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!

MODULE 5: LOGO!

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.
I thought creating a logo for ourselves was an interesting idea. I had not thought about doing that before and was excited to get to work. After watching the videos

and doing the necessary reading I got to work. First question first though, How was I going to represent myself through a logo? Was it possible?

2. Describe the process: creative thinking skills and ideas you used in the logo creation.
When I set forth on this task, I referred to the readings of the PDF Design and Logo Development. Here I found the three distinct steps for creating a logo: Research and Ideation, Design Development, Final Execution. I did some introspective thinking about myself and what the main ideas about myself were. I thought about myself in different aspects of my life and the growth and change that has occurred. I also did things like writing out my favorite color and food, places to go and things to see. Brainstorming about myself was easier than I thought but its because we spend all of our time with ourselves- so once I was on a roll it was easy to brainstorm ideas. 

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?
The most important discovery I made when making this logo was about myself. I thought how am I going to bring color into this logo that I have created? I thought about previous Modules that we have done and the emotions behind color wouldn't leave my brain. I realized that the thing I had been missing from my brainstorming tactic was emotions. So in my logo I used two colors to represent myself. Lavender and Dark Blue. The Lavender, to me, represents and expresses a softness, a calmness, and in a way subdued or weaker side. The dark blue represents strength to me, not aggressive like red or black but a deep blue. I found in my introspection that I have moments in my life of weakness or softness but I also have times of strength.

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?
[Video One] Graphic Design: Whats in a Logo- I found the process of creating a new logo interesting. The teamwork of the deign team and how they client and tam interacted was interesting to see. How many attempts it took for the client to choose the new logo to being able to come up with ideas to present and also have it be something that could be used through different applications. 
[Video Two] Bottled Up: I thought the fact they wanted to make a squeeze bottle for Marmite was rave for something that has been packaged the same way for over 100 years. What was interesting was all the steps it took and different teams and extra people to bring in and consult with over the new bottle. I thought it was interesting that they were facing a problem with the cleanliness that did not see coming and they dealt with it even it it meant not meeting their deadline. 
[PowerPoint] The Law of Experience was interesting to me and the example of the unconnected E. At first I did not even realize the lines were not connected until I read the text. The Law of Closeness too was interesting because of how our brains interpret images. The Triangle was not closed yet we still see the triangle and know what it is. 
[PDF] The use and understanding of white space was interesting to me because I had not thought about using that concept in my logo and after reading about it, it inspired me to do so. I thought reading about the research that goes on "behind the scenes" of creating a logo were interesting too because the good ones do look so simple and effortless!