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.