Ascending Ambitions: The Struggle of the Working Class

Description:

This submission for the Rookie Awards 2023 takes inspiration from the captivating allure of the Antinori Winery, located in the picturesque countryside of Italy. Our visualization aims to accentuate the attempt of the Architect to integrate the majestic building with the sinuous landscape lines, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see.

At the heart of our composition lies the focal point—the iconic spiral stairs that is gracefully embraced by the building's design. These stairs symbolize the ambition of ascend of Humankind always looking to rise above Nature.

In the foreground, closer to the viewer, but in a lower level of the composition, we present a moment frozen in time, where a humble farmer immersed in the sea of vines stands as the epitome of hard work and dedication. This contrast between the farmer and the majestic corten building creates a compelling visual narrative, representing the symbiotic relationship between human labour and architectural grandeur.

The surrounding landscape, carefully rendered with rolling hills and vine-covered slopes, serves as a serene backdrop contrasting the tumultuous sky that starts to reveal struggling times.

"Ascending Ambitions" suggests a desire for progress, growth, and upward mobility. It conveys a sense of individuals, as ourselves, striving to achieve their goals and dreams, despite the obstacles they encounter, evoking a feeling of determination and resilience.

"The Struggle of the Working Class" provides a clear focus on the challenges faced by the groups located lower in the social chain, acknowledging the hardships, sacrifices, and adversities experienced in the pursuit of a better life.

Together, the title effectively encapsulates the core message of this submission, presenting the juxtaposition between the ambitious aspirations of the working class and the hurdles they face. It sets the stage for a compelling exploration of the human spirit and the pursuit of success.

From Image Plan to Render:

After choosing the camera view and the scene mood, I started thinking about the narrative and working on the composition. The lines in the image, the lighting/shadows, and the detailing of the model should all work together to emphasize the focal point reinforced by the balance point. 

To have a realistic look without tilling, I developed shaders in Substance Designer based on referenced images from the project. 

From the beginning, I knew who should be my leading character for this image. I took a bike ride to the countryside and knew if I could just find the perfect actor for my narrative, in the right costume, in the right perspective, in the right light, everything would come together perfectly. It cost me a bank card and 10 euros, which I lost while riding the bike, but I found just the perfect subject with the hat and everything!

Post-Production:

This is for sure my favorite part of the whole process. Post-Production to me feels like painting.

The process started by choosing the sky that balanced the image and supported the narrative. After some small adjustments to the render and detailing of the shaders, I added the person and combined values, color tones, and lighting. Finalization with camera raw filter and that was it!

I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.

Thank you to the whole SOA Academy team and fellow students for your support.