LAST POST FOR AED

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

My expectations were certainly met. I was expecting to learn more about the proper terms and vocabulary used and also about artists. I have learned so much in this course and had a blast doing it!

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

Art is a way to express something, either from yourself or for someone else. Art had a living element to it and can touch people in personal ways that may not be the same for everyone and thats okay. Its about how the piece makes you 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?

 In my riginal posting I did not have a favorite artist and I think my favorite now would be Andy Warhol because some of his work seems very thought out but honestly just him as a person is fasciniting to me. Why he did what he did and his art work through that is fascinating. 

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 had taken online classes before so it was not a complete shocker but it defnintely helped reinforce my postive opinion about online classes. I hae had classes online where the instructor doesnt answer emails and thats unfair considering then there is almost no way to communicate so I was very pleased with this class. 

SELF PORTRAIT PROJECT 

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?
    I selected these pieces because of the way they incorporated color into their pieces. There was more dimension to them because of the use of color and it made it more interesting. It also made it more realistic.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
    I chose pencil and pieces of magazines to form a collage. I chose these two mediums because of the juxtapostition they have together. I have done some other art pieces with collage because I like the way you can create an image from pieces of others. 

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?
    I found it challenging to accurately depict myself. It's hard to look at myself objectively and trust what I was seeing. We all think we look one way in our mind but I think the world sees us differently. I have done drawings of faces before but they tend to look the same and it was hard to get out of that groove. 

4. How does this piece represent you?
    I think this piece represents me because half of the face is covered, I am still finding myself and so the magazine pieces reflect that. There is still more of me to be uncovered and more of myself to learn about. The half of my face that is exposed represents the parts of myself I have unveiled. 

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?
   I used line in my drawing to create my face, I outlined my hair, eyes, nose, lips and neck. I used emphasis by leaving the side of my face that was exposed simple and creating the colored side more contrasted. 
 
6. Did you enjoy working on this project?
    I did enjoy this project, it was difficult but I enjoyed the challenge. Its hard to see yourself truly and accurately show it but so many people can do it so it's possible! 

7. What do you think of your final artwork?
    I honestly don't love it, I don't think it really looks like me. I think with more practice I would be able to accurately depict myself but as of now I don't think I can. It was fun to try though!


IMAGES:

Project 4:

Art Curation

For this project I chose Love as my theme. I think the hardest part was choosing a theme. Finding the images was not as hard because art should speak to you. Once you see it, there is just a feeling you get. Figuring out what those feelings are and how to get them into words may be trickier but finding the right pieces of art for this project was my favorite part. 

I started with choosing my theme. I thought about it for a while and had other options but I chose love because it I believe everyone can relate to that. I took me while to find the images because I did not want to stop looking. I had collected so many and when I realized how much time I had gone through just looking at more and more images I had to stop and get on with the project!

All in all I really enjoyed this project and it watching the videos really helped me put this project together and gain a new perspective on art curating. 

MODULE 13-14
VIDEO REVIEW

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
VIDEO ONE: The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art. 
     I grew up on the west coast, in Southern California, and growing up in that culture exposed me to a lot of this kind of pop art or "Lowbrow" art. To be very honest, it is not my favorite type of art. I can respect it but I wouldn't say I particularly like this kind of art. I learned a lot from the video still. The first was that the many artists in this field each have their own different opinion of the term "Lowbrow" describing their art work; some love it and some do not like it at all. I found that interesting because it seemed like the ones who did not like the term felt it was in a way disrespectful of their art and the ones who liked the term just seemed to embrace it and its connotations. I learned that a lot of the influence of this kind of art came from the culture and lifestyle of thee 50's 60's and 70's- post WWII era, cartoons, movies, cars, comics, and the Indonesian culture. Another thing I found interesting was that there is always a narrative to the pieces, its not just a stand still piece, there is a story happening and movement.
VIDEO TWO: Tate Modern 
     I liked these videos because of how crazy and interesting the gallery is! I liked how they took an old building an utilized it and made it into something that everyone from around the world can enjoy. I like that the gallery is interactive to the public instead of being "normal" or original. It is a conceptual array of interpretative and modern pieces that form a very unique and interesting gallery. Someone in the video said it was a, "Make you think theme park" and I find that to be my favorite sort of gallery. I like that many people will see it differently and in their own way, as in it will have different meaning for everyone and touch everyone's mind differently. 
VIDEO THREE: An Acquiring Mind 
     I enjoyed this video because I have never been to the Met but have always wanted to and now when I do go it will be with new eyes and more background information on what goes on behind the scenes. "The museum is never finished", was a line I really liked form this video. That makes the museum feel alive because it is ever changing and growing. The met represents many different cultures from around the world and many eras of time. It is not just a still. boring room filled with stuff someone found interesting; it is an ever changing, alive, representative force that has been carefully contained and authenticated by many sources. They have board meetings and dry runs when deciding what is to go into the exhibitions. They have very rigorous screening of the pieces that have been located, authenticated and curated and then enjoyed. 

