Jenna Aiello - Hand Drawings

I feel that using my hand as subject matter was very unique. Many paintings and drawings don't necessarily reflect upon hands. Works that we've looked at through this course focus on works that were influenced by culture of specific periods of time. They have a certain relevance to that period. Hands however, are the creators of this work. Ironically, they're never portrayed physically through work, they're however creating the work. Hands are definitely a very significant part of our bodies to reflect upon, as we use them in almost everything we do in our daily lives. 

I chose to use pencil for this activity. Pencil is a very forgiving material to use. Charcoal adds more dramatic affects to your work. Depending on it's hardness, it can come off as too dark and not subtle enough. The same goes with the hardness of your pencil as well but the lead is less dramatic. I had also use charcoal in a previous activity, the color contrast activity, so switching up the media was better. I was honestly getting very frustrated using my non-dominant hand for part of the drawing. It's so easy to create anything you want with your dominant hand. We're accustomed to using it without thinking of how easy it is compared to using our non-dominant hands. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be though. I have written with my non-dominant hand before when I broke my dominant arm, so it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The final drawings came out surprisingly well.  I am happy with the results and you can't see many extreme differences between the two drawings. The strokes and lines in the drawing done with the dominant hand are more precise and accurate compared to the other, but you can at least tell the drawing of the non-dominant hand is an actual hand! I think this turned out to be a successful study. What I got from this was that drawing is more of what's in your mind compared to accurately drawing something. What I mean by that is, you draw what you see of course but the hand you use isn't affected by its dominance. The lines will be the same, maybe have some differences, but you're drawing based on what you see not how accurate the lines you make are. Which hand you use doesn't have an extreme difference aside from becoming adjusted to it's movement. It's how you perceive the object you're drawing that can make a difference.

I would consider using my non-dominant hand for work in the future. It provides me with a challenge and I would be surprised at how the final work came out.

Jenna Aiello - Renaissance Videos

ALBRECHT DURER: IMAGE OF A MASTER

Durer was born in germany in 1471. He exercised his powerful influence on the art of northern Europe. gothic art of germany was opened up to new ideas from the renaissance. He did a self portrait when he was 13 using silver point. He was extremely talented. His talent for portraits was very evident when he was 19; he enjoyed painting hands. He carefully observed the process of aging. His mother bore 18 children and buried 15 of them. Before she died in 1514, Durer made a charcoal picture of her and the process of aging was very evident. In 1489, he went out on his travels, working as a painter. His woodcuts that he was talented in helped him survive his travels. A touch of narcissism was seen in his work. After being summoned back to Germany, he was married to a wealthy 15 year old girl. However, he was soon back on his travels. But this him, it was to Italy. His journey over the Alps awakened the appeal of landscape in his work. He was the first true landscape artist in Europe. He grasped the mod of landscape, the glow of evening light on water and the clouds hugging the sun. He visited Venice, which was a mecca for artists. He visited as many painter studios that he could but this wasn’t a problem because he was already famous through his prints. A theme he chose to paint was rosary. Famous artists came to visit him while others were threatening him because of his talents. He was always dedicated craftsman. From the Venetians he learned how to imply brushstrokes without color to imply light. He searched for what seemed to be the perfect form. He did a self portrait to represent perfection and symmetry. Upon his return to Germany, he found himself being treated as a noble citizen. He was a member of the great council of the city. Much of his success in printmaking lay in giving visual aspects to prints. He could reach a much wider public. Prints depicting the life of the Virgin Mary were extremely popular. He also made prints of scenes from daily life. Peasants of market and experiments with new technique are evident in his work. Durer was constantly learning and refining his art. 

Just as art is always changing and advancing, so are the artists who create these works. Durer traveled from Germany to Italy and while doing so, different cultures had an influence in his work. We can relate this to Baroque art of the Renaissance transforming to Neo-Platoism and portraying a reflection on politics. His work and ideas spread just as Greek art did to now relate to Renaissance art. Ideas are always furthered whether it be through travels or changing times. 

