The "six degrees" of Art!

Questions and Topics for Your Blog Posting:
1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?

 Sculpture

1.       That every stone has a particular smell. Limestone forms at the bottom of the ocean.

2.        I did not know that sculptors actually recreate the originals when they restore them. I thought preservation methods were just applied rather than replacing it entirely.

3.       Elements to consider when sculpting are how resistant the material will be, if it will be indoors or outdoors, and if a continuous flow of water will be passing it such as a fountain.

4.       Inspiration begins in clay, then plaster, and then finally in marble... understanding that it may vary from sculptor to sculptor, that is how different models can be formed before the final product.

5.       An interesting concept is that sculptors like to take the position of their work themselves to get a better sense of the shape that they are trying to portray

6.       Filing is used to give a final smooth finish.

7.       Sculptors may choose to leave a rough part of the original marble attached to the final product of their piece to show the evolution of their work and that a figure so realistic was at one point a much like a large block.

Glass and Ceramics

1.       Glass is made from sand and sand isn’t a solid but is actually a liquid that hardens when cooled.

2.       During the process of molding glass, it’s reheated several times, which allows it to withstand temperature changes for later on uses.

3.       Sketches are made to initiate the process of making a stained glass window. From there a “puzzle” of designed pieces is put together for later installation.

4.       Ceramics have a clay base, raw materials, and water.

5.       The use of the clay will determine the next step of the production and “firing” it will complete the process.

6.       Glazing ceramics water proofs a piece and gives it the shine we’re so familiar with.

7.       Glazing is also what gives ceramics color.

8.       Fine ceramics that are developed through advanced technology are used for medical procedures.

Installation Art

1.       It’s when 3D artwork takes over a particular space.

2.       “Anything could be art as long as it were legitimized”

3.       The whole environment can be art rather than a specific space such as a canvas.

4.       They are hard to recreate and/or sell because in many instances they are specifically designed for a given space, not easily disassembled and expensive to transport.

5.       Is ever expanding due to an increase in demand and the broad definition of “individual experience.”

The videos absolutely relate to the text as far as being informative but I’m more of a visual thinker so the videos helped to understand the information better. It’s always interesting to see the start to finish of things that we see on a daily basis. It allows me to appreciate objects more that I would normally take for granted. It’s also interesting to learn more about foreign places and the videos we watch are usually focused on other ethnicities and locations all over the world.

The creation of sculptures is a lot more complex than I originally envisioned. I thought that a sculptor chose the material they wished to use and then chipped away at it until they felt it was complete. I had no idea it takes approximately five to seven different people per sculpture to complete a piece because each one specializes in the different parts such as the face, drapery, or detailing. In addition to that there are multiple “copies” constructed taking on the role of models before the final masterpiece is completed. This not only includes technique but sculptors even seek out the material they work with.  I assumed there was a craft store of some essence that you can almost just order specific stones out of a catalog. I had no idea they actually travel throughout the world to find marble, limestone, and other stone that works well for sculptures. 

Glass is constructed by heating sand to its liquid state and then after reheating several times, the glass maker is able to shape using molds and a rod that they blow into, causing it to expand. Stained glass is commonly done using lead paint that allows an artist to add shape and color to it almost as if it were a stencil. Ceramics are constructed in a much different manner. Clay is mixed with other elements determined by what it will be used for and then either molded free hand or poured into a mold to develop a specific piece such as a sink. Once molded, it can be fired or glazed and then fired at a very extreme temperature in a machine known as a “kiln”. After the ceramics cool they are ready to be dispersed.

Installation art is a much more difficult term to define because the artist is not limited to any one place, material, or utensil. It’s turning an object or place into art by conceptualizing it. It can be a room, a building, a video, or a window. For example, the use of scrap metal placed in a visionary manner for display could be used to signify installation art. Just a bicycle wheel, as shown in the video, was on display in a museum.

"Day" at the Museum

A.)

Yves Tanguy, “Indefinite Divisibility”, 1942.

Oil on canvas. 101.6 x 88.9 cm (40 x 35 in)

This artwork made an impression on me because it reminded me of Salvador Dali’s, “Clocks Melting Clocks”. Dali’s work made a lasting impression on me in high school and from the moment I stepped in front of Yves’ work, I was reminded of it instantly. I don’t know if it’s the emptiness of the back round or the use of objects that are placed out of their norm, or the fact that the objects used in both are not ordinary regardless of where they’re placed. It’s complex and almost a combination of eeriness and science. – Very enjoyable.

