Video Review - Week #10

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

·         I selected the two videos, African Art: Legacy of Oppression and African Art, because I wanted to have a better understanding of a single type of art, not a general understanding of several types. African Art was the only type of art concisely listed in the video titles. Also, I am intrigued by the stark difference in the art of Africa verse most of the art that we have studied thus far. Lastly, I think that I am drawn to the African art because there is something decidedly earthly about it. I’m not sure if it is the mediums they use or the subject matter but it seems reminiscent of nature, and that appeals to me.

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

·         From the videos I learned that art in Africa was functional. Also in contrast to European art and other art that we have learned about African art conceptual, rather than perceptual. The first video I watched, African Art, eluded to the reason why African Art never seemed to evolve like the art from other areas that we have seen. The video sited that the “goodness” of the art came from the accuracy with which it copied previous art as opposed to being original. I was also interested in how the African people incorporated art into their lives, in religious ceremonies and the beliefs that they had in the power of art, especially masks. That to them art was the embodiment of unseen spirits, not meant to represent life but to give life to the unseen. In the second video I watched, African Art: Legacy of Oppression, there was much reiteration from the first video and the book, but I was shocked to learn of the cruelty and abuse that the African people faced. I was horrified to see the images of the one handed children, and it is heart breaking to think of the devastation that was cast upon them. To add insult to injury the fact that their magic and spirits that worked to protect them in nature and squire them through the changes of life, were rendered useless in the face of the cruel white men that enslaved them, is sad beyond words.

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

·         I was surprised by how much detail the text went into about the history of government and trade. The book also discussed the masks of African artist length. The videos about African art were much more in depth about the belief, the rational, and the art itself. Both mediums played into the concept of magic and belief about African art holding value to the African’s that superseded that of art in the way it is typically assigned.

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

·         I thoroughly appreciated the films that I chose this week, and the way that they added dimension to the readings.  I think that it is interesting that our culture still aligns so singularly with the heritage and art of our European ancestry.  It was fascinating to see how totally art was embodied by every aspect of the African way of life. It also seemed as though because the written word was scarce much of African history that has been discerned has been so through the fining and interpretation of the art found there. I also thought that the videos were instrumental in explaining the variety of ways that art was used and illustrating its importance. 

Module #9 - Hands

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?
• It was frustrating to use my hand as subject, because i wanted to represent them accurately, and let's face it, in a flattering depiction. I was not able to capture the nuances if the veins running over the bones in my hand s and they came out looking rather manly and decidedly smaller than they really are.
2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?
• I selected pencil because I had it on hand and I am more comfortable with it.
3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?
• It was very awkward creating the drawing of my right hand using my left. My artistic skills are somewhat lacking with my dominant hand and I was frustrated trying to make an accurate portrayal with it. Using my left hand was funny, if it was something that I didn't feel was important to get right, like a reflection of myself, I may have enjoyed it more.
4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?
• I think they two are successful studies. It is interesting how similar they are, but the no dominant hand account is much more crude. I think too that my lack of confidence in the endeavor translated into a lite touch of pencil to paper, with both hands. I also struggled to see the opportunity to use scale and contrast, I don't think I am able to see the pink, beige, and blue colors in my hands and veins in shades of gray.
5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?
• I think it would be a lot of fun to do abstracts or interpretation art pieces with my left hand. I imagine if someone had more control or vision their no dominant hand could even be an assist, like a different brush or tool, to produce a consistently different effect.

Module # 9, Video Review

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

·         I chose the first two videos listed, The Drawings of Michael Angelo and Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renascence because they were the two most recognizable names on the list. Even though I became more familiar with the other artist through the reading, my ultimate goal when I am finished with this class (in addition to obtaining the three art credits that I need to graduate) is to be able to speak educated-ly about art. Da Vinci and Angelo seem the most likely artist that I will come across again from the list.

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

·         It was interested to realize that these two wildly successful and talented artists, began as apprentices, and that that they both had such different experiences. That Michael Angelo was reluctant to give credit to his mentor, which the narrator indicated was probably due, and Leonardo’s mentor was rumored to have given up painting when Leonardo’s angel out shone the rest of the master’s painting.  It was also interesting to observe the use of grids in transforming Michael Angelo’s smaller sketches to the large images in the ceiling of the sixteenth chapel. I was stuck by the difference between the two artists, Leonardo was so much more than an artist. I really enjoyed hearing the stories about his study of movement and the wart inventions that he envisioned were inspired. Also interestingly both men seemed to have quite large egos.

