Art Making/Material Exploration: Exploring Line

Right Hand Drawn with Left

Left Hand Drawn with Right

1. I haven't drawn a hand since high school art class so it brought me back to that learning experience. I was trying to capture the details of my hand without overdoing them. I have such small, dainty hands and I tried to give that effect in my drawing.
2. I selected pencil for this exercise because I am much more comfortable sketching with it.
3. It was very uncomfortable sketching with my left hand because I am not very good at doing much of anything that requires even the littlest bit of precision with it. I felt like I couldn't even make a straight line. My lines had to be made in small segments because every dash I made would always curve towards the left no matter what.
4. The drawing with my dominant hand is obviously better, however the other is not terrible. I think this was successful because I accomplished more with my left hand that I originally thought that I would.
5. No, I would not. It took me much longer to use my left hand and it was a struggle to produce the low quality drawing that I did.

Video Review

The Drawings of Michelangelo
I chose this video because Michelangelo was such an astonishing artist and I was curious to learn more about him. This video discussed the works of Michelangelo throughout his lifetime. His early commissioned statue, David, suggests his appreciation for classical sculpture. This was the first marble statue created since antiquity. Michelangelo began to master the creation of the twisted torso which is dominate in many of his works. Many of his personal drawings were discovered that he would not have wanted anyone to view, also demonstrated the idea of the twisted torso. Michelangelo had a love and passion for the male nude body and used the body to express unexplainable feelings and spirituality. In the most famous scene in his work in the Sistine Chapel, where God gives the spark of life to Adam, the body pose holds such theological meaning. The hands just barley touch and the bodies are done with such perfection as God and the first man of his creation. Later in his life, Michelangelo starts to face his own mortality and his conflicting feelings with his love for men and his Christian faith begin to take hold in his artwork. He finds a new way to represent the body. In his resurrection of Christ, he depicts Christ as having a broken body, such as one would expect after death. This is quite a transformation from his original perfection of the body. This is his "statement of what the male body can say of the human condition."
This adds a lot of depth to my understanding of Michelangelo from what I learned in the book. It helps me to understand the theological implications in his work and his passion of perfection. While the text does discuss a lot about Michelangelo, the video gives a better insight to his motivation, inspiration and commitment. The video was very interesting, providing many of his personal drawings and relationships that fueled his work.

Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master
I chose this video because I have never previously known about this artist before reading about him in the text. It seems he was very talented for his time. A drawing from when he was only 13 is shown, a portrait as many of his early works were. He was noted for enjoying drawing hands and his careful attention to the detail of aging in many of his portraits. Some of his works were about self inquiry, and he regarded himself highly as he used his own face in the creation of perfection. He was very inspired by Italian art, Venician to be exact. He was famous there for his work and was commission to make things as well. He eventually returned to Germany and set up a print shop, creating a series of woodcuts. Many of them were themes of punishment and destruction. The themes also tied into prevalent political and religious issues of his time and earlier in history. His keen portrayal of visual expression is what mounted his success. He shifted his work from wood prints to engraving on copper to better create shading difference of lightness and dark.
This video is very informative on the life of Durer and really explains how he became successful as an artist in this time period. It gives insight to his passion for Italian art and its footprint on his life. The information about his printmaking that was not explained in this chapter of the text gives understanding to the evolution of his work.

Velazquez
 This man was a painter who spent his life painting for King Philip IV. He painted the king with the eloquence in which he saw him. The king allowed him to live a life completely dedicated to art, and therefore he got to explore it totally and completely immerse himself. He did portraits of many people in the court and received his inspiration from artists before his time. He is viewed as an idealist, and creates his work using his 'mind's eye' to embody the sensation of the subject. Velazquez believed that the purpose of painting was not to recreate nature, but to guide the viewers' eye to see what the artist envisioned. He took a great interest in painting court jesters and capturing their humanity in a sympathetic manner. He found the beauty in these people that were looked at as freaks. It is said that all of his paintings not only capture the subject he is painting, but are also a reflection of himself. Velazquez did not use much color at all, rather his paintings were almost colorless. The few religious paintings that he did were done by commission. envisioned. I chose this video because I found it interesting to learn the life of an artist who spent a lifetime capturing the life of royalty and documenting such a prevalent part of society at the time. The book does not go into nearly as much detail about the artist's life as the video does. It does not speak of his inspiration, his life dedication, or the idealist perception. The movie also describes his talent in capturing court jesters in a loving way, casting a more human glance on the artist. This video is very insightful on the life of a true artist, one who actually lives to paint. It is interesting to learn of someone who has no other obligations other than artwork.


