Harmony

Accumulation Project

So, this whole semester I've been collecting buttons. At first i wasn't too excited about the idea of having to collect something for an extended amount of time but as I collected them, I began to realize something. The buttons I had been collecting had started to acquire similarities to people. As each person is unique in their own way, so are buttons. They are varying in size, color, weight, texture, and etc. I honestly dont think I have two of the same kinds of buttons. Each one has a different past, a different story to tell of how it arrived to me. Initially I had no idea what to di with all the buttons once I was finished collecting them, but then I began to think about ways to build something out of them, and then connecting them with either string, glue or other means. For the longest time I wanted to make a sculpture, something large out of them, but I could never think of what to make.

I think we did this exercise because it largly relates with alot of the artists that we have learned about this semester. Concept artists take one thing, and completely change the meaning behind it and create something completely different. I notice that a lot of the artists that we had talked about/viewed in class had used some form of accumulation. A lot of artists used an abundance of one or more objects. That signifies that they had gone out and collected these objects over a period of time, no matter how short or long. I also think we did it becuase our professor enjoys collecting random items. I remember several times where she mentioned how she collects this, or collects that, such as tacks or dandelions, random items like that. With that in mind, I think that she was curious to see how we would handle a project which is based off of one of her hobbies/interests. To see if we are as interested and excited by it as her. That is just an idea...

It wasnt until the end of the semester where I thought of an idea. I took the concept that each button was like no other, unique. With that I decided to have them symbolize people. Now one issue that has existed since the beginning of time is equality/peace/harmony. It still struggles to succeed today but in reality, such a thing will never be achieved. IT just isnt in human nature for the most part. But, we could always improve for the good, make small gestures toward the impossible. My project will aim to do just that, try to push people towards equality and harmony.

First I will start off by collecting billions upon billions of buttons (talk about large scale, ftr, this is why im doing a proposal, I came no where close to even a million buttons, let alone a billion) Then I will have hundreds of copies large maps of the globe printed out. Half will be dull in color and the other half will be glossy. The scale of the maps will be around the size of the sides of ware house buildings. I will attach the maps to large iron walls, which is made from elements of the earth, which is where we ALL live, which further emphasizes equiality.

On the dull colored maps I will used the same technique used to lay down bricks.(the cement adhesive, which is also made from teh earth, same concept as the iron) I will use that cement adhesive to attach the buttons to the map. However, each country will be represented by a different color. I will cover the countries on the map with buttons, and then pile more buttons on top of that. When the buttons are piled on, we will be able to distinctly identify each country. This is not our goal. We should not be able to tell a difference since everyone is equal. So on the glossy colored maps, I will do the same porcess, but instead of different colors for each country, I will used a mix of colros for each country. This way on this map you will not be able to tell the difference between the countries once all the buttons are placed. In will simply looked like a collage of buttons, all types. This is what we want, equality and harmony, everyone getting along and no one being the majority, no one has more power.

Now that I have applied the billions of buttons to the hundreds of glossy and dull collered maps and then attached those to the iron walls, I will selectively place one of each type of map wall in every country in the world. They will be placed in the largest/busiest/most touristy city in each country, that way more people will see the maps. They will be placed in an open public space, for example, for the US I will place it in New York City and have it somewhere in central park. I will have it out in the air because out there it is not under any restraints, it is free to be seen by anyone and everyone, out in the open air, which is connected to every individual on earth. The dull colored maps will face west, where the sun sets. This way it will be cast in shadow in the morning, dawn of day which symbolizes the negativity of such inequality. The glossy colored maps will be facing East, where the sun rises so that way it will be cast in light in the morning. This will symbolize a new start for each day to try and make the world right, positivety.

LAST DAY OF CLASS!

So, the semester has almost come to an end, and with that, the end of my freshmen year.

what a year..

Anyways, we looked at the rest of the classes site specific projects. Joey's was really cool...and funny initially. But artistically speaking, it was pretty awesome, the concept behind the photo was really well thought out.

I also presented mine which I was dreading. I had an extremely hard time coming up with a project and it was very last minute and spontaneous. So I already new my project was not up to par, it was very straightfoward and obvious, not a lot of planning went into it, I wish I had thought out the project more but I was on such a time crunch that I just randomly did it on the spot. I think it could have been worse though. Thinking back now I probably would have used trash to put around the trees instead of recycling arrows just so it wouldnt be as obvious.

But oh well, too late now. I did obtain a lot of information from this class. I now know of a lot more different variety of artists and I have their artwork bookmarked on my computer just for future resources. I plan on continuing searching and looking at more artists work to broaden my art knowledge.

artists Artists ARTISTS!

Will Schade

1. Does he purposely spell incorrectly?
2. Why does he choose to tell stories in his artwork?
3. Has art history had an effect on his style of work because it all looks very aged?

I personally love how all of his pieces look aged. The first piece shown is of St. Seabastion's Ravin. It's smart how the raven is supposed to represent the Devil feeding on corruption, opposite of the dove and it's innocence which in turn represents God. His symoblism is uncanny. Furthermore, his subject matter is interesting, for someone who is borderline illiterate he sure does know his sacred texts and noble themes.

Aaah, he is severly dyslexic. For someone who has such a handicap and still want to make art, that's perseverance. Also, most artists dont use text in their work, but Schade, even with his handicap wants to incorporate his misspellings into his work. I guess it gives his work character and makes it easy to distinguish from others. His misspellings are more noticable then the actual subject matter of his work itself. I mean, a lot of it has vulgar scenes being enacted, such as vomitting and masturbation and putting these noble figures up on a negative pedastle are overlooked by his spelling. I find that interesting. Admittedly, that was the first think I noticed about his work, it is very eyecatching.

What I also find neat is that his handwriting looks very childlike and scratchy, like he has trouble keeping his hand still. But then you notice the drawing itself and it is very controlled and precise. It's like his skill ocntradicts itself. This itself causes audiences, me included, to find his work funny instead of respecting his honesty or ridiculing his limitations. Unique, indeed.

Obviously he spells incorrectly because he is severely dyslexic. He chooses to tell stories in his artwork becauase he has a fascination with the sacred texts and noble themes and I dont' think art history has any effect on his style, if anything its what I mentioned before.

1. Why does he choose to use text in his artwork when he knows he cant spell correctly?
2. Why started his interest with sacred texts and noble themes?
3. Does he sometimes secretly wish that he wasnt severly dyslexic?

Matthew Ritchie

1. Does he prefer doing installations or paintings?
2. Are his pieces abstract?
3. What is your relationships with the galleries?

I like how his artwork has different functions, as in to teach and entice us to participate. It's also very complex that is usually overwhelms the viewers, he showcases and extends his audience with so much information we cant soak it all in. It's fascinating. Here's a guy who has ambition. He will stop at nothing to get and learn and do what he wants. "He wants everything." I like how he incorporates this idea of "everything" into his artwork. He starts with the time before the big bang and then works from there. How exactly does one do that with out their head exploding. Where do you begin to make such artwork, thats a lot of research.

I also think it's fascinating that he presents a key to each of his pieces. It's almost like a game, its how to unlock the meaning behind his work and for work so complex and intertwined with information, a key isnt such a bad idea. I would love to sit in front of one of his works and try to decode it and break it down, discover the meanind behind the artwork. I also like how he uses characters to narrate the universe's evolution since the birth of time.

