Module 12: Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose The Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ‘50s and ‘60s because I was interested in learning about abstract art in an effort to understand abstract art and how to approach it. I chose the video with Andy Warhol mostly because he is such a famous artist that I honestly knew very little about.

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

The Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ‘50s and ‘60s video gave me great insight into abstract art as a whole. As someone who does not consider myself an artist, I’ve always had trouble understanding abstract art. This video showed some of the methods for abstract art like piling on paint to add detail without distracting from the painting as a whole. For me it is difficult to understand abstract art but I learned how in this time period, artists began expressing themselves differently, using abstract art, which was a fascinating way to understand this type of art.

Andy Warhol. Image of an Image was an interesting video to learn more about Andy Warhol himself. It was surprising to learn Warhol did not aspire to become an artist, but ended up working for magazines and developing into an artist. It was also shocking to learn about his obsession with money which explains the mass production of works of art and using silk-screening to recreate portraits. I  enjoyed learning about the process of silk screening which I previously knew very little about, and how it is used to make art, not just clothing.

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

The text was able to explain the technical aspects of the topics, while the videos gave visual examples and a specific study which brought a deeper more personal understanding of the topics that were introduced in the text.

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

I thought the films were interesting as I was able to learn more about some topics that interest me and relate them to the class.

Module 10: Blog Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I selected the two African themed videos because I know the next thing I’m working on is an African mask, so I’d like to get some insight on African art before such a project.  The videos are African Art and African Art: Legacy of Oppression

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

It was really interesting to learn about African art. Some things that I found really interesting was that African art never seemed to evolve over time. Art from the rest of the world experiences often drastic changes as years pass, but African art did not follow a similar trend; quality African art came from copying previous art, not from creating original works. Also, art was used frequently in African life as it was used to portray the unseen. Spirits and many unsee-able beings were represented using African masks and art to give a visual perspective to the things that cannot be seen. The Legacy of Oppression video was terrifying as it gave insight into the horrors that Africans, and children  in Africa had to face.

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

The text was able to explain the technical aspects of the topics, while the videos gave visual examples and a specific study which brought a deeper more personal understanding of the topics that were introduced in the text.

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

I thought the films were interesting as I was able to learn more about some topics that interest me and relate them to the class.

Module 8: Video Reviews

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

I chose The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th century BC because I was interested in learning about a civilization and their style of art in a time when that part of the world was the most thriving and technology (compared to the last several centuries) was minimal. I have always had an interest in Greeks and their culture so that is why I chose this video

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

More Human than Human

One of the most interesting things I learned from this video is the relevance of human body in art, it’s something that I have never really thought about. The human body has played such a key role in art, and has been a main theme of famous artworks for centuries. What was also really interesting is that for the most part, human bodies depicted in art are nearly always unrealistic. When artistic renditions of the human body were compared to actual human bodies, they were far more off from the human body shape than I even realized; this was a really mind-opening realization for me that I thought was extremely interesting. Contrary to this though, the sculptures, specifically the underwater sculptures, seemed to represent the human body extraordinarily well, featuring the veins and fine details with great accuracy, compared to 2 dimensional art, it seemed to me that the 3D sculptures were more focused on representing the human body better.

The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th century BC

In this video it was fascinating to learn about how art in general, for a period of time, represented Greek cultures. I also liked learning about the Parthenon, and specifically temples built before the Parthenon. Of course since the Parthenon is so famous it’s uncommon to really think  about other temples, so it was interesting to learn that other temples were built but likely out of worse materials that did not last. It’s almost like getting to observe the advancing of a culture and seeing their knowledge grow.

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

As is usual, the text was able to explain the technical aspects of the topics, while the videos gave visual examples and a specific study which brought a deeper more personal understanding of the topics that were introduced in the text.

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

I thought the films were interesting as I was able to learn more about some topics that interest me and relate them to the class. I am also involved in a philosophy class currently and I was able to find connections between the two classes so I enjoyed seeing how art and philosophy have an effect on each other.

Module 7: Video Review

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

Prairie Style (Frank Lloyd Wright)

This video was interesting to me because I have read and learned about Frank Lloyd Wright in the past and about his contributions to architecture in the western New York area. I knew this architect had had an influence on local architecture but it was interesting learning that his ideas and designs may have influenced a significant amount of modern designs in homes. This Prairie style design focuses on a goal where rooms flow together and houses escape the boxy style of building. This is much like modern open floor plans which make greater value of the space in a house and avoid boxed off rooms. It is exciting to think that the ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright likely influenced this modern style of architecture.

