Week #9

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?
Your hand has so much detail. It took me a while to make it really look like my hand and not just someone else’s hand. It was challenging but I enjoyed it.


2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?
I used graphite because it is easy to erase and enhance.


3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?
I felt like I was drawing like a 2 year old! I did not like using my left hand because I was very uncomfortable.


4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?
My left hand has much more detail because I was able to concentrate on the detail of the hand, with my right have I was focusing on just making lines! In the end I kind of like my non-dominant drawing more.


5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?
I would like to try painting with my left hand or doing another form of design. I thought it was interesting using my non-dominant hand because I paid more attention to the structure and it also took me a lot longer to complete.

week #9 Video Blog

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

I Chose these four videos becuause I wanted to learn more about Michelangelo and Di Vinci. Theyr works are truly amazing and I wanted to watch them to see art work from both of these master painters. Also I wanted to see the diversity in their work since both of them are considered to be men that can do it all.

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

The Drawings of Mielangelo:

·         Studying drawings at the British Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, and other renowned institutions, the program presents detailed analysis of the Pieta, the colossal David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, The Last Judgment, the Medici tomb, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It also provides insight into Michelangelo’s tools, techniques, stylistic evolution, and sexuality.

·         Michelangelo denied the influence of Ghirlandaio in his work, comparisons reveal the similarity between the two artists.

·         Michelangelo taught himself to sculpt. The "Pieta" is a signature piece for the great sculptor. His knowledge of human anatomy was staggering for the time.

·         In 1508, Angelo begins painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Many surviving drawings show the artist's preparation work for his greatest, but most difficult work.

·         Contemplating his own death, Michelangelo creates his crucifixion drawings,

Leonardo da Vinci : The mind of the Renaissance

·         At the age of twenty, Leonardo is accepted into the painters' guild, and his creative imagination serves the pomp of the Medici court well. He caricatures the faces of the men involved in the slander against him

·         Lorenzo de Medici sends Leonardo to the court of Milan as a musician. When he arrives, he presents himself as a military engineer armed with intricate drawings of weapons and machinery. The "Virgin on the Rocks" is rich with symbolism.

·         A s an inventor he studies machines and tries to remakr them.

·         Da Vinci begins to organize shows in Milan and soon becomes the court painter, begins his treatise on painting, and produces a four-volume treatise on flight.

·         At 50 he paints the Mona Lisa and when he treutn to Florience in 1503 everyone gathers around to see his work.

·         He died at 67 after movingt o the Vatican and becoming the first engineer, painter, and architect to the king.

Image of a Master

·         Albrecht Durer is said to be one of the greatest artists in the northern Renaissance. The influenced of his father who was a goldsmith and his god father was one of Germanys finest printers .

·         First true landscape artsits

·         In Germany during the Protestant Reformation he gives visual expression by Mass printing and luckily had the support of Martin Luther.

The night Watch

·         Rebrandt was the painter of Frans Banning Cocq’s militaia company, he added the drama and gravity to the work.

·         His painting is huge! (11 x 14) and became an object of pilgrimage for the Dutch and millions of other internation visitors. This painting has been thru it all, it was violated in many ways; slashed with a knife, attacked with acid, and drenched with water.

·         His job was ceremonial.

·         "The Night Watch" breaks all the conventions of civic guard portraits because of it movement and dramatic use of light. The little girl is sheer magic--Rembrandt’s surprise.

·         The huge painting didn’t fit in the door way of the town hall and was cut down to fit

·         Modern artists disassemble “The Night Watch,” putting pieces of it into modern art renditions designed to create "different perspectives." An artist puts the figures into new environments and calls it irony.

·         This masterpiece was reworked and transformed into a gay nightlife scene of the 60s and 70s

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

These videos relate to the text because they expand the description of these works of art, and seeing them and listening to the narrators help me to understand the history.

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

I enjoy the videos because they help me to understand the material better. Seeing them in a different perspecitve adds to my knowledge and expans my understanding. I think that they are very helpful and they expand on more of the reading.

week #8

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

I selected the Black Death in Tuscany because I was interested to watch how art was affected. And I chose the videos on Greece because I miss it there so much and love seeing the beauty of my favorite city in the world, my home.