I like he he creates "epic tales" through his artwork. And also how it takes place no where, there are no boundaries of limits holding it down, it is what it wants and needs to be. It's all very deep and well thought out stuff. He loves puzzles and games. One artwork consisted solely of equations and clues to what his next piece would be. How awesome is that!! I would love to view his work in a gallery and be confused and then sit down and work it out like a math problem, it's as if his artwork is playing the role of the teacher, and we are it's students, waiting to learn.

Obviously he prefers doing pieces that confuse and overwhelm the heck out of his viewers, whether it be paintints installations or what not. And they may seem abstract from a distance but upon closer inspection you notice a set of instructions/rules/keys to decode his pieces. And, he describes his relationships with the galleries as a partner who brings complementary strengths and creative differences to the relationship.

1. What got you started into such complex pieces that require a key to understand it?
2. Are you ocncerned about the longetivity of your work?
3. Has anyone ever complained to you about how complex and hard your artwork it to understand?

William Kentridge

1. Why did you choose to stick with the same media for most of you artwork?
2. Do you always use the same character in all of your pieces?
3. When did you first realize that you were probably going to become a recognized artist?

I like how his emotional inspiration isn't within himself, like most artists, but observed in the world. It shows selflessness which is a rare attribute to find in most people nowadays. He must be teeming with inspiration though because he lives in South Africa where he can witness abusement of government, people, rights, etc...it's all there.

"The main complaint is dealing with the distress that lingers even after the abuses have ceased." Obviously he has seen a lot in his life and it has affected him greatly. I like how his artwork has the quality of sketches but then certain parts of his drawings are so detailed it's creepy. As in the piece History of the Main Complaint, the eyes looking back in the rearview mirror look earily accurate and realistic. His pieces almost have a horro feel/look to them in part due to the media he uses.

The use of charcoal really adds to his artwork, especially when making movies. Because charcoal is never really permanent, when making movies, frame by frame, I would imagine that some parts would smudge, creativng texture and unintentionally adding more to his pieces, I think that's part of the process. People may be smudged and it will in turn look as if a memory is disappearing.

He doesnt always used the same character, it's just the same character, Soho, for one of his films. I think he chooses to stick with the same media, charcoal, because it works for him, it adds to his artwork, allowing his to constantly change his pieces and it in turn gives a nice texture and variety. And the point that made him realize that he was going to be an artist was when he realized that the one thing that he had ever been good at and that ever made him money was drawing.

1. Why do you choose to stay in South Africa, why not come to America? If you did, do you think the style of your artwork would change?
2. Have you ever considered using others forms of media for your artwork?
3. Are you happy with the way your life turned out, with being an artist?

Yukinori Yanagi

1. What is your fascination between humans and animals? Which do you pity more?
2. What gave you the idea to make an ant farm to demonstrate different countires powers?
3. How long have you been an artist?

An ant? Of all creatures. It really is fascinating learning about what modern artists are creating these days. I like how they talked about the artist being the only one that gets fatigued during the process and not the ant, who was the one who was kidnapped. Honestly, why would he ever choose an ant to incoporate into his work? But regardless, the pieces are astonishing and shows just how much effort and energy he puts into his work. I would love to see the finished piece of the Wandering Postion. I also wonder if he accumulated any back problems after doing the piece. Being hunched over for that many days can give any one a problem.

Another piece was the ant farm and this is one that will change and develop over time which I think is amazing. I would love to see this piece periodically and document it's changes, which Im sure the artist is doing. It's interesting how he choose flags and what more, why did he choose the countries he did. I think he's trying to symoblize how whether we choose to believe it or not, all countries are connected whether physically, socially or econically. We are all on the same planet so should all get along. But that will never happen.

I think that he chooses to pity humans more, we are worn down more easily because of our negatively ever growing society and are becoming more and more antisocial and lazy. Animals are strong and persistant and dont have their priorities blocked by other issues, they work as a team. I think he just likes the differences and similarities between humans and animals and likes to compare the two's lifestyle. I cant answer the other two questions.

1. Why did you choose an ant to incorporate into your work?
2. How many days did you follow the path of the ant?
3. What do you find most interesting about the ant?

Charles Ray

Handouts GALORE

How creativity is killing the culture

So, what a buzz kill. Way to put a stop to my future. I really wish that I had not read this article, I could have really done without it. I for one am one of those "impressionable young people" that fell victim to all this "be creative nonsense." It was always a nice feeling when your teacher said you were the best drawer in the class and when I got ribbons for my artwork and whatnot. What's wrong with wanting to be creative? I've had good grades all of my life and probably could have done anything besides art, but I decided to take the art route because I love and appreciate art. I could look at artwork all day and be content. I've always wanted to travel the world and study art. But why should I now since creativity is such a burden to our culture. I mean, I guess that I can see where he's coming from in some of his points. As in, that our culture is breeding so many "creative people" that the artists with the real talent are being overlooked. I mean, I get that. really, but that doesnt mean that every person sho chooses art as there career have no real talent that's worth bothering over.

If its anything that destroying our culutre, its technology. Technology is allowing people to be less community based and more individually based. It allows everyone to make those personal websites that most people dont care about and blogs and nonsense videos on youtube. But it doesnt hurt anyone. Who cares if people want to be creative every now and then? Technology allows them to in their free time, personally. If someone has a problem with all this talk about being creative, then just ignore it. Also, that's not even exactly true, our culture isn't even enforcing everyone to be creative in the sense to go out and make artwork. It's just giving people advice to make their life more interesting, to spice it up. Who cares if most of these people wont ever make artwork worth looking at, if it makes them feel better about themselves, to go ahead!

Furthermore, all that talk about not caring if it's wrong and blah blah, why is that so wrong? What's wrong with giving people some positive feedback and hope. Some of these young people that he talks about, some of them have had rough lifes and maybe their creative mindsets help them through the rough days. There are so many ways in which I dont agree with this article, so many.

Garden of Stones

So, this whole project by Goldsworthy is a very interesting concept. So the dwarf oaks are supposed to grow from the hallowed out boulders filled with soil. I get it, but then you realize that in time the roots will die due to lack of space which will then kill the tree. But then, goldsworthy explained how the acorns will bring life back to the tree and it will be a neverending cycle of death and rebirth. So that's one way to look at it. As with this particular jury, that is exactly how they viewed it. They argued that this isnt exactly an appropriate memorial to the holocoaust victims, how it was more like cemetary. Granted, they agreed that after explanation of the piece that they understood its meaning but they then counterargued that a piece of such meaning should be self explanatory.

I however dont agree with them. I think that most will see this as an appropriate memorial. The artists use of 18 boulders, trees and soil creates a metaphor of the tenacity and fragility of life. The Garden of Stones reflects the tension between the ephemeral and the timeless, between young and old, and between the unyielding and the pliable. More importantly, it shows how elements of nature can survive in seemingly impossible places just as holocaust victims did. Even though stones are placed on graves as a sign of remembrance, this still does not make this a cemetary type setting. Here, Goldsworthy brings stone and trees together as a representation of life cycles intertwined. As a living memorial, the garden is a tribute to the hardship, struggle, tenacity, and survival experienced by those who endured the Holocaust. This specific space is meant to be revisited and experienced differently over time as the garden matures.

