EXTRA CREDIT (FINAL CHANCE!)

1. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the best? Why?

I liked the sculpture gallery visit project.  I used the outside sculptures and it was really interesting.  Now I look at them on my way to school and notice how the surrounding changes with the season and weather.

2. Which assignment did you ENJOY working on the least? Why?

 

I was not a fan of the video blogs...mainly because I have a really short attention span for movies.  I'm very fidgety.  It was nice that I could pause and watch at my own pace, however, so that definitely helped a lot.  Those assignments probably took me longer than most people, I just don't learn as well from long videos like that -just me!

 

3. How did you like using BLACKBOARD?

 

I really liked blackboard.  I tried taking this course once before over the summer but ended up dropping it because it was next to impossible for me to keep track of the assignments.  The calendar makes everything so simple to know when is due on what date, projects, etc.

 

4. What is your opinion of the Discussion Groups in this course?

 

I don't mind the discussion groups at all.  It's nice to see that you're on par with your peers.

 

5. Did you participate in any of the extra credit projects in previous modules? If so, what was your opinion of them? (mandala, elgin marbles, culture, art critics)

 

Yes - I loved the mandala project.  It was super informative, the video and reading materials were awesome and I have recently decided to get a tattoo of a mandala!

6. If you had the opportunity to change this course:

What would you keep?

The projects

 

What would you remove?

The video blogs; if not remove change them up a little

 

What would you add?

More personal art exploration projects.

 

7. Would you recommend this course to your peers?

Absolutely; I learned so much.

8. Please list any other comments you would like to share.

Week Sixteen - Blog: Reflections of AED 200

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

I expected to learn a lot about art from this course and my expectations were really exceeded.  I learned a lot more about how one may go about actually "defining" art and how to describe art using multiple senses.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?

I still don't think art can truly be defined, as it holds a different definition to everyone, but I do think I now know how to properly express my feelings about artworks.  I didn't have those skills before to describe what I was seeing with anything but my emotions and how art made me feel.

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

I really love Sylvia Ji.  I think her art expresses emotion that hits deep and her style is very unique and evokes a lot of emotion.  I love that she paints on pieces of driftwood and how personal that makes her paintings seem.

4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

I still really enjoy the fact that this is an online course.  There was a lot less pressure and I was able to explore artists I enjoyed right from my computer as I was discovering them.

Week Thirteen and Fourteen - Blog: Video Review

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Lowbrow is art that nobody else can really categorize.  It is a reactionary category against highbrow art, which was uninvited among the fine art types.  Originally a term to depict images of half naked women and hot rods it has now grown and evolved to include comic book images, b-movies, rock and roll, surfing, surrealism, etc.  It seemed like almost an uprise against the strict and rigid culture of art schools and dominating art forms.  Cartoons and narrative were a large part of lowbrow culture.  Very rarely is something stillborn without dynamic.

2.      Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

This video does relate to my Art Exhibition project.  I thought I might play off of something Tim Burton related that has a dark feeling to it but an uplifting kind of story.  That is very lowbrow culture I believe and displays the multi faceted idea of lowbrow.

3.      What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

This film helped me narrow down a better theme for my project by giving more depth and understanding to the lowbrow culture and what fits into it.

Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach

1.      For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Modernists helped to shape the presentation in museums and galleries.  Each room in the museum was dedicated to a particular art movement or artist, chronologically set up to travel into the present.  The progressiveness of this movement was a new development in a world that picked and chose, generally omitting female artists all together.  It gave the illusion that these movements started and ended and built upon one another.

2.      Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

This video helps give insight on the principles of which a gallery is set up upon.  It helps to narrow down my range of pieces for my project by realizing that a collection should have a beginning and end but also show that it builds on past movements and offers something for future movements to build and be influenced from.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?
  This video helped me to gain a perspective for the span and size of the project; 15 images, what I should be looking to cover, how to begin and end a collection, etc.

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Montebello was the director of the Met for 31 years.  In his time there the museum space doubled in size, acquired over 84,000 new works of art and implemented new innovative conservation techniques.  With a growing budget the Met became one of the top tourist attractions in NYC.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
This video helps to explain how art changes over time.  A span of 30 years as a director of a museum is almost unheard of aside from Montebello.  It helps to see how time changes everything.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?
I liked this video.  I have visited the Met before and it gave me a new found appreciation for it that I didn't have the first time I went.

M11 - Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition
Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?
There was no specific title of the exhibits outside.

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?
The outdoor exhibits exist in nature; real time light, shadow, etc which is why I chose to use them since, depending on the season, your perception and view of the sculpture may change.


Step 2: The Gallery
Questions about the physical space: (I answered these based upon the inside gallery space)
1. What type of lighting is used?
Soft light, lots of natural light and white light is used inside the gallery.  For certain exhibits specific lights are used in a dark, unlit room.

2. What colors are used on the walls?
Most of the walls in the gallery are a neutral tone and plain.  Some exhibits have black walls.

3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space?
The interior space has smooth walls with no added texture that may detract from the artwork surrounding. 

