Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Elements and Principles. Process:


For the Staircase, I used: Balsa wood, pins, wood glue, clear tape and scotch tape. For the Swirls, Cityscape and Tier, I used Balsa wood and pins.

Stair Case - I wanted to create a spiral as well as progression in height.
Swirls - using asymmetry and the design of a swirl, I wanted to create a sort of tower.
Cityscape - I wanted to created depth by making each piece small than that behind it.
Chandelier - I was attracted to the idea of a chandelier and wanted to design something similar to it's structure.















Drawing 1 of 3 - Metamorphosis




























Drawing 2 of 3 - Metamorphosis





Sunday, January 20, 2013

Tokens

In the article on the London Foudling Hospital, which accepted abandoned children, I believe a great deal of speculations may be made about certain intentions. If a community could prosper by engaging in a sort of child care revival and help to increase the survival rate of future generations, then an organization such as this, could be greatly applauded. Mistreated or deserted children, would have a chance at a better future and a healthier life. It seemed to be a light which could bring hope to countless, unfortunant situations. However, while these intentions were well put forth, there remains a sad element to such an event. The number of children left to the hospital, by their own mothers, was astounding; these little ones were stripped of their true identity, name and blood relations; It would be a rare event for any of them to reconnect with their original homes and families. It is true, that many of these biological mothers may have been too poor, or possibly too young, to adaquately care for their child; and so, he or she may be better off in the care of another. However, this does not erase the tragedy of such a separation. The tokens, which became highly popular doing this time period, seem to represent the recognition of this tradegy; the infant's mothers, if in grief over the departure, would be able to attatch a piece of themselves, to their child. These tokens were a key to the infant's past and a snippet of where they came from. It may seem simple to state that one's self, is not about where they came from, it is about who they are, but such a statement is not as easily accepted. When one dwells on their past, the things of which have molded and influenced them, are very often elements of home, family and childhood. It is difficult to separate one's origin from their present state. With a lack of such knowledge, or experience, an abandoned child can only speculate of who they are, or might of been and of what past life lies beyond such a token, the only remaint of their past.

Touch


I have never thought of just how much it means for humanity to be capable of "touch". I found it intriging that "Speaking of Touch" brought to light how deeply connected our words are to our feelings and sensations of touch; by considering this, it may be logical to guess that touch is closely related to our words, because it is the one sense that every being can communicate and understand clearly. We know what it feels like and we recognize how we react to it, so by using elements of touch in our language, we are communicating ideas in the most universal method. Further, a literal touch, can speak a thousand words, without ever being heard audibly; although we may never consider such a fact, it is fascinating beyond desccription. To consider the life saving abilities of touch, is however, more astounding still. This reasearch that has been conducted is physical proof of what we might half heartedly take note of on a daily basis. A child who has problems in school, or childhood scocialization, seems too often to be the product of an unloving and harsh home envirionment. A young woman may avoid dating, if she has been wittness to a abusive marraige in her own home. And a skittish dog, has most likely been abused by his former owner. The harshness of touch, or total lack of, creates a cold and dark envirionment, which lacks love and assurence. Such a loss, has visual conseqences that can not be denied. I find it very confirming that this research reflects what we casually sense, without recognizing it. We are beings that are created to loved, live and enteract closely with one another; it is not surprising that our biological makeup, would be affected by such a void. I believe that if mothers would cradle their child closer and longer, that child would be able to live life more successfully and happily. I also believe that if scociety would embrace each other more often, our lives would be greatly changed. The idea of our skin "having eyes" is something else that is perplexing to consider; when we watch movies in HD, or at a theater, we may feel closer to what is happening, but we can easily seperate it from reality, beacause we can not feel it. Or, consider when we see a loved one, after a long separation. We run to hold them because it assures us that they are there. One could also speak of the phrase "do my eyes decieve me?", or of the occurence of a mirage; no matter how clearly we see something with our eyes, we can not believe it as strongly as we do when we can touch it. Touch, completes the ingredients of reality. Our hands, the instruments of touch. Just as this article points out, we do everything with our hands; even though we may never consider just how vital they are to us. If I were to lose the use of my hands, I couldn't feed myself easily, I could not draw or paint, unless I were to aqcuire the abilities of Joni. I could not type, I could not hold a cell phone, or pull back my hair; simple actions would become next to impossible. Thinking of what my hands do for me, make me much more aware of how great of a gift they are and how amazing is was of our creator to equip us with such innovative tools. As a concluding note, the vital sense of touch, that is so very dear to our human experience, is most commonly done with the use of our hands, the great instruments of touch..