I think the garden of stones is a successful piece and I would love to visit it someday, and then visit it again, and again, watching it grow, then die, then grow, then die...

Unofficial Manifesto

After initially reading this document, the one statement that stuck with me the most was number 13. This is because of our most recent project: Site Specific. I had such a hard time with this piece. Anyways, the point is, the statement said that the piece and the place are mutually necessary to each other. Now, I get the concept, but to come up with such a piece is beyond me.

I also like how it says that art is present because it needs to be there. I've always loved/enjoyed/appreciated art. I like walking into a restaurant and looking at the murals that artists have painted there. I like going into a home and seeing artwork that the people that lives there have done in their free time. I dont necessarily like art that is made visible to the public. I like art that most of the world wont ever see, that was made just for the artists pleasure only. They just wanted to make art just for art.

I also like number 8, it made me laugh. Number 11 was pretty powerful too. I completely agree with that statement, that art is always worth worrying about. because it is. I dont understand how some people just cant see that side of it, how they cant appreciate its presence. The cloths they wear, thats artwork, the food they eat when they go into restaurants, thats artwork, the labels they see on their belongings, thats artwork. Art is part of everyones life.

accumulation: week 15

So this week is the last week that we were to collect our object. We are now given a choice to either build something or write a proposal. A proposal does sound like it would be easier and lesss time consuming but then again, all semester ive been collecting buttons and trying to think of something to make out of them. I feel like I have to make something, that and I kind of want to now after all this collecting. Im thinking about grouping them by color/shade and then making the different countries of the earth and then mixing all of the colors and then making the earth again. That way to symbolize equality and what not. The problem is, that is awfully time consuming.

did and din't

so, we viewed some of the first projects of the site specifics. It got me a little frustrated seeing the other students projects because I had such a hard time coming up with an idea and theirs were so in depth and awesome. It made me decide to redo mine. I was already unhappy with mine so seeing their work didnt help. I wish I could think outside of the box like that. Oh well, I went home that evening and worked on my redo. I still dont even like how it turned out.

I really wish I could make a video too, I have no idea how to use those type of programs.

Anyways, I really liked the easter basket one that david did. I love photography so the concept of taking photos in a shed filled with hanging easter baskets was beautiful. Sheldon's was cool too...and funny. haha.

I dont know if I want to do a proposal or build something for our final/accumulation project. I kind of want to build something because I collected all of those buttons and I dont want it to be for nothing.

.......

repetitive action minus action

site specific project

Duration: 2 minutes and 4 seconds

Materials: Recycled Newsprint, Wood, toilet paper, notebook paper

The sources I used are Andy Goldsworthy and Tara Donovan. We just recently viewed them in class and after watching the film on Goldsworthy, I found myself wanting to work with materials made naturally, found in nature. Then after learning about Donovan I wanted to try and make something out of simple, cheap, not normal art materials. My other source is the awareness of Earth Day. So, with the combination of Goldsworthy's natural materials and donovans simple materals and then the idea of Earth day, I decided to do my project on a concept tha tenvironmentalists enforce to better the earth: Recycling!

My audience will obviously be those individuals who push and celebrate Earth day regularly and those who are fighting to properly take care of the environment. The audience will be engaging in the work by looking at the photos since the format of the presentation will be in photos. I think that presenting this project in photos will present the clear "picture". The audience can take in the project at their own rate. It will make the concept of the project permanent in a way, solid.

So I kept seeing all of these references to Earth day while I was brainstorming for project ideas and I decided to do my project on it. I tried to look for a site that had a tree and a pretty plain areas surrounding the tree without any grass. I decided to make a recycling symbol around the tree. I made sure to keep the tree in the middle since it's the original source or paper (which we recycle) I then made the three arrows out of three different objects. I made the first arrow out of wood chips that I collected around the site. The wood chips represent a form of the wood before it is processed into paper. I then assembled then into an arrow shape. The second arrow is made up of layers of notebook paper because that is one form that a tree might eventually take. The second arrow is made up of toilet paper, because, like the notebook paper, that is another form. These arrows point to eachother to show how the circle/pattern repearts itself, in an effort to conserve/save trees which in turn helps to save earth. Hence earth day.

Sources:

-Goldsworthy, Andy. Thomas Riedelsheimer. Rivers and Tides. Skyline Productions Ltd. (2003)
- Donovan, Tara. Ace Gallery. Brooklyn, New York. <http://www.acegallery.net/artistmenu.php?Artist=8> April 18, 2008
- Earth Day

accumulation: week 14

I went out and bought a small bag of buttons this week and i plan on muying more for next week since I think thats the last week of collecting our object.

I'm still trying to decide how I want to connect the buttons, either by some form of glue or string. Or maybe even sewing, even though Im pretty sure I wouldnt be able to, im not that great at sewing.

It's interesting collecting buttons, there are millions of different types. All different sizes, colors, patterns, textures, weight. It's like people, without the organisms and personalities.

visiting artist

First of all, she has amazing work!

I walked in late and she first started showing her work I didnt think it was all that special, but then after I realized the scale of the work....wow. That's so damn impressive. I don't have the patience or skill for something like that. And also, the fact that she doesnt use pens to outline her paintings, she uses tiny tinyyyyy brushes. THAT IS INSANE. I would go insane doing that. I wish I could though. And then you take into account the type of paper she uses and then her technique; layers upon layers of thin paint. It's truly increidble work.

I absolutely loved her alphabet. haha, k is for karma had to be my favorite...hands down.

We also looked as the juried art gallery. I had no idea that they had that competition. I wish that I had known because that would have been a good addition to my resume if I had made the cut. And their were cash prizes!! Aahahh, next year, next year.

site specific??

I honestly have no clue what to do this next project on. Everytime to drive somewhere I try and look for sites that have good project potential. I've found some but im pretty sure that it private property and there would be problems if I decided to create a project on the site.

Even if I did find a site that had potential, I wouldn't know how to go about creating a project that based it's meaning off of the area. That's just too hard for me to comprehend. I have no idea where to even start. I have no clue what to do my project on.....

: (

I need to brainstorm like all weekend.

accumulation: week 13

When I went home to Florida this weekend, my mom had two bags of buttons waiting for me! haha

she's so thoughtful, and a lot of help.

Im beginning to be satisfied on the amount of buttons that I am accumulating. I know that I want to make a sculpture out of buttons, but im not really sure what to make. As in, what could I make that would have a significant amount of meaning behind it. I'll come up with something when that time comes...

the michaelangelo of noda: amazing!

First of all, his house was adorable, I wish that one day my house will somehow look similiar to that house. It was very colorful adn cozy and full of artwork. I could totally live in such an environment. And also, the area that he lived in was completely adorable as well, there were the coolest shops just around the corner, how convenient!

Anyways, concerning his artwork, I absolutely loved his style. It was very texturized and I loved how he blended all teh colors, he used such a wide variety. I also adored his home studio. It was such a nice atmosphere, with the paint scattered everywhere and unfinished paintings and cool music playing in the background. Very modern artist. I liked how he had a lot of his sketches hanging all over the walls. It was neat comparing his sketches to his finished product. His painting style is definitely good, I loved it. It was very van gogh-esque I thought. That was my initial thoughts after viewing his paintings.