      Storm Tharp, “Miss Cloud”, 2009.

      Ink, gouache, colored pencil, graphite, charcoal, and fabric dye on paper.

      42 X 58 inches

“Miss Cloud” was one of the first series of artwork I walked by that I found myself immediately walking backward to take a double look. Before reading the name of the artwork, I had considered this woman being a powerful figure. She’s wearing fur around her neck, she has an over the top hair style that woman of stature have been known for having, and without even considering her smile, she seemed very eloquent. Assuming her hair is the “cloud”, I went from thinking that it almost looks like there was an ink explosion on paper that the artist chose to work with and I wasn’t sure that I neither understood nor liked it. Then, when I went home it was one of the handful of artworks that I could recall clearly without looking back at the notes and photographs I had taken. Therefore, I know it left an impression on me.

      Karin Davie, “Dangerous Curves”, 2002.

      Oil on canvas. 84x108 inches

Modern art marvels me. As a child, I used to be obsessed with books using illustrations of curves, spirals, and repetitious designs that actually created images when you focused in on them close enough and slowly backed away from. This style amazes me. It almost appears to be computer generated and because it’s actually the use of oil paint, I’m very impressed.

B.)

       Georges Seurat, “Study for Le Chahut”, 1889.

Oil on canvas. 24x36inches

I just went through the book looking for the painting that reminded me of this one and it’s the same artist! Hahaha. I should be saying, “I can believe it”, because it’s a unique style but I’m a little shocked right now. The painting I’m referring to is, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.” Just as I’ve discussed in a previous assignment about how remarkable the detail is, I relived that feeling viewing this piece. The book was correct in saying that seeing paintings in person makes a world a difference. This painting also made me think of the play, “Wicked”, I’ve recently seen. Not because of the dancers obviously, but because of the orchestra located in the bottom left of the work. During the play I spent a great deal of time watching how the music all comes together and unfortunately the actors get most of the credit rather than the one man in particular that I watched play four different instruments one after another with absolutely no real break. This painting is a lot like that. From afar everything appears as one. It’s only when you look at it closer that you realize the time, detail and strategic placement of each colored dot to make it a masterpiece. I LOVE IT! 

Andre Derain, “The Trees”, 1906

Oil on canvas. 23 3/8x28 1/2 23

I felt an immediate connection with this artwork because it reminds me of the backyard of my home I grew up in. In the back of the house is a huge picture window that looks out at the backyard that’s filled with trees. The hedgerow was built up with trees and bushes that you could barely see through and between the house and hedgerow was a much more scattered array of trees that were so tall I could barely see where the branches started. The coloring even makes sense because as the sun would set it seeped through all the trees sending off the most beautiful set of golden tones that would fill the backyard almost as if there was water reflecting the beams of light against their bark. The only thing throwing it off is the mountain in the back. If it were replaced with an open cornfield it would be almost too familiar.

Jehan Georges Vibert, “The Marvelous Sauce”, 1890.

Oil on wood panel. 25 x 32 inches

I feel a connection to this piece simply because I grew up with an extremely Italian family and sauce was and still is a huge part of what’s on the dinner menu.

Every Sunday, as a family tradition, four o’clock means sauce at my parent’s house. Prior to actually dishing it out we all walk by with the wooden stirrer, tasting the sauce just as these two men are exhibiting. The only thing missing is my dad in the back round tampering with it by adding extra ingredients to my mother’s recipe.

C.)

Chaim Soutine, “Carcass of Beef”, 1925.

      Oil on canvas.  138 x 108cm

From four artworks away I spotted this piece and already found myself asking, “what the heck is that?” The title says it all; it’s a carcass of beef, but why? What was the artist trying to convey by choosing an animal carcass as their focus? The use of dark colors and heavy strokes suggests it not to be humorous but instead dark and depressing. The bottom almost looks like someone or something has started to eat it or at least pick at it. I would like to know more so that I could appreciate it rather than thinking it belongs to a butcher.

   

       Laurie Simmons, “Magnum Opus II (the Bye-Bye), 1991.

