Self Portrait

My Inspiration Pieces:


1.) Self Portrait done by Lizz Connor using pencil


I chose this one to use as a part of my inspiration because I love the abstract and the black and white. The details are very interesting, and I like how it doesn't "fit" the page perfectly, the portrait kind of fades off and falls apart at the edges.



2.) Up Self Portrait by Gretchen Zamora Rojas

 

I chose this self portrait because I love the fun feel and the colors used.



3.) Unidentified Self Portrait




I chose this one as an inspiration because I like how it is abstract yet it still looks put together and somewhat real.

Photograph of myself:

Final Product:

I chose to use photography as my outlet for my self portrait because it's what I enjoy doing best, and because I am awful at drawing and painting. I used Adobe Lightroom for the editing, which I enjoyed doing. It was hard to adjust the lights in the room to get the look I was going for. I had to get extra lights to use in the room because when I used flash  the effect was to harsh. It was also difficult using the macro setting and self timer, I overcame this by just taking lots of pictures so that I had options when it came time to edit. I chose to use emphasis and subordination in my photos. This piece represents me because it highlights features that make me "me". While I love photography, I found it very hard to do self portraits. I did not like being the "model." I did like editing the photos though and working with the light to get the desired effect.


I am happy with my final product. I like the effect I attained with the lighting, and I think it captured the essence of me.

Art Exhibition Article Thoughts

1.) The projects I looked at were: 

I Dream in Dog by Lisa Dembowski

Made of Itself by Elias Taveras

The Queen City by Joe Frangione

2.) I selected to critique I Dream in Dog because it immediately grabbed me attention. Being a dog lover I was intrigued. 

3.) I have never written any type of art critique before, so the whole experience was new to me. That being said I found it fairly easy to write and didn't run into any major roadblocks when writing. It probably helped that I enjoyed the exhibit I was writing about.

4.) I was comfortable critiquing my peer's work. Perhaps it would be different if I actually knew who Lisa was, or had to critique her face to face. It also made it easier because I didn't feel the exhibit needed much critiquing, and I am by no means an expert but I thought it was overall a very well put together exhibit.

5.) I don't know how I would feel about reading critiques made on my exhibit. I guess I would be okay with seeing what they said. I know that I am by no means an artsy type of person and knowing that I did my best and I'm sure there are many improvements that I could have made I think I could take a little constructive criticism. 

6.) I would say my article is maybe an 8. I feel like I did a good job, but I don't have much to compare it with and since it is my first I'm sure it's not perfect. I felt good writing it and didn't mind writing it so I'm hoping that shows in my writing.

7.) I dreaded doing the article. I have put it off until now. Once I got started though it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I enjoyed looking at everyone's exhibits, everyone has something unique to offer and there were so many wonderful exhibits to pick from. 

MOD 15 Video Reviews

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

Greenberg on Pollock: An Interviww by T. J. Clark

-      Pollock considers his paintings to be easel paintings.

-      The idea of easel painting changed during Pollock’s career, it was not longer viewed as a neat and tidy picture.

-      Art is hard to define and what is socially acceptable can change over time, art critics are not always written in stone as the way art should or should not be.

The Colonial Encounter: Views of  Non-Western Art and Culture

-      At the 1900 World Fair in Paris, the colonies were represented as uncivilized with their lack of any architectural aspects in their part of the fair.

-      The colonies were unfairly misrepresented as being barbaric and uncivilized by use of art in media- the only exception was Algeria which was represented much nicer as it had been colonized for longer than Dahome.

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2.   Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

Greenberg on Pollock: An Interviww by T. J. Clark

-      This film did relate to the Art Criticism project. It took a look into the deep and complex relationship between the artist and the art critic. Greenberg admitted at times that he was wrong in writing his critics of Jackson Pollock’s works. He also explained that the only demand on art is for it to be “good art.” Greenberg said Pollock did not feel resentment towards him even though he did not think his paintings were that good since 52.