Furthermore, his mural on the floors of Noda were phenomenal. I can't even imagine how long that must have taken and the labor and patience and talent! I was so impressed. I dont think I could ever do such a task, it'd be too overwhelming. I just can't picture working on the same project for a period of months!

the rest of the projects

So we saw the rest of the classes projects last tuesday and once again, I enjoyed it. I always like listening to how the other students interpret eachothers work and then comparing their thoughts to the actual intended meaning of the artist. Interpretation varies amongst everyone, it shows individuality, personility. It's a good identifying factor.

anyways, i was glad to finally present my project and get it over with, im glad the sound accompaniment worked. I was afraid it wouldnt and then my project would be so different, mainly just boring without the sound. This is the first project that I presented that I felt somewhat confident about, I hated my other projects, they were far from what I had wanted. So overall, a success.

Im starting to brainstorm for out third project and im having a lot harder time with this project then the others, concerning coming up with ideas....

accumulation: week 12

So I went out and bought buttons. As much as it killed me to spend my money on buying buttons, of all things, it was nice to add to my collection. I feel that I am beginning to have a decent amount for my project. My goal is to at least have 5 thousand by the end. Let's see if I can do it.

yay, projects!

So we got to view about half of our classes projects and once again, I enjoyed it. I wanted to present mine but I always chicken out. haha. And Im still unsure if my project will work on her computer, I really Really hope that the song plays!! Or else my project will be super lame and boring and borderline gay. Anyways, I liked the project that combined two music styles from different times. I thought that was very creative and simple yet had a lot of meaning behind it. Also, I thought the finished piece sounded cool, made me want to dance.

Another one I liked was the one that used fruit on canvas. I saw the movie across the universe and despite how most reacted to the movie, I loved it and I do remember the part where jude flipped out and made fruit art. It was a pretty cool scene and it made me want to go out and do the same thing!

missed class

So I looked up artists in the magazine that MAlena gave us and found two artists that caught my attention.

One artist that I found was ELIZABETH MURRAY and specifically her piece called The sun and the Moon. The piece is very vibrant and bold, full of energy. It has a very comic book/cartoon feel to it and I like that about it. It uses a wide variety of bold lines and bright vivid colors. I LOVE all of the colors she used in this piece. I also enjoy how she cut into the shape of the original canvas and created this irregular shape of a canvas. It reminds me of a piece that I recently did in 2D-Design where we used only a variety of black and white media and cut into the original shape of the canvas to create this new shape.

Her gallery is very colorful and energized. It looks almost like graffiti art, cartoonish. It's so much fun to look at and I would LOVE to have some of her artwork in my home. I feel that it would give off a positive vibe to my visitors and myself. Her work intrigued me! I choose her because I absolutely love color, color makes objects, life more beautiful, whether it be black and white or all teh colors of the rainbow at once. Also, her incorporation of the use of abstract shapes and lines, very geometric was captivating. It made her work bold, stick out. It was very dynamic and had so much to look at. It wasnt borng at all. That's why I chose her.

I plan on looking up some more of her work and probably using her for inspiration for my next project. I now want to use a variety of lines and bold vibrant colors for it but Im not sure how to incorporate time into that with a use of bold shapes.

Another artist that caught my attention is WILL RYMAN who makes sculptures. Of course, they aren't the normal sculptures; they aren't really eye appealing and don't look as if they require that much skill but when you take into consideration the media that he uses: resin, PVS pipe acrylic pipe, wire mesh and papier mache then you realize that the sculptures he makes do in fact require a good amount of skill since the materials he used aren't really the normal materials used to make sculptures. They look a bit like the playdough things I used to make as a kid but a little bit more skill oriented.

You can tell that he paid attention to detail; not with the people particularly but more with the trash standing next to the lamp post. I choose him because I've always been fascinated by sculpture but i've always been timid to actually try making sculpture. It had a nostalgic feel to it when I looked at his work, the whole playdough resemblence. I think that's what initially caught my attention.

accumulation: Week 11

So, I just got all the buttons my mom collected for me in the mail! Im so excited, there are so many, she said at least a hundred! yaayyyyy! I love my family, im so glad they're helping me out. I've just got too many things going on to be able to collect as many buttons as I would like on my own.

consumerism roolz; consumerism sucks

TIME BASED PROJECT

Duration: 1 minute and 19 seconds

Materials: Shredded reciepts and Advertisements from magazines, newspapers, etc..

Do you ever feel sick of seeing so many Ads, do you just want them to go away, to leave you alone?

So, I decided to do my piece on the omnipresent qualities of consumerism. As people, we are bombarded with advertisements. We can't go anywhere without it's presence. That's just our society, that's our world. So in my piece I decided to show a person struggling with this overwhelming invasion. The person portrays someone who is a particular subject to consumerism (just like everyone else) she loves to buy anything and everything. She is surrounded by ads every waking moment, she just cant get away from them. They are everywhere! To escape their presence, she goes out into nature, where one would think that consumerism has not yet ventured to. But, to her surprise, consumerism has it's presence in nature too. It begins to engulf her, physically overwhelm her.

I decided to shed reciepts, newspaper and magazine ads, anything that has the resemblence of an Advertisement. I shredded the items because on every reciept, every magazine you recieve in the mail, there is some record of your identity on the object, whether it be your credit card number, of the time you purchased an item, or the name and address of your home. Either way, you are involved with the Ad. Today, identity theft is a growing issue, and having my mother work in a bank, she is constantly having me shred any piece of my identity so I wont fall subject to suck as ordeal. However, saving myself from identity theft is not the main reason I shredded all of those papers, it's because as a consumerist, we aren't looked on as individuals. Everyone is grouped into categories:

middle aged single mom
retired military
teenagers
bachelors
toddlers
etc
etc

There is no individualism in the Advertisement world. Everyone is a nobody, just a somebody to buy their products. So to portray this idea, I shredded the ads just like a person would shred their receipts to hide their identity since our individuality means close to nothing to the consumerist driven folk.

Now, I know I made this into a powerpoint presentation sort of still frame video sort of thing, but I had originally wanted this to be photographs (at least 15X21) laid out next to each other, like a series that way to can view the peice at your own rate and maybe get more out of it.

citations:

-Jhally, Sut. Advertising and the End of the World. The Media Education Foundation. 1997.
-Skoglund, Sandy. Sandy Skoglund Art Site. (http://www.sandyskoglund.com/) 2008

accumulation: week 10

my grandma has sent me more buttons. There are at least 400 hundred, a lot of them are small but there is a good variety of sizes and colors. Im so glad that my family is helping me out, there is no way that I would have collected as many buttons as I would have liked without them. So far I'm sticking with the idea of stringing them together and maybe have them hanging off of something. I might go to Malena for some help of ideas since she helped me alot for the second project.

feedback

I initially had a completely different idea for my project up until this morning when I came up with a whole new idea while I was drinking coffee and staring out the window in Ritazza's. However, my initial approach was to have either some object that in some way represented me or a photo of myself set off into the distance. Then I would proceed to take a video of the object and I would get progressively closer to it. In the distance you would not be able to make out the object so the viewer would presume that the closer you get, the clearer the object would become, however, the object never focuses, it stays blurry. So that was my idea, now Im toying with another one dealing with consumerism and how it affects peoples lives using shredded receipts.