LEONARDO DA VINCI: THE MIND OF THE RENAISSANCE

Da Vinci demonstrated exceptional gifts from his infancy. He showed a passion for drawing when he was young. Tuscany was in a full artistic Renaissance. His sensitivity developed as he grew older; he observed faces and hand gestures as well as motions of the soul. He left Vinci when he was a adolescent and moved to Florence. There he apprenticed with Andrea del Verrocchio. He will be the ideal model for Botticelli, another artist in the studio. The greater your knowledge the most your work will be deserving of praise. He was the first to make an actual landscape. With his hatching effect, he conveys density and transparency. He studied the exploration of the true. “Motion is made of two natures, one is material and one is spiritual.” He was entrusted with painting an angel in one of his masters pictures. He needed to require the expertise of an engineer. His speed of thought leads him from technical problems to philosophical ideas. When he was 20, he was accepted into the painters guild. In the new interpretation of the Annunciation, he depicted a Virgin Mary that was already pregnant. He showed a great love for animals and it outraged by man’s cruelty towards them. The first portrait painted reflected all things that make him unique. Treatment of the light in the landscape is very clear. he also studied machines both to understand them and improve them and create more complex ones. He made endless drawing and sketches and got a commission for a creation of a large alter piece. As his work progressed, you can see different elements. Faces, gestures, feelings set in motion by the divine child can all be seen. To one side, a young man turns away; the painting remained unfinished. Leonardo was sent to Milan as a musician. He is commissioned to present a work made by himself. He introduced himself as a military engineer and boasts of his inventions and skills. He undertook works that were full of symbolism. He organized entertainment and shows at the court. His machinery gives him a chance to experiment with his mechanical inventions. The Duke of Milan commissions a portrait of his young mistress. He became the official court painter. “Painting relates to the 10 attributes of sight.” A painting must represent two things; man and what passes in his soul, the first is easy but the second it hard. He drew up lists of words and delves into their meaning and writes down notes about them. He transformed himself into the artist of science. “The eye is the window to the soul; all the images of the universe are contained in this tiny space; this is the miracle by dilating the blurred images; the optic nerve is like a cord transmitting images to the brain.” Da Vinci proposed a city on many levels to promote health, in a city like Milan where it was slowly falling. A witness relays that he spent his work early and spend hours studying and pondering. “When the painters mind his alive, his hands create harmony and proportion at that very moment.” “Geometry embraces everything in the universe.” Since his arrival in Milan, his mission was to create energy and invention. His plan was to make a horse casting 7ft high. In 1499, he left Milan where he had spent 17 years. In Venice, he discovered the equestrian statue. The Venetian republic appeals to the visitors ingenuity. He studied ways to bar access to the lagoon. He even had ideas for an underwater attack for divers to sink the enemy ships. He now traveled through central Italy as an architect and engineer. He proposed building a bridge. Upon returning to Florence, he was respected and renowned. People flocked to admire Da Vinci’s talent. He captures the motion of the soul in this Florentine lady; the Mona Lisa. Because of his search for perfection he can never being himself to see his works are finished. In 1513, he returned back to the Vatican. He devotes himself to research and many inventions. He continued experimenting on the construction of mirrors. He produced as personal piece, John the Baptist. He traveled to France in response to an invitation. He made his home with the title of painter, engineer and architect to the king. He proposed large scale hydraulic work. He planned a new capital. He continued to perfect the works that he brought with him. He died May 2, 1519 when he was 67 years old. Legend says that he died in the arms of the king. 

THE DRAWINGS OF MICHAELANGELO

All his life, Michaelangelo drew. He was born in Florence and was apprentice to Ghirlandaio. Much of his activities were centered on drawing. The comparison of Michaelangelo and Grirlandaio’s drawings show the similarity in both of their works. However, Michaelangelo’s works are much more advanced, however still holding the same ideas. He uses his drawings as a stalk of ideas that he can return to. He keeps his paper and reuses it and carries it with him. He learned to paint and draw from Ghirlandaio but taught himself how to sculpt. The Pieta is his only signed sculpture. We can see how much he learned about classical art through this sculpture. He was interested in what sculpture means and expressed it in a different medium. His knowledge of the human body was staggering and his anatomical knowledge was amazing. The lines were very chiseled like with many strokes. He had admiration  for the sculptures of antiquity. He was called back to Florence to work on what we know as David. The greatest inspiration he gives is how you can use the body. His genius blends details taken from life mixed with abstract. He works and reworks the figure in a constant search for perfection. The male nude was the focal point of expression for the next 60 years when referring to Michaelangelo. It isn’t beauty in itself. In 1508, he started the decoration of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The drawings tell the story of drawing and carrying out the greatest commission of his life. However, you can see from early drawings of the most famous painting on the chapel that the drawing of Adam isn’t lifelike. It is nearly impossible for the human body to fit that curve depicted in the work. By 1516, he was back in Florence. The Pope called him to work on a church. He was to design a facade but switched to family tombs. He designed four tombs for the chapel. The architecture and most of the sculptures were designed by Michaelangelo in the chapel honoring the Medici. He drew not just a body but a marble sculpture of a body with a particular light. His concern for the back of the sculpture was about the angle from which it would be viewed as well as the detail. His design of the chapel was never fully realized. In 1527, Michaelangelo stopped work on the chapel. His passionate response the beauty of the male body was masked by the Christian faith. The Last Judgement was one of Michaelangelo’s last works. He believed in the reality of heaven and hell. This work required him to find a new way to represent the human body. There is no difference in the bodies of the saved and those of the damned. The drawings show him working out how to cope with masked and tangled bodies. He also tested the limits of what he could portray through the body. The Last Judgement shows his turing to become increasingly aware of his own mortality. His crucifixion drawings explore his feelings of hope and dread as he approached death. He went to a place of meditation and coexistence. These late drawings are a reflection of his own death and his private thoughts of the death of Christ and the impact of the death of Christ. 