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
I thought these videos were very related to the project because they either provided the background of how a "proper" museum is produced to the public friendly to reminding me to be open to all works even though they may not be my favorite. The last I fount most important. I am a person with very strong opinions about many things. There is a lot of art I love for various reasons and there is only a small amount of art I do not really like but it is important to keep objective opinions aside sometimes to give some art the respect it deserves. 

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 really enjoyed the films, they each gave me something different and added something different to my understanding and opinions. They really did help me with this project and I am glad I watched them!

MODULE 12:  Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the two videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose the videos Andy Warhol:Images of an Image and Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces for my two videos to watch because I was interested in learning more about Andy Warhol and the the video about Isamu Noguchi seemed like it would be on the other side of that scale... and it was. I was very happy with the two videos I was able to watch for this Module.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Video One: In the Andy Warhol video I learned about the silk screening he used for his work and why he used it. It was interesting to learn that he wanted to make more money and that silk screening was a way in which his art could be reproduced easily and quickly. The deeper look into what his pieces like Ten Lizes and the repetitive art pieces he would make stood for. The radical criticism of society. I'm curious to know if that is what it was really for considering he was obsessed with making more money. 

Video Two: I loved this video. It was vastly different from what I was expecting and from the first video I watched. I actually wish I could have met Isamu Noguchi, he is so interesting and so incredibly talented. His visions of land sculptures and taking things to new levels that were not being created yet is amazing. His childhood was interesting, never feeling like he fit anywhere I think is something that a lot of people can relate to. "Imperfection is better than perfection" (Isamu Noguchi) this touched me. I loved that he was so connected with nature and wanted to pass that on to people and create something for people to use. 

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
I thought that the videos related very well to the text but I liked that the videos were able to have actual footage of both men, to get a better sense of them as people. Especially the second video, I felt a real connection to it and the message I think he was trying to convey.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I loved these videos. I have a much better understanding of Andy Warhol and pop art as well as land art and sculpture created by Isamu Noguchi. I would love to study further into both these artists and their creations. 

MODULE ELEVEN- ART GALLERY VISIT

{A}

Step 1: The Exhibition

1. What is the title of the exhibit?

    European Art 1860-1950

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

    The themes through out these pieces are that they were created between the same time frame. 

Step 2: The Gallery 

1. What type of lighting is used?

    There were over head lighting.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

    The same color was used through out the exhibit, it was a mustard yellow hue. There was a thick, white             baseboard running around the base of the walls as well. 

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?

    The walls are probably plaster with paint over, the ceiling is high vaulted with sponged plaster.

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

    There is a lot of open space in this exhibit to give the viewer ample room to move through the sculptures in         the middle of the room. The outer walls hold the paintings.

Step 3: The Artwork

1. How are the artworks organized?

    They are organized by date.

2. How are the artworks similar?

     They are similar because of the time they were created in, so they also share some similar landscape, features, clothing      on people and style.

3. How are the artworks different?

     They are different because they do not look exactly alike in color, style or size. Many use different mediums and size        canvases. 

4. How are the artworks framed?

    Some of them are framed in sturdy frames encircling the artwork, two were not framed and were mounted on       a separate board. The sculptures were not framed. 

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

    They are identified with the place to the right of the art or underneath. They are labeled by the title, artist and time, and     medium.

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

    They were spread pretty evenly apart, average was about a foot in between each, depending on the length of       the wall. 

{B}

 

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.?

I really enjoyed looking at this exhibit in a different way. I had not done that before and it was a new experience to look at the space, lighting and color of the entire room. I had noticed the "flow" of an exhibit before but I ad not done so right away with this one. All of those elements make a difference in the way the art is viewed and  viewing it that way, the space as a whole with all its details, is very interesting. 