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

·         The videos elaborate on the works of two artist, discussed in Chapter 16. Where the reading mostly touched on their art, the form, colors, imagery etc. The videos went into detail about the lives of the artist and explained how they came to create the pieces for which they are so well known, and shed light on why those pieces appeared the way that they did. The videos that I chose did not really add to the topics of Chapter 17, but they played heavily on the Da Vinci’s and Angelo’s role in the time of the Renaissance.

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

·         As with most of the videos that we have watched in the class, these videos were great in adding depth to the artists and elaborating on their artistic drive, motives, and diversity. Typically I am not concerned with the artist, and I am more interested in the art, but when it comes to artist as famous as Angelo and Da Vinci I was curious. Having gained so much insight into the art by learning about the artist has opened my mind about the importance of knowing the artist. I never would have known the depth of Da Vinci’s creativity if not for the breadth of his life covered by the video. It is interesting that art was what ultimately brought him fame, it seemed that he was destined to make a difference through some medium. I also found it interesting that both men had very pronounced egos, which I would not have expected, because their art seems so beautiful, and pure.

Module # 8: Video Review

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose to watch The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure, for several reasons. First, I have a curiosity about Greece because my godfather is from Greece. He and my mom spend several months a year visiting the island he grew up on, Skyros, and I know from my personal experience that Greece is rich in history and in art. I also chose this video because I had a great opportunity while pursuing my first degree to spend a semester abroad. My friends and I visited Athens and Greek Islands  for our spring break, so I thought I may be able to relate to the subject matter. Additionally, after watching the first video and seeing how heavily focused it was on the human form, I thought, judging by the title that The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure, would build on the content of More Human Than Human.

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

In the video More Human Than Human, I found it really interesting that the topics of body image were so thoroughly explored and their sources so accurately pinned down. The key points that I found most fascinating were how interrelated the perception of attraction was with the culture, how  the depiction of human form evolved, and why the portraits are unrealistic.  I found it interesting that at the time when being fat was not attainable it was considered desirable, as with the small statue in the beginning of the video. It was insightful to hear that even after the Greeks mastered highly realistic statues, it was viewed as boring, not like art at all. I feel like it was at this point that people first began viewing exaggerated features as attainable. Also, it was interesting how statues became associated with the permanent residence, which was a change from the nomadic life that necessitated small figurines. Finally, the video was interesting in the way the artist viewed the human form. Though the narrator didn’t say it the Egyptians, from a pharaohs perspective depicted many humans, all the same, like slaves or servants. The Greeks depicted humans like gods, too perfect, like something for humans to strive for.

In the video The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure, the evolution of sculpture that was specifically credited to Greece, and the appreciation of everyday ancient Greek art in the form of pottery were highly discussed. As was mentioned in the first video the Greeks were the first to perfect the human form in a statue. From there the desired features became more prominent. Interestingly the Greeks are also credited with perfecting motion. The example given of the statue’s clothing appearing to flow in the wind and also being the part of the statue that stabilized the figure, must have been a mind blowing revelation at the time. It is still really impressive today. Also, because obviously the statues could not be transported for other countries and cultures to view, the relaying of Greek artistic advance through the paintings on pottery was revolutionary. It may have been the first time in history that art was so functional and readily available to common men and women. It was also not worthy that they are still constantly finding old pieces of pottery intact and that it is typical for the metro in Greece to be stopped because of a new find.

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

The video explain more of a why, the statues were the way that they were. The video also focused on the human figure as opposed to other decidedly less human forms, centaurs and the sphinx.  The video More Human Than Human, touched very little on religion, and the second video that I chose The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure, was also the devoid of religion.  It is possible that some of the other video options may have provided more information aligned with reading from Chapter 15, but for my choices the videos really complimented the reading material found in Chapter 14.

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 films. I was hooked from the beginning of More Human than Human when the narrator linked art to body image. Much of what we have studied thus far has required an investigation or interpretation of art. It was easy to grasp the variety of tactics and approaches when that were applied to a medium as familiar as our own bodies. I feel like the videos made the information in the readings more real to me. It is also easier to explain concepts of motion, and human interaction with statues and depiction of the human form, with audio and video over the written word. If there was more time I would like to watch all of the video’s from the titles they each seemed as though they would highlight a different aspect of the reading and perhaps give it more life than a picture and words on a page.