LA PRIMAVERA

There are many mixed opinions of La Primavera by Botticelli. But what is the meaning of this work? It was painted in Florence in the 1480’s. It’s scale makes an immediate impact. This isn’t a painting to be taken lightly in any sense. Primavera is spring in Italian. 9 figures appear and are all drawn from classical mythology. Venus stands in the middle and above her is cupid aiming at a group of scantily clad women which are the three graces. The young male figure is Mercury, messenger of the gods. The most puzzling figures are on the right. Two two females are an expression of a single person. They stand in a meadow of 500 flowers. But why are they all gathered together in this one group? It was Renaissance Florence that provided a guide map for the creation of this work. Botticelli was born just as the early Renaissance was reaching its peak. Some scholars believe that Lorenzo the Magnificent is seen in La Primavera. His real face wasn’t used as he is seen as more beautiful in the painting. A new pagan art was emerging in Florence. To create the Primavera, rule of Christian art had to be overlooked. There was a massive demand for religious image in art in Florence. Crucifixions were a common subject as were mother and child works. Venus was allowed her own version of the Christ child; cupid flying above. The three graces were seen as nymphs. They weren’t real nor were actual women looking like that of that time. It shows a particular grace and beauty, however unnatural. In 1498, the painting was listed in a list of household content and was given a price. It was displayed in the bedroom of a townhouse in Florence and began to Lorenzo di Piere Franchesco. It was normal to commission paintings around the time of marriage. Franchesco was married into a loveless marriage and this painting was painted for his marriage. There is a seen of a sexual sort seen on the right side of the painting. A figure is raped by the one the woman loves. The theme of rape is popular in paintings given for a new marriage. Violence is also transformed into happiness in this painting. Chloris took Flora as is wife, depicted with a smile, in the painting. It showed a happy marriage born from adversity. The painting was displayed in a bedroom of the newly married couple. The painting began life as a piece of furniture. If the subject matter were new, the techniques  used were traditional in La Primavera. The material used and methods used in the painting marked a high point in the early Renaissance. The attempt to find a key linking a connection in the painting is challenging. We are invited to reveal a riddle in this painting and that makes it very appealing to the audience. The painting it full of many many flowers, all very rich some which we can identify and others that we cannot. The figures seem to be standing in a orange growth which were very typical in the Mediterranean. Roses also depict a sense of smell. Based on the flowers, there is a mixture of seasons in the painting. The flowers revealed a shared symbolic theme; strawberries are seduction, the carnation is a flower which the bride hid on her body, other plants that dealt with marriage are also seen more in figures on the right side of the painting. After Botticelli’s death, the Primavera remained hidden. The painting emerged in the mid 19th century; when a group of British artists were looking for inspiration. They were able to study it closely and were soon using Botticelli’s style in their own work. The Song of Spring was a response from a gay artist to the Primavera. The composition was based on this. In the center of the painting is a female figure with her hands playing on a keyboard. There are two women embracing her staring in space. On the left is a young man carrying a branch of blossom. This painting carries a sense of sadness. This work enhances aspects of the Primavera that weren’t necessarily seen at first. The figure of Mercury in the painting sends many different messages, some even of homosexuality. The Primavera is a very complicated and dense painting and needs to be looked at in its episodes. However, Flora is more looked at. Her facial expression is very intriguing. She acts as the one that draws us into the picture herself.

Each of these videos carry a great significance and importance in learning about Renaissance art. Videos about Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci give insights into their lives and what they went through while producing and learning about both themselves and art. They enhance our understanding of their art as well as our readings in the text. La Primavera gives us such a deep look at a very important artwork of the Renaissance. Each were very enjoyable and have contributed to my understanding of the Renaissance period. 