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?
Movement flows easily and intuitively throughout the gallery space.  Nothing comes as a surprise for the most part things are laid out methodically in a meaningful fashion.
 

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:
1. How are the artworks organized?

The artwork is organized generally grouped with similar pieces.  Some are grouped by design style, time period or artist.

2. How are the artrworks similar?

All of the pieces I used for the project were outside in natural space.  The "gallery" was the surroundings.

3. How are the artworks different?

Each piece was constructed of different materials, with a different perspective as far as the gallery space.

4. How are the artworks framed?

Some works are not framed while others sit in a minimalist frame and still others have a bold outer frame.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

Each artwork has a small tag nearby that details the artist and piece information.

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

The artwork hanging is spaced out so that they pieces are not on top of each other.  The installations are also given ample space so that one does not impede another. 

Artist: Nancy Rubins
Title: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Monochrome I, Built to Live Anywhere
Media: Stainless steel, stainless steel wire, aluminum
Date: 2010-11
Size: NA

1. I was open to this piece.  I walked around it, underneath it, noticed its size.
2. There are many steel canoes or boats of some sort all wired together.  The entire piece is monochromatic and chrome colored.  The boats are pointing off in various directions.
3. Repetition is used in the multiple similar styled boats.  Color is used because the entire piece is the same color including the wires and base.  Color is also utilized because of the shadows cast from the boats throughout the day from the sun.
4. This reminds me of the outdoors.  It reminds me of the freedom you experience from canoeing and how that has the ability to remove you from the world around you.
5.  I think the artist was trying to speak of the fact that a boat connects us to the world, to adventure and to the earth around us.  She titled the piece Built to Live Anywhere and I think that symbolizes that fact that nothing can prevent her from existing with the earth be it a city setting or country setting.

Artist: Jason Middlebrook
Title: Underlife
Media: Steel, fiberglass and tile
Date: 2012
Size: NA


1. I walked around and underneath this piece, noticing its size and scale as well as materials.
2. The piece is an organic shape that come down to the ground from  multiple points from its trunk much like a tree.  It is covered in small glass pieces all over that reflect in the light.
3. Size is used with this piece, much as a blown up tree trunk the limbs or roots come down around you, sinking into the ground.  Texture is used as the surface of the metal is covered in glass.  Harmony is used in this piece as the elements are smooth and blend together, repetitive throughout.   There is unity between the smooth trunk elements and the glass pieces.
4. This reminds me of a fairy tale tree with the roots coming down into the earth.  Also it reminds me of the ents from Lord of the Rings possibly, as they can move and are large and magestic.
5.  I think the artist was trying to elude to a fairy tale and childhood.  Anyone can stand under this tree root and feel like a child again among the glitter and shimmer of the glass pieces.

Artist: Beverly Pepper
Title: Zig-Zag
Media: Stainless steel & bake enamel
Date: 1967
Size: NA

1. I walked around this piece.  It wasn't large enough to stand under or walk through.
2. The subject is 3 shiney squares angled against each other on a shiney base.
3. Repetition is used with the 3 square shapes. Harmony is utilized because the repetitive shapes and similar color.  Texture is also utilized because the piece is so smooth.
4. This work doesn't particularly remind me of anything.  It might elude to futuristic things because its shiny and reflective.

4. Answer this question:What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?
It was very helpful to notice the small details and look at things from different perspectives.  It helped me personally to become more aware of a pieces setting and surrounds instead of just focusing on the piece and realize that moving a piece can completely alter its intended meaning.

Module Ten - Blog: Video Review

VIDEO #1 - African Art

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I love African pottery and art and I love how connected with the earth their pieces are.  I wanted to learn more about them.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Many pieces of African art were used in ceremonies and combined with music.  Some pieces were made of wood and straw that deteriorate rapidly. Ceremonial art is recreated in sound, color and movement while others are created in more durable materials.  It is not useful to distinguish between african arts, and crafts.  All african art traditionally played a role in every day life.  African artists grew up and absorbed the beliefs and styles of their culture groups, including the belief of creating objects in a traditional way while adding refinements that do not detract from the piece. 

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
These video allows the African art to relate to the text as we have learned about the culture of the African people and now we can see how that bridges to their art. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I enjoyed this film.  I liked learning that the African art was not only art but played a role in the spiritual beliefs as well as utilitarian objects of their every day lives.


VIDEO #2 - Buddhism

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I wanted to learn more about buddhism.  I've done quite a bit of my own research on it and anything new I can learn interests me.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Gaya is a mecca for Buddhism.  Buddha spent time here contemplating enlightenment and nirvana.  The gateway to the temple is carved with the teachings of the Buddha and the key to his teachings is freedom from desire.  "Be in the world, but not of it" is the teaching of Buddhism.  Buddha proclaimed the idea of love.  Although he encouraged other to find their own way, he wanted to share his knowledge and created the idea of Buddhism.  He acted as a mentor for those needing guidance to find enlightenment.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video added an extra layer to Buddha of more as a person than a figure of Buddhism.  It taught about why although he encouraged others to find their own path that he created his teachings as a way of support and to help others.  The video reinforced the text reading on Buddhism.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I liked this film for the way that it spoke of Buddha as a man and went into his message as opposed to speaking of him as a symbol.  It allowed for the idea of Buddhism to come across as more of a way of thinking and perception as opposed to an organized type of religion.  It is very flexible.

