As I have mentioned in my “Post-Presentation Thoughts”, I
bullet pointed that I should re-look over the story and instead of taking five
photos to show the morph from human to spider, I should pinpoint the principle
elements of the story and convey them. Now that I have the location/models
confirmed, I felt this would be the best time for me to do that.
Props (Red)
“Her father was a native of Colophon […] earned his living
by dying wool with Phocaean purple.” This first prop is linked to the dress
that I want to get for Arachne (Kathryn), although subtle, I think it can
create a nice link from her to the story and also gives me a specific costume
to aim for.
“The rock of Mars […] ancient contest that took place
there.” This is the tapestry that Athena creates to contest Arachne’s skill.
“Europa, deceived by Jupiter when he presented himself in
the shape of a bull” This is the tapestry that Arachne produces to rival
Athena’s.
“She fastened a noose round her neck, to hang herself.” I
could create the noose easily if I buy a length of rope around probably 2m
long, however, it must be quite thick for it to look authentic.
“She sprinkled Arachne with the juice of Hecate’s herb.”
Although I could use an actual herb, I feel that it would look quite pathetic
in the grand scheme of the photo. I could use a small glass bottle that
represents a type of ‘potion’ shape.
Story (Blue)
“She revealed that she was indeed Pallas.” Athena here has
uncovered her disguise of the old lady. Although I could have an action shot of
her flying of the wig and walking stick, I feel it would just cause a
distraction to the audience. I want to break this down slightly and just do a
pose from Athena that encases this idea of her challenging Arachne.
“The golden-haired goddess, wild with indignation at her
rival’s success, tore to pieces the tapestry.” In this scene I would want to
depict the act of Athena physically ripping the piece that Arachne has created.
I initially thought about having Arachne on the floor whilst Athena rips the
piece up. However I do want to diminish the power of Arachne, so I could do
both Arachne and Athena pulling the piece (representing the battle between them
both), contributing to the rip of the tapestry.
“But Pallas pitied her, as she hung there; lifting her up. […]
Then as she departed, she sprinkled Arachne with the juice of Hecate’s herb.”
Although this scene talks of Arachne hanging herself, I don’t think this is
viable with health and safety being a potent factor, I could however imitate that
Arachne has just hung herself. I would have Athena peering over Arachne as she
lays on the floor, whilst Athena pours the potion on Arachne’s head to change
her into the spider.
“Her slender fingers were fastened to her sides, to serve as
legs.” This is the description of how Arachne morphs into the spider. For such
a representation, I could create makeshift spider legs, which I could possibly attach
to the dress in which to make her look as if she has changed over. I could also
use irregular body positions to create a discomforting effect to the photo,
which will in turn enhance the eeriness of the scene overall.
