Week #6: Video Review

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

·         In the video Through the Eyes of a Sculptor, the key thing that I learned was the different mediums of sculptures. It was interesting that the sculptor tested the limestone by hitting it first to see if it would crack, and I thought the marble quarries were fascinating.  The second artist that was interviewed seemed to be less concerned with the size of the stone but more with the feel and look of it. It occurred to me that some artist have an idea and look for a stone to carve it, and others see a stone and it inspires the idea for art. Additionally, the video illustrated the transport of new sculptures and the restoration of old ones, and I had never considered all that went in to those aspects before.

·         In the second video Glass and Ceramics, it was extremely interesting to see glass being made. The process was miraculous in itself, but then to see the molten glass turned into art was fascinating. I also liked the use of glass in art, as in the stained glass window, and the story that was told using glass. Something about the art being transparent and its beauty dependent on the light shining through it really make the message of the art seem alive.

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

·         The videos are a good compliment to the reading in the text. The text provides more depth of definition and gives a variety of examples of the different styles, techniques, and mediums used in sculpting but the videos give an invaluable accounting of the thought process of the artist/sculptors themselves.  The text explains the technical aspects, but the videos give insight as to why personal preferences are developed for certain materials for specific works or ideas.

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

·         The videos do add depth to the understanding of the topic. The sculptors first hand explanation of why they chose the mediums they choose (marble, lime stone, wood) to carve their vision into brings insight to a lot of sculptures that I have seen, and never really thought much of. I also really appreciated the education that was presented on moving the statues to the fountain and the bridging that they used. I would not have guessed that the final touches were put on the piece once it was installed. Also interesting was the intricate process by which the artist designed the sculpture of the naked woman, first in clay, then making a mold, followed by ceramic, only to make the model from which to carve the final sculpture. Lastly is was interesting that glass plays a role in acoustics which can enhance an art form that we have not touched upon: music. I found it interesting to see how many different types of glass there are and to contemplate that even the making of industrial glass is in a way a form of art.