The Colonial Encounter: Views of  Non-Western Art and Culture

-      It is critical that art critiques are done with tact and very carefully because often what is portrayed or said becomes the reality within a society. And if a person or culture is misrepresented within the media, that representation may become the reality for how others view that person or society.

3.   What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?

Greenberg on Pollock: An Interview by T. J. Clark

-      The film was informative, but fairly dry. Clement Greenberg admitted to being wrong in the beginning about Pollock’s paintings, and he went back on what he had originally wrote about him. He was quoted as telling Pollock “Not to read everything that is written about you.” It goes to show that art critics can be wrong and that at the end of the day their critiques are amplified opinions.

The Colonial Encounter: Views of  Non-Western Art and Culture

-      This film was very interesting and full of information. I enjoyed it. It goes to show how the media plays such a powerful role in how a culture or person can be represented or misrepresented. 

Art Axhibit

I chose to do Religion as my focus for my exhibition project. 

I decided on religion because it plays such an important role in cultures around the world and can be such a defining piece of who we are. 

Finding pieces to use was relatively easy, however finding all of the needed information proved to be a bit of a challenge. There were a few museums who featured exhibits online that had all of the information, but most of them were from ancient times and I was looking to find a mix of both old and new and modern art to use in my exhibits.

Overall the process was fairly enjoyable, I liked the flexibility and "open endedness" of the project. 

I am fairly happy with what I put together, although I found it difficult to describe and interpret some of the art, just because I am not naturally an artistic person so choosing the right vocabulary was somewhat of a challenge. 

Videos: Hockney and Warhol

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

Hockney on Photography- I chose this film because photography is my favprote form of art. I have always been interested in photography.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

I chose this video because I remember learning about Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s soup poster in school when I was little and I remember thinking how odd it was.

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

Hockney on Photography- Hockney took pictures then placed them on a flat surface to create a new larger image. This was a new idea.He uses each individual image and makes a type of puzzle, that he calls “drawing with pictures.” He explains how cubism confuses the viewer. And makes them take a harder look at the images. Hockney also expands his photography by making grids of photographs that look like on big photo when it is put together, and he also makes collages of photographs.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image- Andy Warhol began using images and using the silk screen to make different variations of the images. He produced large collages of celebrities with multiple images all over. He used the same image of Elizabeth Taylor for multiple silk screen productions. He found this process to be financially very useful for him as he didn’t even need to do the reproductions for customers, he could have his assistants to them for him.

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

Hockney on Photography- In the book it talked about how artists have changed the way things have always been done and keep pushing the envelope to find new outlets for their art and Hockney did just that.

                                            

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

-      The textbook talks about Andy Warhol as being part of an art movement known as Pop Art, and explains a bit about his background, the video takes a deeper look and provides a different slant on his life and inspirations.

4.   What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to

Hockney on Photography- The movie was very informative. I have never seen anything like the work that he did with his photos. It was very interesting and made me want to go get my camera and take pictures.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

-      This video took a further look into Andy Warhol’s life and art work. It was interesting and provided more examples of his artwork and how he did them and his inspirations. It was a bit dry but it was informative. 

Dada and Surrealism\ The Impact of Cubism Videos

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

Dada and Surrealism:

I chose to watch this video because I have never heard of Dada before this class and it seemed interesting.

The Impact of Cubism

I chose this video because cubism is another art form that I am not very familiar with so I wanted to expand my understanding or the art.

 

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

Dada and Surrealism:

-       Kurt Schwitter’s did not consider himself to be a Dadaist. He began using abstract objects in his art and began collages. He began in 1918.

-       Dada is all different forms of art put into one. It can be created by using fragments of different things.

-       Dada is said to be a state of mind.

-       Hannah Hoch used Dada as a way to detest the society she lived in.  In her photo collage Cut With the Kitchen Knife She used political figures faces and cut out new bodies for them. She made even the highest of authorities look obscure and silly.

