Module Eight - Blog: Video Reviews

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.

I selected The Measure of all Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure because it sounded interesting, no other reason.

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

One thing that I learned from both of the videos is that the Greek loved to create sculptures and were very talented in that area.  I also learned from both the videos that they were obsessed with the human body, making it look good and capturing that beauty in sculpture form.  Greeks were very detail orientated almost to the point of being OCD about the perfection of their sculptures.

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

We learned about the importance of capturing life, as we know it presently, so that future cultures can look back and learn from it.  We learned also about what goes into creating a sculpture and preserving it through time.  There is a beauty in the way things were made back then and the time and dedication to perfection with them.

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

As always I enjoy the films because I think that they add to the readings and what we are learning.

Module Seven - Blog: Video Review

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

I watched Prairie Style (Frank Lloyd Wright) and Architecture: The Science of Design videos.  Both of these videos were very interesting.  In the Prairie Style video I learned more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and what the purpose of them was.  His goal was to build his houses into nature and not to destroy nature; perfection and environmental harmony.  He strived for an organic production of his homes, to almost look as if the home grew out of the land and was always supposed to be there.  It really is a beautiful style home.  When my sister lived in Oak Park, Illinois we both enjoyed driving around and looking at the beautiful homes he build and the others that tried to mimic his vision.  Another thing that I did not know that I learned from the video is that the bungalow homes (one of my favorite styles) stemmed off the theory and idea of prairie style.  In the Architecture: The Science of Design I learned many different things involving a tall building.  I never knew that there were so many elements involved in building a skyscraper.  I knew that the buildings swayed in the wind, but I did not know that the architect had to design a building to compensate for that sway in the wind so that it would not ruin the construction.  I did not know that they also had to take into account the people on the ground walking around those building and the effect the wind would have on them.  I was interesting to also learn about the smart home.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a home that knows everything you do and need?  Maybe I wouldn’t have missed so many phone calls vacuuming… J  I think it would be pretty cool to have a home that was eco-friendly and that knew my lifestyle and catered to that.

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

The reading taught me about construction and the different forms of it.  I also gave me the information on how it evolved into the type of construction that we use today and how it continues to improve.  These videos just reinforced and put what I have read into specific examples so that I would be able to understand it a little better.  It gives me a better understanding of what I am reading.

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

I like the films!  I watched all of them and it really expanded what I read in the book.  I like when you add films to our learning.  I am the type of person that likes to add samples of what I see in everyday life to what I learn.  It helps me to understand everything better.  Reinforcing what I have read with examples in my everyday life helping drive home anything that may have been a little confusing.  I think that the videos are great!

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

I chose the videos I did because I like Frank Lloyd Wright and I thought the architecture video would be interesting.  To be truthful, after I started answering the questions, I went back and watched the rest of the videos.  But I chose the two that I wrote about for the fact that the topics interested me the most.  I knew that I already liked the homes of Frank Lloyd Wright and I thought the video would have more information that I have not seen before and it did.  It was interesting to watch.  The other video honestly was chosen because I like the title.  Weird, I know, but I am glad that I chose it because I learned more about the structure of tall buildings.  I also wondered how they built bridges and built the footers/pillars that supported the weight of the bridges.  That was pretty neat to see; now the mystery is solved for me J

Module Six - Blog: Video Review

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

In the first video I learned that creating a statue is a very long, time-consuming process.  There are several steps needed to take before a sculpture can be made in a piece of marble.  Although very time-consuming, creating a sculpture is a very beautiful process.  In the second video about glass and ceramics, I learned that glass can be manipulated when it is hot or cold.  The process of manipulating glass when hot it pretty cool and beautiful pieces of art or even everyday items are even more beautiful to me now that I know the process taken to create it.  Creating stained glass is not a new concept to me.  I used to watch my Aunt create beautiful pieces of stained glass when I was a child.  It is a creative way to manipulate glass as well.  I always enjoyed watching her when she worked on a project.  The transformation the glass took from beginning to end was breathtaking!

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

The videos enhance or reinforce what we read in the text.  It took what I read and brought it to life.  I like learning this way.  You can read something and understand it, but it is something completely different to take what you have read and watch it in action in a video/real life situations.  I like reinforcing what I read with a video; it really stresses what the reading is about.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics: Sculpture, Installation, and Craft?