More Human Than Human

MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN

Images are all around us; they mold us, they describe us. When our ancient ancestors first created images to represent their world, they helped to shape our world today. Humans made art, and art made us humans. Ancient art, dating back thousands of years ago, will help to explain that. No other image dominates our lives than images of the human body, whether it be in television or magazines or the art world. The human form has obsessed some of the worlds greatest artists. The one thing all these images have in common; the worlds most popular images of the human body is being unrealistic. People who lived in the Danube river area thousands of years ago were nomads and the thing to special about them was what they left behind. They lived and hunted in small groups and rarely stayed in one place. Trying to see how they lived is hard because of this. In 1908,  a statue of a woman’s body made 25,000 years earlier was found in Austria by the Danube river. She is a relic of our ancient past. She is our first clue as to why our modern world is so dominated by unrealistic images of the human body. The relic is unrealistic. Her body parts are extremely large and may have been a symbol of motherhood. Her arms and face aren’t shown at all. From Russia to other parts of Europe, statues that were made were exaggerated like the relic found in Austria. Experts wonder what was going on in the artists brain when these statues were created. Why were certain parts emphasized while others of significant importance weren’t? What was going on in the brains of ancestors made them produce exaggerated images of what mattered most. Their brains compelled them to exaggerate parts tied with fertility. Shifts in climate changed how nomads lived. Water was scare and nomads started to dwell along the Nile River because the scarcity of water. Egypt had became a fully settled civilization. The Nile flooded so the egypt could build a stable living environment with government and a strict hierarchy. They were the first civilized people to use humans in their art. In the tomb of Ramses VI, there were so many images of the human body. The bodies don’t have exaggerated features, their arms, legs, and feet were all about the right size. The nomadic way of showing the body was dead and gone. This modern civilization canceled it out. What were these new images being driven by? They were produced by an organized society much like ours. Rather than exaggerating parts of the body, Egyptians shows each parts from its clearest angle. The temple of Karnak is the best way to see how Egyptian art has changed over the years. The way they represented the body hasn’t changed. Their style lasted 3,000 years. A grid found on an ancient tomb wall shows how the images of the human body has not changed. Egyptian society didn’t want the image to change. Cultural values, such as order and hierarchy, were shown in why the style hadn’t changed. Pyramids were designed with absolute precision, reflecting the obsession with permanence and order. Egyptians created images like these because of their culture. Culture is key in the type of society we live in and how we depict the human body. In 1972, an Italian discovered, on his vacation, that culture is definitely key. He saw a human arm sticking out from the sand in the ocean. He revealed the body of a realistic statue. He uncovered two ancient statues. They had been created by one of the most influential cultures in history, ancient Greece. Ancient Greeks were fixated with the body. Bodies were displayed without hesitation or shame, they believed their gods took human form. The most impressive you could make your own body, the more like a god you would seem. Wherever Greeks settled, they built temples. They wanted to see images of their gods that were realistic. Greek worshipers believed that they were actually their gods in their human form, able to watch them in the temple and hear their words. Trading was seen between Greece and Egypt. Greek artists could create statues as tall as a man because of this. Egypt’s style wasn’t good enough for the Greeks. Man had created an image of the body that was fully nude and truly realistic. The effect had such an effect on the Greeks. However, this sculpture was too realistic and didn’t intrigue the mind enough. So realism needed to change to exaggeration. Polyclitus showed physical potential of an athlete, a body that was realized yet appeared ready to move. He captured an athlete posed for action. Ancient Greece created something more human than human. Riace bronzes were what the Italian gentleman found in the bed of the sea. The arrangement oft he limbs and the direction of the head and chest made them seem alive. However, the proportions of this body are impossible to achieve on a real human body. They’re realities being exaggerated. The instincts on the mind of human beings have now been revived and still dominates our world today. 

THE GREEK AWAKENING: ART FROM THE 5TH CENTURY BC

Greece is the birthplace of western civilization. Greeks shape the way we view our history and how we view our world today. They created the sense of thinking and in some ways doing. Many believe that Greeks began to think of themselves more than the gods. This meant sculptures were more realistic. Greeks were always the center of life; socially, religiously, and artistically. Self confidence emerged as Greeks won battles over their city-states. This confidence was seen in statues and structures. The Parthenon was very evident in this sense of confidence. It was the center of the city, both realistically and symbolically. It was what you saw when approaching Athens from the sea. The Parthenon is a icon representing the human and religion. It represents the humanist movement of the 5th century BC. Experts believe that there was another parthenon before the actual Parthenon that stands today based on sculptures and pieces they found from the 6th century BC. Some of these sculptures may have been created by slaves. Pediments on the Parthenon show its dedication to Athena through a dispute. At the other end a sculpture that showed the birth of Athena. At the foot of the Acropolis stands a theater sculpted by the Romans with Greek influence and another theater where tragedy started. Theater was politics on the grand scale. It was a way of exploring the biggest aspects of society. The Great Awakening stemmed from confidence within themselves. 

The title alone of this video was very intriguing. I have a very strong interest in Greek art and architecture so having the chance to watch videos related to it is perfect. Everything has a history and an opinion but seeing this history from a professional standpoint is very worthwhile. I very much enjoyed this film. Although it was short, it contained many important aspect of the history of Greek art and theater. 

BEYOND THE CLASSICAL: BYZANTINE AND LATER GREEK ART

The Greek Orthodox church had a great impact on the art and architecture of the country. Greece stands out as a deeply religious part of the country. Christianity brought new heros to art and stories to tell. Art and culture continued throughout the Byzantine empire. This period lasted around 800 years. The church encouraged the destruction of the Greek sculptures. The Virgin Mary were in and Zeus was out. Byzantine art progressed the field of painting. It contains the same 2D elements with modern expressionistic elements. Mixture of European and Byzantine styles continued to develop in Greece. Greek painters recorded the heroic nature of their battle of freedom. They were styled to adorn public spaces. Hellenistic art began to emerge. Ancient Greek and Byzantine influence were included. Architecture too influenced later art. It has the greatest influence. This is because of the grand tours in which wealthy gentlemen toured Italy and Greece widening their horizons and eventually the Renaissance arose. Buildings and ruins were dug up and this helped to turn their own country into newer versions of ancient Greece. Neoclassical architecture is very apparent in western Europe. Specific buildings, like Athens University, was built to respect ancient Greek architecture without copying it. Ancient Greek architecture was an influence for many cultures. One pediment of Athens University was a tribute to Athena. Art on other university walls was also a tribute to other Greek gods. 

Again, my strong interest in Greek art and architecture caused me to watch this specific video.  This video was also very informative, giving relevant information about the influence of ancient Greece on other cultures and structures. 