-       George Grosz tried to show the evils of city life and society in his artwork. He was highly detested because of his art. He did a painting entitled “The Pillars of Society” that featured politicians, lawyers, soldiers and other people he did not like. He took out his anger by painting vulgar and in your face paintings.

The Impact of Cubism

-       Cubism is a strong contrast of light and shadow, vertical and diagonal lines.

-        It is described as a pattern replacing human reality.

-       Cubism is images and pictures dissected and reconstructed.

-       The elements used in the collages and paintings lose its own meaning and takes on new roles within the art.

-       In some ways it makes sense and in other ways it is not meant to make sense, but a lot of what is in the paintings is recognizable if you look closely enough.

 

 

 

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

Dada and Surrealism: In the textbook it mentioned how Dada is more of an attitude then a coherent movement or art form, which was also reinforced in the video.

 

The Impact of Cubism

The video reinforced what was discussed in the book, and how cubism  takes shapes and forms and makes them abstract and fragmented. It was more of an in depth look into the art form.

 

 

 

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

Dada and Surrealism: This film was very informative, however it felt more like a lecture just because of the speaker and slideshow feel. There were many examples of art for each art form which was nice to see. I also liked how it zoomed in on different sections of the art to get an upclose look at different aspects of each piece of art.

 

            The Impact of Cubism

 This film looked at different artists that were not mentioned in the book and did an in depth review of their art, and how art took a new form in everyday life. It was interesting. It talked about how Sonia Delaunay took her work and began using it in fashion.

Albright-Knox exhibits

Albright-Knox Art Gallery Visit

 

 

 

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit? There were two exhibits that were being featured. One was the Decade Gallery, and the other was entitled Beauty, Life, and Spirit A Celebration of Greek Culture.

2. What is the themeof the exhibition?

The Dacae exhbit featured art works collected over the past ten years  (2002-2012).

Beauty, Life, and Spirit A Celebration of Greek Culture  featured Greek art works.

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:
1. What type of lighting is used?

The lighting in all of the gallery was soft, and unless used in the art, there weren’t any fluorescents.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

The walls were white in the gallery.

3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space?

The floor was made from slabs of stone. Upstairs there was a large open area that included beautiful stone pillars.

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

Downstairs was more open with a main hall, while upstairs there were lots of different little rooms to wander through. The upstairs felt more “homey” to me,  a little less stiff then the downstairs set up.

Step 3: The Artwork

A majority of the art was hung on the walls, however some sculptures and installations were on the floor. The artworks that were hanging on the wall were normally in some kind of frame. The types of frames varied in both size and color depending on the artwork. Some had thick black frames, others had smaller white frames, and some had no frames at all. The artworks were labeled with a small plaque describing who the artist was, a bit on their background, the media used, the title of the art and when it was produced. I would say on average there was about 3-4 feet in-between each art piece.  Depending on where in the gallery you were there were some similarities and differences in the art. In one room it was all paintings. In the Decade  exhibit it was obviously all art from within the past ten years. The Greek exhibit focused mainly on artifacts such as small sculptures and figurines, pots and small tangible objects rather then paintings.

 

Step 4: Art Criticism Exercise

 

 

Pablo Picasso's "Nymphs and Satyrs" from 1964.

These sculptures, made from glass, are semi-reflective of light. Althougb Picasso was not a Greek artist, he made the sculptures to represent Greek goddesses and nymphs. The sculptures are simplistic and have no real detail on the face or body, however you can make out the body shapes.

The pitcher in the upper right corner was made by an unknown person 750-600 BC. It was created by ceramic and pigment. When viewed in person you can see the detail that was in the design and the curves of the pitcher. Although it was behind a glass case, it looked like there was some type of shapes created on the outside of the pitcher that created a design. The pitcher is simple but well crafted. It looks smooth and the handle is a perfect curve.