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

More Human than Human:

Art of everyday life has such a powerful meaning to us. When ancient’s artists created their world. It helped create ours by viewing their masterpieces. We so attracted to bodies that we do not all have, we are attracted to humans that do not look like us, no one walks around half naked like the billboards, but we wish we looked like them.

            In the early 1900s a 25 thousand year old statue was found, the Venus of Willendorf. This 10cm statue is worth close to 60 million dollars. This is the first clue of why humans are so attracted to unrealistic images. Why is this fat woman so praised?

The Black Death Visits Tuscany:

            Between 1200 and 1350 after the Roman Empire, Italy would never be the same. The renaissance was born and it was a new beginning.  In the 1300s Tuscany was as its peak, roads buildings houses palaces and Cathedrals were built all over. More gold was in the hands of more people then ever in history. Florence and Sienna had been at war for more then 200 years and peace was finally in fight. The population was expanding, so was the city. The City walls still stand. Later the two rival cities began to compete with each other. However still standing is a cathedral in Sienna that is sill not finished, showing the lack of fortune. Debt took over the city, and it crumbled.

The Plague had traveled from China to Europe from fleas on merchants; death is the effect. Crisis has broken out in Florence when the banks closed. It soon reaches Tuscany and took over the city, half the population in Europe died.

            The plague physically changed the cities in Europe and affected the arts. Emotions are taken out of paintings and images become must flatter. It seems that the skill of artists has moved backwards, more complex paintings were done hundreds of years before. Art because darker and reflects hell and sin.

The Greek Awakening:

            Athens is the capital of Greece housing more then 4 million people, half of the population. It is said to be the largest village in Greece. Athens is the birthplace of the western civilization. The great awakening occurred.  You don’t know whom you are until you know where you come from, and I come from Greece so I appreciate its beauty and how it has transformed the world. History comes from Greece and this is one thing that; I have been told by my father my entire life.

            The Acropolis was built for the goddess Athena. Over three millions tourists a year come to visit from all over the world. 10 thousand people a day go to visit, I have had to honor of going several times. Athens was transformed from a city of wood to a city of Marble. The acropolis is the center view of Athens, you cannot go there without visiting this beautiful masterpiece.

            Pollution is eating away at the Marble of the Parthenon. New Marble may be added to help support the structure. It is a symbol of humans and the western civilization.

Greek art and the Human Figure:

            7^th century b.c.e was when artists used their eyes to discover natural form and use realism to create these masterpieces. Greeks made the human body more beautiful and fit then ever. Humans were shown in 3D and in movement, they tried something that was never done before. Pottery is found everywhere, in the metro system in Athens you can view these findings, they are beautiful, every time I go to Greece there are more and more sculptures on display.

            Greeks capture the perfect human. And now we are obsessed with that body.

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

These videos relate to the text because they expand the description of these works of art, and seeing them and listening to the narrators help me to understand the history and the effects art has on the world and the creation of humans.

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

           

            Every week I enjoy watching these videos because they help me understand the material.  Hearing the narrators and looking at the art really brings the pieces to life, more so then looking at them in the book. Looking at the insides of cathedrals on video show the size and massiveness of the buildings.  Also seeing the detail of the sculptures and beauty of the paintings and pottery are so much more visible and apparent. 

week #7

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

Prairie Style:

Frank Lloyd Wright was the first to build with open floor plans. He has influenced architecture around the world. He felt that homes should reflect the time and place in which they stand. He opened up homes so one room linked to another. He moved the fireplace to the center freeing up the walls for windows. He brings down the ceiling forcing the eye out the window. He also designs the homes to follow the sun. He wanted privacy, you can’t see in, but you can see everything. He influenced other architects such as Ron Thom who was inspired by Wrights organic style.

Architecture: The science of Design

         Because of the discovery of concrete and steel, skyscrapers were then possible. Building “up” brings on tons of possibilities in housing and other businesses. Buildings are made by pile drivers up to 60 meters down until it can be supported. Or they are placed on concrete slabs. The wind plays a huge role in the type of structure. Building models does Wind Tunnel Testing and using a giant ventilator to make the wind, speed and turbulence is collected and then send to the architect to see what type of weather the building can withstand. Trees may be planted in certain spots to break up the wind pattern.