The Power of Art: Caravaggio
This artist is one that is purely eccentric and thuggish in his psycho violent ways. His life of violence and sin is reflected in his artwork. He is deemed the best artist to have lived up to his death due to the pure drama captured in his artwork. He is particularly skilled at taking a sacred event and creating sin within the scene. His invention of the use of lightness and dark up plays the drama in his work. Caravaggio not only left an impression in his artwork of violence, but in his life. His life was crime ridden, and eventually led to him as a fugitive on the run wanted for murder. He is pardoned long after, strongly due to his exceptional ability in art, but does not live to enjoy his freedom. One of his most famous and inspiring works was his commission to paint two scenes of the life of Saint Matthew in a church in Rome. These pieces captured to raw emotion and chaos different from any other rendering. The book does not describe the magnitude of this artist's extreme anguish in life which is what fueled his creativity and led to some of the most remarkable paintings of the time. This drama of this painter's life is really captured in this film which is why I continued to watch it. It was an interesting point of view how the artist's mind worked, due to his background, making his paintings so invoking.

Video Review

More Human than Human

This video discusses the image of the human body and its importance to our society today and thousands of years ago. A lot of artwork does not portray the body realistically, the Venus of Willendorf is the earliest example of this. Scientists realized that humans throughout the years have been prone to exaggerate features of the human body that are most desired. The features that are most desired can be different due to trends or lifestyles of the artist's civilization. However, the Egyptians did not create exaggerated features in their artwork of the human body. The culture of the Egyptians was prided on consistency, which is why they have portrayed the body from the clearest angles for 3000 years. These were the only images of the human body that they ever saw. In Greek culture, they held a different concept about the body. Due to their high intellect and religious beliefs, the Greek idolized perfected, realistic human forms. The more beautiful the human form, the more divine the being. Eventually, the Greeks found that the realistic image of the body became dull. This culture began to create movement within sculptures and exaggerated features such as muscles, producing interesting forms. People do not like realism, rather fantastical ideals of the body.

This film explains how people throughout history have conceptualized the image of the human body and projected in their artwork. The text describes many of these styles of sculpture as well. The film gives more understanding to how these works came into creation and their connection to changing societies throughout history. It was interesting to learn the theory behind why each culture valued certain traits and why each culture portrayed the body differently.

The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure

I choose this film because it goes further into Greek artwork and how they idolized the human figure. I find this idolization interesting because it is something that dominates the media today. The video discussed how art styles were transferred throughout the trading routes. Differing from the Greek style, the Cycladic people created abstract figures. The Greeks began creating pottery that spread across the world. Sculpture and architecture started a revolution in Greek culture, which has carried over into our world today. The book also describes these styles of architecture, which are the orders. The orders have been stylized with statues and sculptures.


The Cairo Museum

I choose this film because I have always heard about this museum and its extravagant contents. The many royal artifacts are amazing in their detail and beauty, and the idea of their importance many years ago. This museum holds over 100,000 artifacts that were discovered in Egypt. This museum holds preserved mummies, tombs and their hidden treasures. There have even been animals in these tombs that the Egyptians viewed as important in the eyes of the gods. The artifacts have been gently cleaned so that they can be put on display for many to see. The book also discusses many ancient Egyptian artifacts, but the video elaborates on their discovery and meaning in Egyptian culture.


The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC
This video describes Greece as the birthplace of western civilization, due to the great intellect of many philosophers and artists who began to view themselves as the center of the universe, rather than the gods. The describe the Greeks being idolized as gods, which is why such beautiful artwork was created in homage. Cities began being constructed with with such beauty in the materials and design.  The Parthenon is a great example of such a building. It holds such importance in Greek culture, which is why it is being so carefully restored. They are mixing ancient segments with new ones, to reflect the idea of the humanist movement. This film demonstrates the importance of these Greek constructions, which are also discussed in the text, that are still true today. This video intrigued me based on the reconstruction of the Parthenon. I like the way that they decided to add new contributions to this exceptional building.

Video Review

Prairie Style

1. This video discusses the ways that architects (specifically Frank Lloyd Wright) use the surrounding environment to play into the architecture. Organic elements tie into the design of homes making the home look as though it belongs there. Using space in unique ways in the interior and exterior of the building creates visual interest.

2. The text discusses many different forms of architecture and modern ideas that are changing the way that architecture is created. Frank Lloyd Wright is also hailed in the text for his progressive architecture and the video gives more visual understanding of his ideas.