Cycladic Heads, 1976. By Jiri Kolar. Chiasmage on wood.

 

These three masks were created using wood and chiasmage. Chiasmage is a collage of fragments. When looking at the masks in person you can see the all the little speckels on the mask that give it a texture.  The masks feature very angular noses with no other recognizable facial features. The sit on a rounded base.

 

My Inspiration Masks

 

 

 

This mask is from http://www.masksoftheworld.com/SoAmerica/Ecuadorian%20Huaco%20mask.htm. I liked the playful design and colors of the mask. It seemed fun and childlike.

 

This mask used color and lines as two of the major Elements and Principles. I guess pattern is also used with the striped all down the face of the mask.

 

This mask is also from http://www.masksoftheworld.com/SoAmerica/Bolivia%20Mask%201.htm. I liked the bright and "in your face colors" used in this mask. This masked uses color, emphasis (on the eyes and horns), proportion(eyes\eyelashes and ears).  The detail used in this mask is above my artistic skill level, but I liked the bold use of color and the enhancing of the size of eyes and ears.

 

 

 

I chose this mask to use as inspiration because of the creativity that was used. I tend to always go for bright and colorful. This mask also portrays a childlike and playful feel to it. I thought the snake on the nose and forehead was an interesting detail. This mask uses color, lines, and proportion(the eyes are very large). I liked the bright rainbow horns as well.

 

 

My Sketches

 

 

My Final Mask

 

 

 

 

 

I focused heavily on color and texture while making my mask. I used "puffy paint" on the lips and eyes to add a little depth to the mask. I did the eyes and lips in moderate proportion to how they would appear on the human face, although they are not in perfect proportion to one another and one eye is bigger than the other. I think my mask turned out okay. I would have liked the eyes to be more of a similiar shape and size but I couldn't get it, so my mask just looks a little abstract. I enjoyed the overall experience of making the mask, although it was hard to work on a curved surface while painting.

 

Mod 10 Videos

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

African Art: Legacy of Opression

-       I took an African American history class last semester and I found the history to be very interesting. The title caught my attention.

Buddhism

-       I chose this film because I have always felt a strong connection with Buddhism, although I don’t practice it, I relate with a lot of the practices and ideas.

 

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

African Art: Legacy of Oppression

-       There is a large range in art styles from Africa, there are more than 250 cultures in Africa.

-       Although the art appears primitive, it is all symbolic and done with intent, and not done with lack of skill.

-       Masks were a large part of African art.

-       Some masks were meant to scare people into being kind to handicapped people because it can happen to you while other masks were meant to intimidate enemies.

-       White people came into Africa and forced Africans to find rubber in the forest, the women and children were held hostage and sometimes rapped until the African men filled their rubber quota.

Buddhism

-       The Prince Siddhartha Gautama sat under a tree and meditate and when he woke he proclaimed that he was enlightened, and Buddhism was born. He became known as Buddha.

-       Buddhism is based on letting go of your desires for pleasure and possessions, and focusing on finding enlightenment.

-       Buddhism is based on the eightfold path.

-       Buddhism split in two one hundred years after Buddha’s death- the monks and the “big boat”.

-       Buddha’s death brought on a rush of art.

-       Buddha is not shown as a human at the Great Stupa in India.

-       The Great Stupa, and the gateways surrounding it are cared from stone and requires a great deal of architectural support.

-       Indonesia is home of the largest Buddha shrine.(The Borobudur Temple) From an aerial view it looks like a lotus.

-       The Borobudur Temple was originally indented to be a site for pilgrimage. Pilgrims went there from all over Asia. It was buried under lava and for 800 years it was left untouched. It was restored in the early 1900s.

-        

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

African Art: Legacy of Oppression

-       In chapter 18 of the textbook the book goes into a decent amount of detail regarding the masks and arts of the African culture. They both touch on the simplicity and abstract feel that often accompanies African art.

