Module Eight Video Review

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

I selected the video because it seemed interesting to me. I have a stronger interest for Greek history, therefore, I chose this clip.

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

How the world made the Human Body Video: This clip explains different body norms that have been exposed throughout history. This video highlights the detail between Greek, Egyptian and nomad artists. The historic statues represent the change in generations. Images of the body are driven by culture and primal instinct to exaggerate. “The principle of exaggeration.”

The Greek Awakening: I thought it was interesting how the buildings built in Greece revolve around the perfect square. However, the buildings are not perfectly symmetrical at all. Some of the constructed pieces of the Parthenon are compensated for the eye and the brain. There are hardly any straight lines in this building and is quite deceiving. We have a constructed image for this Greek monument.

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

The human body video is related to the text because the female figure, Vienna from Willendorf is pictured and described on page 323 of the text. This small statue was one of the earliest preservations of human art found. On page 351-353, it explains different Greek building plans that were created and how they were built to be worshiped in. Churches and focal points of Christian worship was a primary motive for early construction. Detailed windows, frames, and statues were all included in the plans of these monuments. This is related to the Parthenon as seen in the video clip, The Greek Awakening. 

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

I personally found a lot of interest in the human Body video because gives an explanation of why bodies are painted, sculpted, or carved in a wide spectrum of styles. Within our textbooks, through the art museum or in daily living, the human body is altered and defines beauty in several ways. The Greek film was interesting as well because it explained the illusions that art can give. This video was primarily dominated by the Greek Parthenon. Specifically, the architecture of the building. I became helpful to understand the “life of the stone.”

Module 7: Video Review

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

Referring to the Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School clip, I thought it was interesting how organic architecture became a style. This means that the architecture worked with nature and was developed in a way that supported the natural principle. Plant models were an interesting floor plan that I find extremely unusual. The second clip I chose was Frank Gehry: Architecture as Art. He describes architecture as being a language that slowly develops over time. I thought that statement was powerful. It creates an emotional response that can react with humans in a way that expresses strong feelings to create a sense of calmness and rationality. 

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

The video talks about the different style of architecture of the prairie houses. They are unusual compared to the normal style of architecture, however, it became a natural style that contained brick, stucco or stained wood. In the text, page 307 gives a decent background of Wright. In the Architecture as art video, Frank Gehry gives an explanation of his motive for the modern design. Growth was emerging in the 1960s and reflected the evolution of Gehry’s modern building plans. Readings can be referred from pages 309 in the text that explain the design and fabrication of the construction. He wanted his buildings to evolve over time and provide inspiration for others in an artistic sense.

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

I think both films were meant to be a form of architecture that expressed freedom of creativity and different forms of materials. Both clips gave an extended background of why each architecture created the different forms of construction and how it could connect with people. 

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

I chose the films that sounded interesting from the initial perception of the title. I wasn’t sure what each clip would contain but I at least had a small idea by judging from the brief title. 

Module 6: Video Review

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

I thought it was interesting that 5-7 different craftsperson works on sculptures at one time. Each has a special job that makes the stone look as realistic as it does when it is displayed to the public. From measuring and modeling, enlarging plaster sizes, and sculpting parts separately that are pinned onto the sculptures afterwards. Carving the fine detail or mastering the polish are secrets of the artigiano. This process is crucial to produce a true copy of a special piece of work. I also never knew that class had to be heated three times over in order to develop a sturdy product. Between the drying process, reheating, and re-shaping, glass is a process to form.

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

In the book, it talks about the four main methods of sculpture. They are described as modeling, casting, carving, and assembling. The clip provides footage of each of these methods being done on the sculptures. Each process is essential to produce the detail, size, and characteristics that the original sculpture contains.