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Janine Antoni

Janine Antoni's approach to art, is one deeply involved in it's process and relationship to life. Janine's piece, in which she bundles and twists bits of fabric and other beloved items, seems to be tied to an ancient form of tribal art and expression; it is not an oil painting or sculpture that would commonly be found in a gallery, but is a convolute of traditions, memories and mementos. In works such as "Ereka", or the painting done by using her own hair, Janine expresses her desire to involve her body in her pieces. By doing so, she does not merely create, but performs as well. Also notable, is the way in which Janine explains her journey of life, in the photograph "Horizon" and how she presents that journey as an image. Just as one must deal with the trials of each day they encounter, Janine trains her sense of balance to react to the sway of a tight rope in a delicate and measured manner; this piece becomes so personal, as to visually deal with her struggles and triumphs as a human being, in a very public form. While I do not personally identify with Janine's style, or way of expression, it is undeniable that she communicates her goals and intentions in a way that is profound and unignorable.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Masked Identities


Both the story of Cindy Sherman and Etgar's inspired piece on impersonation, embody the curiousity we allow, of what, or who we could be, that is different than who we are. No matter how fullfilled a person is, there is not a single individual who has no complaints about the life they lead. Whether what one disdains, is small or large, of many things or few, we all experience the desire of wishing to be someone else. Cindy Sherman expresses this concept by dressing as different characters and capturing an image of these possibilities. Further, the un-indentified woman in this story, is entertained by prentending to be Cindy Sherman herself; which is interesting, as this artist can appear to be anyone she desires. In Etgar's piece " A Healthy Start", the fantasizing of multiple indentities is intensified. I found it extremely odd that the main character would go so far, in portraying another man, to allow himself to be physically injured. He appears to be so lonely, or so disinterested in himself, that he is willing to be anyone else, if only for a little while. When life becomes tense, imbearable, dull or terrfying, I believe that opening a door to another possible life, is a common way of escaping reality.


If you are ashamed of something, the logical solution is to hide it. If you get a bad haircut, you may opt to wear a hat. If your vehicle is presently a mess, you may not offer someone a ride, without hiding the evidence first. In any case, when you are embarassed by something, it means you identify it's unattractive qualities. In the story of Ryan, a journalist, he recognizes his job as questionable and is therefore, ashamed to indentify with Journatic. In this case, he does not cover up his identity with lies, but wishes to expose it. If someone puts on a mask, it will continue to feel fake, because it is; I believe Ryan's decision to come forward with his knowledge, is a example of this belief. Journatic however, know what they are doing is wrong and by creating aliases for their outsourced workers, prove that they are ashamed of their own actions. Journatic continues to rave about the great good they are doing for journalism, however, the made up names of American reporters, represents a lie that can not be sugar coated into a truth; that is, the truth of their own shame. These examples of "masked identities", reveal yet another way, in which individuals attempt to escape what they would rather not recognize.