Module Nine - Art Making/Material Exploration Drawings - Exploring Line

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

It seemed easier for me because I had a point of reference.  It also made me notice things that I wouldn't normally notice, which interested me because my hand is attached to my body and I almost feel like I should be able to draw it without looking.

 

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?

I chose pencil.  I am not a very good drawer and I felt it would allow me to focus on the major details without getting caught up in all of the small ones... and by not very good drawer I actually mean completely incompetent in all artistic abilities.

 

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?

I was difficult at first but became easier after a while. I learned to work with the difficulty of using my non dominant hand instead of fighting it and trying to force it to work like my dominant hand does.  It still looked horrible but I felt like my hand flowed better and was less mechanical and stiff with my non dominant hand.

 

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?

They look nothing like actual hands but they do resemble somewhat and you can tell which i did with my dominant and non dominant hand.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

If I was doing some sort of abstract painting yes.  As far as technical drawings, probably not.

 

Name Module Nine - Blog: Video Reviews

Video #1

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose this video because while I was an intern at Fisher Price in East Aurora we went to see the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science.  It was very interesting to me.  They had recreated many of his engineering designs using techniques that existed during the time in which he lived and the exhibit was interactive so you could walk up and use each piece.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Da Vinci was a true Renaissance man.  Even from a young age, he was incredibly smart and attracted to the changes occurring in nature as well as a passion for the arts.  His passions expand from painting to sculpting, architecture, engineering, design, botany, anatomy and many more, all of which he excelled.  He was able to seamlessly blend these different subjects as well by taking the head of one animal and attaching it to the body of another with his study of light, cross hatching shading method and resulting in a well thought out and designed artwork that attends to not only art but engineering and design as well.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

Da Vinci used concepts of nature and real world experiences in his works.  The Renaissance was a time of liberal studies that led to a study of the natural world that influenced their work.  Da Vinci did this by studying not only the technicalities of art and the artistic realm but also engineering and architecture which needed a technical background with philisophical considerations.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I liked this film.  It helped to show how Da Vinci truly blended the liberal arts with artistry.  It showed how the artists were almost seen as divine and how intellectual artists such as Da Vinci truly were during this time.  He was accepted into the painters guild at the age of 20.  It really shows a real world aspect to what these artists were capable of.


Video #2

Velazquez 

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose this video because I don;t know much about him.  I knew that he was a court painter and that is about it so I decided to learn a little more about him.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

A court painter for the king of Spain, Velazquez was given the order of Santiago, which was a strong symbol of nobility.  He was known for capturing the moment; light, air and other timeless elements. The King was his only friend, had only one wife and painting was his essence of being.  The King guaranteed Velazquez well being and success as a painter with no creative with holdings.  If the King wanted something specific he asked of it out of friendship of this genuine relationship.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

 Velazquez was somewhat protected by the King and given a chance to live his life as an artist with no worries, doing only what he loved.  It shows that during this time, artists were very respected and became of their own social class.  His work captures the essence of the moment, a truly natural element of the Renaissance movement.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I liked this film because Velazquez had a unique experience, befriending the King.  His creative freedoms allowed him to work freely without stress and his artwork is one of a kind.

Module Eight - Blog: Video Reviews

Video #1

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.
It was chosen for me! :)

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The Venus is much smaller than I thought.  She was made with great care and skill, deliberately created by the nomads and parts of her were exaggerated while others ignored.  This concept continued for thousands of years.  Research done on seagulls could provide the answer as to why certain features were ignored and others were not.  The baby chicks are stimulated by the red stripe on her beak to nudge it for food.  The brains of the hunter gatherers were prerogrammed to exaggerate certain features above others.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The way that previous people influenced later ones ties into the video in the way that scientists and researchers today go back and try to reverse engineer why ancient peoples did things in the way that they did.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I liked this film.  This subject matter is not my favorite so it makes it a little less dry, being able to watch a video as opposed to reading from a textbook.

Video #2

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose this video due to its title.  I wanted to know more about the Greek influence on the human figure in art.  It is also one of my favorite ancient civilizations to learn about.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Greeks captured the true human condition rather than a perfect, unrealistic form.  They looked to convey emotion.  This translates into how we view ourselves.  The turning point in western art came when the Greeks began to create an individual person and the ability to depict the soul. 

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This video again shows the movement from surrealism to realism.  The text relates the movement from Roman sculptures from very picturesque portraits to more human like concepts with natural feature, wrinkles, etc. 

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I liked this film.  It helps to solidify the change from "ideal" sculpture to more natural human figure.