Module Eleven

Video Blog

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I selected these two videos because I was interested in learning more about each of the topics more in depth, The videos, for me, help to understand the feelings and meaning behind the style and eices of work from each style. Cubism and Expressionism seemed like they would be totally different, however; they intertwine and share the same road at some points.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Video #1 Expressionism- I thought the key points were that each artist had their own way of using expressionism and in turn expressing their thoughts and emotions. Through the use of the elements and principles of art like line, color, form, texture and shapes and other elements like perspective the artist can express feelings, emotions and convey ideas. 
Video #2 The Impact of Cubism- I enjoyed the cubism video the most because I felt like it covered a lot of different artists and their journey to cubism and through it. The abstract use actually having an analytical and purposeful objective to convey a meaning and mood was fascinating.  There were many different versions of cubism as each artist is different, so it was interesting to see the way each used the style to express different views. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I really liked the films and thought they were full of interesting facts and ideas. I though they both expressed many different artists experience and journey through their art and why they chose to use that style. 

Module Ten

Mask Making 

1.  
I selected these images because I felt a connection to them. I lied the way the artist of these masks used the principles and elements in their work.

2. In the first image there are elements of line seen in the golden/ bronze head piece. We also see value in the mask created from the form of the mask. We see shape in the form of circles and ovals in the mask in the eyes, head piece and on the face. We see two colors in this mask, the face is dark turquoise and the headpiece and earnings are gold. Balance is represented in the headpiece as well as balance in the details of the head piece that are equally distributed.

In the second image we see line represented on the mask around the eyes and the cheeks. There is form shown by the raising of the eyes, mouth and nose of the mask. There is the appearance of texture in this mask and the white dots show movement on the face as well as balance and pattern.

In the third image we see line all through out the headpiece and necklace. There are shapes on this mask in the form of circles, squares and rectangles. Form is shown by the necklace being further back and the eyes, nose and headpiece being 3-D. Color is represented by the jewels and the main color of the mask is gold. Balance is shown by the symmetrical nature of the mask as well as balance.

3. 

4. In the mask I created I used Line on the face, jewels and headpiece on the mask. I used shape in the jewels hanging from the headpiece and and the necklace. I used a lot of color in this mask so it would be bright (although I did not account for the difference in color on the surface I used). I used the texture of the paper and strokes of the color to get away from a plain looking mask. I wanted this mask to be balance and made it as symmetrical as I could to gain balance. I used pattern in the necklace, face and head piece to create movement on the mask.

5. I enjoyed making this mask but next time I do I think I'm going to get more supplies to make it more like a mask. I enjoyed making it from the images I was inspired by because to be honest I was a little stuck on how to start without the inspiration.

Module Ten
Video Reviews

1. I chose these two videos, Islamic Art: Africa and Central Asia and Buddhism, because I thought they were going to be very different from each other. And I was right! I enjoyed that they were not the same topic and they were so different from each other.

2. Video #1 Islamic Art: Africa and Central Asia- I liked this video, it was very interesting. The first city he was famous for its shadows and is said to be haunted as an oasis. The domes through Timorid were so beautiful. All of the tiles and intricate placing really was a symbolic gesture seen through the desert. I thought it was interesting that the speaker referred to them lighthouses because the buildings are all brown where the domes are turquoise and show hope and life.  The domes made by the Ottomons in Turkey were also very beautiful and so detailed. I thought these temples and mosks were my favorite because of all the detailed tiles and bold jewels and colors. I also thought the red coloring in the tiles was fascitinating because it hasn't been reproduced, and today they don't know what it was made from.
Video #2 Buddhism- I was rally glad I picked this video because of all the interesting fatcts about this way of life. I thought it was interesting that the speaker, a couple times, mentioned that it was sort of a paradox that this religion or way of life was founded on having your own journey, love, kindness, but that there was a "leader" that was followed. But I don't think that Buddha wanted to be worshipped I think he wanted to help guide people through the struggles he witnessed in then pain poor. I thought the temples and burials sites that Buddhists visited were so symbolic of their religion. The act of walked clockwise was purposefully done and the reliefs that were carved into the walls and the pillars.

3. I liked theses videos and thought they definitely added to my understanding of the topics. The videos are able to better assist the understanding of the topics because they show the buildings, the carvings, the tiles works and the people who are still there today.

