Module 8

1)      I selected the “The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure” video because of the pervious video ending on the Riace Bronze statues and the Greek idea of what was desirable to exaggerate. The second video I figured would tie in with the previous and expand on the Greek culture and their view of the human body. Also I found the topic interesting and wanted more information on it.

2)      The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure discussed the expansion of Greek interest in the realism and making a human figure as pleasing and athletic as possible. It described their transition from Egyptian style to a much more realistic style. Also how they studied and worked to make things life-like but exaggerate features to make them even more visually stunning.  How in all their work there is still mythology which is tied into to their religion and still managed to create life-like statues. More Human Than Human describe how it is mentally ingrained in the human to want to strive for more perfection than possible, especially when to do with the human body. That this desire can be suppressed when culture demands, but will still come out, just in different ways for each culture. Also that it is still very much present in our modern society. This instinct to exaggerate humans to extremes has been around for as long as we have replicated humans in art as well. It is also this is present in other animals, due to the seagull experiment of them finding the three stripe stick better than the one because you are exaggerating what their brains find desirable.

3)      The readings in the text explain why when you examine art you have to look at it from the time period and the culture to decide if it was ‘good’ or not. It also goes into individuals who have pushed the boundaries and pushed art forward into a more life-like area or changed the way it is done and how this influenced their society. The videos show how art has changed and has been influenced by what the culture perceived as the perfect body and what they felt need to exaggerate on the body.

4)      I found both videos interesting. I especially like how the More Human Than Human described the changes in what the culture perceived as beautifully and how cultures learn from others to advance their own art, and how all seem to have a fascination with the human body, even today. 

Module 7

1)  “Architecture: The Science of Design”, this was about how to design a structurally sound building that won’t collapse and will last throughout time. Two of the important things that are needed when building difficult structures, such as skyscrapers are steel and concrete. Concrete has been around for  very long time, and buildings made out concrete during Greek and Roman times have remained standing to this day. Steel is more recent discovery, but it is very important in skyscrapers due to them being at risk of high winds and other hazards.  By using steel buildings become more resistant to winds and a more solid structure. These two materials are used a great many buildings today. “Frank Gehry: Architecture as Art”, is about how he goes about designing buildings, which he sees as his art. He explains how he is inspired by various designs from the past. Also that architecture is art and he has to apply principles of art to his design and convey specific things through his buildings and design. The trick though is he also has to aware of the structure and foundation to be sure his building is safe. His buildings also must reflect the location from which they are built, to fit in with the culture and history of the area. Also since the terrorist attack of 9/11 architects now have to be more careful in size and structure of buildings because of the risk associated with these attacks.

2) The reading on texts show the basics and ideas of architecture. It explains how the structure is established and thought about to become solid and to remain standing. Also how there is an artistry to architecture and it is the same as a painting or sculpture. The videos explain why the basics are important and how these ancient techniques are applied to modern buildings and have been expanded so we can now create gigantic structures like skyscrapers. The videos also explain how these new structures have now obstacles which ancient techniques can be the basis to the solution.

3) The videos were interesting. The one on Frank Gehry, was especially because it give me a more in depth look at how architecture can be an art and how architects are artist in their own right. The skyscraper video explained the application of the basics and why these are so important to building. Also how these gave way to the kind of buildings we have in the modern day.

4) I chose the videos I did because to see architecture from the architect’s point of view and see how they get inspired like other artists was an interesting concept for me.  It explained how architects apply principles of art to things to make the building mean or symbolize a specific meaning. Also how they take things like how the lighting of the area will effect the building. The second video was on the basics of architecture.   I chose it because how can you understand something without understanding the design process, it would be like not learning basic bone structure and trying to draw a realistic person. Basics are always very important to learn.

Module 6

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

For the “Through the Eyes of the Sculptor” the key concepts were the processes involved in creating a life-sized or larger craved statue. It first showed the step of drawing and planning the artwork, then sculpting using clay, a cheaper material that is easy to manipulate and make into a form. Then to make the plaster mold and then the plaster version. Then to sculpt the huge version. Also how things like balance and fragility play a large part in the creation of the piece. It shows the time it takes to make the statue and key concepts that are required. And that the original idea may be a single persons but the work becomes a collective group of people having to work together to make it. The “Glass and Ceramics” videos show the concepts of making glass and creating glass figures and structures and how it is used in many things. That glass starts as sand, that can be made in to an endless possibility of things and creations. It showed how regular glass is made, the differences in making stained glass and how the glass is made for architecture. Also how firing and material used to make the glass has a tremendous effect on the glass and must be taken into account. And like the sculpting all aspects must be taken to account. 

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

The videos give you a visual on the concepts that the text described therefore making it easier for you to understand and the work involved in creating art. It allows a deeper understanding of how are is created and made, which is what is described in the text.

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

They show you what each is and what classifies as each. Also they give examples of each of the three topics, which gives you a much deeper understanding of what is trying to be explained in the book because it is being shown to you and not dependent on your imagination. I found that they were interesting due to the showing the artists processes and especially in the sculpting video, how artist flock to certain places and find inspiration in the same things and places as other artists. That the same thing can inspire people yet the outcomes are completely different, even though the inspiration is the same. 

Peer Responses

1.       The blogs I commented on were http://artsygee.blogspot.com/, and http://laurasuki.blogspot.com/

2.       For the blogs I reviewed I did see all the principles of art in their images and I agree that they fit into what they were supposed to. In a couple I saw multiple principles in a few of the images, like for a couple of the ones that was used for unity I saw texture and color. Also in the shape and form there was color as well.

3.       No the blogs I reviewed did not have any of the same images as me.

4.       Yes, Paul Sharits (1943-1993), Declarative Mode 1C, 1976-77. It reminded me of those old machines that create graphs, you see in older movies that my mother and I watch together. I’d like to know what his inspiration was for it and what he was thinking when he made it.

5.       It is interesting to see what others connect with their take one different pieces of art. Also how many of the images used for the elements were similar to one another, but not completely the same. It is interesting to see how it can be so similar but so different. I think having other look at your work is good because it gives you more insight into your own art work and creativity.

6.       Yes I find it good to know that my art makes sense and that I am understanding what is being asked of me. Also that it is representing what it is supposed to.