M7 - Blog: Video Review

PRAIRIE STYLE

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Frank Lloyd Wright is responsible for forcing people out of their box like homes and into more open floor plans, known as the prairie style.  He wanted his buildings to blend synonymously with nature instead of sticking out sorely from their surroundings.  His Chicago homes used a layering of flat planes to create a time appropriate prairie house.  He had a unique attention to detail for everything to flow and circulate, rethink the organization of the space and open up the space.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

In the text we read about how environment can influence architecture.  Wrights designs are a perfect example.  He wanted his structures to blend with their surrounds and to fit the time and place during which they were created.  He used elements and style of the region the homes were built to accent them and make them look very deliberate and planned, which they were.  He also used these elements to influence the inside of his homes and to challenge the way people viewed living space, moving from box like living to a flowing interior space that was as pleasing visually as it was to actually live in.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

This film helped to branch the elements of design with an actual perspective of its use.  Wright designed the way he did to blend nature with his building harmoniously with the surroundings.  I like that the film showed actual structures so that you could compare how different they were to others in the same geographical area.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

I personally chose this film because when I visited NYC in 2008 I saw an exhibit on FLW at the Guggenheim museum.  It interested me then and this gave a lot of insight on his personal reasons for designing in the manner that he did.  I also know that he designed many of the structures around WNY and that interested me.




 ARCHITECTURE: THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Architecture is as much a science as it is an art.  Science plays a large role in assuring the safety of the buildings and structures that are created and in making sure those inside are safe as well.  Skyscrapers need to be made of materials that are strong enough to support the weight of such a large structure, but also not add unnecessary weight and that are also flexible to allow for building sway.  The materials also need to be able to withstand potential natural disasters as well as accidental disasters, such as if a fire breaks out on an upper floor for a period of time.  All of these things play a great role in safety.  Computer technology is also playing a grand role in the science of design.  Homes can be almost completely controlled - from lights, to heat, to alarm systems, to televisions, with a single remote or handheld device.  Computer technology is being integrated into every aspect of our lives.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This video relates to the text in that the text also discussed out concrete is no longer a brittle, weak building material.  We can now fortify it with mesh, steel, and fuse it with other materials to make it fit our needs.  We can create concrete the resists erosion for use in roadways and we can also create concrete that is very strong but also somewhat flexible to be used in tall buildings or bridges to allow for movement of the structure surrounding it.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

 This film helped to show that there is more to creating a building or structure than just designing something that looks pleasing to the eye.  Safety is a huge concern and technology is making it easier and easier for us to create safer buildings at a lower cost, more environmentally friendly and all the while keep the creature comforts we have come to expect.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

I chose this film because I am going to school to be a mechanical engineer.  This peaked my interests because it was about technology as well as materials and how technology and science are constantly improving them.

Module Six - Blog: Reviewing Peer Responses to Artwork

Blog # 1

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog
http://futuredavinci.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html


2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images?

I think that Robert did a great job picking his elements and principles for each image.  Each one was very obvious and you could tell that the choice was well thought out.  In the pattern photo I also saw use of color and shapes.  I think it is easy to find multiple elements in each principle image because one helps to layer and create the other.

3. When looking at Project #2: Where there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own?

None of the images Robert chose were the same as my own.  

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them?

I like the Re-Echo piece that I mentioned in my response to his project.  I would like to know more about the idea behind this piece and where the inspiration came from.  I like that it is such a simple piece in its elements but as a whole it is very easy to look at and explore visually.

5. What do you think about  the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning?

I like the process of peer reflection.  I think it helps to guide you that you're end goal is on track and it is interesting to hear the opinions of others and if they agree or not with your thoughts.  I think that everyone views the world through different eyes and its interesting to compare that with art and things that we asses visually without language.

6. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?

Nobody has responded to my blog as of yet.

Blog #2

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog
http://briannawainwright.blogspot.com/

2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images?

I think that Brianna did a very good job with her images.  You could clearly tell which elements and principles each photo represented.  My favorite photos were the images used for contrast with the nail polish bottles lined up and the image that you used for space.  Some of the images, such as the balance image, you could see use of color and line very distinctly but I think many photographs of the real world build on these elements of art.

3. When looking at Project #2: Where there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own?

None of the images Brianna used were the same as the ones I had chosen.

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them?

I liked the Lisa Stefanelli's "Bellwood" piece Brainna choose in her project.  I like the boldness of the lines and how the piece is very simple and uses only the color purple.  I would like to learn more about the artist and her background for creating such a piece.

5. What do you think about  the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning?

 I like the process of peer reflection.  I think it helps to guide you that you're end goal is on track and it is interesting to hear the opinions of others and if they agree or not with your thoughts.  I think that everyone views the world through different eyes and its interesting to compare that with art and things that we asses visually without language.

6. Check your Blog and read comments posted by your Peers. Do you find their comments helpful?
Nobody has responded to my blog as of yet. 