Anywhoo, carrying on..

Group 1: Allie, Ryan, Rachel and I

They said my idea would work except that I should add something more, it was missing something, kinda bland. We tried to come up with some thing but got very little. Someone said to have objects flash by along the side periodically just so we would get teh sense that we were moving closer to the object at the end.

Group 2: Jen, Allyson and 1

They thought the idea was neat but they asked me to consider how long I should be approaching the object and gave me some ideas on what to use as the object. They even told me to be aware of what color to use, as in only use black and white or use color.

Group 3: Brian, Arutyan and 1

Art gave me the suggestion to continually change the object off in the distance to create a heightened sense of mystery and to still keep each object blurry as I changed them. I thought that was a really good idea. Since I have no camera and no skill with video editting, Brian offered me some technical help and what not.

McColl Center: pt 2

So, I have to admit that I enjoyed this visit to the McColl center a lot more than the last visit.  The work was a lot of interesting and fascinating to look at.  Not only that, but a lot of the pieces were interactive so that made it all the more better.  The form of presentation in all of the pieces were creative and worked for each piece, it was part of the piece.  If they were to install any of the pieces different, it would not have worked.  For example, the piece with the skulls that blurred as you got closer.  I like how a lot of the pieces had to do with reflections or the physical components of a person. 

I loved the piece that required you to sit down in front of a mirror and then after a couple seconds you would be engulfed in fog and you would watch yourself disappear.  It's amazing how something so simple had so much meaning.  It was fascinating.  Admittedly it scared me when the fog engulfed me but it was something else to watch my reflection disappear.  I also like the pieces upstairs where you had to touch the wall and it would give off either low or high pitched sounds.  It was so much fun!

I also liked the huge paintings that this one artist did that I got to talk to.  They were very colorful and looked like so much fun to do.  I liked how there were paint blobs and how he created parts that looked like masking tape.  He even used cartoons in his paintings.  They were fascinating to look at and you can tell that each painting had multiple layers, multiple layers of hidden meaning.  

Accumulation: Week 9

more buttons from my mom. She has helped me a lot with this project. Everytime she goes out and sees buttons she buys me some. It's a shame that none of my friends have any buttons to spare, that would ahve really helped me out a lot.

I think I might end up string all the buttons together and make something out of that. I don't, that's just an idea..

art resources for all!

So in class we were all given two art magazines to try and find two art sources for our project due next week.  One artist that I found was ELIZABETH MURRAY and specifically her piece called The sun and the Moon.  The piece is very vibrant and bold, full of energy.  It has a very comic book/cartoon feel to it and I like that about it.  It uses a wide variety of bold lines and bright vivid colors.  I LOVE all of the colors she used in this piece.  I also enjoy how she cut into the shape of the original canvas and created this irregular shape of a canvas.  It reminds me of a piece that I recently did in 2D-Design where we used only a variety of black and white media and cut into the original shape of the canvas to create this new shape.  

Her gallery is very colorful and energized.  It looks almost like graffiti art, cartoonish.  It's so much fun to look at and I would LOVE to have some of her artwork in my home.  I feel that it would give off a positive vibe to my visitors and myself.  Her work intrigued me! I choose her because I absolutely love color, color makes objects, life more beautiful, whether it be black and white or all teh colors of the rainbow at once. Also, her incorporation of the use of abstract shapes and lines, very geometric was captivating. It made her work bold, stick out. It was very dynamic and had so much to look at. It wasnt borng at all. That's why I chose her.

I plan on looking up some more of her work and probably using her for inspiration for my next project.  I now want to use a variety of lines and bold vibrant colors for it but Im not sure how to incorporate time into that with a use of bold shapes.

Another artist that caught my attention is WILL RYMAN who makes sculptures.  Of course, they aren't the normal sculptures; they aren't really eye appealing and don't look as if they require that much skill but when you take into consideration the media that he uses:  resin, PVS pipe acrylic pipe, wire mesh and papier mache then you realize that the sculptures he makes do in fact require a good amount of skill since the materials he used aren't really the normal materials used to make sculptures.  They look a bit like the playdough things I used to make as a kid but a little bit more skill oriented.  

You can tell that he paid attention to detail; not with the people particularly but more with the trash standing next to the lamp post. I choose him because I've always been fascinated by sculpture but i've always been timid to actually try making sculpture. It had a nostalgic feel to it when I looked at his work, the whole playdough resemblence. I think that's what initially caught my attention. 

intro to project 2

so yesterday she introduced project number 2 to us. I blanked out during class and started to brainstorm what I should do for the project. Soooooo, i was thinking of doing something concerning how I am hard to read. It takes a while to allow myself to get close to people and vice versa. It thinking along those lines, and in doing so trying to somehow incorporate time into the project, I thought of making a video of some sculpture that somehow explains or is example of myself and start the video from a far distance and gradually get closer to the object that will in turn explain a lot about myself, my personality but as i get closer the more blurry it gets OR it just stays consistently blurry and never clears up. So you never get to find out about me.

That's one option I came up with, I may stick with it and just tweak it a bit or I may come up with something completely different by the time it's due. Probably the later of the two.

Anyways, when considering grading ourselves I would hope that I have an A in the class but I dont know. I followed all the requirements with the blogs and only left out one. However, I dont really know how in depth she would consider my blog entries because Im not really sure exactly what she's looking for. Hopefully, she agrees with the grade I am going to give myself. but i dont know.

I really thought that one artists that used simple objects but massive amounts to them to produce artwork was pretty cool. The one with the dispoable cups was my favorite. Looking as it made me feel light, free, was very positive and almost heavenly like. AND IT WAS CHEAP TO MAKE. All the art that I want to do requires tons of technology which in turn requires TONS of money which I happen to have little of. I now wish that I was creative enough to come up with a new and CHEAP way to make art work.

Accumulation: Week 8

blah blah blah, my grandma has given me some buttons over spring break and she, along with my parents and other relatives said they would go hunt for some as well and then mail them over to me.

yaaayyy!

ARTISTS ARTISTS ARTISTS

Anarldo Morales

1. What made you decide to make pieces that physically interact with viewers?
2. Do you get more praise or complaints about your artwork?
3. Do you like to get punished?

First of all, the dude got shot in the head and lived. He’s like a superhuman!! I think that he has to be one of my favorite artists that I have learned about in this class. That fact that he became fascinated with fear and pain and decided to incorporate this running theme into all of his work is very brave. I also like how he did research and put himself in danger by living in a dangerous environment all for the sake of art and gaining a better understanding of it. He risked his life and enjoyed the experience immensely. That fact that he is so dedicated to learning new things about the human psyche is amazing.

I would love to go to one of his exhibitions and interact with his work. I love the rush of anticipation and fear which brings a mix of excitement. That’s why people love horror movies so much, they love being scared and knowing that they cant get hurt. IT’s a win win situation and that’s what he provides his viewers. I think it’s interesting how he is so adament in learning about human feelings and how they combine and mix which contrasting emotions. All because of his near death experience. That is just so empowering and inspirational. To commit his life to research and explore the human emotions.