      Gelatin silver print, edition 1/5. h: 54 x w: 95 in / h: 137.2 x w: 241.3 cm

I’m reminded of the movie “Toy Story” when Andy’s disturbed neighbor takes his toys and attached them to body parts of his little sister’s barbies. Because it’s and animated and funny movie I quickly laughed but then I got to thinking more about what Laurie Simmons was trying to portray. Each object appears to have legs so my question would be why did she choose the objects she did to attach to the legs? Why are some of them walking while others are sitting? Is there a connection to technology because of the camera and the telescope? Or is there a connection to science? Are they walking toward a destiny or their maker? Does the reflection of them play a more important role than just simply capturing that they have a reflection? Does their reflection make them human?

     

James Rosenquist, “Nomad”, 1963.

      Oil on canvas, plastic, and wood. 7 ft. 6 in. x 11 ft. x 2 ft. 1 in.

The fact that the artist chose to use three-dimensional object along with his painting left me wanting to know more right away. Does it signify a billboard? The bag hanging off the top appears to have all the colors that combine to make light dripping down the sides. Is that used to show that all those colors can be used to create something brilliant such as this work? Why the use of such a random assortment of objects? Is there an actual photograph that lies directly below the microphone head? What does “oxy” eventually spell out? Oxygen? Then, if yes, are all the objects supposed to symbolize both positive and negative impacts on our atmosphere because there’s a cell phone, pasta, an open area with grass, possible a plastic bottle, and legs representing dancing which possibly is used to show extracurricular activities? – An excellent conversation piece.

     

Me to a "T"

1.       Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

Creating my logo was a lot of fun. I had so many ideas I was actually having a hard time capping it off. I carried my sketches around for a week asking friends and family which one they felt represented me the most and yet the responses were all mixed. The results actually did not disappoint me though because it only meant I did a pretty good job at creating a logo that suits me well.

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

The first sketch I made was of the word “happy”, using letters shaped like puzzles because putting puzzles together is my number one hobby. I later felt the letters looked more like “Legos” and I wouldn’t get my point across. I then created three more sketches using the letters in my name to represent three separate themes. The first one was weather related objects because I’ve always wanted to be a meteorologist, followed by a sports theme, and finally a holiday theme sketch because I love, love, love every holiday and the activities that follow. My final idea was to use another uplifting word that symbolizes the optimism that I try to have throughout life. I chose the word, “Joy” and made the letters out of flowers, another personal favorite.

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

The most important discovery I had was that it’s amazing where a little creativity can take you. I often enjoy drawing but the hardest part for me is what to actually draw. This class opens my eyes to different and exciting things that I normally would not stumble upon otherwise.

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

I learned that a logo is not only about the image, but that designers have to take into account the many materials that it will be used on whether it be plastic, clothing or metal. I though both videos could have been more exciting had they used an example of a company that was more familiar to our generation. For example, it would have been interesting to hear how the “Nike” symbol came about or how and why the Buffalo Sabres logo has changed over the years.

Below are links to my sketches along with my final logo created to symbolize me! :)

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0454.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0455.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0456.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0458.jpg

Thanks, Jess!!

Who knew!?!?!

1. The Value Scale was more difficult to recreate than I thought because each shade is very similar, it just obviously gets lighter as you go along. I was using the book as a guide and a couple of them were so similar I don’t think I would be able to differentiate them had I not known which was the darker of the two. The process reminded me of picking out paint swatches. The color wheel wasn’t so bad, but I’m glad there was a video because the book initially confused me.

2. Working with the acrylic paint was the most enjoyable media. I actually was trying to think of what to paint next as I had everything out. Before I began this project, I brought out all my old artwork from high school and there were quite a few assignments using acrylic paint. Ironically, all of them were my favorite pieces I had worked on. I find it much easier to use than oil paint.

3. It took me three tries to complete the Value Scale. My first two attempts were with charcoal and boy what an experience that was. I’m left handed and I massacred the work. The entire paper was one big smudge. My third and final attempt was with pencil and it went much smoother! I discovered to either work right to left or avoid using charcoal all together.

4.The most important information I learned from the video, was the whole video! I had no idea that our primary colors were not yellow, blue and red. Therefore, I was unaware of the true secondary colors as well. As I previously mentioned, I brought out my old art work. Included within the pile was a color wheel I made in 10th grade. It was done in the exact manner that the video had shown not too. I just thought it was pretty interesting especially that the colors produce brown when mixed together instead of black that's produced my mixing cyan, magenta and yellow. I thought the video cut to the point and I'm glad it went step by step because I always like reassurance to make sure I'm doing things properly.