Module Six - Blog: Video Review

Through the Eyes of the Sculptor

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Sculpture is a very long and involved process.  From the harvesting of the raw stone the sculptor checks the stone to make sure it is sound.  Too keep fresh sculptors also work in marble, stone or bronze.  Artists must also know the strengths and weaknesses structurally of the stone they're working with as well as the effects of weather, if the sculpture will be outside, or other potential elements.  From an initial sketch the sculpture comes to life in clay and is reborn again in marble.  For many weeks the clay is worked and reworked again and when the sculptor believes his model is complete it is cast in plaster after a silicon impression is made.  Plaster is the temporary stage between the clay and marble.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

This video relates to the text very much so.  Sculpture gives us the ability to give life to a solid form.  Through planning a block of stone can become a lifelike depiction of the human form.  The human figure is a common form of sculpture, one that was almost remotely explored in the video.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?

This film helped to add depth and understanding to the knowledge gained from the reading.  Having a personal account and following the sculptor through his career and process allows you to realize how much of an involved process sculpture truly is.  There are many, many steps form sketches to clay models to casting and finally the long process of carving the marble can begin.  You realize that even before carving can begin and prior to installation you need to assure that the marble or granite is of good quality and you need to think of how the piece will be transported and installed if not already.  Sculptures can be delicate. 

Glass and Ceramics

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

I was unaware that glass blowing involved reheating and reworking the glass.  It was interesting to see the glass formed and manipulated with everything from snips to a damp newspaper while it was hot and to learn that cold glass can be engraved with different acids or tools.  I also never thought about how labor intensive making any size stained glass window is.  There is so much room for human error and you are working with a very fragile, unforgiving medium.
Dry pressed ceramics allow for multiple pieces to be made identically and then to be fired in a kiln to create long lasting, durable pieces which are then glazed for added durability and to add color.  I also learned that ceramics are used in a multitude of ways from automobile engines to medical uses depending upon which materials are used in the ceramic powder.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The video relates to the text because glass and ceramics began as crafts to create bowls, places, vessels, etc but now both have blurred the lines of fine art and craft.  Today ceramics can be made as strong as steel and are used as medical implements but they are also used in sculpture as well.
 
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?
The films helped me to understand the medium better. It was much easier to realize how fragile glass and ceramic could be and how difficult it is to work with.  You could understand how creating a glass sculpture would be a challenge as glass needs to be reheated constantly to be reworked.  You also realized that glass is heavy and installing or connecting a sculpture to other sculpture pieces becomes very difficult on a large scale.  You also lean that created utilitarian craft objects out of glass and ceramics can be just as difficult as create sculptures and to create multiple pieces of glassware is a challenge. 

Module Five - Art Making/Material Exploration #2: Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I design clothing so this was a logo meant to embody my vision when I create clothing or design jewelry.  I make a lot of stage gear for local bands in the metal scene as well as several models and burlesque dancers so the logo needed to have an edge to it while still being mysterious and unique.  The name of my company is Conspiracy13 so I wanted to play up the 13 in the logo and have something that can stand alone as a recognizable symbol of my work to be used on everything from photos, to t shirts, to marketing materials.  I wanted the design to be simple yet eye catching.

2. Describe the process: creative thinking skills and ideas you used in the logo creation.

The clothing line has been something I've been doing since I was 16.  I thought that since a little piece of me goes into everything I do that I should really create almost a crest that represented myself.  I really appreciate the subtleties of symbolism so I wanted to utilize things that meant a lot to me.  The end result I hand painted onto a T shirt as a crest of my company.  I liked the difference in media and my ability to use color to make my logo pop.

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?

I learned that, for me, less is more.  I tend to want to add tons of extras but I found the more I left out and streamlined, the more focused and to the point my logo seemed to become.  I started with a lot of things on the logo, and the more I drew and redrew it the more elements I decided to leave out.  I ended up with a polished looking logo that I can now use for my business.

4. What is the most important information you learned from watching the videos, powerpoint, and reading material  for this project? What is your opinion of the videos?

Again, I realized that sometimes simplicity is best.  I liked that by using symbols, no additional text is required.  The meaning is universal then.  The logo sets the foundation for a good brand.  It really becomes very important to make sure that your logo represents your end goal.  The videos gave a good entire concept on how a logo is more than just a picture, but it represents the way in which you brand yourself, your skills, your talent and your ideas.  It's a mini piece of artwork that represents you.

Module Five - Project #2 Art Gallery Visit #1- Responding To Artwork

Robert Therrien
No Title
Paint, metal, fabric
2006

Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?
This piece made an impact on me.  I was drawn to it because it, at first glance, looks like a regular folding table and chairs - which it absolutely is, but the composition of the work is interesting.  The 4th chair is folded up against a wall.  The other 3 chairs are pulled away from the table and angled.  I think that the deliberate placement of the chairs brings life to this piece.  I started thinking about its history and how many people had sat at this table, what they were doing, etc.  It was interesting how we can be led to think in a certain way just by the composure of a piece.