3. I really loved the homes that were shown in the video with their unique layout and interesting design. The idea of having furniture installed in homes to coordinate with the architecture is something that I would like to have in my own home some day. The film put an interesting view on modern architecture and how customized planning can have such an impact on the final product. It gave the craft of architecture a fine arts appeal on a personal level, in one's home.


Architecture: The Science of Design

1. There are many different concepts in this video pertaining to modern accommodations in architecture. The video discusses building methods in skyscrapers and how scientists engineer them to with stand wind. The classic building material, concrete, is still used today in many buildings, as was used many, many years ago. There are new and old methods for creating cement as well as laying concrete. Compression is a major factor in the world of concrete. There are different kinds of concrete for high performance uses. Computer systems are used in houses and buildings to provide customized settings for occupants and efficient uses of energy.

2 and 3. The text refers to concrete construction and the video illustrated how concrete is formed to give a better understanding. The video also explained more in depth the engineering involved in creating skyscrapers and what obstacles are relevant to architects in this field. The text also discusses green architecture, but from a construction perspective. The video discussed 'smart apartments' that are programmed to make decisions that save energy and work efficiently. I never considered this type of energy saving idea.


Classical Architecture

1. The style of classical architecture started in England around 5 centuries ago with the creation of the Queen's home. The basic form of the structure was created using squares and circles. Temple fronts and terraces were used as a way of demonstrating power and importance. Palladi created a book outlining his architectural styles called the "I Quattro Libre".  Neoclassical design came around a few hundred years later. The three orders of Greek architecture are discussed as well. The victorian styles of architecture came into play, winning over some, as opposed to classical style. Classical style had another rival, modern style, that was later combined with classical style, called post-modern classical.

2 and 3. Classical style and Greek orders are described in the text as well as the video. The videos describe how the different styles have had political impressions over the centuries, representing wealth and importance, as well as pleasing royalty in England. The video demonstrated specific houses in England that display these concepts.

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I. M. Pei and the Mathematics of Architecture

 

1. The Louvre is commissioned to an architect name Pei to make it more accessible. Pei discussed how he idealized his creation around a center of gravity and came up with a triangular shaped space that is light weight and allows light to pass through. He used the light cables used in sailboats to engineer this design. Light, shapes and space are important aspects in architecture. "What is shape without light?" comments Pei. He discusses other architects over the centuries that have had a hand in creating the Louvre, shaping is mortality. The Louvre is eventually opened up for the public to enjoy. Pei also created the architectural design of the tallest building in Asia, Hong Kong's Bank of China Tower, designed efficiently. The Hancock building disaster, in which windows blew out before the construction was complete, hurt Pei's company, although the window company was later found to blame. He bounced back and later worked on the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The building's odd shape had once posed a problem in producing a design, however Pei looked at the plot as two triangles, instead of an odd geometric space. The call for developing a big city in New York kept Pei busy, modernizing the city after the war. Pei is horrified by the living conditions of poor people that were living in areas of destruction. He created low cost homes that were an acceptable alternative for living. He also designed the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, making the building work with the environment. He later builds the Tower of Asians.

2. The film describes the way in which ideas form to be converted into architecture and what considerations that architects make when planning designs. Many different forms of architecture are described in the book that take into account the same ideals. 

3. Pei is a very wise man who has contributed to the engineering of many important buildings with his awesome expertise and understanding of architecture. This film illustrates the way that inspiration plays a huge part in design. Inspiration can come from anywhere and includes basic understanding of the principles and elements of design that we learned about.

4. I choose this video because the title included the concept of mathematics in architecture which I find to be an interesting aspect. However, Pei's career is very impressive and interesting to learn about.

Installation art

Creating Installation Art

Reflection
A. Installation art is art that is three dimensional and works with a given space to invoke the audience.
B. Any material or object that the artist sees fit can be used in installation art.
C. Installation art has the advantage of using more than two dimensional mediums to present ideas. A space that can be entered and explored provides far more interest for the viewer. It also allows the artist to be more creative by using many different materials and having all angles available.
D. I found the Reconstructed Icicles by Andy Goldsworthy to be interesting because when I first looked at the picture on page 254, it appeared to be merely a tree with a spiral around it. But when I read the title it gave the installation meaning. The artist is physically breaking the law of nature and creating an icicle of such an odd shape that is supposed to have formed around the tree.

Planning
A. I really adore when artists use red as a stand alone color against neutrals and that is why the picture on page 257 caught my eye. Louise Bourgeois created this installation called Red Room using large red spools of thread and other random items.
B. The theme that I am exploring is 'self'. I am planning to put every single thing that I use when I get ready to go out together in a collage like style.
C. I will used cosmetic products, clothing, and hair appliances.
D. I putting this installation in the corner of my room. My room is my sanctuary where I spend most of my time and where I actually get ready.