Last Call for Planet Earth: Sustainable Development and Architecture

This video went into detail about some topics I never really thought of. There are a lot of factors that go into a sustainable building and it really is true that it’s a common factor that all companies do want to build sustainable structures, it benefits the environment and the company as well. An important part of sustainable architecture is understanding the difference between what is used and what is wasted. Understanding and trying to find value in these things helps to create better sustainable buildings and building methods.

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

The text is extremely valuable to go into extreme detail with several concepts such as building methods like steel and reinforced concrete. The text goes into more detail on a broader range of concepts, but the videos are able to use examples and focus often on a specific detail which allows me to fully understand some concepts that may not have been solidified by the text.

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

I experience frequently with the films that I have to watch them several times or in smaller segments as I have trouble concentrating on them, and as a personal preference I enjoy reading to fully grasp a concept. Nonetheless there is no doubt that after watching the films my understanding of Architecture has grown as a result from getting to see examples of famous architects and how the modern designs came to be.

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

I chose to watch the film about Frank Lloyd Wright because I have learned a small amount about him and his contribution to local Architecture. I knew he was a famous architect and wanted to know more about him. It was exciting to learn that his influences extend far beyond just a local neighborhood. 

Module Six - Blog: Reviewing Peer Responses to Artwork

1. Hyperlink the Blogs you reviewed into your Blog

https://lckartblog.blogspot.com/

http://hollyspoor.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?

I easily agreed with most of the images that the artists listed for the elements. I think the artists were able to accurately capture the elements in their photos, and often more than one in their photo. A great example of this is Holly’s image she used for texture. Holly posted an image of a brick wall. This clearly represents texture but also easily represents lines, shapes, pattern, color,  movement, and even more just in one simple picture of a brick wall. This was found in several of their photos where sometimes other elements were even more present than the ones they were highlighting.

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?

There were not any images the same as my own.

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?

In Larry’s blog for project 2 he posted a photograph of an oil painting on canvas by Philip Clarkson Elliot that reminded me of places around Buffalo and made me really admire the work of art. I felt connected to it in the way that it felt like I’d been there, despite the fact that I never have. After seeing it, though, it makes me want to visit that place in Pennsylvania.

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

This process was extremely valuable to me because I learned that I often look at and interpret works of art differently than others do. There were many points while I was observing and attempting to understand the paintings that someone else posted and then I read their interpretations and comments and had very different thoughts. It was interesting experiencing how one work of art can invoke such different thoughts in different people who are looking at the same thing.

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

The comment I had on my blog was motivating in that the comment made me feel like I did a decent job in capturing the elements in the first project. The comment had little other detail though.

Module 6 Blog Topic: Video Review

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

Through the Eyes of the Sculptor

I really enjoyed learning about the process of creating a sculpture out of stone, and that it isn’t as easy as grabbing a hammer and chisel as I had assumed. One of the most interesting concepts I learned was the use of a hammer to test a stone for cracks. Just hitting a stone with a hammer will propagate small cracks to expose weaknesses in a stone that could ruin a sculpture. Also, creating a sculpture takes a lot of time and patience that many people do not have.

Glass and Ceramics

I learned a lot of interesting things in this video about glass and ceramics. One thing I knew before the video (or reading) is that these materials are finished using heat and fire to hold it together and that glass hardens as it cools. The video explained more about the mixture used in these materials. Other interesting things I learned from the video are that glass is reheated after it is cooled to make sure it will not break due to temperature; also finished ceramic is harder than steel. Unlike most other forms of art, these mediums require the artist to follow safety guidelines as they work with high temperatures and environments that could easily harm them.

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

The text describes in depth each material and the process of using these materials to create sculptures and other works of art. The videos do much of the same thing, describing the materials and their process, but uses personal accounts with more examples and visual demonstrations to bring more life to the information that is given.

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

I thought the films, at certain parts, were interesting as the films used personal accounts to show a connection between the processes and a specific artist’s connection to it. Simply, the videos add a greater understanding of the artistic process and steps taken to finish a sculpture or work of art. 

MODULE 4: Art Material Exploration #1: Exploring Value and The Subtractive Color Theory

1. Discuss what you thought about creating the Value Scale and Color Wheel.

Creating the value scale was actually kind of fun. When bored in class I often find myself doing similar things, using small boxes and creating a value scale for fun with pencil. I find interesting when creating the value scale that I always end up several times trying to make the “black” section darker and darker because I never get it right the first time.