I liked the videos.  Like I said previously, it stresses the facts that we read in the text.  It takes what the reading is and puts it in a real life situation so that it is easier to understand how, what, and possibly why things happen the way they do.  I like watching the videos after I have read a chapter.  It really drives home what I have just read.

Module Six - Blog: Reviewing Peer Responses to Artwork

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

http://www.variousartwork.blogspot.com

http://futuredavinci.blogspot.com/

2. When looking at Project #1: (Elements and Principles), did you agree with the element or principle the artist listed with the images? Did you see other elements and principles in the images?

In regards to both of the blogs that I reviewed I thought that both of the students were spot on with their pictures.  It was very easy for me to know what element they were referencing in each picture.  I think that they both did a great job!

3. When looking at Project #2: Where there any images in the Peer Blogs the same as your own? If yes, what were they? Where the reasons the image was selected the same or different as your own?

None of the images in the blogs that I reviewed were the same as mine.  I think that is because I went to Burchfield Penney Art Center.  I did however really enjoy the pictures that they chose to discuss.

4. Where there any images that your Peers selected that pique your interest now? If yes, what are they and what is your connection with them? What would you want to know about them?

Honestly, none of them piqued my interest any more then the other.  They were all very interesting because I have never seen them before.  So knowing more about any of them would be interesting to learn.

5. What do you think about the process of reading your peers reflection? Do you find this to be a valuable in your learning?

I really liked reading the other blogs.  It helped me to understand how others view things and interpret information.  It was very interesting to learn about what other thought of art.

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

I loved reading the comments on my blog.  It was very helpful and interesting to read about what other thought of my LOGO and slideshow and even what they thought of the artwork I chose from my Art Gallery visit.  It is nice to know that I can get the point of “me” across with one little LOGO and everyone who commented got it!  That was pretty cool. 

Module Five - Project #2 Art Gallery Visit #1- Responding To Artwork

Art Gallery Visit #1 ::  Burchfield Penney Art Center

A.) Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

Ling Xia Jiang

Wrapped House, 1991

Oil on Canvas

The impression I got from this picture is that here is a girl in a field with a house in the distant.  I felt that this girl feels isolated from this house or distant from this house and that is why it is wrapped.  Almost as if it is something within reach but something that she cannot feel a part of.

Virginia Cuthbert

Several Summers Ago, 1966

Oil on Canvas

The impression I got from this was it was just a lazy day spent but some family or friends enjoying a game of croquet.  These three are taking a break from the game and sitting down enjoying each other.  A relaxing picture.

Larry W. Griffis, Jr.

Yellow Sky, 1959

Oil on Board

The impression I got from this is that the artist was trying to make me think.  Why use these colors and in such a rigid way?  I love the color choices of the reds, yellows, and oranges.  I see land, mountain, and sky when I look at this picture.

B.) Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

Charles E. Burchfield

Portrait Study in a Spring Landscape (Martha)

Watercolor, graphite, and charcoal on joined paper

In the next three portraits I feel a connection because they are of children.  These are taken of Charles Burchfield children and are very beautifully done.  I love the color that was brought out in these.  I am drawn to these because I have children and I love and adore their portraits.  I can only imagine what these meant to him creating them and then enjoying them.  I especially love the one of his son just sitting on the steps reading a book.  Capturing a leisurely pastime of a young boy enjoying a book.

Charles E. Burchfield

Artist’s Daughter---Catherine, 1930-1960

Watercolor, graphite, and charcoal on joined paper

Charles E. Burchfield

Rainy Day, 1935

Reproduction of watercolor on paper

C.) Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

John L. Garretson

Untitled, Undated

Bromoil photograph

I am curious about this photograph.  I have always been drawn to old photos.  It is the wondering about the day, what happened around that time, why was this ship there?   What was this ship doing and where was it going?

John L. Garretson

Untitled, Undated

Bromoil photograph

I am curious about this photograph.  I have always been drawn to old photos.  It is the wondering about the day, what happened around that time, why was this ship there?   What was this ship doing and where was it going?

Bill Stewart

Shaman, 1989

Glazed terracotta

I found this sculpture neat.  It reminds me of some of the artwork in the movie Beetlejuice.  I wonder what the artist was thinking of when he created this particular piece.  It is a very interesting piece of work that provokes many different thoughts for me as to what and why it is.