I am entitling this piece Quantitative Beauty. This piece is to show the expense, time and plethora of products that many of today's women use on any given day. I am one of those women. I wanted to illustrated the literal layers of beauty. This is a reflection of something that is very personal to my own style, and something that makes me feel like myself. For this reason, I love this piece. I think that it should say to others to be proud of your style because that is what makes you YOU. You can see that the materials used are products that can be purchased. Many are cosmetic products, some are hair styling tools and appliances, and also an entire outfit from head to toe. There is a shirt, jeans, a bra, underwear and shoes. A necklace, nail polish, and makeup brushes are also visible. I mounted all of the items on top of a jewelry box (on the left) and a shoe box (on the right). The actual materials range from wood, cardboard, plastic, and liquid to textiles such as suede, nylon, cotton and spandex.  All of the items are thrown together in a collage like style. This demonstrates variety through all of the different objects. There is somewhat of a rhythm among the items and the way they are laid across the space. There are also many different colors used. This installation scales a square of 2'3" by 2'4" and is 19" tall.
I think that using a site to create work within gives the artist so many different options and allows you to be more creative than with a flat surface. However, that means that there are more angles that need to be perfected since it can be viewed from all sides. But the fact that there are so many different ways to view the piece creates so much more interest.

Peer Review

I looked at Jim's Project #2- his visit to the Albright Knox. I live in Florida so I did not visit the same museum but it was interesting to see the pictures that he posted. It was especially cool to see the Scribble, since I read about it in class. Jim did not have project #1 listed on his blog. (http://jbkelsch.blogspot.com/)

I really like the way that Laura has the theme on her blog set up. I reviewed her project #1 and she did a really good job of capturing the elements and principles in photographs of ordinary objects found in daily life. Her example for space could also be a good example for line and form. (http://lmccarthy56.blogspot.com)

I also reviewed Daniel Collins Blog for projects 1 and 2 (http:/./dpcollins.blogspot.com) I liked his comments about the Andy Warhol painting at his gallery visit because I have seen and read about that piece many times. However, there were not pictures on his blog of the works. For the first project, I saw all of the principles and elements that Daniel claimed. Of course, as most pictures do, his had many other elements and principles as well. For example, his picture for texture with his cute dog could also be used for emphasis. I would really like to know more about the picture for form that Daniel has. It is a really stunning building that I would assume he took on a trip to Europe.
I liked to look at everyone elses work because being in an online class we don't share work like in a normal class. Also, because I live in Florida it was nice to see what everyone else saw when they visited the Albright Knox Museum. I think it is valuable to see everyone elses work just to have a benchmark for comparison. As of right now, I do not have any comments on my blog post.

Video Blog

Through the Eyes of the Sculptor
This video discusses basically, how the sculptor performs the task of creating sculptures from start to finish.The different ways that sculptures can be made; bronze, clay, limestone, and what methods are used to carve statues. Models are used in a casting process as well. It discusses how sculptors are commissioned to carve and redo statues and also what creative ways that ideas for statues are formed.
The text also describes the methods and materials of sculpting and how the process works.
The video gives a better visual of how the whole process plays out and the work that goes into it. It helped me to better understand how casting aids the creation of sculptures. 

Glass and Ceramics
The video illustrates how glass is blown by hand and then stained for things such as windows. The glass is actually cut into puzzle pieces and placed together with wires lining the edges. Ceramics are also heated to be created, just using clay instead of sand like glass is. It discusses how firing clay at different temperatures can produce different things, such as china. Molds are also used to create things of different shapes and glazes provide colors. There are many different functions that glass and ceramic products provide.
The text also discusses how ceramics and glass are made, what materials are used, and what their uses are.
I found the video interesting because I have never seen how glass is created and the shaping process is cool. The video also shows the importance of creating efficient products using glass and clay in our world today and in the past.

Installation Art
The purpose for the installation is to invite the viewer into a space that works with the art, so that the viewer can interact with the art instead of just view a two dimensional display. The video demonstrates many different kinds of installations from many artists over the years. Installations come in many different forms and sizes. Video and digital technology have also brought another dimension to the concept of installation art. It is a lot of work to actually set up the artwork too.
The text discusses how artists work with time and place to connect them to their artistic ideas. 
It is a long process to create an installation and set it up in a gallery. Many people can be commissioned on a job and it is interesting to see how all different tasks come together to complete the artists view. It helps to see what jobs these artists have other than the obvious.