Buddhism

-       Buddhism was described in chapter 19 of the textbook. The Great Stupa was also shown and discussed in the book, but the video went into a greater detail and allowed for a better visual understanding of the architecture and overwhelming detail that was put into the entry ways.

 

 

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

African Art: Legacy of Opression

-This film was very short and sweet. I enjoyed learning a bit of the history. It’s always nice to know the whole story behind the art and culture of a people.

Buddhism

-       This was my favorite of the two films. The shrines and places shown in this film were beautiful. It was informative but also easy to watch and kept you interested.

Hand Drawing

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

Starting out I had a very difficult time trying to get the basic outline for my hand. (using my good hand) I got really frustrated. After I took a break and went back I got a little better outline. It was pretty difficult though.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?

I used pencil. It's what I had, and also I felt that charcoal would be a little less forgiving.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?

It was extremely difficult. It looks "abstract." I kept wanting to switch hands but I forced myself through it. 

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?

I wasn't thrilled with them, but it was a learning experience. I think the hand I drew with my dominate hand turned out okay, but the drawing I did with my dominant hand looks like a child did it. No matter how many times I erased and tried I couldn't get the proportions right for the drawing of my right hand. 

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

No. I found it to be frustrating. I do however have a new respect for anyone who is ambidextrous. 

Ancient Art Videos

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

A World Inscribed: The Illuminated Manuscript

·         I chose this film because I find the history of writing and reading to be fascinating and I love the details that were used in handwriting in the Middle Ages.

Cairo Museum

·         I was interested in learning more about Egyptian art, it’s so different from what we have around here and I think it’s beautiful.

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

A World Inscribed: The Illuminated Manuscript

·         In the Early Middle Ages only the elite and monks knew how to read and write.

·         Monks wrote to spread the word of the bible and ward off demons.

·         “For every line, letter and point a sin is forgiven.” This was a common inscription used with monks in the Early Middle Ages.

·         Illuminators got paid by the length of the work.

·         Printing presses eventually replaced scribes.

More Human than Human

·         The human body has been of interest to artists for many many years.

·         The Venus of Willendorf started off an obsession with humans unrealistic views of humans in art.

·         The Egyptians of the Nile did not use the exaggerated features when depicting the human body in art.

·          The Greeks depicted their gods in human form and placed them inside their temples so they could hear the peoples’ prayers.

·         Greeks expanded on Egyptian sculptures and focused on more detailed representations.

Cairo Museum

·         5,000 years of history is included inside the museum.

·         The basement of the museum has thousands of art pieces and artifacts that have never been visible to the public.

·         The process of restoring and putting back together ancient pieces of art is overwhelmingly painstaking and takes a great deal of effort from multiple people.

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

A World Inscribed: The Illuminated Manuscript

·         It elaborated on the information given on page 352 of the book, and showed more examples of how illumination is done, and how the scribes worked.

More Human than Human

·         By starting from the beginning and showing how art has evolved and especially the art of the human body and including the history that goes along with it.

Cairo Museum

·         This video told the stories behind what is written in the book. The textbook has many facts but the video provides more of a history and examples of stories of archaeologists.

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

A World Inscribed: The Illuminated Manuscript

·         This film added a deeper understanding of what was given in the book. The actors portrayed the people of the Early Middle Ages that used to work as scribes and illuminators.

More Human than Human

·         I enjoyed this film. I especially enjoyed the story of the man who found two Greek bronze statues under the sea. The videos go into a deeper understanding of art history. This video also added interesting stories to add to the understanding of how art in regards to the human body evolved.

Cairo Museum

·         This video was very interesting, and probably my favorite of the three videos. The human foot with the plastic toe was very interesting. All of the mummies are so interesting, they are creepy but the preservation of the mummies is amazing. The intricate details of the museums basement are crazy, it must be amazing to be able to go down there and look through everything.