Smart apartments or houses can be controlled entirely by a computer. All the electronics are connected and controlled, the lights, shades, appliances; you name it, the computer does it.

Computerized voice systems have also come into play. They recognize our voice and are then activated, to turn on the lights, tv, and anything else electric in your home.

         There are ruins still standing made by the Greeks and Romans from thousands of years ago. Now we go another step and reinforce the concrete with steel and metal.

Classical Architecture:

         A Classic architectural style is used to show importance, such as the home of the President. Greek and Roman influence is all over. The home of the Queen in English is surrounded by modern architecture, but it stands in its classical style and a beautiful work of art. Renaissance architecture is also found in England. Lord Burlington of England went to Italy to study Palladio’s work. These beautiful buildings stand out among British style. Neoclassical Design is the next movement; the Greek orders, or columns also influence this style.

Frank Gehry: Architecture as Art

         Frank Gehry makes art when he designs buildings, he doesn’t like to remake anything or copy another building. He is very critical on himself but uses this so evolve and create new things. Sketches are the first step, and then innovation and creativity take over.  First Frank made residential homes, moving onto large-scale projects that take in sculpture as apart of his work.

         Building and location plays a role in his work. There is also a harmonic relationship between the space and its users. Natural light and functionality are key aspects to his work as well as experimenting with materials.

         He uses new technology to design these masterpieces. He can now analyze and calculate measurements digitally; of course hand drawn sketches are still done. Now anything can be done.

        

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

        

These videos explain in more depth the great influence of Greek and Roman Architecture around the world. The videos also relate to the text because of the explanation of materials as well as new innovations and technology used in building these beautiful works of art. The videos also explain the process of which a building is made, as well as the perspective of the architect.

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

        

I enjoy watching these films, I think they help my understanding of the material in the text as well as add to my knowledge. Seeing these building bring on new views as well as a new perspective of the work, knowing the time and work that goes into it. Also watching these videos I begin to form an appreciation for the architecture, these beautiful building are truly pieces of art.

4. From the group of four that you had a choice: Why did you choose that film?

         I chose Frank Gerhy: Architecture as art; because I truly think that architecture is a work of art. The time and passion of these building take more then a painting. These architects dedicate their life to making these structures. They are so knowledgeable and without them I wouldn’t have a home. 

Project #3

1.

A. What is installation art?

Installation art is referred to the placement of artwork in an exhibition space. With installation art an artist modifies a space in some way and then asks us to enter explore and experience it. Some installations may remind us of places our mind invents in dreams.

B. What materials are used installation art?

Any type of material can be used in installation art. Some artists use personal things, video, and sculpture. Light is used as well as the architectural space itself.

C. Why make installation art? 

Artist make installation art for the same reason they make anything art, to express themselves and their emotions. Art arts start somewhere, usually with an inspiration. My inspiration was myself, I used the things I love and that represent me.

        

D. Which artist/installation did I find most interesting?

I think that the work done by Thomas Hirschhorn is the most interesting. I enjoyed reading about his piece “Jumbo Spoons and Big Cake” He loaded the space with things that symbolize famine war, and gaping disparities in wealth. His work is amazing and represents worldly problems that need to me talked about.

        
2. Include answers from Step 4.

A. From the material reviewed, is there a inspiration piece that I feel a connection with?

I used JUMBO SPOONS AND BIG CAKE as my inspiration, I used everything items that mean something to me. I chose hair and makeup items because of my job (as a hair stylist) and they are the things I love.

B. What theme do I want to explore in my installation? Refer to your textbook if you need to review Themes of Art. (chapter 3 in text)

(Nature, Environment, Self, Mass Media, Consumerism, etc.)

The theme of my installation is self, as well as consumerism. These items mean something to me, and being apart of the service industry I consider shopping a major problem in my life, which makes me extremely happy.

C. What materials will I use?

I chose eye shadow, makeup, nail polish, and hairspray because I am a hair stylist and these items consume my life daily.

D. Where will this installation be located and why?

These installations will be located in my bedroom because this room truly represents me.