CATACLYSM: THE BLACK DEATH VISITS TUSCANY

Tuscan cities were booming, buildings and public squares were being built, new houses were going up quickly, paintings and literature flourished and more gold was being circulated more than ever in history. Peace between Florence and Sienna had been achieved. City walls were being expanded for a continuous growing civilization. The walls were how a city made its first impression. When visitors arrived, the walls were noticed first and were a positive reflection on the city council. As walls expanded so did construction within them. However, Florence and Sienna remained enemies. In 1296, Florence began construction of its own cathedral. Bad weather and harvests were taking a toll on the city, as well as the economy. Demographics played a major role in that; expansion couldn’t be supported and there was a lack of food. The Bubonic plague was fatal and soon to crush the city. Before it hits, you find that the population is in serious trouble and kills people that were already in a weakened state. People weren’t well off and the banks were crashing because of the sums they allowed to the king of England and took down the economy. The plague reached Tuscany in 1348. It spared no one. 1/3 to 1/2 of the population in Europe died. The plague affected every aspect of life. The population would never grow to the expanded city walls. Before the plague, the building was constant. After, it came to a halt. One one temple was built, a thanksgiving to Mary for having driven the plague away. At the beginning of the 20th century, Sienna’s population was half of what it was before the plague. Many decisions were taken to stop the plague. People didn’t understand how the plague spread. Old documents told stories of actions that were taken. Justice had gone missing, you couldn’t escape the plague. No one knew what could cure it or what had caused it. Suspicion turned to the small Jewish population of Europe. Their practices led to the rumor that Jews weren’t using wells in order to kill Christians. This spread and consequences were extremely bad. Jews were butchered and burnt. Cities that welcomed travelers feared outsiders. Anger spread. Flagellants thought that punishing themselves would escape the effects of the plague. Thousands of people took place in the flagellants sessions of beating to free themselves from the plague. The Pope banned them in 1349.  This plague also affected the arts. WIth the decline of revenues, there were no public commissions for artists. Artists now show us a different world. We can see 3 different views of the world. Bodies were less realistic. Doubting Thomas became very popular in art when people began to doubt God. The most powerful medium in the 1200’s and 1300’s was painting. Art was an understanding of a service to man and involved a human’s feelings. Emotion was seen. The artist should be able to show his feelings in a way that involves others. This was the beginning oft he Renaissance and Giotto was completely involved with that. The dawn of the Renaissance continues to the present. Structures and buildings are still very apparent. A foundation was created. Techniques used in the Renaissance are still used today. 

The dawn of the Renaissance helped shape modern art and lifestyles helped to shape different cultures after cultures. Legacies were carried on and weren’t forgotten. A new style arose through out the Renaissance, a beauty so unique. I chose this video because of that. The Renaissance is something so unique in the past. I also did not know much about the plague that spread through Tuscany, another reason why I chose this video over the others. It was definitely very interesting learning about what happened and how all these situations led to another. 

Architecture

PRARIE STYLE:

No other architect in history has influenced how we live compared to Frank Lloyd Wright. His dream was to have buildings blend naturally into their surroundings. He designed a lot of single family houses in the Chicago suburbs. Wright was very determined that they should reflect their time and landscape. Chicago was a flat prairie at the time and houses reflected that. It was a layering of horizontals that Wright felt grew out of the land. He wanted homes to be natural. His main contributions was to rethink the organization of the house. He opened up spaces so they link one to another. The ceiling level in his homes were short because he wanted to emphasize the horizontalness of the house. He planned the house to follow the sun around through out the day. He reorganized plans of house, changed how the outside looked and lifted the living room off of the ground. This video is so closely related to the text because architects of certain time periods designed buildings or structures related to the style of the era. Domes were created, places of worship with great architectural features about them were created, all reflecting that certain time period. Just as these were a representation of the time, so were Wrights homes. His homes reflected the land more so then the time period. But feeling and emotion can be seen when looking at each design. I loved this film. I studied architecture my first semester of college and there were to many intricate details to be known; it was amazing. Every design was a reflection or something, emotion or something physical, and to see such great work coming from one person is great!

ARCHITECTURE: THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN

A skyscraper consists of a super structure and the underground substructure. It is built so far into the ground until it reaches a form of rock that is supportive enough. One of the main problems with constructing high rises is the wind. In high winds, buildings over 100 stories high can sway over 100 meters. This motion is absorbed by the building joints. However if not supported correctly, it can damage the building. Before skyscrapers are built, they undergo certain tests to make sure the building can undergo the elements weather poses. Wind tunnel testing can help predict now accumulation on roofs. Smart apartments are a very intense idea, somewhat hard to follow. But it is such a high cost technology. I see it more as laziness more then anything. Everything is controlled by a computer; the shower heats and towels are warmed once the alarm clock goes off, coffee is made once you’re done with your shower, etc. All of these are tasks that can easily be done on a daily basis. The video mentions that this is helpful for the elderly, but the high cost makes it hard to have. Concrete is another material discussed in the video and tells us that it has been used since ancient times. Unlike the first video, this one focuses more on the science behind buildings. Their structure and materials used are so major in the life of a building. 

CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE:

For thousands of years, nations have used the architectural style that was developed in the ancient world. Classical architecture has been adapted to reflect the needs and value of that time. The ancient world was the ideal and recreated buildings reflecting on that. Roman architecture was applied to surfaces of new building types. Many buildings reflecting Renaissance architecture can be seen in England. This video is so much related to the text. The only difference is it shows works in video format and explains their meaning as opposed to reading it. Concepts are expanded on and structures are talked about more in depth. Classical architecture for housing is very popular in Britain. 