I want to get squirted in the fce and electrocuted and feel like I might get hurt if I get too close to his pieces but still want to get closer. Curiostiy is a weird thing. Humans are naturally curious and apparently, anarldo has always been curios, resulting and plenty of near death experiences. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, machinery and inventions. When I was a kid I wanted to be an inventor and invented crazy impratical things but I grew out of that phase, but I still have the interest. That’s why I like his work so much. As a kid he was always exploring and taking things apart, I can relate to that. Also, my dad works with computers and takes them apart and rebuilds them so I think that contributed to my interests.

All in all, I will be looking up more about this artist and hopefully in the future I will be able to go to one of his exhibitions. It turns out that most people enjoy his work rather than complain, like I knew would be the outcome because like I said, people enjoy the apprehension when it comes to the thought of danger. And he doesn’t like the thought of punishment, that’s not the purpose of his work, it’s to leanr more about human emotions and what evokes them.

1. What made you choose to go to live in peurto rico of all dangerous places to live? Is that where your roots are?
2. What is your favorite piece?
3. What is your favorite reaction our of a viewer? Do you have more than one? And has anyone ever threatened you due to one of your pieces?

Daniel Joseph Martinez

1. How do you feel in America, do you feel like an equal, like the racial issue is controlled?
2. How important is equality to you?
3. Have you always felt that people have dealt fairly with you?

The castle is burning was an interesting piece. I knew that he would be an artist intent on making us aware of how our government is messed up and how racial issues aren’t being dealt with properly. I thought it was interesting how he put it there knowing it would cause a stir and problems. I bet he wanted it to, he wanted people to be aware how racial our country really is. That was the pieces purpose. The title was perfect as well. Clever man.

Also, I was waiting for a artist to be a non conformist artist, one who doesn’t want to make art to sell or make it to be enjoyed visually. He wants to make people think, conjure up thoughts and questions. When he is invited to galleries, he goes all out and tries to make a statement. That’s bravery right there. Im surprised the governemtn hasn’t been involved, but then again im not, because he has those freedoms that are guaranteed to Americans.

I think the racial issue is ridiculous. I cant comprehend why it is even an issue. Who cares about the color of the skin, it does not mean we think and act differently. Every person is a person, no matter what they look like. Racists have always bothered me, but we can thank te media for expanding the idea of racism, movies and what not. People like to do what they are told when they are entertained, if a celebrity is making racist omments, then they want to too. CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!

He wants radicalism. He is so dedicated to his beliefs. He wants to make a statement, he wants change to come around. I cant imagine every praising negative reviews like they did on his exhibition in new york with the museum tags. But that’s what he wanted!! He wanted to take a stand, crazy!

Evidently, equality and racism are a big part of his life and ideals. They affect him greatly and you can see that in almost all of his work. He wants to make a difference, make people think and stand up for what they believe.

1. Do you ever worry about your safety when making all of these pieces on racism?
2. Why do you think that racism is still a big deal in America, do you think it will ever go away?
3. Would you ever have a gallery or exhibition that didn’t create controversy?

Julian LaVerdiere

1. What is his favorite piece of artwork that he has created?
2. What are his inspirations?
3. How does he manage to have constant inspiration?

I can’t even imagine what it must be like to have constant inspiration, ever flowing. I would think that would be overwhelming, I wouldn’t be able to cope with all of it and trying to organize my thoughts to make artwork. All I know is this guy must have a lot of patience and love for art and work. Also, he sets really high ambitions for himself; to be the modern day faust! The best of luck to him, I hope he succeeds.

I also like how history is important to him, it fascinates, intrigues him. He wants everyone to be aware of its importance. I’m guessing that he likes to incorporate historical ideas into his work? His piece about the cable crossing was interesting. HE does have a point about people’s interest. No one fully appreciates a lot of the extravagant work that scientists have done in the past and present. It’s all about Hollywood, celebrities. People like to be entertained. Events that are life changing never get enough credit as they should, such as the dawning of the communication era. HE knows his history.

I want one of his dream generating devices. Those sound awesome! A device that can conjure up images of flying , yes please!! I love that he wants to give people the feeling of freedom and strength through these special pillows and what not. OMG, his DVD is genius. That is very true, it’s the anticipation, the build up before the revealing that is always the most exciting, but once it has come to pass, it has little force. I love that he didn’t title it, it exemplifies the mystery, and also that it is never ending, you never get to see what’s inside the safe. That way, you are always on your toes, also inspired and waiting, always intrigued. Very clever Julian!

I must admit that I did not know that the two beams of light rising in the twin towers palce was done by an artist, julian specifically. That makes me respect him even more. I always thought those lights were beautiful and the meaning and inspiration and hope behind it and that it gave people was really inspiring.

1. When did he realize that he enjoyed history so much, that it would be a part of his work?
2. How do you feel about commercial art, are you for or against it?
3. How much time do you spend in your studio? Since you have ever flowing inspiration, do you spend most of your time there?

Kim Jones

1. What got him into the arts as a career choice?
2. Why is he so fascinated with the alter ego?
3. Does he incorporate humans into all of his work?

It’s weird seeing an artist whose main focus is own his alter ego called mudman because just the other day a student did his identity piece on his alter ego. Funny, I’ve never even thought of my own alter ego, I’ve never even thought or knew or believed I had one. Who knows, maybe everyone does have one.

So, it’s pretty wicked that he uses himself as the artform, the final product. Talk about a dedicated artist. HE covers himself with mud and imposes physical strain on himself, and all for the cause of art. Obsession or dedication? I think a little of both. But when you consider his past, the polio and time spent in Vietnam, mudman becomes to make a little more sense, become more clear. These two times in his life are a combination that make up mudman. Everyone who knows anything about the Vietnam war knows it was one of Americas worst wars, losing a lot of soldiers. The soldiers that did live were to live hard, stressful lives after, dealing with horrible nightmares and memories of the war.

It’s also impressive how he becomes mudman for a whole day and walks around in urban areas. This provides as an interesting contrast between materials, nature vs. urban. What a contrast. Also, considering his past, mudman begins to become an appropriate alter ego for Jones. That is quite a switch from the military to an artist. Talk about a transformation.

I really am not aware about his choosing as an artist straight out of the military and he is so fascinated with his alter ego because as a child, he was coped up in the house due to polio and the vivid growth of his lonely imagination combined with future traumatizing experiences later combined to give him mudman. And he actually started as a painter then got into sculpture but rather than traditional sculptures he chose to use his body.

1. What is his purpose in walking around public as mudman, does it have a meaning?
2. Why does he choose to put his body through some form of suffering and abuse?
3. Why exactly did he switch from becoming a painter to a sculptor?

Scott Grieger

1. What is his connection to the military, if any?
2. How has he struggled as an artist?
3. Does he have his own studio?

I wish I could be inspired by everyday, random traditions and what not like him. I think it’s neat how he transforms these experiences into artwork. His inspirations are so simple that most people wouldn’t even think twice before considering such things as artistic inspiration, more would consider it trash. A nike shoe box? Awesome.

He makes a very good point, most of our lives are reflected throught the choices of a single individual, we have very few choices as individuals. Swooshtika!! That is frickin awesome! What a cool idea to combine such two powerful symbols and make another image. Corporations vs. dictatorial government, there is some correlation yes. “I make circles out of bar graphs” haha, this guy is crazy creative. Once again, his installation of this swooshtika’s gave their meaning even more emphasis. And now he incorporates religion into the swooshtika’s through the use of fabric. Talk about one artist who does his research and one who keeps up with politics. Political artists have always intrigued me.