Barnaby Furnas
Flood
Urethane on linen
2007

Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?
 This is a painting that caught my eye as I walked by.  I stopped to take a second look.  It made an impression on me because it has very prominent brush strokes that are very dark and deliberate at the bottom.  Moving up through the painting more red is present and finally the upper part is a sky blue.  After I read that the name of the painting was Flood I imagined a flood in my mind and how the color red would symbolize pain or suffering.  The painting took on an ominous meaning, just by the use of color.

Zhan Wang
Urban Landscape Buffalo
Stainless steel, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils
2005-2010

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?
This piece is so large I think that you're instantly drawn to its scale.  As you begin to look and explore it you find more and more little pieces, hidden things, and taking one step left or right gives you an entirely new piece to look at.  I felt a strong connection with this piece because I think it goes to show that there's always something to appreciate about even the most generic seeming items.  Things you touch and use mindlessly everyday were pieced together to form this intricate, ornate artwork.  It reminded me personally of learning not to judge a book by its cover, so to speak.  At first glance there is no way you could really know everything that this installation is comprised of; learning that takes time and some investigation.  I like that those things came to mind while my eyes were wandering amongst kitchen items.  

 

  Lucas Samaras
Mirrored Room
Mirrors on wooden fram
1966

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?
I have a personal connection with this piece.  The first time I ever went on a field trip to the Albright-Knox, this was the piece I instantly think of.  We were allowed to go in wearing only our socks and being inside something like that in elementary school was not something forgettable.  Every time I see it now I think back to that day and remember how cool I thought it was that I got to basically walk around inside something at the art gallery.

Rachel Whiteread
Untitled
Mixed media
2002

 Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?
I felt an immediate connection with this piece, but at first I wasn't exactly sure why.  I liked how much i noticed the piece right away, even in a white room.  The shadows playing off the stairs and casting shadows on each lower step created an intriguing illusion that drew my eye around the piece.  It was easy to get lost in this piece and it made me want to know more about the artists goal.  How did she create such a large, yet balanced piece.  What was her inspiration? 

 
   
Teresita Fernandez
Mirror Canopy
Glass and silvering
2007

Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?
I instantly wanted to know more about this the second I saw it.  It didn't even know what I was looking at, at first.  This is a unique mix of media, and I was really drawn to that.  It was also such an organic, flowing shape that I wondered if it represented anything as a whole.  It reminded me of stars or a constellation.

   

Module Four - Art Making/Material Exploration #1: Exploring Value and The Subtractive Color Theory Blog

1. Discuss what you thought about creating the Value Scale and Color Wheel.
 These were good exercises and it was also nice to do something hands on.  I really liked that it was a nice intro.  I didn't feel overwhelmed with it due to a lack of experience with either medium so it was fun rather than stressful.

2. Which media did you enjoy working with the best and why?
I thought, initially, that I would enjoy working with the acrylics better.  I've recently been doing small paintings on my own time just to experiment and try something new but after the exercises I enjoyed the pencil work more.  I usually get very frustrated with that medium but this was just enough to help me hone my skills a bit without overwhelming me or frustrating me.

3. What was the most important discovery in the creation of these studies?
The pencil is build-able, layer upon layer, just like value.  These studies actually helped me understand subtractive color theory.  I read it a few times but this exercise put everything together for me.  Also, the comparison with the 10 square value study helped solidify everything we had been discussing.

4. What is the most important information you learned from watching the videos for this project? What is your opinion of the videos?
Personally, I learned the most from the value video.  I learned that patience (something I lack in pretty much every way unfortunately) is key but also watching someone else do this with small circular motions rather than the usual long straight markings i try to use makes everything blend much nicer and builds up color more evenly.  The videos went perfectly with each study.

Project #1: Elements and Principles of Art

http://s46.photobucket.com/user/Renderduselez665/library/Elements%20And%20Principles

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s46.photobucket.com/user/Renderduselez665/embed/slideshow/Elements%20And%20Principles"></iframe>

Elements:

1. Line
 The dark vein lines in this leaf draw your eye along its shape.  They also direct your eye to the contrast of the purple color of the leaf which isn't an often seen color.

2. Value
Our shadows demonstrate value. Our shadows are very dark in comparison to the grey hue of the wooden walkway.

3. Shapes
The shapes of each floor of this building are created by lines.  They form this organic kidney bean shape.

4. Forms
 Forms are 3D shapes with depth, width and height.  Here the water droplets are forming off of recently watered flower petals.

5. Space
Space is demonstrated here by this cactus. You can see the sharp edges of the tips of the cactus spikes and space also allows you to tell that each one is grouped with several others that grow out of the same space.

6. Color
The coloring on this flower is very unique.  The petals themselves use color to differentiate between the circle shapes of brown.  Color is also used to outline the brown spots on the leaves in yellow.

7. Texture
The surface quality of this leaf can be seen and felt.  It is rough and abrasive to the touch, which you can even tell from this photograph.

Principles:

1. Balance
Balance is created in this photo of a pathway next to the lake.  The lush greenery is split down the middle by the dirt walkway.  The colors here are all earthy greens and browns.  The textures are smooth leaves and lush foliage paired with spindly vines and sticks.  The balance here is left/right.