Week #7 - Video Review

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

·         The two video’s that I watched were, Prairie Style, Frank Lloyd Wright and Architecture: the Science of Design. The key concepts that I learned from the Frank Lloyd Wright video was that wright was unique in that he wanted his buildings to fit their landscape. It was interesting to hear about this concept, but also in learning why he was different, light was shed on the norm of architecture. Most buildings are constructed and a fitting landscape is constructed around them to accentuate the structure. Wright’s building however were constructed to look as though they are a compliment to nature, and to accentuate the view of the nature surrounding them. In the Science of Design video the key concepts that were addressed where scientific. The video was made in 1990, so some aspects of the technological advances were out dated, but many of the concepts were spot on, and are computerized options that are currently being marketed today.  It was also interesting to gain insight to why the use of cement is essential to building tall structures. I was also really surprised by some of the factors that went into building sky scrapers that I had not thought of. I was aware of the wind factor, but I had not considered that the weight of people and furniture needed to be factored into the necessary support fort the weight of the structure.

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

·         The Frank Lloyd Wright video was a good tool to expand on the practices and concepts that he brought to his architecture. Getting to see the open floor plan, all the windows, and the way the house was constructed to be a part of the landscape brought a more comprehensive view of his style.  I felt like the video Architecture: the Science of design went beyond the scope of the reading and spent a good deal of time touching on the advances and convenience of technology in architecture.  It seemed to describe a human interaction with architecture after it was build, its functionality, over the process of its design.

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

·         I like both of the films, and I feel like they both added to my understanding of Architecture.  I tried to touch on it earlier, but I felt like in learning about Frank Lloyd wright and how he was different I learn about some of the basic just by understanding what he was difference from. It was insightful to recognize the aspects of architecture in my own experiences, in the house I grew-up in, the houses of my friends, the houses I have lived in as an adult, and the layout of the houses I see on the market here in Buffalo. The Science of Design video shed light on an aspect of art that makes Architecture unique in comparison to other art we have studied. Architecture is functional, and necessary. I was intrigued by the thought that unlike in a painting, if you make a poor decision in the construction of architecture, it is not easily undone and could even be fatal.  Lastly, I really liked that the video was so old and we were able to see how some of the visions for the use of technology in dwelling architecture has come to fruition.

4. Why did you choose the films that you watched?

·         I chose Prairie Style, Frank Lloyd Wright because I am not a Buffalo native. However, since moving here I have heard a lot of people talk about him and seen some structures that he has designed, but never really understood what he was about and why he was so special. I wanted to know more about him and the buildings that I have seen around Buffalo that bare his mark. I chose Architecture: the Science of Design, because as I have professed I am not an artist, much of my class work since returning to school has been based in science, and I thought that it may provide an interesting and applicable view.

Module #6 Reviewing Peer Responses to Artwork

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

• Ryan: Ryjsartblog.blogspot.com
• Wally: http://sidorwi01.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 Project #1 it was interesting to me how different the two posts were. They were both accurate but it was interesting to see the different approach take by each of my classmates. They were also on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of experience. Ryan is a former photography major and this is Wally's first art class since 1989. But I they were both interesting and in keeping with a theme throughout. It was like viewing two different exhibits from equally talented artists with very different styles. Also interesting, I had several of the same types of pictures in my post for Project #1 as Wally did. We both used a pet for space, and a window view for value, and a staircase appeared in both of our posts but his was for line and mine was for movement. Additionally, Ryan used a pet for movement. There were several pictures that displayed multiple elements or principles. Ryan's photo for pattern, also featured a fur blanket which could have showcased texture.

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?

• In Project #2, there was only one photo that overlapped. Ryan and I had both chosen When Leslie Left, as a painting that we related to, but for slightly different reasons. Ryan related to is because he is a self proclaimed neat freak about some things, but can also have a bit of a mess with others. The painting is a bit ironic in that way, because the clutter is in part composed of cleaning supplies. I was drawn to it because, like my life sometimes it is a beautiful mess. I like many get caught up in order and organization, and get caught-up in trying to fix and be on top of things. However usually if I stop and look around, my hot mess life is pretty colorful and great, like the painting. If Leslie had been there to cleanup that mess, there never would have been the inspiration for the painting, so to speak.

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 did not feel a connection with the Carcass of Beef painting when I was at Albright, but when I read Ryan's post, I wish I had given it another look. I think I looked away because it made me sad, and so I did not stop to appreciate the artistry that went into creating that feeling.

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 really enjoyed reading the reflections of my peers. I found it very insightful and I even went back and edited the Photobucket link for Project #1 in my own post, because I learned how valuable the slide show feature was. Also it was eye opening to see the similarities and differences that transpired in the completion of these assignments. It provided a great illustration of how differently people respond to art and the elements and principles that compose it.

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

• Unfortunately no one has commented on my Blog postings yet, but when they do I look forward to reading them and finding out what they thought of my endeavors!