3. Include digital images from Step 6

4. Describe your installation.

Self Expression by Alexandra Damis

My installation is 14.5 x 11.5 inches. The materials used are MASS APPEAL flyers which is a fashion show I’m styling for on November 5, which has taken up my life! There are Vanity Salon cards because this is the salon I work at. And I also have hairspray nail polish and makeup in my installation as well.

5. Analyze your installation. Be sure to use the worksheet from Project #3 as your guide.

Color played a huge role in my installation; I specifically chose certain nail polishes because they match the flyer in the background. Also I chose the eye shadow I use the most as well as silver make up brushes because they have straight lines and their metallic finish contrasts with the flyers in the back.

6. What are your thoughts on the planning and creation of a site specific installation?

I thought about where I wanted to have my installation located before I started. If my materials were larger I would have set them up somewhere else, but I chose a box to keep the items closely together. If I was an artist making an installation for a museum I would have used the same items but enlarged them to take up the entire space. I took the pictures at the angles I did to make it seem as if you were in a room filled with these objects. I enjoyed this assignment because I was able to express myself. 

Peer Reviews

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

http://corathds01.blogspot.com/

http://aiellome01-artonlinelearning.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?

For project one I agree with both peers on their images. Both used very creative pictures, and seeing different views helps me to understand these elements mores. In some of the images value is also an element that was not mentioned. Both peers had very different and inspirational views of this concept.

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?

http://corathds01.blogspot.com/

We both used the “kill yourself” painting, and felt the same way about it. This painting is angry and threatening, I want to learn more about the anger behind it, and the artists inspirations.

http://aiellome01-artonlinelearning.blogspot.com/

We both viewed James Jacques Joseph Tissot, "L'Ambitieuse" and since we are both fashion majors this painting connects to us in the same way. We both talked about the woman’s dress and her presence. We chose this painting for many of the same reasons.

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?

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z100/frozensolid45/NewYorkWaterFront7.jpg

After viewing this piece of art called “The New York Waterfront” is made me think about the elements and qualities more. The colors really jump out at you and I love the abstractedness about the painting.

Meagan and me chose a lot of the same works, and view them the same way.

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

Viewing my peer’s blogs I think helped me in the sense that I can see if they understand the material the same way I do. I enjoyed viewing their pictures from the art gallery, it really shows how differently we think about and view art works. I found this activity very valuable.

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

I found these comments helpful because it shows how college students can truly relate to each other. Yes we view images differently but reading about someone’s thoughts helps you to view the painting differently and see another side. 

Week #6

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

Through the eyes of the Sculptors.

            Many steps are taken to make these amazing pieces.

Emmanuel Fillion started at a young age, he was surrounded by rocks while living in France. He says before he was a carver. The carving shop is always 12 degrees cal. 7m and 4 m. He knows the smells of each stone.

Moving away from the Euro monuments he felt he needed to become more creative, now living in Malibu California.

He first draws the sculpture, if he can’t visualize it then he cant make it. He first does it in clay then plaster then marble. He uses models to create his masterpieces.

This video taught me the process in which an artist takes to create these amazing sculptures.

Glass and Ceramics.

Glass is everywhere. The process of glass: it is made from sand. It is a viscous liquid that stiffins when cooled.

Glassmakers use 65-70% sand made is silica, it makes crystals, they add mixtures to the sand. They heat this mixture and everything reacts perfectly to make glass.

Stained glass. These artists use light. And previous colored glass then recolor’s them with paint.

Ceramics: They come from fire as well as glass. They are a clay based art, originally coming from rocks.

Architecture: Glass is a preferred material is architecture. Glass has many functions, such as windows with solar power. Glass has mirror like quality’s that take in rays form the sun to produce solar power, and at night is reflects these rays.

Installation Art:

This form of art really proves that anyone who is creative can create. Installations are fashionable, engaging, and very controversial, some just don’t understand. Installations consist of architecture, sculpture, painting video music and performances. Installation art is anything that takes up a 3D space in a new and innovative way.