2. Contrast
The contrast in this piece is fairly obvious.  The ocean in contrast to the pier is one way; the soft ebb and flow of the water around the harsh wood of the pier.   There is also the contrast of the perspective.  You are looking out from a low point on the pier over the ocean to a man standing at another area of the pier, also looking out over the ocean.  The eye follows the beams of the pier that are evident in the left hand side of the photo out onto the area where the man stands overlooking the ocean, and out among the water.

3. Movement
This boardwalk among the swamps of Maine creates movement through the marshlands.  The contrast of the shadows between each plank and the recurring lines of the plank spaces draw your eye upward through the photo. From there the contrasting foliage draws your eye outward to the edges of the photo.

4. Emphasis
The emphasis here is on the spiraling nature of the leaf.  You can tell the plant is present in the background but the edge of the leaf in the foreground draws your eye into the center, where the leaf spirals in onto itself.   Even the color of the leaf leads the eye to that middle spiral.

5. Pattern
 Is the repetition of a shape, in this case a square.  Each space of the checker board is a repeated element as well as the shape of the board as a whole, itself.  The squares are also repeated in the shape of the tiles on the ground and draw your eye from the table down and outward.  I also think that the concentric circles of the table is another patter that helps to draw your eyes out from the checker board, as it is a more organic shape where a square has harsh corners.

6. Proportion
Proportion plays on the fact that things appear as they should.  In this case the skyscrapers are looming over the people on the walkways and the cars passing by, just as one would think.

7. Unity
There is a strong balance in this piece, with the subject (me!) breaking apart the photograph evenly.  The colors are all subdued and there is also an equal amount of the sky and ground.

Mod 3: Color Theory & Emotional Effects

1. Describe Color and it's effects on emotions. Use the appropriate vocabulary of color in your posting.

Color is a function of light.  Without it there can be no color.  Light absorbs or reflects colors so that we can perceive certain colors.  It is amazing how much of an effect on emotions color can have on us and it is also intriguing how much our culture and personal experience plays a role in that concept. Cool colors tend to have a calming effect on us; blues for example parallel colors found in the sky and ocean.  In the english language blue is linked to the emotion of sadness, where as in India blue is linked to the idea of order and stability due to their god Vishnu.  I think an example everyone can relate to is in school.  Classrooms are generally painted blues, greens, occasionally yellow.  These are meant to be uplifting, calming colors meant to be conducive to learning.  One would probably feel more comfortable and relaxed learning in a blue colored room than one that was fire engine red that may give them anxiety or one that was painted black that may seem depressing and dark.

2. What is a theoretical aspect of color that most intrigues/fascinates you? Why?

I'm very intrigued by the fact that hue, value and intensity are somewhat dependent on one another.  You can change one value while keeping the others fairly consistent and having a well versed knowledge of HVI allows for almost spot on manipulation of color.  As a former engineering student with a strong CAD background this knowledge helps when creating objects using 3D printing as well as creating duplicates of an already existing object.  For me this real world, technical approach to color is fascinating and actually helps me, not only in my art but my career as well. 

3. In the Color video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and it's effects on emotions?

As they were discussing the reflections of the buildings in the water and how the water morphed the color and created emotion, they passed underneath a walkway where the water was reflected up onto the bottom side of the walkway.  That really impacted me.  The reflection of the water had so much movement to it, and the colors of the water - emerald greens, blues, turquoise, swirled around on the stone of the walkway.  As the boat passed through, June Redfern mentioned that it makes you feel as if you're within one of the paintings.  I completely agree with her.  Such a bright, moving reflection in such a narrow dark space seems almost otherworldly.  It's so uplifting and brightens your mood instantly. Even to watch it in the video was breath taking, I could only imagine how it appears in real life.

4. In the Feelings video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and it's effects on emotions?

Art does what history textbooks can't do; it shows us what civilizations of the past yearned for.  There was a shift from art being a reflection of the divine and predominantly religious artwork to man expressing self.  For me, Giottos use of real art techniques to intensify religious stories was very interesting.  He utilized shading and soothing colors to depict images of the bible.  People could emotionally identify with the light surrounding christ, or the torture of him, depending on the piece.  His response to the rise of humanism also speaks to the idea that there is a level of divinity in all of us.  I like that he was one of the first to begin tying these elements together.

Mod 2: Video and CNN Article Review

1. For each video and article list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Aesthetics: Philosophy of the Arts (Video) -

This video offers insight to the interactions between artist, artwork and the audience.  Plato believes that art is a reflection of nature or something else. Aristotle defined beauty as a form of order, symmetry and definiteness which can be explained by mathematical science.  In pertinence to plays, the unity of action, time (not exceeding 24 hours) and place (the action of the play takes place in the same location). 