MOD. 8.

VIDEO REVIEWS

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose to watch The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC because Greek art and pilosophy interests me. There was another video about Greek art but it was simply that this one was first and "The Great Awakening" seemed captivating.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
Video One: More Human Than Human. There were a lot of things in this video that I learned, but the main arc was that we as humans feel the need to exaggerate the human figure in our culture but it was done in cultures may centuries ago as well. One thing I found interesting was that Ancient Egyptians has a grid they used to measure out their drawings and so their depiction of the human figure was the same for about 3,000 years. They exemplified order and consistency in their art, architecture and society. The changes in Greek art and how they came to be was also interesting. They wanted realistic depictions of the human figure but they were still stuck on small figurines and not life like statues. Once Greeks were used during an Egyptian war they gained more knowledge from the Egyptians and then mastered the full sized statue. The life size and realistic statue they made, The Cretan Boy, was the epitome of their desires to create realistic human form. Once they achieved it they quickly realized it was no longer what they wanted and soon they began to exaggerate the human figure in their art. Realism was too boring, the figure needed to be more pleasing to the eye and so Polyclitus decided to create man by dividing him into four quadrants, each doing something different or facing a different way. The left and right side of the figure were opposite from each other in that one was at rest and the other in motion, complimenting each other, ad thus creating the most human like human figure. In today's society we exaggerate the human form to be more appealing and more desirable. Its used to stir emotions and boost sales, its not just our culture- we just want like reality. 
Video Two: Some of the Key concepts in this video were about the Greeks thinking man was the center of the universe and not just the Gods. The human figure and god like figure that they wanted to portray in their art was meant to be realistic of the human body and likeness. The Greeks gained confidence once they achieved victory in war and it permeated through their society. They dove into art, music, philosophy and architecture. The Parthenon was a great example of Greek confidence. It shows intelligent, religion, realism and emotions. There are not any straight lines in the Parthenon and the mathematics and architecture plays on our mind an eyes need for that making it look perfecting straight. 

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
The videos related to the text by both explaining the Egyptian and Greek culture and artistic styles. They both explained the culture behind the art and the emotions. The videos and the book also both talked about the Venus of Willendorf and the role she played in understanding the exaggerated features of the human figure in art. They both also talked about the two warrior pieces found that were the most lifelike human figures but were still exaggerated figures.

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I really enjoyed the videos, they take the text and help me understand it more. The first video was my favorite between the two though. The book went into more depth about other civilizations during the time of the Egyptian civilization than the video did but I still enjoyed the videos. 

MODULE 7: PART 1

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
In the first video I watched, "Architecture: The Science of Design", the key points I noticed were about skyscrapers, and concrete. I learned that all skyscrapers move or sway in the wind and scientists and architects have to build within parameters set. A key point was that weather can have an effect on the design of a building. What kind of weather will the building need to be able to sustain or endure effects the design. A key point about concrete was that it is still changing. It can be made to be high performance or be normal or original concrete. Scientists can create new forms of concrete and they are used in different ways. 
In the second video, "Last Call for Planet Earth: Sustainable Development and Architecture", the main idea was explained in different ways by each speaker. These architects and designers explain that creating and even changing existing structures can be done and should be done. The changes that need to be made can be done easier than we think and will have benefits for everyone. I think that building more sustainable buildings is key to our life here on this planet. One of the speakers said that this is a revolution and sometimes revolutions hurt. I agree with her that this is a type of revolution and it will take some time and hurt a little but it needs to be done. 

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
I thought the videos related to the readings pretty well . I always enjoy watching the videos because it helps to further understand and put the information into perceptive for me. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
I liked both films. The first one I watched was very similar, probably done by the same people, as one I watched for a previous Module and I think it looks very outdated and could be done much better. I think that because it looks like something out of the 80's it doesn't give it the credit it deserves, there is factual information but it looks cheesy. The second video was my favorite. It was really interesting to get different ideas and perspectives from architects from around the world. 

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?
I chose these because, well the second one by just the title sounded interesting and the first was because another video didn't work on my computer. I wanted to watch the "Last Call for Planet Earth" and the "Imperial Rome" video because just by the title they sounded interesting.

Module 6: Peer Review

1. http://mayaaed.blogspot.com/

   http://sheriwrites.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?

