Art Making/Material Exploration: Exploring Line

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

I enjoyed using my hands as the subject matter for this drawing. It was kind of hard because I had to really pay attention to the way my hands were shaped.

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

I chose to use pencil because it was easier to control, made cleaner lines, and was less messy.

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

It was considerably harder to draw with my left hand rather than my right. I had less control of line movements and my drawing was less steady.

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

I think my drawing of my left hand by my right hand (non-dominant drawn by dominant) ended up pretty successful. My other drawing, drawn with my left hand, was not as successful, but it is still recognizable as a hand.

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

Probably not, it is too difficult to control my movements.

Drawn by dominant hand

Drawn by non-dominant hand

 

Video Review: "Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master" and "Velazquez"

1.     Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.                                                                                          The two videos I chose were “Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master” and “Velazquez.” I chose these videos because they featured two lesser known renaissance artists they I did not know very much about. Also, I liked that the two artists these videos focused on were not Italian, in school they mostly focus on the Italian Renaissance masters; it was nice to get another perspective.

2.     For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.                        In the “Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master” video I learned about the German renaissance artist Albrecht Durer. He was responsible for bringing the art ideals of the Italian Renaissance to Germany; he is also famous for his landscape painting and his woodcut prints. In the “Velazquez” video I learned about the famous Spanish renaissance artist Velazquez. He chronicled events in the life of his friend, the king of Spain during that time, Phillip IV. He is considered one of the greatest artists Spain has ever produced.

3.     How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?                                  The videos tie into the textbook readings because they too talk about European Renaissance artists and the ways Western art profoundly changed during this time period.

4.     What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?                                          I enjoyed both videos. I liked that they focused on renaissance artists outside of Italy and that they introduced me to two more really amazing artists and their works.        

Video Review: “How Art Made The World - More Human Than Human” and “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC”

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

The film I chose was “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC.” I chose this film because I have always had an interest in Greek culture and art, plus I was already somewhat familiar with the subject matter. I had previously heard of the Greek revolution in art, when they stopped copying the Egyptian style and created their own, more realistic style.

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

In the “How Art Made The World - More Human Than Human” video I learned about the history of humans creating images of the human body. I learned that we tend to make unrealistic images of the human body, what this reveals about human nature and human societies, and about the neuroscience behind our preferences. In the “The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC” I learned about the Greek revolution in art, how they switched from stylized portrayals of the human body to a more realistic style.

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

These videos tie into the textbook readings because they also explore the history of art from ancient civilization such as Egypt and Greece, and the earliest artistic endeavors by prehistoric peoples, an example of that being the famous Venus of Willendorf. They also both explore what these findings and history reveal about human nature as a whole.

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

I enjoyed both of these films. I found both of them fascinating as an exploration into why humans portray the human body as we do, and why our portrayals can vary so greatly from culture to culture.  

Video Review: “Architecture: The Science of Design” and “Prairie Style”

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

The key concepts I learned in the “Architecture: The Science of Design” video was the scientific basis behind architectural choices, such as the properties of concrete that make it the building material of choice. I also learned about early Smart-home technology. In the “Prairie Style” video I learned about American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and how he revolutionized the way Americans built homes by introducing the prairie style house, which featured innovations like open floor plans.


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

The videos relate to the readings in the text because they offer examples, visualizations, and practical applications of the people, concepts, and ideas discussed in the chapter, such as load-bearing construction and the Frank Lloyd Wright.


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

I enjoyed both videos. I found them informative and interesting. They added to my understanding of architecture because they showed and explained to me all the factors that go into architectural decisions, and how architecture can completely revolutionize the way we live.


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

I chose the films that I watched because they seemed the most interesting

Ceramics, Glass, and Stones: Video Review

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

The keys concepts I learned in the videos were the work and craftsmanship that goes into creating a sculpture or piece of glass (from the type of stone/sand used to the various tools used), as well as the scientific properties of glass making and its history.

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

The videos gives us the reality, the step by step process, of the ideas/concepts/etc. discussed in the textbook. They show us what these steps actually look like and how complex the process can be.