CARTA (Video) - 

This video is a collaboration between neurologist Vilayanur Ramachandran and neurobiologist Jean-Pierre Changeux and how neurobiology mediates our perception of creativity and aesthetics.  The brain creates these patterns and scaffolding and stores them in the long term memory, which helps us to build the framework for our creativity or a lens from which to reference new experiences.  The brain becomes very active when surprised.  After that moment passes and the brain becomes bored again, activity levels drop.  Artists aim to keep these levels up for as long as possible by creating multi-faceted works that have many sensory levels to them.  It is also important to differentiate how we perceive things.  Some things we perceive bottom up; realism, and mentally reverse engineering things versus top down; abstraction, uncovering new layers as we go.
There are 8 laws of art as well
1 - grouping ; this reinforcement is the source of the pleasant sensation
2 - peak shift principle; to capture the essence of something, an artist amplifies the differences of that object, or what makes it unique
3 - contrast; playing on the values of shadows and highlights and also eliminating redundant information and focusing attention
4 - isolation of a specific que to create attention; a black and white photograph of a child holding a balloon, but the balloon is still in color and is red. This prevents non-unique features from detracting from the image.
5 - perceptual problem solving; the brain "filling in the blanks"
6 - symmetry; aesthetically appealing
7 - abhorrence of unique vantage points; in a landscape image, the viewer will interpret an object in the foreground as obscuring an object in the background, rather than assuming that the background figure has a piece missing
8 - art as a metaphor; enables the viewer to highlight crucial aspects that the two objects share


What the brain draws form Art (Article) -

This article started out with the idea that art is a lie and artists use their art to lead us to the truth behind that lie.  It uses that concept as a springboard to relate our perception of art to how our brain processes the information we're taking in.  We can take the 2 dimensional and transform it into a multi-dimensional interpretation; our brain can "fill in the blanks" so to speak, and the artist can use that concept to lead us to the point they are attempting to make.  Artists can also utilize luminance and color because our brains compare activity in the cones of our eyes and can add them together as luminance, or how much light appears to pass through a given area.  Scientists have even come to get an understanding of why we like and enjoy art.  Distortion of certain things (the softness of a brush stroke, the harshness of a line, how symmetry tends to calm the brain) can create a certain resonance within our neurons that actually draws us in and allows us to enjoy the artwork.  There is now a field, called neuroesthetics, that studies why people appreciate art and music and, scientifically, what beauty is.  

2. Which philosopher's theroy on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention the philosphers name, era (time in history), and contribution to the aesthetic theory in your response.

I feel that Francis Hutcheson (1964 - 1746) had the most important impact on the theory of aesthetics.  During the 18th century he helped shift the idea of beauty and harmony as characteristics of the world, to those of personal experience.  He helped create and distinguish the difference between absolute beauty, that found in nature, and the relative beauty that is related to art.  The difference plays into the concept that art immitates life, life as the original and art as the interpreted copy.  I think his concept helped to define the vast spectrum of personal differences and experiences that allow each of us to interpret art slightly differently.  He gave levels to the thinking and feeling of art, where one representation can come in many forms and levels of iteself; one painting of a sunset could be more, less, etc than another.
 
3. What do you think about Changeux and Ramachandran scientific view of aesthetics and art? What was the most interesting fact you discovered from each speakers lecture? 

I really enjoyed the scientific approach to aesthetics and art.  They make many valid points and have the scientific data to prove it.  I personally liked the explanation of 8 laws of art.  They work as a unit to lead the viewer to the place that the artist intended, usually without even realizing it.  It's much how water follows the path of least resistance, when viewing art ones eye moves through a piece and takes information in, drawing a conclusion from it.

4. How do the videos and article relate to the readings in the text?

The theory of the first video help to solidify the concepts of chapter 3.  I like that it ties into the different references art can use.  When viewing older art it's good to know how people perceived beauty, as that changes aesthetic as well.  The second video gives a very good scientific representation of those same points, allowing fact to back up thought.  The article went into detail of how manipulating those things can allow you to create a desired effect or bring the viewer to a desired outcome.  Manipulating your art allows you to use your art as a tool and vessel for change.

5. What is your opinion of the films and article? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading in the text?

The films and article help give a real world aspect to what the textbook is referencing.  It is easier to understand and apply the sometimes methodical concepts of the textbook with real people, events, etc.  Learning the timeline of how aesthetics has changed into our perception of it present day was really helpful as well when looking at older art and being able to reference the views on beauty as well. I really appreciated that the article tied science into everything, because that adds another layer of validity and shows how life changing art is with solidified factual information.

The First Time...

My first blog post!!!

1. How was the process of creating the GMail account and setting up the Blog?
-It was pretty straight forward...apparently at some point back in 2011 I set this up and forgot it existed so it's kind of funny how thats' come full circle!

2. What do you expect to learn in this course?
-I want to learn to break down and take more from art, as opposed to looking at it, listening to it, experiencing it, and taking whatever comes to mind first.  I want to learn how to constructively deconstruct it and learn from it.

3. How do you feel about taking an online course?
-It's nice to be able to go at my own pace with things.  I actually find I learn, at times, much more thoroughly than I do in a classroom setting.