When looking at the other images chosen by my peers I definitely agreed with the element or principle they chose for the photo. In one that was pattern I saw balance as well but sometimes there will be overlap because things in this world can be so intricate and are not all the same. 

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?

I did not see any of the same pictures, probably because I went to a different museum though. I went to the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery. 

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 thought that the piece by Julio Gonzalez, Harlequin was very interesting. It has so many questions around it. What is it and why was it made?

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 thought that looking at others blogs and their projects was fun! It was interesting to see what others interpret and feel a connection with. 

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

I liked the comments that I received. I am glad that it was received positively. 

MODULE 6
VIDEO- READING 

[Glass Ceramics and Sculptures]

1. In the first video- Through the Eyes of a Sculptor- I thought the steps taken were fascinating. I never knew how long of a process it was for a marble sculptor to be created. I knew it must have taken a long time but never until now did I realize the steps. Starting out with the mini clay sculpture and then making a plaster mold to be sent to be created into a life size clay model. I never knew that choosing the right piece of marble was so intricate to the final product either, and the time it takes to find the right one. Many different craftsman at work in their field of expertise helping to create this piece of work. In the video about the glass an ceramics, i found the way that stain glass was made was also fascinating. The carving of many pieces to fit like a puzzle together and then held in place and sealed up. I will never look at stained glass the same again. 


2. I thought the readings were interesting but it was difficult to really imagine the process of either taking place. Doing the readings and then watching the videos though really helped to better understand the concepts. The videos were very helpful in taking what the book was saying and putting into a real atmosphere. 


3. I really liked the first video about the sculpture making. I thought the way the really explained and showed the process, steps and people involved was great. It really helped me to understand the time and energy that is spent on making the sculpture the best it can be. I liked how we got to follow the journey of the sculpture from Malibu to Italy as well and got to see the different hands involved in its journey. The second video I did not like as much just production wise, it could have been much more interesting but because it looked like a video out of the 80's it made it more hokey. There was a lot of vital information about glass making and ceramics but the way the video was made took away from that.

ART GALLERY VISIT #1

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

• Angela Ellsworth; The Seer Bonnet XVI; pearl corsage pins, steal and fabric; 29 in x 12 1/2 in x 13 1/2 in; 2010-2011. When I first walked by this piece I was instantly curious by it. I had not realized that the pins were sticking through so that it would pierce the wearer and once I saw that I was shocked. Upon reading the description I learnt the artist came from an oppressive and restrictive Mormon family who were especially so to women. The way she used the bonnet which is usually seen to be conservative and dainty so show that oppressive lifestyle I thought was interesting.

• Helen Frankenthaler; Seer; acrylic on canvas; 93 1/2 in x 85 1/8 in; 1980. The colors used, value and style made an impression on me. I walked around the corner of the gallery and on this big white wall this huge green painting hanging on the wall. As I looked closer I saw the different values as well as the white, black and small blue, orange and pink spots on the painting as well. I am not totally sure what it was about this painting that captivated my attention so much but I found it mesmerizing. 

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

• Hans Hofmann; Ruby Gold; oil on canvas; 55 3/8 in x 40 1/2 in; 1959. I felt a connection to this piece because every time I walked by it I saw something different. First I saw a bouquet of flowers, then fruit, then a room. I feel a connection to this piece because it almost feels like its changing. I myself feel like I am changing and when I look at myself I do not always see the same person.
• Georges Rouault; The Abandoned, oil paint over intaglio print on paper mounted to masonite; 25 5/16 in x 19 3/8 in; 1935-1939. This painting spoke to my because of the feeling I felt right away from seeing it. The sadness in this art piece is almost tangible. The cool colors along with the thick lines and lack of details made me feel that emotion.

 

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

• Wayne Higby; Pictoral Lake; ceramic glazed earthware; 13 in x 34 in x 9 in; 1986. I would like to know more about this one because it seemed so different from the other pieces. The abstract concept and folding 3D frame it has is very interesting. I would be curious in finding out how and why the artist made this and what inspired them. 
• Joe Zucker; Walleye; acrylic on plywood and pegboard; 47 13/16 in diam x 7/8 in; 1994. I am extremely curious as to how this was made. It reminds me of the little plastic pegboards we used to play with as kids that you would iron after placing the little beads into a pattern. It look like he melted plastic on the pegboard but knowing it was acrylic paint, its probably that but it looks so perfect!