Now there’s Dharmy!! I must admit, I love his play on words. I can completely connect with his when talking about the distand boom and sounds of the military world. I have always lived near or even next to, or IN a military base, so I have grown used to such sounds and disturbances. It was interesting how he connected the two, Dharma and army. I love how he incorporated all of these different, opposite ideas that contrast eachother extremely, and combined them into one installation. Most would not think this would be successful, but he pulled it off.

As for answering my three questions, his connection to the military was that he lived next to a base in the middle of no where and he was frequently disturbed. He claimed that his main struggle is actually making his thoughts, concepts, come to life, making, creating them. And of course he has a studio, why wouldn’t he.

1. Would have ever or has he ever done a piece that focused on one issue, instead of combing two issues into one piece?
2. Do you think back now and wish that you had done something different with your life?
3. Where do you prefer to live, in the wild or in a metropolitan area?

accumulation: week 7

so I have asked my friends roommates for buttons and I arranged them below.

I like all the different types of buttons out there. Every piece of clothing has a different button. I think that's cool, buttons are similar to humans, each one is unique almost. Some have 2, 3, 4, or more holes and a wide range of colors. I think collecting them has been fun so far.

Im going to florida for spring break so i plan on asking a bunch of people for buttons. Hopefully by next week my collection will have at least doubled.

That'd be awesooommmme

HANDOUTS GALORE

The Art World Expands


It's true, if you compare art from the past to contemporary art, it sure has taken on a different route. Well, more less expanded on their original, simple route. Nowadays, virtually anything is considered art. Anyone can make art, some would argue that you don't even need any talent, just the process in which you create it can make a great piece of artwork, of even simply the concept behind it. ARtists come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures and use almost any mediums that they can get their hands on, and I mean ANYTHING. Things that most individuals would never even dream of being considered art materials. Forget the traditional forms of medium, paint, pencils, charcoal, clay, etc, now its anything and everything. Artists need to learn to expand their creativity if they want to succeed in the art world.

And succeeding in todays society is almost like a popularity contest, who knows the most people, makes the most money, has the most galleries, the biggest fan base. Of course, that is not the case with all people, but for most, yes. Not that there's anything wrong with that, because humans presently are into materialistic things and we live commercial lives. It's just the kind of people we are, we were taught and raised to be this we. Some can blame the government, media, whatever, we can't help it.

Artist want to get their name out there, make themselves known so that more people will buy their work. Contemporary art has also caused controversy recently, such as in the 1980's when what society referred to as unethical individuals started to get their names known as artists.

Also, with the ever changing and evolving world of technology, we saw a new art form arise, that of graphics and design. Even photography has evolved. The computer has allowed artists to expand their art pieces, to add on to their wide range of media used, to explore more options to creating art, to broaden their horizon. Advertising has been affected the most by such inventions. Graphic design has allowed virtually everyone to be exposed to artwork, EVERYONE because such forms of art is EVERYWHERE, it's omnipresent. You can not walk outside and not see any examples. That's what I want to be a graphic designer/photographer, because everyone can see it.

Sometimes it's hard to wrap my head around the wide world of art, im just now beginning to understand how comprehensive and large it is, how individuals use and manipulate concepts, ideas, materials, all in the name of art. it's inspiring. it's exhilarating. it makes me excited and scared for teh future all at once. I can't wait to get out there and meet as many artists as i can and get an much experience as i can.

The story it tells

“Meaning can never be finite or stable”

What a relief to hear that! Trying to interpret an artist’s work has always frustrated me. I always feel that if I interpret a piece different from others, them my interpretation is wrong. I guess not.

Signification. I always wondered what exactly that meant when concerning a piece of work. Once again I am reminded that the way a piece is displayed is CRITICAL! That is just something that I would have never even considered putting much thought into before.

Denotation vs. Connotation. I liked the example they used in trying to explain the differences. Before, I would have never associated these two words with artwork. One is visual, the other, interpreted. “Subject matter is denotative (visual) and content is connotative (interpretive). That really helps me understand the difference. I wasn’t aware of the difference to be honest.
I can relate to the loaded message. Generally, in my experiences with critiques, everyone feels that they must nice to the person being critiqued, that they should say only positive comments, talk about the good and ignore the flaws. Often, if a piece of work was bad, I noticed students (including myself) making up things they like about the piece. I personally don’t feel like it’s my place to negate someone’s artwork. It’s alright when the professor gives negative comments though because they are meant to be critical and help the student improve.

Often times during critiques, when I first see the finished piece and I generally don’t think it’s that great but then after hearing the person talk about it and their interpretation of their work I begin to like it more. I always enjoy artwork more after knowing what and how much it means to the artist. That personal quality makes it much more enjoyable for me. Also, I do agree that some artwork is just so visually stimulating and overwhelming that we are too concerned with the visuals to even care about the meaning behind it. However, in some cases, artwork has no meaning, it’s just meant to be visually pleasing. That’s why I get so confused when looking at artwork sometimes. It’s so hard to tell, especially now-a-days when art is just so open and one could do anything!

It was also something else to consider when thinking about the meaning changing depending on who tells the story. These are all just things that I have never considered. Artwork is so open and vast! Neat example between the power and powerless.

NUDITY! So many questions go into nudity, so many different meanings and interpretations. Hell, that’s the way it is with all artwork. I, personally, have never drawn a nude figure or done a nude scene of any kind. Haha. But, I would like to do model drawings. I remember studying art history and the persistence of nudity and its affiliation with beauty. However, in ancient times, it was the nude male body that exemplified perfection and beauty. It wasn’t until recent that female nudity began to become more common.

An incomplete manifesto for growth

“Today is the child of yesterday and the parent of tomorrow”

What a quote. The choices we make affect our future. We can’t blame the outcome of our life on anyone but ourselves.

I honestly don’t even know what to say on this handout. I think all the points that the author makes are self explanatory and I agree with all of them. They make me not as stressed about my future as an artist. Yes I know that it will be tough to make a living, but reading all of this advice, I don’t know, it gave me a bit of hope, it acted as a white light, trying to guide me but I’m hesitant to follow.

I dunno, all of this advice was just uplifting. Such as to play and how only individuals who feel confident and have a firm grasp on their lives will be capable of playing. I WANT TO PLAY. I want to be able to feel like I have control. The whole handout was bout growth. Growth and an artist, but mainly growth as an individual. I also like how he pointed out that creativity needs no help from technology and devices. Even though I want to major in graphic design and its virtually all done on the computer, I still think its important to hear that.

I also liked how he encourages, repeatedly, to mimic and copy other artists. Steal their ideas. This tip I also hear often from Malena. And the more I hear it, the more I believe it and want to follow their advice. Appropriation! I want to expose myself to as many artists as possibly. I want to soak up so much information and artwork and techniques that I burst into euphoria. I don’t know…I just want to learn more. Once again, the importance of repetition is enforced. Im starting to realize that a lot that Malena told us in class is coming up in this handout. She knows what she’s talking about.

All the advise given is simple, concise, yet so very helpful and inspring. Study. Drift. Capture. Collaborate. Stay up late! (I got that down pat at least!)

Im gonna keep this handout around and refer back to it from time to time and when I just need a little push, some guidance.