LAST CALL FOR PLANET EARTH

In today’s world, we need to worry about resources available, especially our energy consumption. Companies are now seeing that having a sustainability agenda is needed. A committed architect is worried about ecology in today’s world. Becoming green is important however a challenge. All possibilities need to be considered when being an architect, making use of current systems in buildings is also important. Old buildings have solid structures that can be used in many ways. High ceilings allow more natural light and transmission of light through the interior. 10 gardens located all in one building in Germany are accessible to the crew working there, ensuring fresh air and stale air removal. Natural light is also an important factor in new infrastructure. Architects can really do a lot for environmental awareness. 50% of energy used in a country, such as Germany or France, is used by buildings. We need to find a way that will enable us to stop destroying the environment. We need to consider geography, climate, and local resources. Wood, a non-renewable resource, requires less energy than other materials. We should also use water that is free and recycle water so it’s clean and safe for us. Energy involves making sure we used as little of it as possible. So buildings need to be high performance so that hey require less heating and air conditioning. Solar energy is pure magic. We should take advantage of existing buildings so that we don’t lose our memory of the site. Existing industrial buildings in Finland were used to create new office buildings. New windows were put in; making singles into doubles. Great changes can be made if we conceptualize a city. Many changes have been made in Brazil that shows that such improvements can be done easily and still make a difference. We need to understand that city areas have multiple uses. Changes must come from policy. In China, a residential building was created based on the environment. Efficient wind and light utilize the building so less energy is used. New technologies in Canada go after sun directly which provide heat and energy. When creating a new building, it should not burden the environment too much. We need to re-establish out habitat. If cities continue to grow, we will think about their structure. Air, water, and earth are the 3 strong points. WAter is the basic fabric of a human; it makes up 70% of us. Air is the environment in which we live; it is like freedom. We have to respect the earth because what earth produces is what we live on. Structures need to be created that will enable to us live differently. We just can’t simply change because others are. We need a sort of inspiration. This is the job of architects in the future. To enable a sufficient structure that will cause us to change because it is for the better of us.

I chose this last film because it sounded so eye-opening, and that it was. Although it was long, there was so much information and inspiration that needed to be included to show how much of a change is needed and how much of a change we can make. I enjoyed every minute of this video. It was so moving yet so direct with issues regarding architecture in our world today.

Installation Art

Reflect:

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 some places our mind invents in our dreams. Others have been compared to sets of a play or in films. And others can represent places that we are already familiar with. It’s creating a work of art out of space and utilizing it to fit the theme of your work. Any types of materials can be used in installation art. There are no limitations and that’s why it is enjoyable. The video talks about an installation that was made on the outside of a building. This rotating piece made windows more accessible. People were able to see inside the building from a ground level instead of having to go up levels. It was a very intricate work, one that I would have never even thought of. But it was eye catching and expanded on my perceptions of art and it’s creation and purpose. And installation art is made for just that. It’s to open your mind and bring it to extremes that you don’t really think art can reach. 

Plan:

One of the works I felt the most connection with was Thomas Hirschhorn’s “Jumbo Spoons and Big Cake”. I have an enormous sweet tooth, so this work really stood out to me. Plus, it is huge! I would have never imagined a work being that side before. Any all materials incorporated within the work make it what it is. Not only is it in the shape of a cake, it represents the world and problems within it such as famine and war. This is very appealing to me because it allows the audience to engage in the work. The theme that appealed to me the most is Media. There are so many media influence in our lives today, it’s easy to say that it’s accumulating most of it. From televisions, phones, computers, iPods, etc, our daily lives are filled with the external world and I could definitely say that affects us in so many ways. In my installation I used many devices that affect my every day life. It is located on the floor in an open space by a window with that light shining down on it. 

My installation:

My installation is comprised of two computers, a phone, two iPods, a camera, a large picture frame and cords. Each serve their own specific purpose. The main idea in my installation is to show how daily, routine life is so closely connected to media and technology. The focal point of the installation is the large picture frame comprised of a collage of myself and many of the people in my life. They are various pictures taken from parties, events, and random car rides! On both the left and right side of the frame are cords. On the right side, the cord is connected to a computer with facebook open on it. Facebook is so evident in our daily lives. Almost everything is posted up on it and nothing is kept a secret. People reveal so much about themselves from where they’re going and at what time to what they’re doing in the present moment. On the left side of the frame is a cord that is connected to a computer with YouTube open on it. YouTube is another influence in our lives today. Again, anything and everything is posted on YouTube, mostly for entertainment. However, sometimes this can be taken too far and too much can be posted up. Documentaries of peoples lives are posted, practical jokes are posted and even harmful videos can be posted. It is also out there for everyone to see. Sitting in either side of each computer is a phone and an iPod Touch. Both these are internet accessible and consume our lives. From texting, to email, to even more access to Facebook, our lives seem to be controlled by these devices. In the center of the installation, right below the frame, are a camera and an iPod. Again, these devices are major parts of our lives. A camera is always needed when posting pictures all over Facebook of daily activities. iPods are used mostly for music and entertainment but impact us, surprisingly health-wise too! The iPod has a cord attached to it that is also linked to both computers. These cords represent an attachment and connection from our everyday lives to technology and it’s influence. In one certain picture, you’re able to see the light coming from outside. The installation was set up under a window so the light was able to shine through, however it had a bad effect on the quality of the pictures taken. That light and window though represent our outside world, one in which we may seem disconnected from because we’re so focused on the technology around us. 