Invisible art and pop art are both forms on installation art. Video Imagery is taking over,  installations are around us daily, in fact I’m sitting in my own installation right now, my bedroom

           

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

           

The videos relate to the readings because they further the explanation of glass making, ceramics, sculpting and installations. The videos show another view on each concept, showing them in action, and the creative processes in which they require.

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

I enjoyed watching these films, as I do weekly. Learning the process of a sculptor was my favorite, the detail used and the steps taken. Essentially the artist does 4 pieces of art: drawing it, making it with clay, plaster, and then marble or other stone.  I also enjoyed learning about the different types of installations, and their explanation that any 3D space can be an installation. 

The art of craft is simply incredible, the effort and skill needed to create glass and ceramics is amazing, so much work is done because they blow and form the glass, or make pottery.

These videos help my understanding of each topic because seeing these creative works being done it just truly breathtaking. 

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

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

Chaim Southine. Carcass of Beef ca. 1925. Oil on Canvas. 

This piece of art has an impact on my because it really grabbed my attention. Why would someone paint this? The artwork is beautiful but the beef itself looks disgusting. The detail is amazing and it looks real but this piece of meet is far from appetizing.   

 

John Ahearn. Pinwheel 1998. Plaster

This work made an impact on me becuase it shows the important of working together. Being a community is one of the most important things. 

 Marshall Scheuttle. Untitled. 2008 LightJet Digital C-Print

This picture made an impact on me becuase being a college student there are parties all the time, and underage drinking and people going downtown. The girl that is the focus of this picture looks very uncomfortable. This just goes to show you how many girls that go out really do not want to be there.

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

 Claes Oldenburg. Ice Cream Being Tasted 1964. Painted Plaster, porcelain, and metal spoon. 

I feel connected to this work of art becuase ice cream is my favorite thing in the whole world! I can eat Ice Cream every day! My first job was at Anderson's Frozen Custard.

 Tom Wesselmann. Bedroom Painting #40 1978 Oil on Canvas.

I don't know why i felt so connected to this painting. I was just immediately drawn to it. The bright beautiful color and the smile of the women just really grabbed my attention.

 James Jacques Joshed Tissot. L'Ambitieuse (Political Woman) also known as The Reception. 1883-85 Oil on Canvas

I feel connected to this painting becuase I'm a Fashion Merchandising student so i automatically look at the garment in which she is wearing. The beautiful ruffles on her gown shows her important status in society. This women is of the upper class and is most likely a major role in the community. 

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

 Louis Cameron. Apple & Eve 100% Apple Juice 2006-07 Acrylic on canvas on wood panel

I really want to know how this is considered a piece of art. If i were to paint the bar code of an apple juice box i would know be considered an artist. Pieces like this i just do not understand.

 Nancy Dwyer. Kill Yourself 1989 Vinyl paint on canvas.

I am really interested in learning the motive behind this artist, as well as who is this message to?

 Ashile Gorky. The liver is the Cock's Comb. 1944 Oil on Canvas

I really want to know the inspiration behind this work of art. What made the artist choose these bright colors? Do these represent people?

Art Making/Material Exploration #2 Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I thought about my final logo and worked back words. I knew what i wanted from the beginning so i had to think of it in steps.

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

I'm a hair stylist so i knew i wanted scissors. And I'm Greek so if i was going to have words or letters they would be Greek. I picked the things that are most important to me, my heritage and my passion; hair styling. 

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

I discovered that making a logo is harder then i thought. My original thought i thought were boring or to plain. There are logos for everything and not copying something was the hardest. 

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 learned the process and how important it really is to be as creative as possible. Work is steps. sketching your ideas out are the most important thing because you can begin to see your process before you eyes. Also get an inspiration! I enjoyed watching the videos, especially "Whats in a logo" i liked watching this becuase i was able to see the entire design process from a professional, and how many ideas they come up with. The Navy graphic design company is amazing, the ideas they came up with from photographs were incredible. These people are so creative and they truly love what they do. For the next video i was again amazed at the process, and amount of pressure. Recreating something that is 103 years old is insane, changing products is hard becuase you want people to recognize the product, and like it. These videos make me realize that graphic designers do alot more then i thought. I was a graphic designer major here at Buff State and realized that i really am not creative enough.