Below are links to view both my Value Scale and my Color Wheel! I hope you enjoy :), Jessica.
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0450.jpg
http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/IMG_0440.jpg

Channeling my inner art'ist

My day began in search of objects that would best suit the fifteen elements of art! It's funny how easy it is to pick up on characteristics when you're conscious of looking for something. It reminded me of when someone talks of a movie or a particular vehicle and then in the next week it comes on seven times or you drive by 100 of them. The most aggravating part was that once I was able to upload them on to my computer I realize that for the first time ever my camera had the date displayed at the bottom right hand corner for each one. The past three hours have been spent cutting and pasting the surrounding area to try to remove anyone from knowing it used to be there! Haha what an evening. My process was very simple. I made a list of each of the elements and went in order until I feel I found a nice variety to represent the elements. Did I mention I had a blast in doing so!! :)
1. Color is a function of light, without which it cannot be seen. What we see as color is light reflected off of a surface that absorbs all of the other colors of light aside from the one that we perceive. 
 2. The theoretical aspect of color that most intrigues/fascinates me is the whimsical feeling it creates. The idea of cool versus warm colors, how colors across for each other on the color wheel have in time been shown to compliment one another, and the fact that people actually pay money to be told what color they look nice in.
Both of the videos did not work for me. They've been skipping too much for me to make out a word and unfortunately I've taken up to much time today focusing on the photographs I took :(  I don't know what else to do. It's not a matter of me not have the correct system to run it on. I've tried three different computers and I have run out of time and options. I apologize. I hope you find the pictures pleasing.

http://s1140.photobucket.com/albums/n563/marchetti7588/?action=view&current=2a44edcb.pbw

Brain for arts or smarts?

1. Baumgarten- 18^th Century

I feel that Baumgarten’s theory on aesthetics made the most sense. Granted they all had solid points but his ideas offered little controversy to them unlike those of Aristotle and Plato. What I mean is that, Aristotle and Plato are unanimously known for their take on philosophy and yet they both offer completely opposite views on what aesthetics and art actually are. After understanding the textbook definition of aesthetics it is only fair to assume that there is no right or wrong to what someone believes is beautiful. Our senses allow us to determine what we see, feel, smell, hear and our imagination determines how we choose to interpret it. These are all things that Baumgarten philosophized. “Judgment of beauty is not rule bound nor wrong”.

2. Changeux broke down aesthetics by analyzing how the brain works. Because visual art is based on nonverbal communication we must first look at which of our senses signals which part of our brain. Only then can we begin to understand the “beauty” of aesthetics and what makes art to pleasing to us as individuals.

3. Ramachandran also explained aesthetics by analyzing how our brain interprets the images we see but he did it on a level that allowed for a simpler everyday understanding. He also included eight rules of art. Some of which included grouping images to differentiate items from other items and how the contrast of colors and shading affects the way we view images.

4. One fact that stood out to be the most interesting to me was the explanation for why artists have a tendency to distort images such as the sculpture Ramachandran used during his example. The breasts and hips were too big and the waist was too small. This is because our brain enjoys objects that are more pleasing to the eye. We also are creatures that get bored easily as Changuex illustrates. Once that occurs we lose interest and less signals fire. If we continuously saw a painting of the same generic woman we would be disinterested.

5. My opinion was that the film, “Aesthetics: The Philosophy of Art”, offered a tremendous amount of knowledge throughout the history of art. I enjoyed hearing how a single concept evolved over time. My only complaint was the lack of a table of contents. I felt like I was going into it blindsided and as I was trying to write down key elements of each philosopher’s theory I had to keep back tracking to make sure I caught the right name and right era.

For the second film, I thought that Changeux was hard to hear and very dry. A lot of what he said I was not familiar with and therefore had a hard time understanding him all the more. After hearing Ramachandran speak he actually brought much of what Changeux said and made it make more sense. I also enjoyed his analogies and the way he tied science in with art.

Expressing oursleves through Art

The hardest part when creating a GMail account was reading the word provided to make sure that I was in fact a human. Other than that, I'm now on board! Setting up a Blog was even easier. I'm excited to learn more about something that so many people are a part of.

I expect to learn about the history of art and how it has influenced different society's over time. In addition to that, I'm interested in finding out the art work we will have to develop and then upload for others to see.

Online courses are difficult to get accustomed to at first but I'm hoping once I "settle" in, it won't be so bad.

Here's to "Living With Art"!!

Jessica