“the happiest day of my life”

Woooooah, talk about obsession. Michael Landy is one brave and dedicated artist. The concept is, im not gonna lie, very cool and the meaning behind it can be interpreted into so many ways. I for one could never, EVER, bring up the courage to go through with such a project. The idea and thought is unimaginable to me, I would be crushed, I would feel as if I had nothing left. But then again, to have everything taken away from you would let you be placed into the shoes of individuals who have lost everything, but the only difference (and a vital difference) between these unwilling families and Landy was that Landy choose to do this to himself.

To what, prove a point to himself?

You can never really tell an artists thoughts and meaning behind their work completely. He claims it wasn’t a criticism to consumerism and I don’t believe it was either. He was just trying to dig into his being and learn more about his identity and boy, I bet ANYONE would learn a lot about themselves if they personally destroyed every belonging they ever had. I don’t have the will power or the heart to destroy anything. I have enough trouble throwing things away, no matter how useless, I mean for god’s sakes I keep ALL OF MY RECIEPTS, all of them. I don’t know why really, I just cant bring myself to throw them away.

I think it would be interesting to see how he lived his life after the big destruction. Did he breakdown? Was he lost without his belongings? (Like I would be) It said that it was the happiest day of his life….really? I mean, he did choose to do this to himself so maybe the process really did help him and relieve him of his discomforts about his inner self. I wonder what all he learned about himself.

I personally think that I, like a lot of other Americans, am driven by consumerism. I love shopping and almost every belonging I own, no matter how trivial, I find special and important to myself. No, I don’t think that my belonging essentially make up the person I am, the people that mean the world to me do mainly, but my belongings act as frosting to my life, if you will.

They all have meaning to me.

Also, it was funny, or rather...ironic reading this article today because they mentioned how they broke down all of his belongings to the bare materials and just today in class we saw a piece where a student broke down a washer and dryer . I thought that was interesting how those two related.

must step outside my comfort zone.

the more i'm in concepts class, the more I realize how i'm too stubborn and hesitant to step outside of my comfort zone/boundaries.  i just cant get used to no boundaries, no limits, it's too overwhelming.  This whoooole semester has opened my eyes and made me realize just what a sheltered world i've been living in and how sheltered my thoughts and perspectives on all things art related really were.  

Today in class, after seeing everyone else's presentations, I was trying to think of a way i could make my  identity project better.  

I want to do it all over now!  

I probably will over spring break.  Of course I say that now, but I know myself better and I know I wont give school a second thought.  But I am going to possibly think of other alternatives for my identity project.  I want it to be less literal, as in less straight forward.  I think thats my problem, I take all the assignments too literally, its almost like i'm incapable of stretching the rules and working outside the box.  

Furthermore, to speak more of how I lack motivation to do school work, I have yet to start on the text and handout commentaries due friday.  WTH?!  I suuuuuuck...

So, that's what im gonna do now, and possibly go and ask more people for buttons.

awesome.

project presentations

We got through a little over half the classes identity projects, and as always it was neat seeing how everyone interpreted both the directions and everyone else's projects. After i presented mine and heard what people had to say I already found myself wanting to change it almost completely. Like prof. Malena suggested, I wish I had gone with my first instinct and surrounded the manequin with a lot of random food.

But oh well, now I know to go over the limits/boundaries, take risks! Choices mean everything aparently. I also wish that I had put the manequin thing out in the middle of campus like someone had said. That would have changed the meaning almost completely and made it even more intense and...just better.

Everyone's projects were interesting also. It was cool learning different things about people and why they are the way they are today.

Porcedure for Identity Project

False Accusations = Insecurity

Identity Project

Dimension: 1.5 feet by 1 feet

Material: Miniature Manequin man, food, wire, paper, tissue paper

I did my identity project on something that happened to me back in 7th grade. I was in P.E. class running when my teacher stopped and asked me if I was bulimic.Now, I ahve always been really skinny but never relaly thought much of it...until that point. After that I became really self conscious about my weight and then proceeded to try and gain a couple pounds. From then on I found myself eating, and eating and eating. I have never had any eating disorder, I've just always had super fast metabolism and to this day I still struggle to gain weight. Fortunately, I don't worry and stress about my self image as much as I did back then. I have come to accept the way my body works. Anyways, back then I had a hard time coping with such issues and was always insecure.

So my piece is of a little art figure manequin in the running position and I have it vomitting to signify the fake assumption. Instead of puking food, words relating to self image, insecurity, and weight issues are pouring out of the manequins mouth. I have the head wrapped in red tissue paper to symbolize bashfulness and feeling the need to want to hide myself from everyone. The food scattered around is mean tto symbolize the large amounts of food that I would eat daily in a feeble attempt to gain weight to assuage such false accusations. I have the shadow visible behind the manequin to symbolize how this self image issue of weight seems to follow me.

accumulation: week 6

I have gathered a few more buttons from asking more of my friends so my collection has expanded a little bit. I am thinking about making a collage of some sort, maybe a picture out of my array of buttons. I don't know yet, it sounds like an option.

I need more ideas!

brainstorming

So yesterday in class we brainstormed for our identity project. I am struggling to find the materials i need, well, that I WANT for my project. I really really REALLY would like to get a hold of a skeleton because I think that would be perfect for my project. But, most likely, it will not happen so im starting to brainstorm on what other ways i can make my project successful and portray the same meaning without the skeleton.

oh goodness. we also watched a video on the artist that likes to use her body to make her artwork, i cant quite remember her name. she said how she struggled with self image issues and how she incorporated that concept into her work. I could not wrap my finger around why she has these struggles because she was pretty. her artwork really was interesting though. I always enjoy artwork more when I know the back story, or rather meaning behind the piece.

but thats just me.

visiting artist

The visiting artist we had that day was actually really cool. She had awesome pieces of work! I foudn myself thinking that if I had the money then I would totally buy some of her artwork, especially some of her mirrors and benches....they were pretty amazing.

She was relaly out there but as always, it's very helpful to hear of an artists struggle and journey in person, it gives us a head up of what's to come. But it also gives me some hope that I won't be as poor as I always worry I will be.

I honestly wish I could paint like her though, she was amazing at it. I went to the art store the next day and found myself wanting to buy supplies to make so woodwork! I never even thought of woodwork as an art possibility. Art can be anything nowadays and that concept has yet to sink in.

i got a loooong way to go..

repetition & play.

If I learned anything from class last wednesday, it was repetition and play. We looked and discussed a couple of artist's work. One of them worked on a piece for 10 years dedicated to his friends suicide. That is obsessive and dedication side by side. The project was repetitive and we discussed how certain repetitive acts are capable of bringing one to a sense of euphoria...orgasm? in a sense i guess. I thought it was interesting. Other acts include runners high, drugs, sex, meditation and other crazy things that individuals have come up with to reach such a state of ecstasy.

crazy stuff.

I also appreciated how the same artist stressed the importance of "play" into his work. It was a relief to hear someone indicate the importance of playing and not having to work so seriously all the time, to enjoy yourself in the process.

thank you crazy artist.

We also brainstormed ideas for our project and listening to her come up with some crazy ellaborate solution to a students idea actually got me somewhat excited about working with the project. Now i just have to come up with an abiding image. There are several im considering, i just dont know which one would lead to a better outcome.

hmmm....