensil

 

               Sketching is the process of creating a simple and rough representation of an object or image. A sketch is useful in a way that it captures the essential features of the subject without including the unnecessary details. In that sense, a sketch is direct, straight to the point and less time-consuming than a proper drawing. I believe learning how to sketch would be extremely useful in architecture since, obviously, the role of an architect mainly involves the work of drawing and designing. Sketching would be important for us to get a general idea of what the structure might look like, and also what could be done to improve it.

 

               The kitchen utensil that I’ve chosen to sketch is a mortar and pestle. A mortar and pestle is a tool used to prepare certain ingredients by crushing them into a fine powder or paste. Used since ancient times, the device consists of a bowl, where the necessary ingredients are placed, and a heavy club-shaped tool used for crushing and grinding. Unlike most kitchen utensils that are shiny and smooth, it is dark and dull, and usually has a rough surface. The main reason I chose the mortar and pestle to be the subject of my sketch instead of all the other fancy utilities available is because of the feeling of nostalgia it brings. The loud, thumping noise it produces, the strong aroma of ground sambal, or crushed garlic, they all bring me back to the thrill and excitement of watching my mother preparing dinner as a child, since, nowadays, a warm, home-cooked meal is a luxury one can only dream of. Above all else, it reminds me of home.

 

                In order to produce an attractive sketch, it is important to use the right materials for the job. We need to make sure the proper tools are being used to produce the desired effect. For example, we need different types of pencils for different shades and tones such as 2-B pencils, HB pencils and so on, where H stands for ‘hardness’, F stands for ‘fine point’ whereas B stands for ‘blackness’. Most sketches are usually started with pencils with a lighter tone, such as pencils with grade H, before moving on to darker pencils. The softer, black-marking pencils are usually saved for last to produce a more detailed sketch. They also help create a larger contrast between the areas where there is light and the areas covered by shadows. An eraser is also an essential tool to have when performing a sketch, since we are bound to make a few mistakes along the way.      

    

                 A few elaborate steps and methods had to be taken to produce the complex sketch. Due to the unique and irregular patterns on the surface of the utensil, different ways of shading and sketching had to be used to achieved a better, more realistic look. After drawing the outlines of the subject to get a basic idea of the shape and size, I started to add in some light shading. Smooth pencil shading was used in the beginning to get a cleaner look without any noticeable lines. This method was used to display a clear image of the light and shadowy areas and also to create that three-dimensional effect. Further into the sketch, a rougher, messier way of shading was used. This was to recreate the texture of the marble or granite surface of the mortar and pestle. It was rather difficult to capture the look of the marble surface and make it look realistic on paper. All frustration aside, I was quite satisfied with the way it turned out in the end, though it might not be perfect. Finally, I used a darker B pencil to add some final details and bring out the darkness in certain areas.

 

             The entire sketch from start to finish was estimated to be a three hour long process. Of course this does not include all the time spent loafing around doing things that are completely unrelated. Some people have the mental strength and focus to do these sketches in one go, unfortunately I am not one of them. After I did eventually finish the sketch however, I can’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment and relief. I feel accomplished because I managed to complete the task with hopefully satisfactory results, and I feel relieved because I no longer have to stare at that same object for hours on end. Of course, in spite of that, it was still a very enjoyable experience, and I would definitely do it again.

 

Pre-writing

 

• Sketching is the process of creating a simple and rough representation of an object or image.

• It would be extremely useful in the course I plan to take.

• A mortar and pestle is a tool used to prepare certain ingredients by crushing them into a fine powder or paste.

• The main reason I chose the mortar and pestle to be the subject of my sketch is because of the feeling of nostalgia it brings.

• In order to produce an attractive sketch, it is important to use the right materials for the job.

• We need different types of pencils for different shades and tones.

• For example, we need different types of pencils for different shades and tones.

• A few elaborate steps and methods had to be taken to produce the complex sketch.

• After drawing the outlines of the subject to get a basic idea of the shape and size, I started to add in some light shading.

• Further into the sketch, a rougher, messier way of shading was used.

• Finally, I used a darker B pencil to add some final details.

• The entire sketch from start to finish was estimated to be a three hour long process.

• I can’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment and relief.

• It was a very enjoyable experience, and I would definitely do it again.