Sculpture, Glass & Ceramics, Installation Art

GLASS AND CERAMICS

When watching the video, I learned that glass is made from sand, but its properties are different from sand. Glass is a liquid that stiffens when cooled. Sand is composed of silica that makes crystals that make bonds. Other components are use to improve fusion. The heat causes the sands crystalline structure to break. Glass hardens as it cools from contact with the air and can be reheated to reach its desired shape. The book gives a small detailed insight on the creation of glass. It gives background information from the ancient Roman author Pliny on the secret of making glass. The readings show gorgeous works created from glass that reflect some of the facts shown in the video. After watching this video, I can now understand how much time and effort is needed when creating a glass sculpture. It is different reading information about how class is created rather then actually seeing a quicker process of creating a piece. When looking at stained glass windows, it is shocking to see how many steps are taken. A piece as small as one tenth of the original size is made! Glass puzzle piece like parts are made that take part in the larger work. Each stained glass window tells a story. Ceramics are made in the same way as glass, through heat, but they are made from clay. Ceramics are differentiated by the quality of the raw materials used and the temperature at which it was heated. 

INSTALLATION ART

Installation art is artwork that takes over and defines the space and how that is achieved is up to the author. It is generally something that is all around you; there is an attitude that makes it distinctive. They are 3-D artworks. In installation art, the author is trying to draw the viewer to a particular world and force them to interact with that world. There are no limitations with installation art. Works can be extremely large, like that of a building, or as small and simple as a urinal or shovel. This video was very interesting to me because it taught me more about installation art than the book did. I felt as if the book just touched on it, gave a few examples and a definition, and that was it. The video expanded on the ideal and meaning of installation art and gave different examples with interviews following. Artists were able to explain their art and professionals were able to fully talk about the concept. It seemed as if certain works were broken down so they were easy to understand rather than just popped into a text as a picture. In the video, installation art was broken down into invisible art, pop art, by artist and definition. It is also a type of art that I enjoy. There are no limitations. Whatever aspect you enjoy can be put into that work so take your viewer into your world and intended mindset. It’s like stepping out of the typical boundaries of art; it’s more than what you would see in a traditional museum. 

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE SCULPTOR

It was interesting to see a sculptors point of view and their story in this video rather than someone who isn’t a sculptor. I felt more connected to this video because the actual sculptor, Emmanuel Fillion, is talking about his love for sculpting starting from his early childhood years. The book refers to sculptures based on different methods, each in a different era or time period. The video is nice because it focuses on one author and his processes relating to a work of art.  His perspective is put into the video and we are able to better engage in the process of creating a sculpture rather than reading about various types. Sure, learning about different methods of sculpture are informative and useful but looking through the eyes of the creator is more of an experience. 

Peer Responses

1. http://abate1.blogspot.com (Abbey Abate)
   http://lostprofetsun.blogspot.com (Jenna Fanara)
2. Both Abbey and Jenna had pictures that very much represented the elements and principles of art. Each picture seemed as if much thought was put into it. I can see exactly why each picture was used to represent that specific element. Both girls chose pictures that were very meaningful to them. Jenna’s love for nature was seen in alot of pictures and were very beautiful. The colors of the flowers were so bright and beautiful! Abbey also had pictures that were close to the heart, especially the one of her family. Not only did they look at this project as a class assignment, they put elements that represented themselves into it, allowing fellow classmates to learn about them.
3. Both Jenna and Abbey chose amazing artworks. Many of them were ones that I too felt a connection with or appealed to me. Abbey and I had a few responses that were almost similar when looking at “Bedroom Painting #40” and the sculpture of mother and son. It’s so amazing to see why certain works appeal to different people, but to have similar reasons is awesome! I can see why she feels a connection with the works that she chose and made me even more interested in them. Jenna and I also chose some of the same works. She posted one that I had and also another that I took a picture of but didn’t use for the project. It was interesting to see each of their responses to individual works. Everyone thinks differently and understanding their connection and attachment to certain art is definitely moving in a way. When starting this project, I expected responses and works to be completely different but seeing that two blogs that I chose both contained works that I enjoyed was awesome!
4. One of the works that Abbey chose, the various pictures with puzzle pieces, definitely caught my eye. I loved puzzles when I was growing up and would spend all day putting them together. Knowing that that interested her too was very cool. But looking deeper into this work, I was curious as to the the missing pieces meant, if anything. I know each are a representation of either American Express, Renyolds Wrap, and Lightbulbs, but is there more behind it than that? I could be wrong, but my interest is definitely piqued. One work that Jenna picked, “Women’s Head”, caught my eye. I wondered the same as she did. What is the purpose of this work? Is it relating to anyone in particular? What was Picasso’s inspiration for this work? These are questions I’d love to know the answers to.
5. I enjoyed reading peers’ blogs. I found it very worth my time. Knowing others connections to certain works and their feelings towards it is very enriching and makes me look more into art that I love and appreciate. Seeing how art affects others is very interesting. I also found it cool that out of the group of classmates, the two blogs I read both had some of the same works that I chose! Art is full of emotion. Learning about peers’ emotions through their posts is enjoyable for both me and I assume the other classmate. I know I take great interest and spend a lot of time with each project and seeing that others do too and appreciate it just as much as I do makes me want to work harder! Overall, I enjoyed this part of the week!
6. Reading responses to my own work was relieving! I’m glad classmates got the chance to see how I felt about certain works and how much time and effort I put into my work. Art is a big love of mine and I want others to see how much I enjoy it! I appreciate each response I got for the two projects.