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

I thought these videos were filled with information that I wasn’t familiar with. Many new techniques displayed were educational and most likely uncommon information. For example, stone needs to be carved with usable stone that passes inspection. The artists test the sound of the stones to determine if the stone is usable. I find this very clever. Sculpture, installation and craft are all methods of the restoration process in stone. They are used on monuments in France today but withhold a purpose of restoring damaged sculptures for a copy that is sculpted, installed, and crafted by a team of professionals. 

Logo Design

1. Discuss what you thought about creating your logo.

I actually thought creating the logo was difficult. It is a longer process when creating your own ideas instead of utilizing someone else's work. Although each sketch looks simple, it was time consuming.

2. Describe the process: creative thinking skills and ideas you used in the logo creation.

I am inspired by fitness and the human body. I am passionate about nutrition and health. I find the definition of health to be defined in endless amount of ways. It's amazing how many definitions there is to living healthy. Therefore, my logos revolved around my passions. I enjoy being active and living well so it was easier to create something that described my interests. 

3. What was the most important discovery you made in the creation of your logo?

I think the most important factor of creating my logo was the simplicity. Logo's are not meant to be drawn up in great detail. I am one to draw in detail and catch different elements that make a picture. Therefore, I forced myself to keep it as simple as possible. 

4. What is the most important information you learned from watching the videos, powerpoint, and reading material  for this project? What is your opinion of the videos?

The videos and powerpoint allowed myself to get an idea of what was expected and find the right direction. In the video specifically, they were creating logos for companies. I tried to alter what they're creating by making it personalized for this project. Although these were only sketches, I wanted to create a realistic logo. 

Responding to Artwork

 Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

Pablo Picasso

Nude Figure, late spring 1910

Oil on Canvas 

framed: 50 1/2 x 42 x 4 1/2 inches

This piece of work was initially a puzzle. I was trying to figure out what it was that I was looking at. Then I started picking out the shape of the body that was painted in a way that was different. A face emerges near the top of the canvas, but other body parts are clustered and overlapped by curved lines and circles. The figure is extremely geometric in this piece and became something that I wanted to break apart. I spent a lot of time analyzing this one. 

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

Giacomo Balla 

Dinamismo di un cane al guinzaglio, 1912

Oil on Canvas

framed: 37 3/4 x 45 5/8 x 2 3/4 inches

This artist had an intention to keep this painting moving and active. The paint was adhered in such a way that gave the dog a specific running pace. The feet, ears, and tail of the dog were painted with shadows that signify a running motion as well as the background of the painting. It reminded me of a short film. I noticed that it enhanced the impression of movement with the use of long strokes of light paint. This was a piece that reminded me a lot of life in general. Always moving with speed. 

Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

Jean Metzinger

Danseuse au Café, 1912

Oil on Canvas

framed: 63 x 50 5/8 x 3 1/2 inches

I thought this artwork made an impression on me because it was so inviting. There were hidden images within the image you initially noticed. The colors were mollified yet drew attention to certain areas of the canvas. I thought it was an interesting technique the artist was able to add. This work was one that I could study for a prolonged period of time. 

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

Henri Matisse

La Musique, 1939

Oil on Canvas

framed: 55 x 55 x 4 inches 

I enjoyed this painting because it brought a sense of calmness to first glance. These two women are making some type of music and you almost put a steady song into your head when looking at this work. It is effortless and comforting.

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

Jackson Pollock

Convergence, 1952

Oil on Canvas

93 1/2 x 155 inches

The colors were the first components that drew me towards this painting. It was such a large display! I believe the largeness of this work is what makes it so desirable. Not only is the artist extremely bold in this painting, he portrays something very modern and unique for its age. I was curious about that.

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

Georg Baselitz

Elke-Akt 2, 1976

Oil on Canvas

78 3/4 x 63 3/4 inches

This German artist stopped me in my tracks at the museum. I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. The painting seemed to be upside down and reflected colors that signified danger outside of the figure. With a combination of vibrant red, dark blue, and a little yellow. I wasn’t sure what the artist was trying to present.