The color wheel was actually very exciting. For one it is always fun just to make a mess so being able to do so while observing the relationships of each color to another was really interesting. I ended up spending a good amount of time after finishing the project continuously mixing colors to see what I could create.

2. Which media did you enjoy working with the best and why?

Working with acrylic paint is something that I don’t often do so I enjoyed working with it. I liked mixing the colors and even though I knew what the outcome would be it was still interesting seeing how different colors are related to each other.

3. What was the most important discovery in the creation of these studies?

The most important discovery for me was the relevance of using the proper primary colors. When I worked with magenta and cyan instead of red and blue, I thought the difference would be negligible, but the more I worked with the colors the more I discovered the difference that the colors make.

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

The most important information I learned from the videos was that red and blue are secondary colors and not primary colors, I’ve been lied to my whole life! It was really interesting seeing the difference made when the true primary colors of magenta yellow and cyan are mixed together and with each other compared to when red and blue are used in place of magenta and cyan. Although initially it doesn’t seem like the colors are not that different, when interacting with each other you can see how much of a difference it makes.

Project #1 Elements and Principles Slideshow: PhotoBucket

For some reason I've been unsuccessful embedding the images here, but there are two active links below to the album with all of the labeled pictures along with descriptions as well as a slideshow view of labeled pictures.

Slideshow link
Album View Link

Module Three - Blog: Color Theory and Emotional Effects

1. Describe Color and it's effects on emotions. Use the appropriate vocabulary of color in your posting.

Color has a strong effect on emotion; color has the power to control our mood or perception of objects. The online module displayed a green Stop sign and a red Go light. Every day we interact with the opposite red Stop sign and green Go light. The module asks “how would you react to seeing these things?” I think it’s obvious that doing this at an intersection would induce chaos. As a culture we have affiliated these colors with an action, emotion, and it has a large effect in every part of our day. We may feel insulted by a blue valentines card, or grossed out by a meal with blue food.

2. What is a theoretical aspect of color that most intrigues/fascinates you? Why?

One aspect of color that grabbed my attention was the example the module used of changing the color of spaghetti. Food is delivered in a large range of colors, but when the picture changed the color of spaghetti with sauce from red to blue, I was disgusted. I really thought about how many foods are blue, and honestly cannot think of any other than candy. I learned that the color blue is used for food suppression which makes a lot of sense when evaluating my reaction to blue spaghetti. I have learned years ago that red is a color that makes people feel hungry, which explains why you see the color red so much in restaurants and grocery stores. In a way I feel insulted that color has so much control over my life!

3. In the Color video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and its effects on emotions?

What I found fascinating in this video is how the artist has a significant amount of control over our emotions and perception of a place that they are painting. If the artists likes the place, they use bright beautiful colors to paint their emotion of happiness in relation to this place. The artist can make us feel the way they do, exaggerating the brightness and beauty of a location. Contrary to this, the artist may have had a bad experience in this place and can use color to make it appear dark, dirty, and unappealing. It may even be the exact same place but the artist can use color to impact our emotions.

4. In the Feelings video, what made the biggest impact on you in regards to color and it's effects on emotions?

In this video, the artists introduced to me the power of color in perception of royalty. This is something I never knew, that there are certain colors that I affiliate with royalty and wealth, and colors affiliated with poverty. This is so fascinating to me because I truly never put thought into how color can make me perceive something like wealth just by using purple and red. 

Module 2 - Aesthetics

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

Aesthetics: Philosophy of the Arts:

According to Friedrich Von Schiller, Aesthetics was designed to, "Imbue students' appreciation for and understanding for the arts." Aesthetics is always linked to society as a whole and the foundation for aesthetics was not set until the 18th century in England, with the absence of aesthetics prior to this time. Before aesthetics in art, especially before the 15th century, art and beauty was consumed by love and loyalty to God and religion.  The Neoclassical aesthetics is that of proportion, symmetry, harmony, and order. The 20th century aesthetics focused on innovation and the challenge to distort art in a creative way and today art can be repeated anywhere as a result in advancement in technology and aesthetics will likely take a turn because of it.

Not all philosophers confine to these theories of aesthetics though, some even take a position such as George Dickie's which states art could be anything that the institution of the art world designated as such. Art can take many forms such as music, which Schopenhauer argues is the finest of arts which appeals to figurative and imaginary in meaning.