Art Gallery Visit One

Which artworks made an impression on me? Why?

“Bedroom Painting #40”; Tom Wesselmann; 1978; oil on canvas.

I was so taken back by this painting when I first looked at it. The colors in the work are absolutely gorgeous and so vibrant. When thinking of a bedroom, one may think of it as being dark and shaded; peaceful enough to sleep. But the bedroom in this painting is very light and alive. The colors draw you in, each one right after the other. The woman looks as if she is staring at something or someone, making her seem very happy. The flowers at the bottom of the painting also make the room seem very alive. It looks also as if there is something more going on. The essence of the woman looking at someone intrigues me. I wonder what else can be going on in this picture..

“Pinwheel”; John Ahearn; 1998; plaster

This is an amazing sculpture. The proportions of each hand and arm compared to others, the way they’re formed and the realness of each make the sculpture. It looks as if each hand is asking for something, or waiting to be given something. They’re in the shape of a circle and, to me, can represent people around the works all asking for one thing. This may be happiness, it may be peace, it may be life, it can be so many things. This is a beautiful work of art, one in which I’d take much joy in learning the meaning behind.

 “Convergence”; Jason Pollack; 1952; oil on canvas

Confusion is an art in itself and confusion is the first feeling I felt when looking at this artwork. I did not know where to start when viewing this work but once you find a place to look, the rest flows. Your eyes are easily moving through the picture because if the various strokes and shapes. I find it very interesting how all the colors move through out the picture and how each can be recognized. The title of the work fits it perfectly. Although confusing, all elements in this piece come together as one, creating a sense of unity.

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

"Eta d’oro” (The Golden Age)’ Medardo Rosso; 1886; wax on plaster

This work gave me chills when I first looked at it. You needed to take a few minutes to clearly recognize what it was but the face of the baby is so real it’s shocking. Although it’s only faces, you can feel the love between the mother and the child. This work appealed to me because it reminded me of my little brother that passed away and my mother. Looking it makes me think of how badly he’s wanted back in this world and much much my mother and the rest of my family loved him. I can envision that this is how my mother and him would have been; close, loving, caring, unlike any other mother in this world.

“Wedding Souvenir”; Claes Oldenburg; 1966; plaster of Paris

I got hungry when I looked at this artwork. I have an enormous sweet tooth and this was one of the works I wanted to take home with me! It looks so realistic and I wonder, because the work is titled “Wedding Souvenir”, if it is an actual cake but sculpted. Could it be the artist’s actual cake? All in all, it looks delicious!

“Man Varnishing Doll’s Bed for Little Girl”; Norman Rockwell; 1920; oil on canvas

This artwork made me do “aww” when looking at it. Whether this be the little girls dad, uncle, grandfather, it seems as if he took the time out of the job he was doing and varnished the girl’s bed for her. He looks pleased to do it, especially for the little girl who is kindly looking over his shoulder. This reminds me of my dad and I. He would always take the time out of his work to either help me with something or fix something for me. 

Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why? 

“Baby Girl” Marisol; 1963; wood & mixed media

This work confuses me a little bit. It represents a baby girl, yet it is so large. The shape is also awkward and box like. I would love to know the intention and meaning behind this work. Why did the artist make it non life-like? Yet when looking at the eyes, it seems like you can see deep into them. What does the doll on the baby’s leg represent?

“Kill Yourself”; Nancy Dwyer; 1989; vinyl paint on canvas

This work is very straightforward. The only question I ask is why? What is this work referring to? What was the artist’s mind set when painting it? Kill yourself is a very graphic and strong phrase, so why is the coloring and font of the phrase bright and bubbly? The word “kill” is white with snow on it evoking a sense of coldness. The message behind this work is extremely confusing and I’d love to know any and all intentions when creating it.

"Zurbale”; Joan-Josep Tharrats; 1962; oil on canvas

This work is very interesting to me. Initially looking at it, I thought it was a fetus just by it’s shape. The background represents a feeling of peacefulness. However, the fetal looking shape is filled with distortion and dark colors. I can’t really pick out a clear picture within it but I can see a baby’s face starting to form. What is this really a shape of? And if it does represent a fetus, why is the inside dark and distorted? What is the specific message being construed here?