Jackie's story is one that I believe, highlights a common human error; this error, is that of when we deceive ourselves, by placing an "ideal" identity upon those around us, or even upon ourselves. In the case that we feel a lack of security, or sense of self, we might create a certain personality which helps to make sense of who we are; Jackie, who grew up without a mother and only a distant father, tries to imitate her "mail order mother", Pora. In another case, we may deceive ourselves by creating an identity of someone we look up to, or follow. While Pora never shows any interest in Jackie or her siblings, Jackie remains hopeful that Pora will turn out to be the "ideal" mother she had been lacking. I believe that it is easy for one to become blinded by what they imagine another to be, because they can not bear to face any other possiblility; Jackie holds on to the image of her father, as loving and caring, no matter what he does to prove otherwise. If one is surrounded by family and friends who are loving, nurturing and loyal, they have no reason to wish for alternate identities; however, if one is among only those who will continue to dissapoint them, it may be easier to believe a lie, than to face the truth, of who one really is.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

"Lists"

List #1 - Books you have read :

The Hunger Games














Twilight














Leather and Lace



 










List #2 - Books you want to read :


A Christmas Carol















HP Lovecraft Great Tales of Horror















Edgar Allen Poe - The Complete Collection




 

 

List #3 - People you find inspiring :


Thomas Kinkade



 
Hayao Miyazaki













Charles Dickens





















Walt Disney















Tim Burton
















Leonardo Di Vinci



 



















List #4 - Downloads/video of the music you like to listen to :

Nickleback

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIUbSh7PsVk

Canon in D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6heUdRr-E

Bryan Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R45M4jYmE2g

Brandon Heath

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

Taylor Swift

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMPEd8m79Hw


List #5 - Movies you love :

Harry Potter






















Pride and Prejudice
 






















Howls Moving Castle





















Mulan




















Alice






















The Illusionist




















Pirates of the Carribean






















The Raven






















Corpse Bride

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Response to Kafka's The Metamorphosis & Vocabulary List.




As I began to read, The Metamorphosis, by Kafka, I immediately associated it's style as Surrealist. The strange and dreamlike context, as well as with the eerie feeling of one being trapped, brought me to this conclusion; as Gregor experiences helplessness and isolation, I felt as though I too, experienced his desperate sentiment. Another element, which made Gregor's current state appear as though only a dream, is his overall calm persona, towards the tragic events that unfold; he does not seem to concern himself with why he is suddenly, a sort of animal or insect, but only muddles over how he may achieve his daily duties. As I preceded into this text, I began to question what conclusion or idea was being addressed; I expected Gregor to wake from his horrific transformation and reunite with his beloved sister Grete and his parents, while internalizing the true reason of why he worked endlessly to support their well being and happiness. As I neared the end of this piece and it's state of afairs only decline, I began to except that my own prediction, was not what the writter wished to convey; therefore, I searched for another conclusion. Reading the final paragraph, I noticed that the concern over Grete's own growth, into a beautiful young woman, suddenly becomes the central subject. As I thought back to earlier passages, which describes Grete as a naive young girl, whose parents think little of, concerning maturity, I drew the conclusion that Kafka's, The Metamorphasis, is not soley concerned with the absurd transformation of Gregor, but also of the transformation of Grete and further, Gregor's parents. During the months of Gregor's tragic condition, the family is pushed to the edge of their limits; Grete is forced to take on the responsibility of Gregor, so that her weak mother will not exert her fagile condition. Both Gregor's father and mother, as well as Grete, must acquire employment, to provide a livelihood. To make ends meet, the family is further forced to give away and sacrafice personal items, as well as share their home with unfriendly boarders. While during this time period, Gregor's family appears to be at their weakest, I believe it allows them to become stronger and as the smoke clears, are able to come out transformed and self-sufficient. Whether this transformation, is indeed an ideal intended by Kafka, it is nonetheless significant of a metamorphosis that is brought about by unimaginable conditions.

Diminutive: Small or tiny

Premonition: A feeling of anticipation or anxiety over a future event

Amelioration: (Ameliorate) To become better or to improve

Asphyxiation: To choke or sufficate

Admonitions: (Admonishing) To counsel, advise or warn

Manic: Frenzied or frantic