CARTA: Evolutionary Origins of Art and Aesthetics: Neurobiology, Neurology and Art and Aesthetics

The speakers in this video discuss the brain and science in relation to art. They point out how different cultures have different forms of art because the brain develops differently in different locations. The brain itself has at least thirty areas which are involved with visual processing and certain areas of the brain become excited when interactive with certain qualities in art.  Changeux points out that brain development is the key to art; people’s individual emotions, experiences, and what they have seen changes their perception of art. Changeux listed four definitions to art: distance, language, efficacy, and art history. Ramachandran discusses that each individual is different through scientific findings; art and science meet in the brain. Through this, distortment is seen as beautiful in its own way instead of hideous.

CNN - What the brain draws from: Art and neuroscience

This article goes into detail more on the brain and its perception of art, and neuroesthetics as a field. The article discusses many features of art which art not present in nature, such as lines, or the depth of a shadow, or even the location of a reflection. In nature there are no black lines outlining objects, yet our brains readily recognize shapes or even faces in art made by lines. Two dimensional works of art appear three dimensional by using shadows and contrasts in light that are entirely unnatural yet appeal to certain areas of the brain that allow us to perceive it in three dimensions. Colors that aren’t present can even be shown in works of art as Zeki proved using shadows of red light to make a complementary cyan color appear. The brain is extremely complex and studying works of art allow us to understand the brain better as well, not just the art.

2. Which philosopher's theory on aesthetics do you feel is most important? Be sure to mention the philosophers name, era (time in history), and contribution to the aesthetic theory in your response.

I appreciate Friedrich Von Schiller’s theory on aesthetics that the role of aesthetics is to imbue students appreciation for and understanding of art. Without the appreciation and understanding that aesthetics brings to art, and the qualities that it gives, we remove the meaning and significance of many iconic works. In the 18^th century, Schiller helped understand art and aesthetics and made great contributions to art in education, teaching that understanding aesthetics makes us more human.

3. What do you think about Changeux and Ramachandran scientific view of aesthetics and art? What was the most interesting fact you discovered from each speakers lecture? 

I appreciate Changeux and Ramachandran’s scientific view and approach to art. This view is crucial to understanding art and the human brain and they were able to look in depth into why we are drawn to specific works of art and what qualities draw us to them. I like Ramachandran’s example using an autistic child, a healthy child, and Vincent Van Gogh and their drawing of horses in comparison to eachother to explain how the brain works when creating art, that each artist’s brain chose to see the horse in a different way and focus on different visual cues. I enjoyed Changeux’s relationship of the brain and art. Changeux focused on brain development and that different environments and developments cause the brain to interpret works of art differently and create different types of art.

4. How do the videos and article relate to the readings in the text?

The videos and article seemed to follow along with the book well. The book went in depth about art and aesthetics and what causes us as humans to appreciate art and the different themes. The videos then described aesthetics as well and went into detail about the human brain and brain development and used a scientific approach to analyze art and the brain and their relationship to one another.

5. What is your opinion of the films and article? How do they add depth to understanding of the topics in your reading in the text?

Personally, I enjoy reading and gain a greater understanding of topics by being able to visually study them and re-read important segments. The videos we watched were often so boring I’d have to re-watch the same parts of a video numerous times because I could not get myself to pay attention to it; I spent more energy trying to get myself just to pay attention than I did actually gaining anything from the videos. This aside, though, the information in the videos was interesting and a great compliment to the readings to give more examples and different explanations of these topics. The article, I thought, was extremely interesting and I enjoyed reading the article and comparing the descriptions of lines and faces to compare art to the natural world.

1. How was the process of creating the GMail account and setting up the Blog?

I had my own personal GMail that was not compatible with blogger for some unknown reason, so therefore had to go through the process of creating an entirely new account which was rather simple. Setting up the blog proved to be exceptionally easy for someone who's never "blogged" before.

2. What do you expect to learn in this course?

As a science major and somebody who's never understood nearly anything about art I am excited to become educated about the discipline and it's history as well especially as it's role in modern society. I am excited to grow an understanding for works of art and their relevance to the field, culture and society as a whole. 

3. How do you feel about taking an online course?

I have taken several online courses throughout my undergraduate career which is coming to an end. I enjoy the style of online courses which is often structured and well-scheduled which allows for me to work with my busy schedule. I am confident in my abilities and excited for the semester ahead.