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

I think the videos are wonderful ways to actually show what the topics discussed in the text, sculpture, installation, and craft, look like in the real world, in the hands of actual artists and craftsman.  

Peer Review

http://fainquiry.blogspot.com/

http://bryannagraham.blogspot.com/

1. 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?

For the most part I agreed with the element or principle the artists listed for their images. The only one that sort of confused me was the "emphasis" image on Bryanna's blog.

2. 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?

Both Bryanna and Monica chose works that I had also chosen. Monica chose "Child's Blue Wall" for much the same reason I did; it is a very nostalgic piece. Bryanna chose "Fear of the Night" and "Scrambled or Fried" for similar reasons that I did as well.

3. 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?

One of the painting Monica chose, "The Voice of Space" caught my interest. I feel a connection to it because of its sci-fi elements, which is my favorite genre to read and also to write. I would like to know more about who the painter who created it.

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

I thought it was fun to look at everyone else's work. It was valuable in my learning because it made me reflect on my own choices.

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

I enjoyed reading the comments I received. They made me feel good about my choices.

Albright Knox: Gallery Visit 1

Helen Frankenthaler, Round Trip, 1957, Oil on Canvas

Jimmy Ernst, The Chant, 1955, Oil on Canvas

A) Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

These two pieces made an impression on me for the same reasons, but opposite ends of the spectrum. Frankenthaler's Round Trip drew my attention of it's vibrant colors are organically shaped figures. On the other hand Ernst's The Chant made an impact through monochromatic, black-on-black color scheme and stark, geometric lines.

Jim Dine, Child's Blue Wall, 1962, Oil on Canvas, Wood, Metal, and Light Bulb

Afro, La Paura del buio (Fear of the Night), 1952, Oil on Canvas

B) Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

Dine's Child's Blue Wall connects me to my childhood. Although I did not have wall paper in my childhood room exactly like those blues stars, looking at the work still made feel nostalgic for the carefree days when I was a kid. Afro's Fear of the Night connected with me with the present rather than the past. To me some of the figures in the painting look like street lights, which make me think back to times where I've walked alone on city streets at night; it certainly can be a fearful situation.

Marc Chagall, The Flying Fish, 1948, Oil on Canvas

Scrambled or Fried, 2008, Chewing Gum and Chewing Gum Wrappers on Canvas with Artists Frame

C) Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

I would like to know why Chagall put the fish in his painting. What's its significance?

I would also like to know why the artist of Scrambled or Fried chose such an unusual medium for this piece. Why chewing gum?

Books and Quills and Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I thought it was fun to create my logo, although it took me awhile to come up with a concept and a design. I ended up choosing a quill and book because I’m studying to become an English teacher, I love to read, and am also writer (mostly fantasy and sci-fi). Those things are important to me and I wanted to pick a logo that would sort of give nod to all those aspects of myself.

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

The first thing I did, after watching the videos and reading the pdf article, was sit down and brainstorm ideas. I knew I couldn’t make a logo that would capture every aspect of myself or my life, but I could pick out one or two related things and try to capture those. I already explained why I ultimately chose a quill and book. I then started drawing. I knew I wanted the logo to be kind of large, so I drew the quill rather large as a starting point. Then, I sketched the book underneath; the pages looked kind of bare, so I added some squiggly lines as writing. I chose to color the logo in mostly brown, red, and yellow because it’s autumn and I love warm, autumn colors.

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?                                
It’s really had to design an image that captures the whole essence of something/someone. That is why I had to settle for capturing only a part of who I am. I admire professional graphic designers who are able to design logos that encapsulate an entire company’s essence.

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?                  

I enjoyed watching the videos; they were very informative and offered a new perspective to me. I have a cousin that works in graphic design/advertising and now I have a better understanding of what exactly he does every day. The videos and the reading gave me a better understanding of the importance of symbols/logos/etc. and how difficult it can be to create them.

Sketch 1

Sketch 2

Sketch 3

Final Logo